Michelle Obama

[00:00] This episode is brought to you by Allstate. Checking Allstate first could save you hundreds on car insurance. Not checking your pockets before putting clothes in the washer? [00:09] Oof. Enjoy your freshly cleaned and completely destroyed earbuds. Yeah, checking first is a good plan. So check Allstate first for an auto quote. It could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Potential savings vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate North American Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. [00:29] . [00:34] Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Good Hang. I am Amy Poehler and I'm very excited to introduce our guest today. It is [00:41] Michelle Obama. [00:42] Wow, we talk about some really cool stuff today. We talk about HGTV and how much we love it. We talk about the time that I drooled in front of her. We talk about bedtime. We talk about allergies, which is what I currently have right now, which is why I'm sounding... [00:56] So sexy and sophisticated. But before we start this episode, we do what we always do, which is we ask someone that knows our guests really well or is a fan of our guests or is familiar with our guests' work to give me a question to ask them. And who better to ask about Michelle than her older brother, Craig? So Craig Robinson is joining us, the co-host of their new podcast, IMO, in my opinion. So let's welcome Craig Robinson to the studio. [01:26] This episode is presented by the Toyota Grand Highlander. Life is going to throw grand challenges your way, and the Toyota Grand Highlander is ready for them. You can choose from three different powertrains, gas, hybrid, and the available 362-horsepower hybrid max, all with available all-wheel drive and towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. But what you really want to know is how good will it look. Well, the Toyota Grand Highlander is now available in a hybrid nightshade special edition.

[01:56] with gloss black accents and 20-inch black alloy wheels, so it'll look pretty sweet in your driveway. From daily routines to life-changing adventures, it's up for every Grand Challenge. Learn more at toyota.com slash Grand Highlander. Toyota. [02:13] Let's go places. [02:22] Everyone, I'm very, very excited to have Craig here, who is Mrs. Obama, Michelle Obama's brother. Do you call her Mrs. Obama? [02:31] See, this is what I mean. You just quickly make me laugh. I only call her Mrs. Obama when I'm mad at her. Yeah, exactly. Or yes, when there's a formal request. And I don't call her that. I don't even call her Michelle. I call her Mish. That's right. I heard that, Mish. So it's been that way since she was... [02:55] A kid. Yeah. Yeah. And you guys are close in age. We're 20 months apart. [03:01] And and let me I want to back up and say, you know, every time we have somebody on our show, they're trying to figure out what to call her. And it's really entertaining to watch people either say Mrs. Obama or the first lady or. Yeah. And she wants them to she wants them to call her Michelle. OK, good. But if anybody but if anybody asked me, I always say call her Mrs. Michelle. [03:24] Mrs. Obama. It's funny, though, you know what? What that brings up for me is in an interesting way is in kind of what you guys do in your podcast, which I love so much, is there's like

[03:36] The... [03:37] Public version of everyone. Everyone has a front facing version of themselves. And then they have the family version of themselves. [03:44] And it doesn't matter what changes in your life. Yeah. You're the family version pretty much your whole life. Yes. And you're the oldest. I am the oldest. Shout out to the oldest. I'm the oldest, too. And the oldest is the hardest job. It's tough. Noblesse oblige. I know. I know. My mom had favorites, and I was the one. Okay, so you were your mom. Yeah, the boy is the favorite. I was the one. I was the one. And Mish always... [04:09] jokes about the fact that my mom lived in the white house. She went on all of these wonderful trips, state dinners and all that. And all she wanted to know is when's Craig coming? This is her off. I love it. So as the eldest child, we know the responsibility we have. I have a younger brother. Okay. And he's three years younger. [04:30] And [04:31] You guys have the same situation I have, which is just like boy, girl, you know, so you grew up together, but apart like, you know, you had. [04:40] You were this... [04:41] You were together all the time, but you probably had... [04:44] Different friends, different interests. You didn't have to share a lot. Well, did you? We actually shared a lot. Oh, OK. Not we shared toys. We shared a bedroom. [04:55] Okay. We shared a bedroom from [04:58] the time I can remember until I got to high school and my parents were like, all right, we got to get this big dude, his own bedroom. But we used to have beds that,

[05:09] that the heads were head to head and there was a little table in between. And then when we got a little older, my grandfather built in the same room, a paneled, [05:19] tea so we had separate bedrooms. Yeah. But it didn't go all the way to the ceiling so we could hear each other. And then we had a playroom in the front for the two of us and we would spend hours at night. [05:31] just talking and laughing. Is it tough being so tall? Because I feel like you have to be nicer than maybe you want to be sometimes. Sometimes, sometimes you do, but it is great being tall, except in a couple of situations like airplanes and buying clothes off the rack. It's really hard. Yeah. But for the most part, it is. It's so good. It's so good. And you know, you know what people [06:01] You are in charge and are smart. Yeah. [06:04] They're like, come on. They're like, finally, a real leader is here. Yes. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. Unfortunately, we can make mistakes. [06:12] Yeah. In society. Mm-hmm. [06:15] You know what I'm talking about? What do you mean? I don't know. I trust every tall person in government. [06:24] But no, it's really fun. But I do, you know, every now and then I'd like a cute pair of shoes instead of a size 15. What? 15? 15. It's embarrassing, but I'm used to it. I'm used to it.

[06:45] It's all legs. It's all legs. That's why the plane isn't. [06:48] That's a nightmare. And, and, you know, some guy, I mean, if I could afford like one of those fancy sports cars, I, [06:55] I wouldn't be able to fit in it. You should have like a business card that says, I'm all legs, baby. [07:04] People would be like, oh, wow. [07:05] I've never heard that. And it's the funniest thing I've heard. That's great. I'm all legs. Why are these all legs? You know, so, you know, those kind of people. I've got what I would give to be all legs. If I was all legs, it would just be legs up to my neck and then a head and that's it. Okay. So we have this, we're doing, we do this thing here where we kind of talk to somebody before we talk to our guests about any questions that you think I would be, you know, the right [07:35] ask today, anything big or small that you think I should ask your sister? Yeah. So I was thinking about this because I've watched your show and I was absolutely thrilled to be here. So I was thinking about what would be a good question for you to ask her? Because see, my sister is [07:57] When she gets asked a question, you ask her, what's the one thing? She gives you six things. I was like, we didn't ask for six things. Give us one thing. So maybe if you do it, she might obey. Okay. I would say, ask her, what is the one thing that she would share with the rest of the world that?

