Share the Shine with Kenan Thompson

Summary

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

Episode: “Share the Shine” with Kenan Thompson

Date: October 29, 2025
Guest: Kenan Thompson
Hosts: Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson
Producer: Higher Ground

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Episode Overview

This lively episode of IMO centers on the enduring magic and pressures of fame, family, and creative work in show business. Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson welcome legendary comic and actor Kenan Thompson for a candid, humorous, and heartfelt conversation. They share parenting stories, discuss Kenan’s remarkable longevity on SNL, and tackle a listener question about children wanting to be famous. Throughout, the guests “share the shine,” exploring the importance of community, support, and perspective in both career and parenting.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kenan’s Childhood and Path to Comedy

• Kenan reflects on growing up in Atlanta, his tight-knit family, and his early foray into acting and commercials (13:42).
  • “My parents are from small town Virginia... all my cousins, extended family from around that area and spent a lot of summers growing up there. So I have a perspective of, you know, what it's like to maybe not have grown up with a lot of opportunity.” — Kenan Thompson (13:29)
• His child acting career began at age 5 but didn’t become “real work” until his mid-teens.
• His first “real” paycheck ($800 at age 11) inspired him to take performing seriously (13:52).

2. On Parenting and Sibling Bonds

• The hosts and Kenan discuss raising children, fostering sibling closeness, and preparing kids for adulthood (10:05–12:28).
  • Kenan emphasizes teaching his daughters the value of their sibling relationship:
    • “This sibling bond you have is very strong. It’s probably the strongest on the planet. But if you don’t use it the correct way… you waste the young years…” — Kenan (11:30)
• They share stories of giving their children more independence while maintaining core values.

3. Kenan’s Career Trajectory & Humility

• Kenan recalls humble beginnings — headshots at Sears with borrowed sweaters (15:07), missing out on parts, and early big breaks.
• The journey to Nickelodeon and Good Burger marked Kenan’s iconic entrance into mainstream success (21:31).
• Both Craig and Kenan underscore the crucial role of supportive parents. Kenan credits his mother for “pushing” and guiding him (22:15).

4. Fame, Nerves, and Stage Fright

• Despite decades in the spotlight, Kenan admits he still feels nerves before every SNL show and dislikes doing stand-up due to anxiety (26:01).
  • “If I have a gig, that's all I'm thinking of the whole day. You can't sleep days out. I'm just... I can't not focus on that.” — Kenan (26:02)
• Craig confesses he’d be terrified to do SNL, emphasizing how daunting live comedy can be (26:34).
• Kenan explains the importance of preparation and writing for oneself on SNL to build visibility and confidence (28:01).

5. Mentorship and SNL as a Temple

• Tracy Morgan was a guiding force for Kenan as a new cast member, providing “golden nuggets” like “don’t peak at dress” (32:04).
• Kenan now strives to be that calm, supportive presence for newcomers, focusing on ensemble spirit:
  • “Let somebody else have the shine and I will help that shine be as bright as possible.” (34:20)

6. Navigating Fame and Privacy

• The group discusses the loss of anonymity and the impact of fame not just on themselves but on family (42:51).
  • “It’s terrible to be the cause of stress, you know. So that bothers me, especially in public... if you run into me on those days, I'm sorry, you know what I'm saying? But it happens.” — Kenan (45:06)
• Kenan prefers his children not participate in public moments that interrupt family time.

7. Sustaining a Healthy Career

• Kenan credits a strong family foundation and lived experience for navigating Hollywood’s pitfalls — “trouble gonna find you if you go looking for it,” but he’s fine staying out of the chaos (46:20).
• Balance is now more important than “turning up”:
  • “Netflix and chill” over partying; understanding responsibilities comes with age (47:06).

8. Listener Question: Kids & the Pursuit of Fame

• Listener Sandy from New Jersey seeks guidance about her daughter wanting to be a social media influencer (57:56).
• Kenan, Michelle, and Craig warn against seeking “fame for fame’s sake.”
  • “If you’re attached to being famous, then that’s the most heartbreaking thing… you’re gonna get aged out.” — Kenan (58:41)
• Focus should be on passion and personal growth:
  • “Keep your child focused on the passion. And if there’s a real passion there, encourage it.” — Craig (64:41)
• They underscore family is key: “It can't just be for them… parents that are focused, not pushing you past your boundaries necessarily, but encouraging.” — Kenan (66:04–66:53)

9. Real-life Parenting: Kenan’s Daughters Join the Show

• Kenan’s daughters, Georgia and Gianna, make a surprise cameo (68:32–70:50), enhancing the “share the shine” theme.
  • Craig offers advice: “As the big sister, sometimes she may get on your nerves... But in the end, you guys really do just have each other.”

10. Pep Talk for Burnout

• The episode ends with advice for a listener (Nora) struggling with burnout (73:39):
  • Michelle prescribes exercise, while Craig advises scheduling stress-reducing activities first (74:29).

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Kenan’s “fake it till you make it” story:
  • “I remember when I auditioned for the Mighty Ducks… they asked if I could skate and I was like, yeah, I can roller skate. Couldn't roller skate at all. But… they say, put special skills at the bottom of the resume… I used to fall two feet up roller skating.” — Kenan (00:00, 23:41)
• On SNL nerves:
  • “I still get nervous for every show… That’s why I don’t do stand-up. Cause it stresses me out.” — Kenan (26:01)
• On sharing the shine:
  • “Let somebody else have the shine and I will help that shine be as bright as possible.” — Kenan (34:20)
• On fame & privacy:
  • “It’s invasive. And it’s tougher for me when it’s tough on other people… It’s terrible to be the cause of stress.” — Kenan (42:51)
• Advice to parents of aspiring influencers:
  • “Focus on… what’s the passion behind all that pursuit? The passion is something that’s good for the world, I can get behind that.” — Kenan (59:41)
• On family as the anchor:
  • “[The] common denominator of the ones that have been able to navigate it is family… Not necessarily pushing you past your boundaries necessarily, but encouraging.” — Kenan (66:04–66:53)
• Heartwarming closing with Kenan’s kids:
  • “One of the things your dad told us that he wants to make sure you guys always know is that you guys have each other forever… But in the end, you guys really do just have each other.” — Craig (69:45)
• Pep talk for burnout:
  • “Put yourself on your calendar first. Thanks again, Nora, for your great question.” — Craig (74:29)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Kenan’s Early Years & Family (13:42–15:17)
• First Breaks & Nickelodeon (21:24–23:14)
• SNL, Confidence, and Nerves (26:01–27:48)
• Mentorship & SNL Culture (32:04–33:52)
• The Realities of Fame (42:51–45:49)
• Listener Question: Kids Who Want to Be Influencers (57:43–68:32)
• Kenan’s Kids Appear (68:32–70:57)
• Pep Talk for Burnout (73:39–75:33)

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Episode Tone

Friendly, honest, and frequently hilarious—this episode blends childhood nostalgia, behind-the-scenes industry wisdom, and deeply authentic parenting insight. Kenan’s warmth, humility, and comedic energy mesh perfectly with Michelle and Craig’s playful sibling rapport, delivering an episode that’s as insightful as it is entertaining.

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Transcript

[Keenan Thompson]

I remember when I auditioned for the Mighty Ducks. Like they asked if I could skate and I was like, yeah, I can roller skate. Couldn't roller skate at all. But it was just one of those, like they say, put special skills at the bottom of the resume to make it look nicer, make it look more interesting. So I'm like, special skills. I've been roller skating, so I'll put that down there. I remember like I used to fall two feet up roller skating. You know what I mean? Like real bad falls, epic falls, super duper.

[Craig Robinson]

You weren't even close to being able.

[Keenan Thompson]

To, but thank God they taught me.

[Craig Robinson]

This episode is brought to you by Rivian and Cologuard.

[Michelle Obama]

Hey, you.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, Craig Robinson, here you are again. You show back up.

[Michelle Obama]

I'mma keep coming if you keep coming.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay, that's a deal. That's a deal. We're having a lot of fun.

[Michelle Obama]

This is so much fun.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. Loving your color selection. What would you call that?

[Michelle Obama]

I would call this an olive green.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Kelly hooked you up again.

[Michelle Obama]

She did. Once again. Once again.

[Craig Robinson]

And you've made it here. And put those clothes on just like she told you to, all by yourself.

[Michelle Obama]

So did I hear a rumor that you have driven your Rivian driving?

[Craig Robinson]

My Rivian. It was cool. Yeah, Yeah. I got where got this amazing forest green Rivian. It is beautiful. It just sits in the driveway. Beautiful. I love the look of that car.

[Michelle Obama]

It's a good looking car.

[Craig Robinson]

It is an elegant car.

[Michelle Obama]

And it's bigger than you think. Once you get in it, it's huge.

[Craig Robinson]

Especially after driving a smaller car. But it was so smooth and we were on some back roads and some little unpaved things. It didn't feel bumpy. It was the. Although I was riding with Malia and she had just gotten okay. So I'm like, you know, I'm still.

[Michelle Obama]

New driving, new to an electric car. Right.

[Craig Robinson]

And new because I don't drive all the time, Right?

[Michelle Obama]

That's right.

[Craig Robinson]

So this is me and my daughter. We're in the car, you know, just the two of us. Got the radio on. And I'm trying to figure out everything and where do you press this? And she's telling me her life. Cause she had just gotten into town and she's.

