Podcast Summary

Podcast: IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Episode: Find The Can-Do Attitude with Candace Parker
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Higher Ground
Guests: Candace Parker

Episode Overview

The episode centers on fostering a "can-do" attitude through adversity, self-reflection, and authenticity, drawing from the remarkable journey of three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker. Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson engage Candace in a candid conversation about her upbringing, basketball career, motherhood, relationships, personal growth, and the evolving status of women in sports.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Candace Parker’s Background and Writing Her Book

• [02:36] Candace is introduced by Michelle and Craig, who praise her new book The Can-Do Mindset for its relatable storytelling and depth.
• [05:11] On why she wrote the book:

  “In basketball years, I am ancient. I'm 39 years old...I felt like it was time for me to stop playing basketball. I didn’t recognize any of the music in the locker room.” (Candace Parker, 05:11)

• She discusses retiring after 16 seasons, using this transitional period to reflect on life’s lessons beyond the court.

2. Growing Up: Family, Nature vs. Nurture, and Parental Influence

• Candace describes her family's role—in particular, her parents’ “guardrail” approach, allowing her to explore her interests and learn from struggles.
• [08:30]

  “That is a superpower, to be able to be empowered to be yourself.” (Candace Parker, 08:30)

• Her father’s high expectations shaped her self-discipline, while her brothers’ competitiveness built resilience.

3. Sibling Dynamics: Developing Thick Skin and Confidence

• Candace credits her thick skin and ability to handle criticism in broadcasting to growing up with brothers.
• [11:12]

  “The reason why I can do what I do on television is because I had brothers...” (Candace Parker, 11:12)

• She shares playful stories—like Monopoly board flips and pranks with unplugged Sega controllers—that taught her persistence and humility.

4. Coaching and Growth: The Influence of Pat Summitt

• A key theme is how coaches saw her potential before she recognized it herself.
• [14:20]

  “I can still hear Coach Summitt...‘You have never arrived.’” (Candace Parker, 14:20)

• The conversation explores balancing healthy ambition with pausing to appreciate achievements.

5. Education, Sacrifice, and Family Investments

• Michelle and Craig reflect on how their working-class parents prioritized education, drawing parallels to Candace’s upbringing.
• [18:34]

  “If you make your decision based on what I have to pay, I'd be really disappointed.” (Michelle recalls her father's advice, 18:34)

6. Transition to Professional Basketball and Motherhood

• Candace details the demanding realities of going pro and becoming a mother in 2008.
• [22:04] She describes the breakneck schedule of the WNBA, Olympic championships, and unexpected pregnancy.
• [23:32]

  “I think it’s the fear that every mother...has, where you have invested so much time in your career and your craft, and it’s the worry of...How is this gonna fit into what I’ve worked so hard for?” (Candace Parker, 23:32)

• She opens up about societal and industry pressures on pregnant athletes, rushing back to play postpartum, and her evolving understanding of what real strength means.

7. Maternal Challenges and Inequity in the WNBA

• [26:42]

  “When I entered the WNBA...there was no maternity leave...if you didn’t play, you didn’t get paid.” (Candace Parker, 26:42)

• Candace discusses logistical and financial barriers she faced, including needing to “buy out” her team hotel room and pay for her mother to travel as support while nursing her daughter.
• The group acknowledges progress but emphasizes ongoing need for systemic change.

8. Motherhood Abroad: Raising a Daughter While Playing Overseas

• Candace recounts playing with her baby in Russia and China, supported by her mother.
• [31:00]

  “I undervalued the ease [my daughter] provided for me. Having her move my first love to the side. Basketball was secondary in everything.” (Candace Parker, 31:00)

• She tells a poignant story of her daughter’s Russian playdate, highlighting children’s adaptability and kindness across cultures.

9. Challenges Parenting Boys vs. Girls

• The group laughs about the difference between raising daughters and sons.
• [35:06]

  “Boys have never been on Earth before. Girls have been here.” (Candace Parker, 35:06)

10. Personal Relationships: Meeting and Marrying Anya

• Candace shares how friendship with her now-wife, Anya, bloomed during their time together as teammates in Russia.
• [41:41]

  “It was honestly her mind...built on that friendship...” (Candace Parker, 41:41)

• She discusses coming to terms with her sexuality, the pressures of public scrutiny, navigating inter-racial and international marriage, and the importance of modeling honesty and pride for her kids.