[08:20] that our parents gave her. [08:24] So let me rephrase it. What is the one thing that our parents gave you, Michelle? [08:32] that you would like to share with the rest of the world. One thing. [08:35] And if she starts to do two things, I go, and you can say, see, your brother was right. He said you were going to give 15 things. You can make up whatever number feels good at the time. I can't wait. Did you ever coach Michelle on any team? [08:52] No, ma'am. Are you kidding? She can't be coached. She's uncoachable. She's not coachable. No, I'm just kidding. The only time I coached her is when we were playing together. Yeah. Sometimes, as the oldest, sometimes I have a younger brother. No. [09:09] He doesn't always want to hear my ideas. Isn't it? Isn't that something? And I have good ideas. Not only do you have good ideas, but he probably thinks he has good ideas. Of course. But he wants you to listen to his ideas. And he'll listen to my idea if it comes out of someone else's mouth. Yeah. [09:25] Sounds like we have the same sibling. But if it's not... [09:30] Said by me, he'll he'll sometimes he doesn't want me to, like, tell him anything. Oh, listen, it was it was perfect yesterday. I was glad we were we were on the set. [09:40] And there were four people left around and we were talking about something. And I said something to my sister. And as soon as I said, she gave me a look. And then three minutes later, she said the exact same thing. Fortunately, our four sisters.

[09:54] camera people over there were cracking up because I was like, I just said that. What is going on? But she said it again. It's a little, that little sister thing. But she will tell you that it was hard growing up being a little sister because she used to be Craig Robinson's little sister. And now I'm Michelle Obama's big brother. And it is way easier being Michelle Obama's big brother. Way easier. Yeah. That's nice to have a big brother. I always wanted an older sibling. Didn't you? [10:24] Don't you wish you had an older sibling to take care of you, Craig? All legs, baby. All legs, Craig. All legs, baby, is here to be your older sibling if you need one. Oh, my God. I am here. I am here for it. You can always reach out. And also, don't you wish, and the last thing I'll finish up with is you're a two-kid family. I am, too. Don't you wish there was one more sibling so you could talk about the other sibling, too? [10:51] Just one more. [10:54] you could go. That's funny. I never thought about that, but that is a great idea. I'm sure my younger brother wants that. Just one more person. Well, Mish always wanted... [11:05] She wanted like the Brady Bunch family. Yeah. I was happy with the way our setup was. Yeah. But that was because I was the oldest and the favorite. Yeah. We're not right about it. But that's a great, that is a great take. I hadn't thought about that. Just one more. But then what about what happens when it's two on one? And you can get a dud. The third one can be a dud.

[11:27] We know that, you know, you're playing with fire. Like you guys did really well. We were successful and interesting, smart, curious people. The third one could have been. [11:36] You never know. We'll see. We'll ask. We'll see. Okay. I so appreciate you coming here. Thank you so much. And congrats on your podcast. Thank you. In my opinion, which we're going to talk about today. And I think we got everything we need, right? Are we going to do our switcheroo? [11:54] This episode is brought to you by Uber Eats. Summer is almost here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do I mean by almost? [12:05] summer blockbuster delivered, but you can get a block of cheese. A cabana, that's a no. A banana, that's a yes. A day of sunshine, no. A box of fine wines, yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. I'm very excited to use Uber Eats this summer. I'm going to order a [12:21] Grapes. [12:22] And then I'm going to put them in the freezer and then I'm going to have frozen grapes and feel very classy. [12:28] and very refreshed. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. For alcohol, you must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly. Product availability varies by region. See app for details. [12:42] Okay, I want to start with allergies because... And I feel some people, she's emotional. It's like, no, I have allergies. I want to start with allergies too because I have allergies too. Bad out here in Los Angeles. Yeah, yeah. I got off the plane and...

[12:58] I take allergy medicine every day. Does it trip you out? Does it make you feel? No, it doesn't. But I find that when I get off of it, you know, you have to build back up. So I just stay on it. We travel so much. We're everywhere all the time. So you never know. It's spring somewhere. Something's blooming. Have you ever done a neti pot? [13:18] I have done that, but I don't do it. I've done it, but it doesn't make a huge difference. I mean, I like Nasonex. Yeah, I like the nose spray. I love the nose spray. If I do that every day, I don't know if there's a limit to how much you're supposed to do it, but I keep it going. I'm sure it's on the bottle somewhere. I should look at that bottle. I haven't looked at that bottle in years. It's funny that we're talking about allergies because I lost my voice a couple of days ago, [13:48] stress dream that I would not have my voice for this podcast. And now you and I are both doing podcasts. That's crazy. First of all, thank you for being here. Thank you for having me. Michelle Obama. And also, you look incredible. Thank you. I know that that's not as important, but... [14:05] You look incredible. Thank you. It's called peace of mind. You look hot. [14:10] Sorry. Let's say that again. OK. OK. I know it's early in the day. But yeah, we're both doing jobs now where we have to talk a lot. Lots of talking. How's it going? You know, as my mom passed last year, but she would say.

