In 2019, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, announced their partnership with Spotify to produce podcasts exclusive to the platform. The first project in their ongoing partnership will be The Michelle Obama Podcast premiering July 29th.

The former First Lady shared that her hope for the series… “the hope is that it can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we’re all trying to answer in our own lives. Perhaps most of all, I hope this podcast will help listeners open up new conversations — and hard conversations — with the people who matter most to them. That’s how we can build more understanding and empathy for one another.”

Whether through the story-telling in her book release, TV appearances or via her numerous speaking engagements in and outside of her White House duties, we’re always left captivated by whatever she has to say.

It’s no surprise that she already hooked us in with her first episode featuring none other than her husband Barak Obama! After hearing this premiere episode, it’s safe to say that this podcast will be our latest addiction!”

GET A PREVIEW HERE:

The former first lady will interview several loved ones in future episodes of “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” including her mother and brother.

“You’ll also hear from many of my girlfriends, the women who’ve always been there with a shoulder to lean on, a perspective to think about, or simply an open line to vent to,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post. “In this time of social distancing, it’s more important than ever to invest in the relationships that make us who we are.”

There will be a host of non-relatives featured on the show as well. Conan O’Brien, Kristin Jones, Craig Robinson and many more are scheduled to be featured as well. Tune in on demand below only on Spotify!

STREAM THE PODCAST HERE:

Gospel legends Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond recently teamed up for the latest ‘Verzuz’ session! But, instead of the typical battle, they turned the moment into a space for healing.

The world almost seems to be in a chaos of change lately. We are still learning how to navigate the new normal of continuing life in the middle of a pandemic. In addition, the death of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that have followed have only added to the challenges in our world today. This night of inspiration was just what we all needed.

Bishop T.D. Jakes opened the music event with words of hope:

“Darkness everywhere, seemingly everywhere,” he said. “Today we pray for light because we have seen too much darkness, from Trayvon to George Floyd. From 100K people dead from Covid … Lord knows we’ve seen too much darkness.”

Jakes continued, “I don’t know about you … but sometimes I feel like that knee is on my back and I can’t breathe. But let everything that has breath praise the lord.,” and led viewers with a prayer: “We pray back the darkness, we pray back the dark clouds … the injustice, the immorality … We pray it back out of our country, out of our world … out of minds, out of every crevice, out of every shadow, we cast you out! … Oh God, wherever there is pain, giving healing … Where ever there is despair, give hope … The joy is coming in the morning. I can hear the ticktock on the wall … We are getting closer and closer … To the morning … It will not be long until joy comes into your heart, our communities, our lives, our homes our churches. Joy is coming in the morning. And we will breathe again. Amen.”

Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond wearing “I can’t breathe” and “I can’t breathe… again” t-shirts for their #VERZUZ battle 🖤#EricGarner #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/OW9rEN4IVd

— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) May 31, 2020

Before the tracks were played, Franklin said, “It’s been a painful week. It’s been a difficult week. We want to make it a moment of healing for you. We have 42 songs to give to you. We know the pain, we see the pain.”

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE:

President Obama was recently featured in the MBK Alliance Town Hall Series where they discussed mental health and wellness in a racism pandemic.

In this conversation, Obama joined Congressman John Lewis, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative Bryan Stevenson, Writer and Survivor of Police Brutality Leon Ford, Jr., and Youth Leader LeQuan Muhammad, in a conversation moderated by Activist and Author Darnell Moore.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS:

Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America, and Black people are three times more likely to be killed than White people. We can take steps and make reforms to combat police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement.
President Obama pushed many of these reforms during his time in office, and started the My Brother’s Keeper initiative (also known as MBK Alliance) in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death to break down barriers and expand opportunity for boys and young men of color. But far more progress remains to be made. We’re inspired by those protesting for accountability and change, even in the face of a pandemic.

WATCH THE FULL TOWN HALL MEETING HERE:

The MBK Alliance shared the following statement:

“We work to help leaders change their world—and the world needs changing. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the loss of far too many Black lives to list, have left our nation anguished and outraged. While now is a time for grief and anger, it is also a time for resolve.”

Visit their website directly to find resources and to learn what you can do to create a more just and equitable world: www.bit.ly/3cKcSng

[Be sure to read the statements from President Obama and Mrs. Obama on the killing of George Floyd, and learn more about the work of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.]