11. Family Acceptance and Advice for Other Families

• Emotional moments with her father, who was sad not for who she loved but because she hesitated to share with him.
• [45:09]

  “He’s like, ‘I just am sad that you didn’t feel like you could tell me.’” (Candace Parker, 45:09)

• The importance of support, grace, and letting people come out on their own timeline.

12. Q&A: Advice on Personal Growth and Life’s Chapters

• Letter from Jenny in New York seeks advice on continuing to grow beyond initial success.
• [50:07]

  “The most interesting people I’ve met have always had some sort of challenge they’ve given themselves...” (Candace Parker, 50:07)

• Candace and Michelle urge embracing new challenges, revisiting a “rookie” mentality, and loving the journey, not just the destination.
• [51:49]

  “I would challenge Jenny...there are ways to challenge yourself...because when you excel in something...you have to enjoy challenges a little bit.” (Candace Parker, 51:49)

• Michelle:

  “That’s not how we’re socialized to think...Life, the fun in life, is embracing all the different chapters.” (Michelle Obama, 51:49)

13. Women in Sports: Obstacles and Opportunities

• Candace addresses double standards, body image, and how the WNBA helped create space for women to show strength and authenticity.
• [56:52]

  “Women in sports have always been judged by everything other than their sport...Be strong, but not too strong. Be competitive, but that’s a little too competitive.” (Candace Parker, 56:52)

• She highlights the need to invest in retired female athletes as business leaders.

14. The Meaning of "Can-Do":

• Candace shares the acronym meaning:
  • Community
  • Authenticity
  • Navigating negativity
  • Dash (the journey between life’s start and end)
  • Opportunity (creating and seizing)
• [61:05]

  “Community, Authenticity, Navigating negativity, Understanding the importance of the dash and creating and seizing opportunity.” (Candace Parker, 61:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The reason why I can do what I do on television is because I had brothers.” (Candace, 11:12)
• “My parents were amazing guardrails in allowing me to be who I am.” (Candace, 07:35)
• “You have never arrived.” (Coach Pat Summitt, as quoted by Candace, 14:20)
• “Companies want you once you have the kid, to tell the story. But they don’t want you when you’re pregnant.” (Candace, 23:32)
• “There was no maternity leave...if you didn’t play, you didn’t get paid.” (Candace, 26:42)
• “Boys have never been on Earth before. Girls have been here.” (Candace, 35:06)
• “He’s like, ‘I just am sad that you didn’t feel like you could tell me.’” (Candace, 45:09)
• “The most interesting people I’ve met have always had some sort of challenge they’ve given themselves.” (Candace, 50:07)
• “Life, the fun in life, is embracing all the different chapters.” (Michelle, 51:49)
• “Women in sports have always been judged by everything other than their sport.” (Candace, 56:52)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:36] - Introduction of Candace Parker and discussion of her book
• [05:11] - Candace reflects on why she transitioned from basketball to writing
• [06:52] - Discussion about parental influence and childhood expectations
• [11:12] - How growing up with brothers shaped Candace’s confidence and toughness
• [14:20] - Pat Summitt’s foundational advice and Candace’s development
• [21:17] - Transitioning to pro basketball and motherhood
• [26:42] - Systemic challenges for mothers in the WNBA
• [31:00] - Bringing her daughter abroad and lessons in adaptability
• [35:06] - Humorous insights on parenting boys vs. girls
• [41:41] - Meeting Anya and navigating new love and visibility
• [45:09] - Family reactions and the importance of support
• [49:40] - Audience Q&A: Advice on growth and embracing life’s chapters
• [56:52] - Candace’s vision for the future of women in sports
• [61:05] - Explanation of the “Can-Do” acronym

Tone & Language

The tone is heartfelt, candid, humorous, and supportive. The speakers use relatable and real-life anecdotes to explore challenges, growth, and family dynamics, balancing vulnerability with optimism and encouragement.

Summary

This episode of IMO spotlights Candace Parker’s personal and professional journey as a blueprint for building resilience, authenticity, and a can-do attitude. Her stories of family, sport, motherhood, and self-discovery—paired with thoughtful reflections from Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson—offer actionable inspiration, particularly for women and parents. The conversation underscores the importance of support, adaptability, shattering ceilings, and continually embracing new chapters in life.