[14:28] This is exactly what you should be doing because I talk a lot. We talk in our family. Yeah, I've noticed that. The Obama family. Everybody talks. Malia, Sasha, we all have many opinions. Yes. And we share them openly. So why not have a podcast where I'm sharing my opinion? Well, when we saw each other, I mean, I have such many, many memories, of course, of getting to do, luckily, getting to do a bunch of things with you. And one of the most fun things is when you came and did Parks and Recreation. It was so cool. [14:58] just my assistant who's young. She's a baby. [15:02] We were just saying, I was saying in the car ride over, I said, I haven't seen, I don't think we've seen, seen each other since Parks and Rec. And she was like, you were on Parks and Rec? I was like, yeah, I'm kind of a big deal. [15:19] I mean, okay, do you have a memory of that day? I'm sure you didn't because you were probably in the middle of your work day, but I have a very strong memory about something. [15:32] That is fair. I mean, you can't be a good actress on top of everything else. But I was nervous. I was like, you know, I want to I want to get it right. But I want to be myself in a natural way. So it was very much a blur. What do you remember? Well, I do remember what the very first take. So, yeah, we were busy. We were like hitting a bunch of places that day. You were. [15:53] Perfect. You got your line. You hit your mark. You said your line. And my character, Leslie Knope, is supposed to be overwhelmed by seeing you. And I, Amy Poehler, was also very jazzed.

[16:04] And I went to say my line and I drooled. [16:10] Do you not remember? I'm so glad you don't remember. I full on drooled. Did I say something about it? Did I notice the drool? Total pro. You just were like, you just look like, okay, maybe this is a choice. And then director yelled cut. Mike Schur, whoever, Morgan Sackett, whoever was director yelled cut. And I was like, did I just drool? And you're like, you did. You did. That happened. [16:34] that happen? I don't know if I saw it, but the real drool, what happened? Why the drool? I have very active salivary glands. Do you really? I do. Okay. That's real active. Not to brag, Michelle. Just talking and drool comes out of your mouth. Now, those are some active glands. Active glands. They're booming right now. They're booming right now. And so, yeah, when I go to the dentist, [17:04] That's easy. Yeah. [17:07] They have the extra large suction tube for you. They've got an Amy tube. You're joking, but they do. Do they really? They have to put in two tubes sometimes. This is some tea right here. Totally breaking news. Amy's a heavy drooler and needs special dental supplies. [17:25] Dan, I don't like the dentist. I've talked about this all. Well, not if you have drool issues. So I remember doing that to you just to make you feel better. Well, you did.

[17:34] You did. I figured, well, she's drooling. What could I do wrong? As long as I just stand up straight, I'm showing up. I do not remember the drool. But I'm going to think about that. [18:04] by and be part of the show that was about public service. And it was a different time where there was this, [18:13] ability or lightness, I think, in many ways to just put a bunch of different people together in a room and they don't agree and they still find a way to work together. Oh, do you remember those times? I remember that. I don't know. That's a long time ago. Yeah. But I was thinking about that because. [18:32] There is a... [18:34] There's a... [18:35] There's a you just said you're not an actor, but you are constantly speaking and performing. And with the podcast, it's a completely different way of. [18:46] performing. It's almost like unraveling. That's right. Get it like almost unlearning. What are you unlearning about all this stuff that you're trying to kind of like [18:55] jettison and let go of that you you know so if you had to learn or yeah put on now you're unlearning that's a good question um

[19:04] you know, not trying to get things so perfect. Um, [19:09] you know, [19:11] as First Lady, the eight years, even beyond, um, [19:15] The stakes were so high, right? And... [19:21] you know, Barack and I, our team, we felt like we didn't have room to get anything wrong. And in this setting, [19:30] You know, I can be loose. Yeah. I can stutter. I can misspeak sometimes, even though I'm sure that will make news. But I just feel like there's room to breathe. And maybe some of that is my age. Yeah. Maybe some of that is that now that I'm in my 60s, what more do I have to prove? Yeah. [19:52] How much more do I have to do? And let's just let's just live. Let's just talk. I think women should stop improving themselves. I think, you know, and I think we're like, you know, like when you're in a race and you're really, really far ahead and you just want to just pause for a second to let people catch up. It's like enough. Enough with the improving. Yeah, that's it. It's too much, you know, and fellas, you know, why don't you try it? Just we're just we'll just take a break. We're going to walk a little slower, catch on. Let's keep running. [20:22] But it's so real. I mean, we do this to ourselves all the time, which is just like, I got to get more efficient, more and more and more and more. And I think sometimes... [20:32] Like we should try less. Less is more. Yeah. We should try. But we, you know, you don't feel...

[20:38] Your confidence as a woman, at least I didn't until now. I mean, yeah. And I say that out loud because I know that there are young women in their 30s and 40s trying to get that perfection thing right. We always feel like we're not doing enough. We're always harboring guilt. [21:08] Maybe I can take a break. But I think we're harder on ourselves than anyone can be. And I agree. I'm having those conversations with myself every day. [21:20] It's like, slow down. It's okay. You don't have to get this right. You can make some mistakes, maybe. And you've got some wisdom to share, finally. I feel confident in the wisdom that I have to share. That's awesome. I mean, do you agree? I wouldn't go back in time. I would not. No. 20s and 30s are really hard. Would you trade that stomach? I would trade the [21:50] stay up late. I can't believe how I stayed up so late. You know, I never did, but I was always sleepy. You know, I just want the abs. Are you sleepy? Are you? Do you love bedtime? I love bedtime. Tell me about your bedtime routine. What time do you like to go to bed and how do you like to go to bed? It's embarrassing. And I, you know, I go to bed as soon as I can. Me too. I'm thinking about bed

[22:21] I agree. Yeah, I can't wait. Well, Barack and I, we usually have dinner at around 630. Perfect. And he's a night owl. [22:29] Oh, so if we if we have guests, I'm good. If I'm with people, I'm up, I'm awake, I can do this stuff. But after we've had our catch up conversation, and we've had our together time and all that, I'm looking at the clock. And he's looking at me is like, [22:46] Really? [22:47] It's eight o'clock. I was like, I just incredible. I'm just so ready, you know? So I'm like, I like, it's not you. It's me. [22:57] It's time for bed. And I get so giddy. Me too. I wash my face. I get into the cool sheets because the room has to be cold. Yeah. What temp are we talking? 68. Incredible. Yes. Can't be higher. 68 degrees. Yeah. You know, and then he's freezing. Yeah. I was like, just put on some socks. Do you have, do you have a, what kind of, do you like a temper? [23:17] A therapeutic mattress? And what kind of pillow situation are you doing? [23:22] I'm not sure the brand of the mattress. I should know, but I don't. We need to know that for your podcast. You need to get yourself a free mattress. If you mention it, you can get a free mattress. [23:35] I didn't even think of that. Just say it once. Your house will be filled with mattresses. Okay, I'm going to find out. I'm going to find out. Thanks for the tip. Yeah, you got it. Okay, so you're in bed. [23:47] Sheets. What do you have on the bedside table? It's a it's a lamp. It's my phone chargers, my glasses, my reading glasses, water. Are we still read? Are you a book reader? I cannot read because I love sleep so much. I realized if I want to read, I have to be sitting up. OK, it doesn't put you to reading puts me to sleep.