[Michelle Obama]

She's ready to talk. She's ready to talk about her.

[Craig Robinson]

And she's talking and I'm trying to drive and work the pedal. And she's like. And then mom, you know, you know what happened? And I was like, turn the station down. And she Just going at me, you know, it's like she's telling me everything. Important news, too. So I'm trying to drive my Rivian, pay attention to the screen. Not hit a deer, you know. But through it all, it was a really smooth ride. It was.

[Michelle Obama]

Folks have heard us talk about the Rivians that we have been gifted by the company to drive. And Kelly and I finally got to do a long ride where you have to charge it when you're away. Oh, yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Michelle Obama]

And because she was nervous about it, she was a little nervous about it. And I was saying they do such a good job in their app of showing you not only where the Rivian charging stations are, but where any charging station is. So you're never really out.

[Craig Robinson]

Out there on your own.

[Michelle Obama]

Out there on your own. And so we drove, I don't know, 400 something miles away, charged it away at a grocery store, and it was way to go. So went in and got something to eat. Messed around with the dashboard and still finding stuff out. So it was really good. Yeah, it was really good.

[Craig Robinson]

And another friend of mine who has a Rivian says that there's a whole camper unit that you can get with it.

[Michelle Obama]

You can.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. Which I didn't. I know that Rivian, they are really pushing outdoor life. So the hood is not. Because there's no engine, you can use it as a cooler. But I didn't realize that you could get other accessories. Like there's a cooktop and other kind of. You've never told me about that, but.

[Michelle Obama]

That'S because I haven't been camping.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. But still, those are features.

[Michelle Obama]

Those are good features that are really pretty interesting.

[Craig Robinson]

Those are the features for the more outdoorsy people who are Rivian users.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

But anyway, so I was thrilled. It's a beautiful car. And when I get back home, I'm gonna drive it some more.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

Wow.

[Michelle Obama]

We have a guests of all guests.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. One of my favorite people. He doesn't know that.

[Michelle Obama]

Well, how could he? He had, I guess.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. We never met him, but don't you feel like, you know, you should know that.

[Michelle Obama]

And it feels like not only should we know that we know him, but it feels like he should know us. He feels like. I was telling you, he feels like somebody who went to Mount Carmel High School walking down the hal, cracking jokes on dudes, and dudes going to their locker room, shaking their head, crying, you know, I mean, just he's. That for me, like, if I look at him and he smirks a little, I will start cracking Up. And we're talking about Kenan Thompson, you all.

[Craig Robinson]

Yes, indeed. Yep.

[Michelle Obama]

Before I get too far ahead of myself.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, let's introduce him so we can get him out here.

[Michelle Obama]

I will. Kenan Thompson is an award winning actor, comedian, producer, and authority.

[Craig Robinson]

All of that.

[Michelle Obama]

Yep. Best known for his work on when.

[Craig Robinson]

You have time for all that.

[Michelle Obama]

Saturday night Live, or SNL as people call it.

[Craig Robinson]

Is that what they say?

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah. And he's recently wrapped his 22nd season.

[Craig Robinson]

Dag, he looks like he's 27.

[Michelle Obama]

I know. And I was telling Julia, our producer, that I've been watching that show since it came on. I'm that old. And I remember when he came on and I was like, man, they hiring these young brothers on the Saturday Night Live.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay, okay.

[Michelle Obama]

And he is the show's longest running cast member. So without any further ado, the man who's coming here dressed for the Vineyard, Kenan Thompson.

[Craig Robinson]

Kenan. It's like cousin Kenan.

[Michelle Obama]

Cousin. That's right.

[Craig Robinson]

What's up?

[Keenan Thompson]

Don't bump your.

[Craig Robinson]

Hi. So you look so fresh.

[Keenan Thompson]

I had to get fresh for y'.

[Craig Robinson]

All.

[Keenan Thompson]

Pleasure, pleasure.

[Craig Robinson]

You look so fresh. It's so cute.

[Keenan Thompson]

You know, I want to go to the Vineyard.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay, all right, all right. Get your ferry ticket.

[Keenan Thompson]

You know, they have the little ones with the cars.

[Craig Robinson]

They have the. Yeah, they do. Have you ever been to the Vineyard?

[Keenan Thompson]

I went for Seth Meyer's wedding. That was like the one time I went.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, it's lovely. It's lovely.

[Keenan Thompson]

I was. I rented this, like, yellow, I think Camaro. So I was just like. So you were yellow? You know, kind of oblivious to the fact that people will notice me. But yeah, I was sticking out a little bit on that one. It was fun, though.

[Craig Robinson]

It's like, is that Kaden in that yellow car?

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean, I want to live life, you know? Yeah, you have to live down on the Vineyard.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. But that means you have to, like, find some time to have a vacation.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah. It doesn't happen often.

[Craig Robinson]

Right.

[Keenan Thompson]

You know, that was a good one.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, welcome.

[Keenan Thompson]

Thank you very much. It's so nice to see the two of you in person.

[Craig Robinson]

And it's good to see you in person to meet you. I really do feel like I know you.

[Michelle Obama]

I mean, yes, I'm sure you get that a lot where people like, man, I feel like we know each other.

[Keenan Thompson]

But I've been in Yalls face for a long time.

[Michelle Obama]

You have.

[Craig Robinson]

You have at all different levels too, you know, because you got the kid audience that grew up with you. Cause our Kids, Malia and Sasha, by the time they were watching you, I wasn't watching TV with them. Right. You know, you get to that age where it's like, okay, you're on your own. Right. That's what you do.

[Keenan Thompson]

But enough of that Mickey Mouse in the background.

[Craig Robinson]

Exactly.

[Michelle Obama]

But my older kids grew up with you. They're just a little bit younger than you are. But my younger kids only know you from Saturday night live. They're 15 and 13.

[Keenan Thompson]

Interesting.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah. And we let them watch a little Saturday Night Live before.

[Keenan Thompson]

And what do they think?

[Craig Robinson]

Yes, that's a good. I am.

[Michelle Obama]

What do they think about the show or about you?

[Keenan Thompson]

Both.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

Do you hear that? I would love to hear both.

[Craig Robinson]

Saturday Night Live.

[Michelle Obama]

Well, this. Thanks to Malia, I started letting them watch R rated stuff.

[Craig Robinson]

So, Malia, they were very strict parental parents in terms of viewing.

[Michelle Obama]

No PG13.

[Craig Robinson]

And their older cousin thought that that was ridiculous and told them that they needed to be doing more sneaking by now. They should.

[Keenan Thompson]

How was them cousins? More sneaking?

[Michelle Obama]

She is. Them cousins.

[Keenan Thompson]

Kids influence each other. Other the most. Oh, goodness.

[Michelle Obama]

Cousins.

[Keenan Thompson]

But that's what cousins are for.

[Craig Robinson]

That's what. That's what she felt. She felt like she needed to inform them that she. They shouldn't always be listening to their parents.

[Keenan Thompson]

Thank God it was family. As opposed to like some folks down the street.

[Michelle Obama]

You know what I mean, Malia. Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

But, you know, I could see if it was Sasha.

[Michelle Obama]

But Malia, I'm like, but they're 15.

[Craig Robinson]

And that's what Malia's point was.

[Keenan Thompson]

It's about that time, you know, you want them to be street smart.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah. You really do. Because they, you know, they've grown up a little differently than we are.

[Keenan Thompson]

Exactly.

[Michelle Obama]

And we did.

[Keenan Thompson]

You know, you want to give them that as well kind of thing because you want to spoil them, you know, because you work hard and it's like, I'm working hard to give these things to you. But then you see that they might not be appreciating in it as much. So you got to pull back some.

[Craig Robinson]

Exactly.

[Keenan Thompson]

But, you know, it's all leading up to those Rivian times, you know, like, you get back to a reunited person and y' all have a conversation and it's like, look at this. Fully formed, totally separate, you know, adult human being kind of thing or approaching adulthood kind of thing.

[Craig Robinson]

How old are your daughters now?

[Keenan Thompson]

They are. The little one is turning seven in a couple days and the big one's 11. And they're getting big on me. I don't have Babies anymore.

[Craig Robinson]

I know, but see, that's why you're in that deep parenting mode, you know? I mean, you see how super duper.

[Michelle Obama]

You see, it rolled off his tongue about accountability.

[Craig Robinson]

We're thinking about. Right.

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean, 24, seven for the last.

[Craig Robinson]

Shannon Thompson, Saturday Night Live. You're just like, look at these two people growing up in front of my face.

[Keenan Thompson]

Absolutely. It's the greatest thing in the world, you know, literally witnessing miracles, you know, so it's been. It's the best thing I've ever done, in my opinion. You know, other people look at my work on television, but for me, looking outwards always, like, they're the greatest, you know?

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

Sweethearts.

[Craig Robinson]

What's been the hardest part of being a. Cause you have two girls.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, I think waiting on the turn and, you know, like right now they're, like, very sweet and they're nice to their mom. You've heard them most of the time. And I've heard about that. That turn that could. Sometimes it doesn't happen. Sometimes it doesn't, you know, or sometimes it's quick and they come back around, you know, pretty quickly. You know, kind of hoping for that.

[Craig Robinson]

Here's the thing. Like, you know, I always say the minute they show up, you're preparing them for the turn.

[Michelle Obama]

Right.

