On March 7, Former First Lady Michelle Obama will release Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast on Audible, based on her book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times.
The Light Podcast is to be released as an eight-episode podcast. This is the first project in the works from a first-look production deal signed by Obama’s Higher Ground media company and Audible.
Before partnering with Audible, Barack and Michelle Obama’s company, Higher Ground, had a multiyear deal to create podcasts exclusively for Spotify.
Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast will have an exclusive two-week debut on Audible, starting on March 7, after the first two weeks, it will be available on other podcasting apps.
“Like so many people around the world, I felt isolated, disconnected, and discouraged during the pandemic,” Obama said in a statement on Wednesday. “Writing The Light We Carry was a way for me to make sense of it and reflect on some of the biggest challenges we all face in life — and the tour was an incredible way to share those stories with my readers and connect with real people once again. That’s what Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast is all about — it’s a deeper examination of those fun and meaningful moments, lovingly made by our incredible team at Higher Ground and the fantastic people at Audible.”
The Hollywood Reporter noted a statement from Dan Fierman, head of audio at Higher Ground, “After the remarkable reception to The Michelle Obama Podcast, we’re excited to bring listeners more wisdom, humor and empathy from Mrs. Obama and some of her brilliant friends. With Audible, a company with a rich history of producing compelling audio storytelling, we have found a true collaborator.”
The Obama’s state their mission in founding the media company on their website, “Higher Ground was founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in 2018 to tell powerful stories that entertain, inform, and inspire— while elevating new and diverse voices in the entertainment industry.”
The news of Michelle Obama’s new podcast comes as many in the media are buzzing about what her future holds in politics. Is this a media run to establish a base for 2024? Or is it simply the next step in a media focused career for Michelle?