[24:17] You know, then I don't remember where I am. I don't listen to podcasts because I don't hear it. I'm asleep. My head hits the pillow and I'm out. Any sleep aid? No, no. Even like a ginger tea, a melatonin? No, I don't need an aid. I just need to put my head on the pillow. Do you wear socks to bed? Nope. Do not like socks. And do you like pajamas or nightgown situation? Sometimes. It depends on how hot I am. [24:47] You know, sometimes I get in the bed and I'm freezing. Yes. And other times it's like, oh, my God, take my skin off. It's like the change in temperature is wild for any woman, any time. And it's a battle with a partner. Right. Because he's always cold. And I'm like, do not touch. And sometimes I wake up hot and I'll wake him up. Did you touch the thermostat? [25:17] didn't you? He's like, it didn't. I swear to God. He now knows he's afraid of the thermostat. I said, I don't care what you do. Do I touch anything in this room after I go sleep? Do you wear an eye shade or earplugs? No, no, no, no. Fantastic. Also, I want to know what's going on. I don't want to. Are you a light sleeper? Um, [25:34] No. Do you talk in your sleep or snore? No. Let's just say that. I don't know. You're a really good sleeper. I don't know. Side sleeper, back sleeper? Side sleeper. And now I'm at the age where I'll wake up and my shoulders sore. Don't get me started. I had frozen shoulder a couple years ago. Oh, you had the frozen shoulder. And guess what? Nobody knows what causes it. And there's nothing you can do about it. You know, like every ailment for women in their 50s. They're like old. They're like, yeah, I guess it just hurts. And it's like, how long is it going to be?

[26:04] hurt and they're like, I guess forever, maybe. Do you do yoga? I do yoga. It did unfreeze. It goes through like a period, you know, but are you, um, I'm doing this. Can you do pushups? Yeah, I do. How many pushups do you do? Well, now I do, I do them on my knees. I don't, this is another thing. It's like, I don't need to, you know, do regular pushups. I have nothing to prove, but I can do pushups on my knees. I can do a lot of those. But you can do regular pushups too. I can, but it's, [26:34] It's hard. I think my arm length, I don't go all the way down. In fact, you know who pointed that out was Ellen because my first term, she challenged me to a push-up competition. I'm the first lady. I mean, she heard that I worked out and she was like, you know. That counts. So I'm on her show. [26:54] Doing push-ups. And I did more push-ups than her, but she still says I didn't go down all the way. Well, that's not fair. But anatomically, I don't think I really can. My arms are very long. Yeah. And she's a much smaller person than me. I was just talking to Craig about this, that smaller people, I mean. We like them. Some of the small people are our best friends. It's so cute. I don't know. I don't trust little pocket people. [27:24] We love them. Just right up under our arm. It just feels right there. Condescending a little bit. It's just right here. Your little pocket people. Just right here. Right up under my arm. It's like, look at you down there, little friend. Little friend. So what did you and Craig talk about with height?

[27:43] Well, basically, like, this idea... [27:46] It is true. In fact, I heard you talking to Kylie Kelsey about it. Two tall women. It was like it is. And I was talking to Quinta recently about being smaller. She's a she's a little. She's tiny. We're tiny. And yeah, you make noise when you move. We do not make noise. OK, we don't we don't live in the woods. I think I thought I heard squeaking. No, we don't squeak like squirrels. OK, we don't gather nuts. [28:16] people. But being a tall woman is different than being a tall man. Were your parents tall? They were not. Really? They were not. My mom was maybe tall for her age, for that generation. Maybe she was 5'6", 5'5". Yeah, that's not that tall. My father was 5'9", 5'10". No way. Where's the height coming from? I think it's nutrition. That's what we told them, you know, and because there's a whole [28:46] generation of cousins of ours with it. [28:49] a few exceptions, we're all tall and our parents are kind of average. And then our generation of kids are a little taller. And our parents, you know, who knows what their parents did. Remember how much milk we all drank? Like everything had milk in it. But my mom smoked during her pregnancy. You know, that was when you didn't know about smoking, seatbelts, drinking. She did all of that. And we always said, you know what? We could have been somebody had you taken care of yourself a little bit better.

[29:19] you and what I feel like is your family is like teasing is your love language. Oh, for sure. Same. For sure. Can you explain how important it is to be able to tease people that you love? Oh my God. This is funny because both Barack and Craig will say that [29:35] I don't let them tease me. See, we have a deal, Barack and I, in our marriage. And it started very early. [29:42] It's like, I can tease you. [29:44] But you cannot tease me. You know, so when he does, I was like, oh, oh, oh, wait a minute. What's going on here? And he's like, I'm teasing you, right? I was like, none of that. Because he likes to tease. Oh, my God. Yeah. But when me, Malia and Sasha are all of us are together. [30:03] He doesn't stand a chance. We mercilessly go after him. So, yes, teasing is our love language. And I tell him that. I say, when I tease you, it's like me. [30:13] You know, it's like a love tap. It is, but it's kind of true. It's like the more you know someone, the more safe you feel around them, the more you can poke. And manners are for people we don't really know. Yeah, that's right. And it's just like, for me and my family, when people are being nice, it's like, what's wrong? Yeah, it's because what did I do? What did I do? What do you want? Well, it started with our parents. They're both silly. My mother went through a period of time where she would just scare us. [30:40] That was just... With pranks? [30:43] Right. She would just pop out of places. And we're little, you know, I mean, it was just a period. I don't know what she was doing, but it got progressively a little more demented.