[Craig Robinson]

And all the other stuff. Like, sometimes people as parents, they're like, well, I'll wait until you 20 and I'll start talking to you about the things I'm worried about, or I'll start worrying about your attitude. But it all. It's every day. What kinds of things are you working on as a father today that's going to prepare them.

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean, it. Just telling them and reminding them that they're a family. You know what I mean? They're so competitive with each other, you know, and that's fine to be and have a competitive nature and this, that and the other. But I want to remind them that this is what you have, this sibling bond that you have is very strong. It's probably the strongest on the planet, you know. But if you don't use it the correct way, if you waste it, or if you just, you know, waste the young years and, you know, you don't get to know each other until later, you know, I just don't want them wasting time arguing over who gets to sit where in the car or who gets to press what elevator. But you know what I mean, I always wanna remind them that y' all should love each other. You know, family's a beautiful thing. It's A beautiful thing to stay connected like that. Cause me and my siblings are close, you know, and it's. I'm a witness to what it's like to be able to live long life with your siblings and have people that support you, you know, no matter what kind of thing. You know, I'm witnessing you two, like, it's a beautiful thing.

[Craig Robinson]

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

[Keenan Thompson]

I have one of each. Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

What was growing up like?

[Keenan Thompson]

I'm from Atlanta.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

Southern bowl, south side. Yes, indeed. Right by the airport. Grew up with my manners, you know, large extended family, lots of cousins.

[Craig Robinson]

I didn't grow up with your manners.

[Keenan Thompson]

I grew up with my manners, ma'.

[Michelle Obama]

Am.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, you look like you.

[Keenan Thompson]

I didn't know what you. I was gonna miss. Call me Michelle.

[Craig Robinson]

Your Grace.

[Michelle Obama]

Wait, wait, let's see. Call her Michelle.

[Keenan Thompson]

Michelle. It's tough.

[Michelle Obama]

It's hard.

[Keenan Thompson]

It's tough.

[Craig Robinson]

You should if you like.

[Keenan Thompson]

We want to call you Madame Obama. We want to call. We want to call you all kinds of things. You can call me Michelle. Thank you for the grace to call you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Did I miss the kneel? I didn't do the knee, but yeah, no, it's. It's a beautiful thing. My parents are from small town Virginia, Lynchburg, if you ever heard of it. And yeah, all my cousins, extended family from around that area and spent a lot of summers growing up there. So I have a perspective of, you know, what it's like to maybe not have grown up with a lot of opportunity kind of thing.

[Michelle Obama]

And at what age? I mean, you guys started so young. When did you feel like, oh, I think I wanna do this pretty early.

[Keenan Thompson]

Probably my first paycheck. Like, I started acting when I was five doing theater and stuff like that.

[Michelle Obama]

And you knew you wanted to do that.

[Keenan Thompson]

I enjoyed it. But when I was like 11, I did a commercial that was like a real job. And then they paid me like $800 and I was like, at 11 years old, that might as well have been a million.

[Craig Robinson]

Really?

[Keenan Thompson]

So I was like, yeah, I like this. You know, I had cut grass and stuff before and it's 20 bucks a yard, you know, and that's a lot of work for $20. If you can actually sign that house up, you know, you gotta walk the neighborhood with your mom. Hot in Atlanta. So like, I knew work.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

And I didn't like.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

And treats. And snacks.

[Craig Robinson]

And treats. What was the commercial? The first one?

[Keenan Thompson]

It was for this fried chicken restaurant called Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken.

[Michelle Obama]

Too long. Mouthful really?

[Craig Robinson]

Were you an outlier? I mean, were the kids in your group all, you know, rehearsing and plays, you know, or were you one of one in your.

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean, my brother and I kind of started together. You know, we both went to, like, Sears to get our headshots done. I remember that.

[Craig Robinson]

Sears.

[Keenan Thompson]

Folks don't know about Sears.

[Craig Robinson]

Sears, Robo, man, Get your tire shaved.

[Keenan Thompson]

And I think this was Sears Outlet, which was even further.

[Michelle Obama]

Ooh, ooh, yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

Cause that's right. That's right.

[Michelle Obama]

But you remember the Sears catalog? Christmas catalog, man. Yes, yes, yes.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, it went from this to this.

[Keenan Thompson]

Back to pages and pages. Coupons. Coupons. Ish. They kind of just showing you what they got. So headshots before the Internet.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, headshots at Sears.

[Keenan Thompson]

And I think borrowed sweaters. I think we put the sweaters back after the photo shoot from the rack.

[Craig Robinson]

I feel like I had. We're just trying these on. Baby's gangster.

[Keenan Thompson]

No haircuts. That's gangster. So the first headshots was very spiky little afros.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

Adorable, though. You know, I thought we were two cute little kids. And then my brother grew up and went to, like, college and became cool, you know, and then I stayed kind of in it, and, yeah, that's how. That's how it kind of started. But were you able to auditioning.

[Craig Robinson]

Were you able to have, like, a normal childhood? Were you still playing outside? Or did. When did it get. When did it change?

[Keenan Thompson]

That's what I'm saying. I was, I think, kind of a great version of a child actor story, because I didn't really start working, working until I was, like, 15, you know, so I was kind of already up there as far as knowing who I am as a person. And at 15, you know, ish, you know, like, I know my values, my manners, this, that, and the other, and I'm ready to, like, go out in the world and, like, figure out if I can start, you know, working or start towards a career, whatever that might mean. So.

[Michelle Obama]

This segment is presented by Progressive Insurance, because true progress starts when people are empowered with the knowledge and support to take bold steps forward. And, you know, being prepared always made me feel really good. And I think back to the times when I was coaching, whether it was as an assistant coach at Northwestern or a head coach at Brown or Oregon State, whenever my teams were prepared, I always went into the game feeling like we had a more than 80% chance to win the game. And it is amazing how when you hit all the notes in practice, the games are Easy.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. That makes it fun. When I realized the importance of preparation in making something hard fun was actually in law school, when I had my first moot court competition.

[Michelle Obama]

Ooh.

[Craig Robinson]

And, yeah, it was daunting, but I didn't really know what it was. It was for sure. Everybody had to compete in moot court. And I was for the practice, because you got an opportunity to practice, and you were actually making a case, a closing argument. It was a criminal case. And I think I was representing the defense. My partner was representing the prosecution, if I have it right. And we had to present our closing arguments to the jury. So instead of preparing, I didn't have time. So I thought, well, I'll go in and I'll wing it.

[Keenan Thompson]

Right?

[Craig Robinson]

And you were taped. And I got to watch how bad I was taped when I wasn't prepared. And it was probably the most painful experience for me to watch myself on tape not be prepared. And I think that was probably the first and last time that I decided to wing it. And I understood that, you know, And I also found out that when I did prepare for the actual moot court trial, it was more fun, just like you said, because then you can flow. Same thing with the big speech. You know, when I'm prepared for a big speech, if I know what I'm saying, if I've gone over the process, if I know what it feels like to stand in front of the podium, to get a feel for how the mic sounds, to get used to the light and the sounds, then the speech can just flow. So preparation for me has always been a part of not just showing up. Right. But enjoying the process along the way.

[Michelle Obama]

Until your brother walks up next to you and says, the left prompter is out.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, yeah. That was our famous story in the first big speech I. National speech I had at the first Democratic National Convention, where you introduced me, and we had teleprompters and we had practiced. We were prepared.

[Michelle Obama]

It was great.

[Craig Robinson]

But one of the prompters went out in the middle of your introduction. So when it was time for me to come on stage, the crowds were going wild. I come up to give you a hug, and I think you're gonna whisper something inspirational in my ear, like, I love you. I'm so proud of you. Instead, you said, left prompter out, and then you were gone. And I was like, oh, what? That was strange. But I couldn't react. Cause I was on national TV until I got to the podium and realized, oh, my God, the prompter to the left was out. But because I was Prepared.

[Keenan Thompson]

You were prepared.

[Michelle Obama]

You were prepared. It didn't mean anything.

[Craig Robinson]

Didn't matter.

[Michelle Obama]

Didn't matter at all. Didn't matter. Yeah. And even though it doesn't look like it when we're doing this podcast, because we're just flowing back and forth, it takes a lot of preparation for us.

[Craig Robinson]

Takes a little work to show up on camera.

[Michelle Obama]

Takes a lot of work, but I tell you, there's no blueprint for becoming a homeowner. But the truth is, preparation is just part of the path to ownership. Thankfully, Progressive is helping people own that process through helpful resources and educational tools that make sense of the journey. And thanks to a $7 million commitment to housing initiatives in 2024, along with this year's new down payment assistance program called the Up Payment, Progressive is helping more people prepare, purchase, and build a foundation for the future. Whether you're just starting to dream about homeownership or already deep in the planning process, Progressive is here to guide you from the first question to the front door. Visit progressive.com OpenTheHouse to explore tools, guidance, and support that can help turn your dream into a reality.

[Craig Robinson]

When you first were famous, that was that the, you know, the Nickelodeon years, or.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, I think Good Burger kicked it in the high gear. I mean, Mighty Ducks was cool, but that was more so about, like, the Mighty Ducks and then, like, Heavyweights was, you know, kind of a. Like a cultural kind of thing, like, you know, a little cult following kind of kind of movie. Yeah, but Good Burger was ours. You know, it started on our show, you know, and it was the first movie that came from our show, you know, and we were both in it, me and Kel, and that was my brother and is my brother. And, you know, we just had such a good time. We were 18 at that time, so we were like, like, yes. Bring this all on now, please.

