Michelle Obama struggles with podcast audience just weeks after launch

In early March 2025, Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson launched their podcast titled IMO (In My Opinion) as a platform for candid discussions about life events and personal experiences. Despite the anticipation surrounding the podcast's debut, which was supported by a high-profile marketing campaign, the initial viewership numbers did not meet expectations. The first episode garnered 335,200 views, but subsequent episodes displayed a decline in audience engagement, with the latest episode seeing only 62,000 views. This trend raised concerns regarding its potential popularity and longevity in a competitive podcast market, particularly when contrasted with the performance of other top shows. The podcast ranks as the 34th most popular show on Spotify and 21st on Apple Podcasts as of early April 2025, which, while respectable, does not capture the level of success anticipated considering the star power of its hosts. Moreover, the show's standing varies by platform; it places 4th within the education category on Spotify but struggles overall amid a notable drop-off in viewership shortly after its launch. Critics and analysts point to a combination of factors for this decline, including an oversaturated podcast market where many high-profile figures are launching similar projects. Part of the trouble may stem from audience expectations, as Michelle Obama is widely regarded as a cultural icon, and many anticipated a blockbuster entry into the world of podcasting. The podcast's themes, which include discussions around family and personal relationships, may resonate well, but capturing sustained interest appears to be a challenge. Viewership statistics indicate a significant drop-off after the promising debut, suggesting a need for strategy adjustments to retain listener engagement and build lasting audience connections. In terms of content, Michelle Obama shared personal anecdotes and insights, including a reflection on how Barack Obama adjusted to their shared schedules after marriage and her initial reservations about his presidential run. While these stories may provide a personal touch, sustaining audience interest and expanding viewership numbers remains an uphill battle. The implications of this struggle may indicate broader challenges for public figures venturing into newer media forms such as podcasts in a rapidly evolving landscape.