[30:56] Craig will tell the story that, you know, he was maybe 10, 12. He's taken a shower. We have one bathroom. [31:07] My mother goes in while he's taking a shower and lays on the floor like she's dead. [31:14] She just lays out. And he turns off the shower and opens up. And you just hear this. [31:23] And I come in and she's cracking up and he's wet with a towel. He's like weepy. Mom, that's not funny. She's just like, that was pretty funny. And then one night we were little when she did this. We had this voodoo mask. It was a Halloween mask. I mean, it was neon. It had hair and teeth. I don't know. It was the middle of the night. We had long gone to bed and she just walked to each of our rooms. [31:53] it. [31:53] Michelle? No. Michelle? No. And woke me up and I was like, ah! And then she's like, shh, I'm going to your brother's room. [32:06] I'm like, lady, what are you doing all day? She's trying to keep it interesting. That was our household. All right. So we, you know, we got it honest. Marion is coming with the pranks. Marion. Can I say something about what I've read about your family, which is, and why, if I may, like,

[32:28] You know, I didn't have the pleasure to meet your mom, but she seemed like such a loving mom. Yeah. And you're a very loving mom. And I come from a very loving mom. And I talk about it a lot. It's a blessing. It is. Not everybody gets a loving mom. Yeah. And a loving mom is like this... [32:45] warm, [32:47] place to keep coming back to that it almost it's like if you have a loving mom you're 90 ahead of the game and it's tough when you don't and you have to find your love other places which you do and you can be certainly be a loving mom if you don't have one yeah but it feels like your mom was so loving yeah and what did she teach you about being a mom like when i know you're she just passed yeah what so much she was she was really with you during a lot of mothering oh my [33:17] That's a great question. I love talking about my mom. I love talking about my parents. And I was so glad to have told some of her story in my second book, The Light, before she passed so that I could give her her flowers when she could see it, you know. But my mom loved kids. [33:37] And she, I think at the core of her being was this understanding that every kid was special. I mean, she loved us for sure. [33:46] But she loved all kids that she came in contact with. We didn't have a lot of money, but my parents made the choice that my mom would stay home with us. And she didn't use that time frivolously. I mean, she wasn't just looking after us. She would come up to school and help kids that were struggling, teach kids that, you know, be the room mom before they were there were room moms.

[34:16] intelligence that little people, as she called them, brought into the world. And she just wanted to feed into that. And we got a lot of that. But, you know. [34:27] Why I'm such an advocate for for kids is it comes from my mom because she fully believes that we underestimate kids and that we you know, we don't come here that we as adults. [34:42] are the ones that mess them up, that all kids are born into this world really special. And so I felt that. Right. And I think that's one of the reasons that that's where confidence began for me, is sitting at my kitchen table, me and my brother with a mom who really, really loved our voices. She liked to hear our thoughts. She thought we were funny. [35:07] We made her laugh. We felt special in her presence. [35:11] And, [35:12] Sadly, we needed that because as kids, black kids, poor black kids, there would be a lot of people who would try to dim the light that she was pouring into us. So we had an abundance of it, which allowed us to steel ourselves for what was to come, probably prepared me in ways I couldn't have imagined for those White House years, that time in the spotlight. [35:38] Because I was still fortified with the light she had given me all my life. So I could handle a lot of the.

[35:46] negativity. I could handle the stress and the pressure. So I agree with you. And, you know, I think we were blessed. Yeah. And to whom much is given, much is expected. So just I just try to pass it on. And part of IMO is like, it's a way to share a lot of that wisdom that she taught us to pass it on. You know, the girls listen and they're like, man, you know, you're telling [36:16] every day and i'm like yeah now you you hear it right yeah she's like they're they're both like wow mom you're kind of making sense i was like i've been telling you this for 23 26 years you little knuckleheads with my kids see like your kids one day are like you know uh you know the guy you know like uh what my kids say the other day that made me laugh he's like um [36:38] You met Tim Robinson? Yes. They're like, you know him, Mom. I'm like, yeah, I've met him. They looked at me like, wow, pretty good. Yeah, yeah. I do that, Amy, too. Every now and then I make a good point. [36:56] To them. Yeah. And I was like, do you know who I am? I'm Michelle Obama. People, people line up for my advice. And you you're walking away like I'm stupid. It's like I, yeah, I've written books. I've given speeches. The whole world is listening to me and I can't get you to just do what I told you to do yesterday. No. So no, it happens to the best of us. They keep us humble.

[37:26] Thank you. [37:29] So you're saying with Hilton Honors, I can use points for a three-night stay anywhere? Anywhere. What about fancy places like the Canopy in Paris? Yeah, Hilton Honors, baby. Or relaxing sanctuaries like the Conrad in Tulum? Hilton Honors, baby. What about the five-star Waldorf Astoria in the Maldives? Are you going to do this for all 9,000 properties? [37:52] When you want points that can take you anywhere, anytime, it matters where you stay. Hilton for the stay. This episode is brought to you by Ultima Replenisher. You know what no one has time for? Over-the-top wellness trends. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for taking care of yourself. But being healthy should make your day better, not harder. And that's where Ultima comes in. With all six essential electrolytes, Ultima provides balanced hydration that fits right into your day. [38:22] sugar, calories, or carbs. Shop Ultima on Amazon or in-store at Target and Whole Foods Market. [38:28] This episode is brought to you by Subaru. Most cars just stick to the asphalt, but hybrids can be found on dirt roads, back roads, and everything in between. Because the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid were built for adventure. With up to 597 miles per tank in the Crosstrek Hybrid and 581 miles in the Forester Hybrid, love goes the extra mile in the Subaru Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid. Visit Subaru.com slash hybrid to learn more.