[Craig Robinson]

Now, where were your parents on all of this? How did they feel? Did you feel like they were watching? Were they engaged as you were going through this process?

[Keenan Thompson]

Very supportive.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah. My mom was my main, like, pusher. My main, like, you know, foundational. Cause she was the type of person that got a job at my theater school so I could take classes there, you know, so, like, she's that person. And I remember we drove to Charlotte for an audition that I didn't get. You know, we came back the same day, and she was like, don't worry about it. You know, we'll meet on the next one. So shout out to all the parents that are, like, you know, really supporting their kids. Dreams and endeavors, even if you don't know where it's headed. Because we didn't know where it was headed, you know, it was just something that I wanted to do on top of everything else. Like, I was still playing sports and, like playing music and all kind of stuff. But I didn't have rock star dreams necessarily. You know, I maybe had maybe football dreams, but I was little, you know, still. And everybody else was turning into monsters. By like 9th, 10th grade, like, it was starting to get real, you know, Especially in the good old Fed.

[Michelle Obama]

Sit down Down South.

[Craig Robinson]

It's like, I'm not going in there with them.

[Michelle Obama]

Shoot.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, these are real dudes.

[Michelle Obama]

There's some real dudes down there, man.

[Keenan Thompson]

Just kid. Kid beasts. But I always enjoyed performing and I just. I couldn't stop it.

[Craig Robinson]

Did you ever have a point in time before, you know, when you were young in your career where you did get a little bit of a big head? I mean.

[Keenan Thompson]

Oh, yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

What was that like?

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, I was very kind of naively cocky, you know, going into, like, certain auditions. Like, I remember when I auditioned for the Mighty Ducks, like, they asked if I could skate, and I was like, yeah, I can roller skate. Couldn't roller skate at all. But it was just one of those, like they say, put special skills at the bottom of the resume to make it look nicer, make you look more interesting. So I'm like, special. I've been roller skating, so I'll put that down there. I remember, like, I used to fall two feet up with roller skating. You know what I mean? Like, real bad falls, epic falls, super duper.

[Craig Robinson]

You weren't even close to being able to skate.

[Keenan Thompson]

But thank God they taught me, you know, how to play. And I can, you know, skate to this day. But just one of those things that you just gotta, you know, kind of try to make yourself a little more appealing, you know, if that's not necessarily the case kind of thing, you know, stretches.

[Craig Robinson]

Stretching. But that's not. I mean, that's just that.

[Keenan Thompson]

That's harmless.

[Craig Robinson]

That's a tactic.

[Michelle Obama]

But that's easily figured out, though.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, no, no, I know, but that does. To me, that doesn't qualify as you.

[Keenan Thompson]

But I'm willing to take that risk.

[Craig Robinson]

But if you having a big head, you know, or going, I mean, you're. That means you're a hustler.

[Keenan Thompson]

Sorry, back to this, to that part.

[Craig Robinson]

Yes.

[Keenan Thompson]

When after Mighty Ducks, I thought I was a movie star, you know, So I was like, after one kid movie where I, like, my character kind of helps Save the day. Not necessarily the only. But I'm the hero, you know, I'm the hero of the sequel of the Mighty Ducks. So that means I'm in the game.

[Craig Robinson]

Don't you love me?

[Keenan Thompson]

You know, so when I auditioned for all that, it was a different approach to it because I was introduced to the producers as opposed to, like being herded in. So it was like a meeting, you know what I mean? I'm like, it's over with, you know what I'm saying? Like, they meet with me, bro, what we talking about? We might as well just like go and grab lunch or something. Like, it's over. I got this. And I just was like, what y' all need? Y' all need a Jamaican? Y' all need an old man? I got. I just threw him out there like it was nothing. But I think that confidence was like, you know, something that was appealing to them, you know, like, oh, he's kind of ready to perform. We don't have to worry about stage fright, I guess, or something like that. So, yeah, I was a little naive on that one, but it helped because I do get very nervous. I still get nervous for every show.

[Michelle Obama]

Really?

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, yeah. Oh, man. And I was like, trying to talk to different people about it, especially for standup. That's why I don't do standup. Cause it stresses me out. Like, if I have a gig, that's all I'm thinking of the whole day. You can't sleep days out, you know, Like, I'm just. I can't not focus on that. And then, like, if I travel to a town, I ain't going out in the town, you know, I'm just in the hotel, passing around, watching tv, writing things just wait, ticking the time away and it just feels so wasteful. So it's not my. That's obviously not my thing, you know what I'm saying?

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, but you have been the longest running cast member of snl. That's the most terrifying thing. People have asked me to do a lot of things. You see, I've been on talk shows, I've done stuff, skits with people, I've done. But snl, I would never do that.

[Keenan Thompson]

That's wild because to me, it is terrifying.

[Craig Robinson]

Just what you described to me. I wouldn't sleep that week. I'd be worrying. I'd be worrying about looking at the camera. I don't know how you all do that.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

And my heart goes out to that because I know that feeling, you know, But I just don't have it there for that because I'm very comfortable there. I mean, we did a lot of sketches growing up, and then the Live Factor doesn't bother me much because it's a large group of people doing it together, you know what I mean? And there's a lot of people, like, getting you to where you need to be. And, like, all I gotta do is read the words. I can do that. You know, like, I can, like, stay focused enough and, like, deliver my part of it. And then there's so many people helping you get to that point, and you have to right yourself to that point. Yes, that's another tough part of it. But, like, the actual show, once it's at that point, it doesn't stress me. Like, going to Yuk Yuks and having to do 17 minutes.

[Craig Robinson]

Say it's all on you.

[Keenan Thompson]

I hate waiting in lines. Or, you know, what is with these Air the tsa, you know, I just don't make fun of stuff.

[Michelle Obama]

Go back to, you have to write yourself. What does that mean?

[Keenan Thompson]

We write on snl. So, like, the best way to, like, make yourself known there is to write for yourself in the beginning, you know, so you have to, like, write your.

[Craig Robinson]

Own scripture for worse.

[Keenan Thompson]

Like, put yourself out there so people can kind of see what your sense of humor is or what you'd like to focus on. I was lucky that I was able to balance it more with performance than writing. And I would collab write with a lot of people, but anytime I wrote on my own, it went all over the place. You know, I have a hard time, like, staying linear or whatever. I'll just be writing based on, like, what's on my mind at the time. And then when I look back at it, I'm like, come on, no sense Martin Luther King talking to Jay Z. That doesn't happen. When does that happen? It'll never happen.

[Craig Robinson]

And where is it going?

[Keenan Thompson]

You know? And where is that?

[Craig Robinson]

Where it's going to end?

[Michelle Obama]

So when you first got on Saturday Night Live, do you have to go on as a writer or how did the work. Tell us about the process.

[Keenan Thompson]

There's some people that get hired as either a writer or a cast member.

[Michelle Obama]

Okay.

[Keenan Thompson]

And when you get hired in the beginning, you are a repertory player, I think. So that's a two year kind of staging process. And then you become a full player.

[Craig Robinson]

If I'm gonna have your face on the opening credits and come popping out of New York smoking a cigarette, hey.

[Keenan Thompson]

In New York.

[Craig Robinson]

When do you get to be. What is it?

[Keenan Thompson]

As soon as you get hired as a Cast member. Yeah. So if you get in the cast, you get a title in the beginning and you get to do your.

[Craig Robinson]

Was that a big deal? Was that, like, for you when you were.

[Keenan Thompson]

Huge deal. And, like, it was hard to comprehend it still being the same show that I grew up watching, because now I'm.

[Craig Robinson]

On it and I'm like, I thought this was serious comedy, but they hired me.

[Keenan Thompson]

So strange.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

And I was 25, so I was young, and, like, I was ready to do kind of whatever, but it was just very surreal, you know, it was hard to see it as the same kind of place. And then I was, like, worried. I'm like, have I changed it forever? Like, am I really worthy of this? You know what I mean? Because I don't write. You know what I mean? And I don't know what my sense of humor. I don't know what my point of view is, as opposed, when you approach comedy or whatever. Like, what am I trying to say with my jokes? I don't know. I'm used to playing around in chocolate, you know what I'm saying? Just doing whatever. Now I have to be serious and do college kind of educated material. And I didn't finish college. But, you know, you were busy. Whatever. I was a little bit busy.

[Michelle Obama]

You were working already.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah. You had a job.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. That's why people go to college.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, exactly. To try to figure it out. But I had it figured out and they was in my way. Yeah, yeah. But, yeah, it took me a while to figure out how to write sketches.

[Michelle Obama]

Did you have a mentor on the show that's sort of like, hey, Keenan, this is how you go about getting to the next level? Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean.

[Michelle Obama]

Cause I hear you do that for people here.

[Keenan Thompson]

I always say, I try. I try to be there for people. Because I remember being very lost in the beginning. Yes. Because, you know, a lot of people, you know, come from improv houses or they come from standup, you know, two big communal worlds, basically, where they. Not by themselves, not a lot of people come from already being an actor or already being a kid's performer or anything, and just, you know, just being an actor. You know, most people are like real comics that, like, wind up getting hired there and, like, are always, like, hyper focused on it. So they know it very well. They've shared stories or they read the books, you know, like, I went into it just blind, you know, based on what I had been watching on TV or whatever. Not knowing how small the studio was, not knowing much about Manhattan, you know, and all that. Kind of stuff. And it was just like a tornado of learning everything on the fly. And it's like college. Not everybody's just gonna pull you aside and teach you how to do it. But Tracy Morgan was a real one from day one. I love him. This is my brother. He was just like, in his own kind of way, telling us little tidbits like, don't peek at dress.

[Craig Robinson]

What? Oh, don't peek at dress. Okay.

[Keenan Thompson]

That is a golden nugget because, yeah, the live show is what matters, you know what I'm saying? So if you peek at dress, it's like, yeah, he kind of just wasted it a little bit, you know, and like, you don't really have that luxury to do that in your first few years, you know, because everybody is trying to do their very best, you know, because this is the life changing job, you know what I'm saying? Like, if you do it well, it can change your life. If you do it bad, it can change your life, you know what I mean? So it was a lot of stress, and I see the stress on newcomers, you know what I'm saying? So I always try to be like a friendly ear or if I see things, you know, when we're rehearsing stuff, I try to suggest, you know, maybe like, this shot should be this. Or maybe like, what about this idea? Like, I'm always trying to, like, participate in, you know, helping others sketches, you know, get as good as they can be. You know, just try to be helpful, basically. Cause when you're stressing like that, you're just. You're not thinking clearly, you know what I mean? You're not relaxed enough to be funny all the time.

[Craig Robinson]

Exactly. You know, so how do you, how do you relax to be funny? You know? What's, what's your, what's your tip? I will never do snl. I would, like, if I were going to do snl, I think you would.

[Keenan Thompson]

Do it because I think you would recognize the communal push uphill, which is the show. We're all trying to push the show to the top of the hill every single week, you know, and everybody is hyper focused and committed to the same goal. You know, no matter what their politics might be or whatever, everybody is respectful of the place. It's almost like a temple, you know what I mean? And like, there's nobody trying to make it go left at all.

[Craig Robinson]

Nobody wants anyone to fail at all, you know?

[Keenan Thompson]

And I think once you settle into that warmth, I think you start to embrace the only thing that matters is kind of what makes you laugh, you know what I mean? And it's not really about anything else. Cause it's your night and it's up to us to make your night as special as possible. Which is like, I love that. I grew up very ensemble minded. So, like, I'm all about let somebody else have the shine and I will help that shine be as bright as possible.

[Craig Robinson]

Like, I love that you like just sitting here for the listeners, the watchers. You're just such a regular dude.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yes. You know, Taurus in the house.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, Taurus.

[Keenan Thompson]

Shout out, shout out, shout out to the May Tauruses.

[Michelle Obama]

The real ones.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay, enough.

[Keenan Thompson]

The real ones.

[Craig Robinson]

You heard. Whatever.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yes. You're welcome. You're welcome.

[Michelle Obama]

Watch yourself over there, Capricorn.

[Craig Robinson]

It's okay, it's okay. You know, I'm gonna take back my compliments.

[Michelle Obama]

This is. This is what I have to do.

[Keenan Thompson]

I love it.

[Michelle Obama]

Since she was 4.

[Keenan Thompson]

Remember that y' all love each other. Y' all. Remember y' all siblings. Take it back. Her compliments.

[Michelle Obama]

Hey, everybody. Craig Robinson here. And you guys have heard me talk a lot about how much I love staying in Airbnbs. Well, our family is planning a trip out to the west coast to visit our daughter. And we were thinking, man, it's going to be hard to roll up in her two bedroom apartment with six people. So we decided to get an Airbnb where we could all hang out comfortably. We'll have more bedrooms. We don't have to fight over bathrooms. There'll be a kitchen. We can cook out if we want. So my wife Kelly found the perfect place for us using Airbnb's guest favorites. We're staying close to my daughter's place, which means we can spend more time with her and easily get out into the city. We get a chance to tour la, take her to her favorite restaurant, drop by Universal, let the kids play around for a day. Or we could go by Griffith Observatory, which is the place I've always wanted to see. If you're starting to think about your next trip, check out Airbnb's guest favorites. Guest favorites are the most loved homes on Airbnb by other guests. This episode of IMO is brought to you by Cologuard, a non invasive colon cancer screening test. Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends that if you are at average risk, you should begin screening for colon cancer at age 45. There are an estimated 60 million adults aged 45 plus in America who are not up to date with their colon cancer screening. So we need to change that by spreading the word about another option. The Cologuard test can help you put your health first and feel more in control of your colon cancer screening process. This easy to use screening test is delivered right to your door and allows you to collect the sample comfortably at home on your own schedule. The sample is shipped back to the lab for testing and results are available within eight to 10 days. It's simple, but the best part about the Cologuard test is that it allows you to start screening for colon cancer without all the hassle of preparing for a colonoscopy so you don't have to prep the day before. And by prep, you know I mean fasting and drinking all that liquid. You get to skip the stress of having to request off work, go under anesthesia, get a ride home, and all the other hassles that come with an invasive procedure. And in addition to its convenience, Cologuard is also affordable. Most insured patients find they pay nothing out of pocket with zero downtime, no special preparation, and a screening test that's delivered right to your door. Let's start prioritizing our health. So if you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the Cologuard test. You can also request a Cologuard prescription [e-mail] podcast. The Cologuard test is intended to screen adults 45 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer. Do not use a Cologuard test if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for a colonoscopy in high risk patients. Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45 to 49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. False positives and false negatives can occur. Cologuard is available by prescription only. This episode of IMO is brought to you by Progressive Insurance who help people move forward and live fully. Owning a home can be one of the most powerful ways to build financial security, but for many, especially first generation buyers, it can feel out of reach. That's why I appreciate what Progressive is doing. In 2024, they contributed over $7 million to help individuals and families break the cycle of renting by providing support, offering educational resources and developing tools to build long term financial stability through home ownership. Their work goes beyond just insurance. They're opening doors through their newly created UP Payment program. Progressive Is helping first generation home buyers move closer to the dream of homeownership by offering eligible applicants a chance to receive a down payment assistance grant. You know, owning a home for me made me feel grounded and also set me up for the future. And as a coach, when your life is dependent on wins and losses, it's really important to have the comfort of a really nice home to come home to, especially for your family. Homeownership is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, and Progressive wants to help more. Any memorable favorite sketches that, like, when. When people ask you what's. What are some of your favorite sketches? Mine?

[Keenan Thompson]

Yes, absolutely. I mean, Scared Straight was my first love. Cause it was the first, like, idea that I had personally that made it on the show. And it still goes. I can't believe they picked it for the 50th. It was just a special hit. Eddie and Will Ferrell, like, crazy. So that was a very, very special moment because that was like the first thing that I loved and I had an idea about that actually was transferable to the show kind of thing. I had a lot of things before that that just made no sense or they were just a little too obvious or been done before. You know, there's a lot of, like, lineage there, especially as far as, like, black culture is concerned. Like, how many times can you do a person in an Afro? How many times can you do this? So figuring it out was, you know, it took me five years. Like, Scared Straight didn't come to my fifth season.

[Craig Robinson]

Wow.

[Keenan Thompson]

It took me a while. And then what's up with that? Of course, like, what's up with that? Family feuds, Black Jeopardy, you know, all the good black stuff.

[Craig Robinson]

You know, what's it like having your face in the world? I mean, how do you get about. How do you. How has it look? We live in a bubble. We were raised just like you. Me, more so I'm in a bubble. Me, my husband. That's not how we were raised. We believe in the same thing that, you know, it's a lot. Every time we moved up somewhere, we brought our community with us. A lot of it selfishly, because it's no fun being in the White House with no friends or to be there with people you didn't really know. They didn't come there with you. They didn't help you get there.

[Keenan Thompson]

Y' all ever think about changing a name?

[Craig Robinson]

Obama. What would you pick? Kenan? What do you think?

[Keenan Thompson]

Call it the Black House, man. Just for a little while. Just for a little while.

[Craig Robinson]

Just For a little while. Yeah, we did. Crossed our mind. It had. It hadn't. Yeah, that's.

[Keenan Thompson]

Cause y' all good.

[Craig Robinson]

You're right.

[Keenan Thompson]

You got nice people, good people.

[Craig Robinson]

Haven't thought about it. Yeah, but it's, you know, it changes the way you have to live, whether you like it or not. And I'm just wondering what have those changes. What have been the hardest changes for you, especially given.