[38:58] Maximum range based on EPA-estimated combined fuel economy and a full tank of fuel. Actual mileage and range may vary. [39:05] This episode is brought to you by L.L. Bean. Yes, I may record this podcast in a studio, but I'll be the first to say that some of the best memories are made outdoors, especially in summer. Long sunny days on the coast, swimming, camping, eating lobster rolls, you just can't beat it. And L.L. Bean has all the clothing and gear you need to make these memories. Their effortless styles are designed for summers spent outside with family and friends, [39:35] course, the boat and tote. This iconic bag has been made in Maine since 1944 and is tested to hold up to 500 pounds. That is a lot of sunscreen or groceries or beach towels. You can even personalize it with a custom monogram or cute tote charm. In L.L. Bean's home state of Maine, vacation land is more than a state motto. It's a state of mind. [39:58] L.L. Bean, be an outsider. Visit llbean.com to learn more. [40:06] I'm going to take a lip balm break for a second. Oh, lip balm break, and I'm going to take a tissue break. Oh, yeah. It's very important. Do you need something for the saliva? [40:20] I'm just going to spit into a cup. [40:24] It's a spittoon. You know? I haven't seen one of those in a while.

[40:31] Have you seen the fake food we have here? You know what? [40:35] It's amazing how I did see that, and I just turned around. Yeah. But, yeah, I noticed that. It takes a minute. I mean, this, I just want to, because it's a special day, I've brought. What's the decision here? Why the food? Because it's a special day, I brought two new fake foods, and thanks for asking. Those are new? This is a roll that opens up, and you can put coins inside. Oh, wow. Or I do. Oh, we got to. Okay. All right, my team, we should find food and send it to Amy. Oh, this is a candle. That's a kissy. [41:05] It's a thing that is shaped like food. And Michelle, we're definitely not going to cut this out. This is important. The reason why I pick these things, it's very willy-nilly, but it's about texture. It's about... [41:18] A hand feel. [41:20] And now that one is a candle. Yeah. But squeeze this. I brought this for you. You are a strange creature. Yeah. Oh, yeah. No, it's a thing. Right? It's a squishy thing. It's a squishy, but it's a cheeseburger. Now, you come across these things in life and you're like, I got to have this hamburger thing. I have a guy whose source is – no, I'm just kidding. I have a gentleman who goes across the world and he sources these for me. Your travels. Yes. Right. [41:50] You're looking for food that are things like, what is this? What is this? Oh, it's a tiny whipped cream. It is, but does it do something? No. Oh, okay. I guess it gives joy. It brings joy. Okay. I didn't know if they all had secondary uses. Well, one of them here, I'll show you this. And this is a crochet donut. In fact, I think Cheese It, the company Cheese It sent, maybe they'll send me more. I bet they will. This is like your mattress. You should get a little mattress. This is like your mattress.

[42:20] the whole time. That would be okay. You hear that. And be like, I guess. And then, but Cheez-It sent me free Cheez-Its because I talked about this, but this is a box of Cheez-It and there's a Cheez-It inside. [42:30] It's a little fake cheese. It's a fake cheese. Wow. Strange. It is strange. Very strange. Very strange. I'll take that. Well, I'm glad you pointed that out because when I went for the tissue, I [42:42] I was like, it's food. Wow. And then I just let it go. Yeah, that's OK. I'll make sure you see it. So Craig, Craig, we asked Craig what to ask you. And it's kind of in in in the area of what we're talking about, which is he said, what is the one thing that our parents think? [43:01] you know, gave us like, what is the one thing that you think about when you think about what our parents do? [43:08] you know, passed on to us that you... [43:11] Oh, I think always show up in the world in a way that would make them proud. [43:19] You know, be the the the person in the world that they were to you. [43:25] Right. That's two things. [43:27] Oh, okay. I thought that was just a variation on a theme. He said you would give more than one thing. Oh, did he say that? Yes. That's because he was mad because we did something yesterday and he only gave one answer and I gave two and he felt gypped. See? But he's right. I mean, you know, yes, so what? I have many ideas in my head. I told you I like to talk. Sorry I'm more than one thing. There is no such thing as a one thing. Nobody really means that.

[43:57] You're really good at this, and I believe this. I don't ever think you have to answer the question that was asked. Did I answer the question, though? You did. I did answer the question. You did. Okay, because I wasn't trying to not answer the question, but I understand. Well, we learned that in all of the White House. Totally. I mean, so many times in interviews. People ask you something. I always say that to young women. You do not have to answer the question. And just keep talking because, you know, before you know it, time's up. [44:27] If someone goes like, do you come here often? You don't have to answer that. And you go, where's my spittoon? [44:37] That's always a good distraction for you, Amy. When you mention your spittoon, if you want to get out of a date. That'll really throw them right. Tell me about it. Tell me about it. What are you... Okay, so podcast is a place where you're connecting. It sounds like you're listening to... [44:55] listening to a bunch of podcasts too and stuff like that. But what is something that you're listening to, watching, reading, going to when you really want to kind of [45:05] disconnect, check out, and just have fun. Yeah, which is most of the time these days. I know, and it's tough to stay in. Yeah, yeah. It's tough to stay in. So what are you doing when you want to zoom out? My version of... [45:20] golf to Barack because he's got golf on all the time. That's like his bet. He says it's my background noise. So my version of that is HGTV. I love HGTV. Let's talk about it. House Hunters. Incredible. There's something so soothing about the arc of that. Yeah. You know? Yeah. You look for a house. We just like looking at people's houses. You're at the bottom of House Mountain. You're like, it could be any house. But don't you, do you prefer when the budget is a low budget

[45:50] house because sometimes I feel a way. [45:52] You know, especially House Hunters International. OK, I'm obsessed with House Hunters International. First of all, every place looks so I'm like, wow, you can get that for that money. Like I'm always blown away. No, I think about that, too. Wow. What are we doing here? Should I move to Morocco, I guess? Because like but you're like, they're never going to get anything with that budget. And then you see like a nice apartment. They get something with the budget. And don't you like the way people have such high expectations with a low budget? Like these aren't marble. [46:22] It's like, but you want to pay $100 a month, you know? I want $100 a month. Why would you get marble? And then the real estate agent, especially in the foreign countries, are incredulous. It's like, oh, you want a yard for a large dog, you know? I love it, though. Do you like when people get what they want? Or do you like when you watch them have to slowly come to the realization that they've overreached? Oh, yeah, I love that. That's what I love. Yeah. So they go in too low. They want too many things. [46:52] And you're like, no, it's not going to happen for you. You know, you're going to be living above that bar. [47:00] And then do you like any HGTV makeover stuff? Oh, love all the makeover stuff. I love Rock the Block. What's that? Oh, you don't know? No. Well, this is when they get all the designers from all the other shows and they come on to one block of newly built houses from scratch.

[47:22] And they compete. [47:24] for rooms to see each week, like they'll do the living room in the kitchen. Right. So the designers go in, they have a week or whatever to redo that area. And then they're judged by other designers and then they win and they collect points until they finish the whole house. [47:40] It's an amazing concept. That seems like the highest budget in the world. That's what I'm thinking. It's like, I think that the whole time it's like, how do you do that? Over there, rock the block. How are you affording all this? How are you affording all this? I mean, they are literally renovating. They start with a frame. Mm-hmm. [47:56] And they, you know, do the kitchen, master bedroom, the master bathroom, the yard. Wow. The exterior and the exterior facade. Dang. I know I'm really going in. I love a reno. Yeah. I love those kind of shows. I love the. Why do you think we like it? I know I like. Why? Why do you like it? Just a completion. Yeah. Yeah. There's an end where something is done. And I like the before and after. I like the wow. [48:26] Oh, those floors look much better. You're an empty nester? No, my boys are 14 and 16. So we're just at that, the freshman and sophomore. Okay. Just at that age where we're thinking about college, but they're still teen boys. And I'll tell you something, no one's more tired than a teen boy. They're exhausted. And they're hungry. They eat like three dinners a day. I was just saying to someone...

[48:52] Having teen boys is like living with bears because when you wake up the next morning, there's just crumbs everywhere and your cabinets are open and everything's out in the floor and there's like a big chunk out of cheese and you're like, what happened? And they woke up in the middle of the night and they ate again. [49:13] That's a good one. They're like bears. Yeah. Yeah. That's scary. Are you scared in your life? [49:22] You know, they're like nice. They're nice. Well, I had girls and girls are, you know, they're as I'm learning. Yeah, I was kind of lucky. They're clean. And yeah, girls, you know, they don't. We're coming back around the head and shoulders. Yeah, they make sentences. They have thoughts and ideas and you can rationalize with them. Yeah. You know, I know. I had it easy. I realized I did. It's true. [49:52] If you don't know the average weekly intake, because it shifts with boys. I mean, they have a growth spurt, and they can drink a gallon of milk in a day. I mean, how do you live like that? Yeah, I know. Literally. I have a lot of moms who are – [50:09] And the cost of living is so high, especially here in California, a lot of places. And they're like, my kids are truly eating more than ever as teens. And it's like, what are we going to do about it? Do you cook? I love to cook. I know you don't cook. I do not. But you know, I didn't start cooking until my 40s. It's never too late, Michelle. I cooked before. Oh, and then you stopped. Well, I became first lady. And then you can't cook. They don't let you cook? Well, I didn't. I was busy.

[50:39] go down and make an egg? There's a kitchen, yes. And you could, but I'm like, they're chefs and you do that better than me. I mean, I'm not, I don't want to put you out of a job. You can make the eggs. Right. If you were cooking an egg, they'd be standing next to you and it would be stressful. Exactly. That's right. Unless you told them to leave and then they wouldn't be comfortable with that. Right. You know, I'm sure they're first ladies, first families that cooked in the White House. I'm just sort of like, ah, I'm okay not cooking. I've done it. And now are you cooking [51:09] No, it's not on my agenda at all. It's not among the things that I want to do in this stage in life. And what are you doing now that you couldn't do before that you get to do now? Or that you had to pause doing, I should say. I want to try to do normal things. Yeah, of course. You know, going for a walk. By yourself? Never-ish. But if they're further behind, it's like, I can still see you. [51:39] I want to feel like I'm by myself. [51:43] A little further. They're reading a newspaper upside down. That's right. [51:50] I'm driving a little bit more. Excellent. And by myself, in the car by myself. Excellent. Which is such, like I realized for the first time I was driving with Malia, we were in Martha's Vineyard. And... [52:04] I'm driving. She turns on the radio and starts playing some of our favorite songs. And we're singing at the top of our lungs. I realized I'd never had that experience with her.

[52:15] I never had that experience with her as a as a from teenagers on because they learned to drive, but I didn't teach them how to drive. I couldn't drive with them. I mean, just sort of the basic kind of bonding moments. You know, we didn't have time alone in a car just with me and my daughter. [52:36] playing the music that we wanted at the volume that we wanted. That's why I like the vineyard. I like the islands where we live because they're small places and people, you know, they get used to you. They don't care. Right. At certain times of the year, I can walk into town and just go shopping. I mean, [52:55] I just go into a store, try on clothes on my own, go to the register. Sometimes I forget how to use my credit card. Well, now you don't have to. Now you just use Apple Pay. What's that? No, I'm just kidding. You know Apple Pay, right? I do, but I don't use it. You don't use it. No. Do you have a regular phone? I do. Do you have a regular phone? I do, but I'm trying to not do stuff on my phone. Well, that's a little boomer-y, Michelle. I know, but here, I don't want to be tracked. [53:25] Don't worry, attitude. Tell me more about it so that I don't... We're done. We're all cooked. We're tracked. It's happening. There's no way to not be. Everyone knows everything. So what does this mean? So you can, I mean... [53:37] And this is, you know, I'm not that far behind you. So this is the blind leading the blind. Yeah. But you don't even need a credit card anymore. You just go beep, beep, beep. I don't know. And it's like you're not even spending money. It's just like beep. It just goes beep. See, but that's a problem for me. Yeah. You know, I want to know. I don't want it to be like beep. It's just like shh. You know, and then what if they get your phone information and somebody else can take your information and go beep, you know, and all you, before you know it, you own a house. Everyone's going to have their identity stolen 15 times in their lifetime.