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean, it's invasive, you know, it's invasive. And it's tougher for me when it's tough on other people that are around me that get affected kind of thing, you know, Like, I can. I'm, you know, I'm a man out here. I can handle, you know, whatever is coming my way, because I feel like I'm putting myself in those positions. But when people get it by default, necessarily just for, you know, being associated, you know, it's. You know, that's when it starts to bother me more so than anything because, like, I don't want to impede on other people. You know, I don't want to be a burden or, you know, cause strife, where strife wasn't necessarily there at first kind of thing. And it's terrible to be the cause of stress, you know. So that bothers me, especially, like, in public when people come up, you know, and, like, they want to take pictures, blah, blah, blah. Like, I'm usually cordial unless I'm with my little ones. And then I feel like that's their time. And that's the only time where I'm a little standoffish or whatever. But even when I see, like, it's, you know, bothering the intent of the day, like we're trying to go to a museum or whatever, then I'll just, like, ask for people not to do that because it's bothering someone else kind of thing. But for me, New York is good for that. You know, I can put my. My hat on and I can just walk and be amongst the millions. You know what I mean? Some people recognize and, you know, they say, what's up? You know, the real ones shout out to all the FedEx delivery dudes, you know. But, you know, people like that that are, you know, just feet on the ground, they'll see you and they'll say, what's up? But I've never been one of those people that people need to flock towards and start, like, pulling at necessarily. Like, a lot of people just say, hey, and keep it moving. Or they said, thank you. Or like, we love you. My family loves you, you know, and they'll keep it moving. But there are other places where, you know, it gets excessive. Like, you know, certain settings, like Disney World is a setting where families are in the mode to, like, do for their children. So they want to get pictured. They want to do, you know, they want to introduce. You know, they're just. They don't care about boundaries at that point. You're like, you here, like, we meeting Mickey Mouse, you know, Right.

[Craig Robinson]

My baby's getting a picture with Mickey Mouse.

[Keenan Thompson]

It's just better to just embrace it in those moments, you know, as opposed to trying to be like, let us have our space. Because then I start feeling bad. Like, I usually walk away from awkward encounters. And I think I live with it more than they do almost. You know what I mean? Because I think people just, you know, go about their daily lives, but I'm always just like, man, are they gonna hate me for.

[Craig Robinson]

Right. Did I want somebody's vacation?

[Keenan Thompson]

Some days you just not in the mood, you know, you're just not in the mood to be famous kind of thing. I just have too much going on to, like, smile through it kind of stuff. And I just need to process sometimes. And if you've run into me on those days, I'm sorry, you know what I'm saying? But it happens.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

And if you allow yourself those days, it's not that hard to, like, pull the rubber band back the other direction and just, like, take a deep breath.

[Craig Robinson]

You can do this, you know what I mean?

[Keenan Thompson]

And just, let's attack the day. And then, you know, when you are ready and people don't notice, that's when it's like, oh, see, you know what I'm saying? Like, when you, like, you want somebody to say, like, nice outfit. Ain't nobody paying attention to you, you know, so be grateful.

[Michelle Obama]

We were talking about. And with some of the crew, we were talking about how this business just chews up and spits out people in general, but particularly young people who start young. And you've been able to sort of dodge those minefields, but now we're sitting here talking to you, it makes perfect sense. Like, you have a way about you that you were raised right and continue to live right. So you just stay out of trouble.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, I mean, you know, trouble gonna find you if you stay out. If you stay looking for it, trouble gonna come your way. Yeah, no, I mean, I'm relaxed. You know, I'm 47 at this point, so I ain't really, like, out there just running around wild, looking for chaos. Like, I was When I was in my proving years of being 19 and 20 and feeling invincible kind of thing, I would much rather Netflix and chill than, you know, turn all the way up. But turning up is fun as well, you know? But I have a good balance now, you know what I'm saying? I understand what I gotta do the next day. I gotta check my calendars before I go out. Now I usually just go running out the door whenever it was time kind of thing, but now it's like, oh, man, I got that zoom. 10:30 is gonna be.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, but it's always a zoom. It's like, you better have some sleep, some water, hydrate.

[Keenan Thompson]

At least. I can just be in my shirt for the zoom. But I gotta be in my shirt. I gotta actually show up.

[Craig Robinson]

What is turn up, Keenan? Like.

[Keenan Thompson]

Like anybody that grew up in Atlanta, I don't know, you standing on top.

[Craig Robinson]

Of table, you know, trying to figure it out.

[Keenan Thompson]

There's sparkles everywhere. Pop. You know, we're standing on top of. And there's thousands of us. You know what I mean? Like, that's just how it is. Like, I grew up in the hip hop, so, yeah, it's hip hop culture, basically. And just in Atlanta, there was a whole lot of standing around, I guess, because it was probably dangerous to just be one of those people that gets, like, noticed necessarily. You become a target or whatever. So mostly holding the wall, which means just standing on the wall and kind of like, you know, people watching, basically kind of stuff. I'm not a big dancer necessarily.

[Craig Robinson]

You're not?

[Keenan Thompson]

I dance in place.

[Craig Robinson]

You got. You got, like, one move.

[Keenan Thompson]

I got a few.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay.

[Keenan Thompson]

But it's in place. It's not like I need to clear the dance floor.

[Craig Robinson]

And shoulders just, you know, got more in the shoulders.

[Keenan Thompson]

And, like, there's one. One hip dip.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay.

[Keenan Thompson]

There's a hip dip.

[Craig Robinson]

You got one hip dip in there.

[Keenan Thompson]

There's a hip dip in there.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, when you come to the venue, we're gonna have to see your hip dip.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

I mean, I'll show it. Like, it's just special occasions, but, like, in the club, you know, Bring it out. Yeah, yeah. Usually it's not enough space to even, like, do all of that. Everybody's like, what are you doing?

[Craig Robinson]

Have you gotten to the point where, like, I don't want to stand. Like, I can't.

[Keenan Thompson]

You don't stand no more.

[Michelle Obama]

You don't stand.

[Keenan Thompson]

You just sit down in the club. You sit down in the club.

[Craig Robinson]

I don't go to the club if I have to stand and the notion of watching a concert standing up.

[Keenan Thompson]

Oh, you sit down at the concerts.

[Craig Robinson]

I have to. I'm 61. I need.

[Keenan Thompson]

Let her sit down.

[Craig Robinson]

That's what I feel like getting. I still. I have less enjoyment. Here's an imo.

[Keenan Thompson]

Less enjoyment. That's less enjoyment.

[Craig Robinson]

Here's an imo.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yep.

[Craig Robinson]

No one should stand up through an entire concert. In my opinion, everyone should sit down.

[Keenan Thompson]

Sit back, and then get up for the moment. Yeah.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

But some people stand up the whole time.

[Craig Robinson]

And now it's like, oh, no, now I gotta stand up, too.

[Keenan Thompson]

And I was about to say, what do you do when people stand up in front of you? Do you just continue to sit or do you ask them to sit down? You have to stand up.

[Craig Robinson]

Sit down. You have to stand up. And then I want to see. So now I can. But I will have a period of trying to sit. There will be a period where I'm going to try and sit. I'm going to see if I can just encourage everyone. If you notice how I'm sitting, can we all just go back to doing this?

[Keenan Thompson]

Does it work?

[Craig Robinson]

No, it doesn't. And then I have to get up. Come on.

[Michelle Obama]

But we.

[Craig Robinson]

Are you. Are you at that stage yet?

[Keenan Thompson]

I do enjoy sitting through most of it, but, like, I think everything should have levels, you know, so, like, I'm not just gonna stand the whole time. And I'm also worried that people can see. Like, I'm very conscious of that. A lot of people ain't got so bothers. I'm trying to be. He's a tourist, which is what bothers me so much about, like, traffic. I'd be going crazy in traffic because people can be so inconsiderate. They can, you know, and, like, when people standing around, I get it.

[Craig Robinson]

It's a sporting thing.

[Keenan Thompson]

But, like, you know, Come on. Come on. So does it take you forever to get everywhere or does it. Is it pretty quick in New York?

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, I mean, it doesn't make sense to have a motorcade in New York. I know it sounds. That's a crazy statement. It's almost never thought I'd make it, but. No, it's really. That's what makes New York not so much fun, because, you know, you're watching people walk faster than you. It's like, I saw him.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

Like, he left two hours before and.

[Keenan Thompson]

Beat us there on the bikes.

[Craig Robinson]

That's right.

[Keenan Thompson]

We go everywhere.

[Craig Robinson]

Oh, you ride in New York? You ride your bike in New York. You, Keenan, are on a bike in New York.

[Michelle Obama]

That sounds a Little dangerous.

[Craig Robinson]

One of those electric bikes. Are you pedaling like a human being?

[Keenan Thompson]

Sometimes, but I have my own bike. Yes. And we cycle, but we. Like, there's the bike path.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

I'm like, I did the thing through the streets and actually, like, hit somebody and broke my arm years ago.

[Craig Robinson]

You did?

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah. Which is actually. You waited to hit a car.

[Craig Robinson]

Tell us about this.

[Keenan Thompson]

So it was like, I had a lunch that was like, a few blocks away from the studio. So I was like, oh, so you.

[Craig Robinson]

Were a grown person.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, yeah. This was with a job, not too long. This was when the Orange man hosted last, I think.

[Craig Robinson]

Oh, yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

So it was that week. It was like a Tuesday. So, like, I was like, you know, we gotta make our own schedule kind of on Tuesday. Cause our writing deadline is Wednesday morning. So, like, that all day. So then I go to a little lunch, and then I'll go to work. And the lunch was like, nine blocks, four or five avenues. I was like, I'll grab a bike, take a bike riding on one of the streets. So in New York, you know, there's not a lot of space when you're on the streets. On the avenues is different, but on the streets, it's like parking. Parking traffic. So there really ain't no space to.

[Craig Robinson]

Just be parking in and out.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

I watched that from my motorcade and think, this looks dangerous.

[Keenan Thompson]

So I'm just, like, riding down in between, you know, traffic and parked cars or whatever. And of course, this guy just came flopping up out of nowhere. And then I hit him with, you know, one of the handlebars. Like, I didn't, like, crash and flip over necessarily, but I hit him enough to make me fall down. And then, like, I was like, ah, man, you know, that hurt. Whatever. But I could still move my arms. I was like, all right, I'll just.

[Craig Robinson]

Get back on my bike.

[Keenan Thompson]

It was a little numb, but, you know, at the time, you know, as the blood started feeling like that pain started setting in. And like 15ish, 20ish minutes later, I was at my desk kind of. So I made it to work, but, like, then I started, like, not being able to move my arm. And, like, I remember that feeling. Cause I had broke this arm when I was a kid. I broke my wrist, but this was, like, my elbow. And I was like, and you old and I'm older.

[Craig Robinson]

It's an old elbow.

[Keenan Thompson]

And we got a show to do. Oh, you know, like, it's a Tuesday.

[Michelle Obama]

This episode of IMO is brought to you in part by Acorns you know, one of the most valuable pieces of money advice I've ever gotten is that financial wellness isn't about how much you make, it's about making the most of what you have. That's something I've carried with me from my time on Wall street to today. And that's why I love Acorns. Acorns is a financial wellness app that makes it easy to start saving and investing for your future. You don't need to be rich. Acorns lets you get started with the spare money you've got right now. Even if all you've got is spare change, you don't need to be an expert. Acorns recommends a diversified portfolio that can help you weather all the market's ups and downs. You just need to stick with it, and Acorns makes that easy. Acorns automatically invest your money, giving it a chance to grow with time. The best advice I've gotten was from my father and that was to pay yourself first. So sign up now and join over 14 million all time customers who have already saved and invested $25 billion with Acorns. Plus, Acorns will boost your new account with a $20 bonus investment offer only available at acorns.com imo that's a C O R-N-S.com imo to get your $20 bonus investment today from Acorns. Mighty Oaks do grow. Investing doesn't have to be complicated. Acorns makes it easy to invest for your future, plan for tomorrow and spend smarter today. Paid non client endorsement compensation provides incentive to positively promote Acorns Investing involves risk. Acorns Advisor LLC and SCC registered investment advisor. View important [e-mail] IMO hey gang, Craig Robinson here talking about Amazon today has absolutely everything for everyone on your list. And with their early holiday deals, you can get a head start no matter who you're shopping for. And let me tell you, I am going to be completely honest with you. I'm the guy who waits until the last minute, but it's because I've been shopping for these people my whole lives. But with Amazon's early holiday deals, that means I can shop for everybody right now. I mean, I mean my kids, they seem to be growing out of their clothes. They want the latest video games. I can get it on Amazon. My older kids could use stuff for their respective homes. I can get it on Amazon. My wife, my sister, the hardest people for me to shop for. But hey, don't worry, I don't have to guess. Amazon's got deals on everything. Electronics, toys, fashions, home goods, you name it. So whether it's your mom you're shopping for or your co worker or that neighbor down the street who always shows up with a nice gift for you, you're covered. And listen, shopping early means I'm done before all of the holiday chaos even starts. Which, if you ask me, is the best gift of all to myself. So everything for everyone on your list. Amazon's got it. Shop Amazon early holiday deals now. You'll save big. We here at IMO are big believers that people never stop growing, that we're all in a state of continual becoming. So much so that Michelle even wrote a book about it. Because you are not one thing. You are all the things constantly growing and changing into the next version of you. And every day and in every stage of your life, you're only getting stronger, bolder, more confident than you were yesterday. That's why Desert tone diamonds are the perfect way of celebrating all that you are and all that you are still becoming. They come in a range of unique, unexpected colors. Colors that reflect your unique and unexpected journey. Warm whites, pale champagnes, deep ambers, smoky whiskey. Natural colors that are truly unlike anything else. Just like you. So this holiday season, discover desert diamonds and gift yourself something as unique as you are and a reminder that you have so much ahead. And that's why a diamond is forever. Visit a diamondisforever.com to learn more. You're perfect for our listener question.

[Keenan Thompson]

Oh, yeah?

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

What is it?

[Michelle Obama]

It's about parenting.

[Keenan Thompson]

Okay.

[Michelle Obama]

And are you ready for a listener question? All right, so Julia, our producer, is gonna read the question.

[Keenan Thompson]

Okay.

[Michelle Obama]

Julia comes from Sandy from New Jersey.

[Julia (Producer)]

I'm Michelle and Craig. I have a 12 year old daughter who's obsessed with YouTube. We try to limit her screen time, especially as she's reaching those vulnerable preteen years and teen years. But one thing she will not let go of is her desire to be an influencer. It's weird for me because it feels like she wants to be famous for famous sake. I'm hopeful that this is a childhood thing, like me wanting to be an astronaut or a TV star as a kid. But still, I'd want her to follow her own intellectual interests or think about how she wants to be an impactful person. How do I talk to my daughter about this? Why do you think so many people wanna be famous? And what would you tell a kid about what it's really like? Sandy in New Jersey.

[Keenan Thompson]

Wow. Thank you. Sandy in New Jersey.

[Michelle Obama]

Yes.

[Keenan Thompson]

See what I mean, absolutely. Yeah, I'm very familiar with fame wanted or unwanted because I didn't get into this for fame. I got into it because I enjoy performing and I definitely wanted to be successful, but I didn't really understand what being famous really meant, you know, and it took a while for me to, like, navigate, you know, what that is based on, you know, being a person, you know, growing, you know, going through people, whatever you're going through. You also have to be, you know, somewhat, you know, courteous to your fans, you know what I mean? Regardless of whether you're embracing that. That day or not kind of thing. And it would have been nice to have had someone, like, instruct me in those kinds of ways. It was kind of something I had to figure out on my own, like, how to deal with the fact that I can't go to Chuck E. Cheese like that anymore kind of thing, without being prepared to do this, you know what I mean? Or whatever. It would have been nice to have had a fame manual or something like that. But it does have its upsides. Fame can launch you into your profession early. It can be financially beneficial. So if you use it, you know, for the betterment of things, then, yeah, it has its perks, but it's also very fleeing, you know what I mean? So if you're attached to being famous, then that's the most heartbreaking thing. When you go to a mall and nobody notices or cares, you know? Cause at some point you're gonna get aged out. You're just gonna not be like. You're not gonna treat Leave it to Beaver like the classic it was because it's not your time. And I would say she's right for being concerned about her daughter just wanting to be famous. Because if that's the goal, then it probably won't last long. And a lot of these, like, influencer people or whatever usually come and go pretty quickly from what I've been noticing. So I would focus on, like, what's the passion behind all that pursuit? You know, the passion is something that's good for the world. I can get behind that, you know, because TikTok is giving us a lot of information, you know what I mean? So it can be a good tool.

[Michelle Obama]

You know, it's really interesting that the term fame for fame's sake, we didn't grow up with that phrasing, right? Those words were around, but that phrasing, fame for fame's sake. And. And it feels more like to me that these young folks are willing to be famous at any cost. Or at any expense. And that feels very unhealthy. It's like, it's so important to be famous that they're willing to, how they used to say in the old days, sell their souls to the devil. Right. And I want to make sure that we let Sandy know that there's a discussion that should be had with your daughter about, you know, being famous is okay and being not famous is okay, but you shouldn't be at a cost. That's detrimental.

[Keenan Thompson]

It's burdensome, you know, And I don't think people realize, like, what a burden it can really be. Like, yes, it's nice to, like, go to a restaurant without a reservation or whatever, you know, but at the same time, if you look at most of the famous people in this world, a lot of them haven't done well with that side of it, you know what I mean? A lot of people just want to be able to go to the gas station, you know what I mean? Or go to the grocery store without having to put on brand new Nikes or whatever, just because they're a rapper. So it's not anything to necessarily play with. And I feel like they play with it a lot on social media, you know what I mean? Like, how much cash can I show or how much, you know, this challenge or that challenge, you know what I'm saying? Is that gonna, like, get my likes up for this, you know, let me take a selfie in a dangerous position, you know, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But I think artists and creativity, you know what I mean, is a good thing.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, Yeah. I always say there's no way for a young people, a young person to understand the value of anonymity. You know, I think the thing that I miss most in life is just the ability to be in the world unobserved. You know, there's just a beauty. To be able to sit on a sidewalk cafe with a cup of coffee.

[Keenan Thompson]

But as a tall person, when was the last time you was able to just go anywhere?

[Michelle Obama]

And it's Keenan, thank you. Because that is. Go ahead, finish your point.

[Craig Robinson]

True. But the point is, is that it's uncomfortable, whether it's because you're famous or tall or distinguishable, to miss out on blending in in the world and just being able to watch it. Right. I mean, that's a pretty complex concept to try to articulate to a young person. Right. That there's value in that.

[Keenan Thompson]

Anyone? Because it's such a dichotomy. Ooh, we getting deep with the word.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

It's such A like double edged sword because the grass is always greener. Like the people that are blending in are figuring out how to stand out.

[Craig Robinson]

That's right.

[Keenan Thompson]

So it's like, what do you do with what the hand you play, the hand you're dealt.

[Craig Robinson]

But I think the point you make about what I would say to Sandy, I would echo what you said. Keep your child focused on the passion. And if there's a real passion there, you know, then encourage it. I mean, there's some people who look at some child stars that are getting famous or their parents are encouraging it and they're like, ooh, what's going on? What are they trying to do? Well, you know, you don't know that child.

[Keenan Thompson]

Right.