[54:07] Yeah, you know, that's the bored part of me. That doesn't matter anymore. And nobody worries about that. Yeah, we're all very worried. Yeah, it's a disaster. Like, we're in real trouble. Yeah, we're really in big trouble. I'm trying to hold on, you know, when all things fall apart, when the system just crashes. I know. I'm still going to have cash. I do love cash. Do you? I love cash. I have old cash. I have cash that's been in my wallet untouched probably for a decade. [54:37] My dad always taught me that. He's always like, always have cash on you. Yeah, I guess. Maybe I shouldn't have said that to the world. We'll cut it out. I don't have cash. No, Michelle does not have cash. I don't carry cash. But I guess I'm good because I also have this security guy with guns. And I still think like that. It's like, where's my wallet? Where are my keys? Your wallet is in your phone? I don't need it. I know. Okay. But continuing with what we're talking about, you know, [55:06] I think... [55:07] It doesn't matter. [55:09] what kind of life you live, I think any person can have the feeling like their life is kind of a dream. [55:15] Like our lives are a dream. Things happen to us we don't imagine could have happened to us, good and bad. And sometimes we just feel like... [55:24] How did I get here? Where am I going? All that stuff. [55:28] What do your friendships, specifically your female friendships, do to keep you from, like, keep your feet on the ground, basically? Because your life has been a dream. Oh, it's been crazy. Yeah. What have they done? What haven't they done? I mean, just...

[55:46] the [55:46] You know, I love to go to my friends' homes just to be normal, to help with the dishes, to sit down in the yard, to, you know, to talk about something else other than whatever is in the news. My friends are the people who know everything about me, and they only know me as Michelle. [56:16] and my family, my brother, doing this podcast with him. The first time we worked together on something, I mean, just, you know, seeing his face and having him on the other side of the table, somebody who can humanize me to others and to myself. In this sort of position we've been in, that is more powerful and meaningful, [56:46] for a lot of people. Yeah. So it's, it's, it's, [56:50] It's the air I breathe, my friendships. That's why I try to really be mindful about maintaining them and pouring into them and making sure there's reciprocity, reciprocity that they, you know, and that they feel seen by me in all of this. Right. Yeah, I think what you're doing, I just speak for myself that. [57:14] you know, the word authenticity is kind of thrown around a lot, but I do think

[57:19] especially young people, they're really looking for some version of, [57:24] of yourself and myself and their selves. It like feels real. The world is so crazy. We are in... [57:32] this simulation that just a lot of people want to get out of. And I think that is what's cool about young people is they keep, [57:40] um, [57:41] Reminding us, like, be real. Like, we want you. We want realness. Yeah. Because everything feels so strange. Yeah, we want the blemishes and the bumps and, you know, and, you know, they want that, but... [57:56] the message that we delivered to them is that you don't, [58:00] You can't get that solely on your phone. Yeah. And I think that's the piece that we can teach them. Yeah. It's like, yeah, push us to be real. [58:10] But, you know, I want to push young people to have real experiences. Yeah. You know, with real people face to face, because that authenticity that they see in us comes from that old way of living, you know, where you you know, you meet a person in a bar and have a conversation. [58:40] through their, you know, TikTok page. Well, that's where you lose me, Michelle. [58:47] And you've lost me. Well, tell me, what was the thing? Is the TikTok page, you like the TikTok page information? Yes, I love the TikTok page. Okay, so it's both and. Both and. Have the TikTok page, because you do get some real dirt. You get a perspective. What do you get from the TikTok page? Do we have an hour? I don't know. Community, jokes, laughs. No, but I hear what you're saying.

[59:10] You've got to balance with real people, real things. It feels like we're shifting to... [59:17] uh less of that yeah and i also think laughter i think like you gotta laugh you gotta laugh it and and you gotta laugh with your friends you have like laugh at yourself and what makes you laugh i'm not fangirling but you know a lot of re-watching a lot of parks and rec you know i mean that's the kind of humor that i like community uh modern family old seinfelds you know i mean that tends [59:47] laughing out loud with episodes that I've seen over and over again. Just clever, clever dialogue, smart plots, you know, just out of the, you know, good characters. That's what I love. And you probably watched me and you're like, good job keeping that drool inside your mouth. Well, now that I know it's an issue, I'll watch you a little differently. Yeah, it's like, whoa, [1:00:17] to go. That's my girl. That's my training. It's my training. That's where my training comes in. [1:00:25] Well, thank you so much for doing this. Oh my gosh. This was so much fun. Yeah. It's been the best. Yeah. Thank you. Really, really great. Congrats on your podcast. You as well. And on all your food choices. Thank you so much. These are all my food choices. We're going to get something like this and a mattress. You are going to get it. Yeah. You're going to get all the

[1:00:47] Wow, that was an amazing episode. So exciting to have her here. [1:00:53] And, you know, we talked about so many good things, but we we talked a lot about sibling relationships. And that is what her podcast, you know, a lot of it is about. And I have a younger brother, Greg. I should have asked Craig. [1:01:05] If he is ever called Greg, because I know my brother Greg is often called Craig. But I guess I just wanted to take this polar plunge moment to speak directly to my brother Greg and say, don't go in my room and don't touch my stuff. [1:01:21] It's my stuff. [1:01:22] Get out of my room! [1:01:24] Mom and Dad said I'm in charge, and I'm so sick of it. You have to go to bed. [1:01:32] I love you, Greg. You're the best sibling ever. [1:01:37] I don't want another sibling to talk about you with. [1:01:41] I was just saying that to Michelle to be a good host, but... [1:01:44] But seriously, it's so great to be your big sister. And, you know, I'm [1:01:51] As the eldest daughter, we know our work is never done. [1:01:56] And so we'll just forge ahead. [1:01:59] and and [1:02:02] I love you, baby bro. [1:02:03] I got your back. [1:02:05] Sorry, this has gone off the rails. Okay, thank you for listening. Thank you for listening to this episode. Sorry about my voice. And we'll be back soon. Bye. [1:02:17] You've been listening to Good Hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Berman, and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Kat Spillane, Kaya McMullen, and Alaya Zanaris.

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