[Craig Robinson]

You know, they may have. And there are kids out there who have such a deep, deep yearning to make music or to perform that it's really not the parent, it is the child's passion that's speaking. And that can show up at 4 and 5 and 7 and 12. And so it's hard to judge a parent that says, I'm just trying to let my kid explore the thing, the gift that they were given, that's a different thing. And now parenting with that gift, that's an art form 100%. You gotta help them learn how to protect themselves as they invest in the gift. Which means that mom and dad and everybody around them can't want it more than they do. And that would be something I would want to make sure that Sandy is clear on is like when it's your kid, you have to be even more clear headed about their wants when they're, you know, especially when they're entering into dicey territory of fame or social media exposure because, you know, is it you that wants it? You know, are you really looking for their passion or have you as a parent fought and pray to the fame and the money and the, you know.

[Keenan Thompson]

And we grow, you know, we grow especially kids. Like kids might like soccer today and hate it the next day, you know, so we as adults know you gotta give yourself space to grow and like continue to grow and become your best version of yourself. But if you don't allow that for a child and then you add fame on top of it, it's a pretty toxic mix more than likely. And I think that common denominator of the ones that have been able to navigate it is family. It is parents that are like behind you and focused. Not necessarily pushing you past your boundaries necessarily, but encouraging. Yes. And like you said, it can't just be for them. It can't be like, you know, the crazy momagers papagers or whatever that's out there, that just want to be living vicariously kind of thing, you know?

[Craig Robinson]

So what if your kid said, dad, I want to be like you, I want to be in it.

[Keenan Thompson]

That little. Can we bring my daughter in here? That little one, she wants to be on, and she gonna be mad if she doesn't get a chance to come in here.

[Craig Robinson]

She can come in here.

[Keenan Thompson]

Can we get my little. Like, my two little girls?

[Craig Robinson]

Bring them in.

[Keenan Thompson]

They'll take a minute to walk down the hallway. She's a ham, and her sister's a ham, too. Like, they both. They get silly and they have their moments and they want, you know, to be on stuff. We did a. A Nintendo commercial together.

[Craig Robinson]

Oh, really?

[Keenan Thompson]

It was the greatest day of my life because they had their own trailer. You know what I mean? And, like, they just had their own little world. And we worked together for hours and hours and hours, and they were so focused. And my big girl was like, she focuses hard on things. She wants to get everything right, you know, Firstborn kids, I think, have a lot of mental responsibility on their minds. So watching her, you know what I mean? Like, take direction and, like, take it really serious, I'm like, I could have cried all day, you know, it was so sweet. And yeah, that little one, she just, you know, she wants to be a star. She sings, you know, and, like, she likes attention. So we are watching her, right? You know what I mean? Because, yeah, we want her to, like, understand the difference, you know, There's a difference between enjoying attention and just wanting to be famous kind of thing. You know what I mean? And, like, I think enjoying attention can be easily massaged into performance and becoming an artist and stuff like that. When it's like you just want famous. I feel like you're leaving the arts out a little bit, you know, which is sadder. You know, It's a little sadder.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

And there they go.

[Craig Robinson]

Say hi.

[Keenan Thompson]

You say hi.

[Michelle Obama]

Nice to meet you. How are you?

[Keenan Thompson]

You gotta go say hi.

[Michelle Obama]

How are you? I'm Craig.

[Craig Robinson]

Nice to meet you. Oh, what a young lady. Hi, Georgia. I'm Michelle. How are you, sweetie?

[Keenan Thompson]

Good. How are you?

[Craig Robinson]

Good.

[Keenan Thompson]

Come on over here.

[Craig Robinson]

Here. You can. I know you're big, but you can sit here so that we can see.

[Keenan Thompson]

You in the camera sitting in the big seat.

[Craig Robinson]

Yes. What grade are you in? Fifth. Fifth? That's a serious grade. Are you going into fifth or did you finish fifth grade? Finish. So you're a Sixth grader.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

All right, big girl.

[Keenan Thompson]

All right, sweetheart. And, Gianna, how about you?

[Michelle Obama]

What grade are you going in?

[Craig Robinson]

I'm going to second grade. Wow. Wow. Well, it has been really fun to have your dad on our podcast. He's kind of a cool guy. Do you think? Well, what do you think of your dad? He's a cool guy, you know, Good.

[Keenan Thompson]

What do you think? I think cool guy. Cool guy.

[Craig Robinson]

And this is my brother. So one of the things your dad told us that he wants to make sure you guys always know is that you guys have each other forever. And sometimes you may fight, and as the big sister, sometimes she may get on your nerves. And your big sister may act like she knows everything, and that's annoying. But in the end, you guys really do just have each other. I have two girls, too, and they used to fight when they were your age, but guess what? They're best friends now. See, they live together. And so that can happen when you're.

[Keenan Thompson]

That's the coolest.

[Craig Robinson]

May not be something you can even envision right now, but. But staying close and taking care of each other as sisters, that's important.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yes, it is.

[Craig Robinson]

Because then you can be like me and my brother, that we love each other so much. We can do a whole show together. We can work.

[Keenan Thompson]

See? How about that?

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah.

[Keenan Thompson]

How many episodes now?

[Craig Robinson]

20 episodes.

[Keenan Thompson]

You see that? They've done 20 shows already.

[Craig Robinson]

And you're the first kids we've had on.

[Keenan Thompson]

All right. Go find your mommy.

[Craig Robinson]

All right. All right.

[Keenan Thompson]

I love you both.

[Craig Robinson]

It was great to meet you.

[Michelle Obama]

Nice to meet you. All right. See you. Bye. But we'll see you out there.

[Craig Robinson]

All right. Wow. They're gorgeous.

[Keenan Thompson]

Thank you for indulging me.

[Craig Robinson]

Oh, my gosh.

[Keenan Thompson]

And my babies.

[Craig Robinson]

They're the first.

[Michelle Obama]

They're the first kids. Our kids haven't even been on the streets.

[Craig Robinson]

See, that's what happened, man. Maybe you'll be. You'll get rid of us. You'll stop talking about us.

[Keenan Thompson]

I love it.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, yeah. No wonder you're putty. Yeah. You don't have a chance.

[Keenan Thompson]

Nope. You're done shining up these knuckles.

[Michelle Obama]

Yeah. You gonna have to get the uncles ready.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yeah, 100%. They on that. They really like. Yeah. Maybe when you let me know you.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, Keenan, it has been just a delight to sit here.

[Keenan Thompson]

I'm sad that it hasn't come to.

[Michelle Obama]

A close with you.

[Craig Robinson]

Well, it doesn't come to the. Yeah, okay. All right. But so proud of the man you are. You know, not just your accomplishments, but you are a good Man, I tried, man. Kind man.

[Keenan Thompson]

Thank you. Yes.

[Craig Robinson]

You were clearly brought up with your manners.

[Keenan Thompson]

Yes, I was. So I got my manners. You've got your manners all day long.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah. Well, thank you. It has been a pleasure.

[Michelle Obama]

Such a pleasure.

[Keenan Thompson]

We'll do part two soon.

[Craig Robinson]

We will do part two.

[Keenan Thompson]

Oh, what am I gonna wear for part two? Oh.

[Nora McInerney]

Hi, Michelle and Craig. It's Nora McInerney. I'm the host of a podcast called.

[Michelle Obama]

Thank you.

[Nora McInerney]

Thanks for asking. It's a call in show where I just let people talk about how they're really doing. And a lot of my listeners, myself included, are burned out, recovering girl bosses. I personally took some major steps back after eight to 10 years, who's counting of just non stop go. And as a result, my life is more manageable because I stopped doing things that were not. Not paying me financially or emotionally. And yet, and yet, and yet I have a sense of, oh, no, am I a loser. Whenever I see peers, colleagues, friends, enemies doing things that I know I could do, it's almost like I am addicted to stress. And I know a lot of people probably feel the same way. Can you please give us some advice and. Or a pep talk? I'm begging you.

[Michelle Obama]

Well, thanks, Nora. It's Craig Robinson here and it's great to be on your show. And.

[Craig Robinson]

And it's Michelle Obama, his little sister.

[Michelle Obama]

She decided to join us too. I think I'll go first and I will just say, first and foremost, you're not a loser. So pep talk number one, you're not a loser. Some of the stress relievers that I have gone to, in a pinch, when I'm feeling like I am burnt out or I need some time away, my first go to would be exercise or something physical. Whether that's walking or working out or taking my kids to do a workout with them. So sort of coaching them, that that relieves my stress level.

[Craig Robinson]

And one of the things that I do is that I try to plan the things that are stress free for me, putting those kind of things on my schedule. Because, you know, Craig, you can talk about going for a walk or watching TV or getting a workout in, but if you're always working and you haven't planned it, you look up, your day is over, and you have not not schedule time for yourself. So I've learned over the years that I have to put the things that give me joy, that give me a sense of release, I have to put that stuff on my calendar before I put work on my calendar. So if that's going to the gym, getting a workout in. If it's spending time with my family, if it's taking time to watch the do, do the Netflix and chill, it might be helpful for you, Nora, to schedule that. Like you schedule all the work that you're doing that keeps you so stressed. Put yourself on your calendar first. Thanks again, Nora, for your great question.

[Michelle Obama]

You can hear Nora help her listeners with their dilemmas on her podcast. Thanks for asking. Available now, wherever you get your podcasts.