Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Michelle Obama Doesn't Regret Saying 'No'

Episode Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Rachel Martin
Guest: Former First Lady Michelle Obama

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin, Michelle Obama joins host Rachel Martin to delve into life's profound questions using a unique deck of cards. Unlike typical interview podcasts, Wild Card encourages guests to explore uncharted topics, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into their personal experiences and philosophies.

Memory Round

Question: Where would you go when you wanted to feel safe as a kid?
Timestamp: [01:53]

Michelle Obama reminisces about her childhood home on 7436 South Euclid, emphasizing the sanctuary it provided amidst the challenges of growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Chicago. She fondly recalls her parents, Marian and Fraser Robinson, as pillars of safety and love:

“Safety was our little house on 7436 South Euclid... I could always come back home.”
— Michelle Obama [01:59]

Rachel Martin probes deeper into the uniqueness of her upbringing, highlighting that not everyone has a secure home environment. Michelle acknowledges her parents' intentional efforts to instill emotional empathy and resilience in their children, preparing them to navigate a world that often undervalues them:

“My mom would always say, I love you. You're special, but you're not singular.”
— Michelle Obama [04:42]

Question: What's a piece of advice you were smart to ignore?
Timestamp: [04:43]

Michelle shares a pivotal moment from her high school years when a college counselor discouraged her from applying to Princeton:

“She told me, I don't think you're Princeton material.”
— Michelle Obama [05:06]

Initially furious, Michelle used this setback as motivation to prove doubters wrong, ultimately gaining acceptance into the institution and reinforcing the importance of self-belief over external validation.

Discussing Her Podcast: IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

Timestamp: [09:54] - [16:33]

Rachel Martin steers the conversation towards Michelle's new podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, exploring its inception and purpose. Michelle explains that the podcast emerged as a way to honor her late mother and step into a role of wisdom alongside her brother, Craig:

“Once my mom passed... there was something to carry on the tradition of family.”
— Michelle Obama [14:11]

She emphasizes the personal and authentic nature of the podcast, distancing herself from her previous political life to engage in meaningful dialogues that resonate with listeners seeking genuine insights.

Round Two: Beliefs and Ambition

Question: How comfortable are you with change?
Timestamp: [17:36]

Michelle reflects on her adaptability, crediting her husband, Barack Obama, for fostering her comfort with change:

“I married a man that got me real comfortable with change... so I am now very comfortable with change.”
— Michelle Obama [17:41]

She discusses the significant shifts brought about by Barack's political career, highlighting the challenges of uprooting her family's stability to embrace the uncertainties of public life.

Question: Has ambition ever led you astray?
Timestamp: [20:26]

Michelle candidly explores her relationship with ambition, distinguishing between team ambition with Barack and her personal ambitions as she enters a new phase of life:

“I think I'm now at a stage in my life where all my choices are mine... right now, I have not regretted it.”
— Michelle Obama [22:17]

She acknowledges the sacrifices made to balance personal aspirations with family responsibilities and expresses a renewed commitment to embracing her own ambitions independently.

Addressing Despair and Finding Hope

Question: What's your best defense against despair?
Timestamp: [33:26]

Michelle shares her profound connection with youth as a source of hope and resilience against despair:

“Being around kids gives me hope... When you despair, you stop acting.”
— Michelle Obama [33:26]

She recounts her experiences making surprise visits to high schools, emphasizing the transformative power of genuine interactions with young people. Michelle highlights the importance of taking action, whether through community engagement or personal endeavors, as a means to combat feelings of hopelessness.

Rachel adds her perspective on managing despair by focusing on the immediate, tangible aspects of her environment, promoting the "power of small" actions:

“The power of small... If everybody just exercised their full small power, the butterfly effect...”
— Michelle Obama [39:06]

Together, they underscore the significance of individual contributions in fostering a supportive and proactive community.

Memory Time Machine

Final Question: If you could revisit one moment in your past without changing anything, what would it be?
Timestamp: [40:36]

Michelle chooses a cherished memory from her childhood:

“One of the nights after dinner when my dad agrees to play a game... everything is right and safe back in that safe place on 74th and Euclid.”
— Michelle Obama [41:07]

She describes the warmth and security of family gatherings filled with games, laughter, and music, highlighting the profound impact of those moments on her sense of belonging and safety.

Conclusion

Rachel Martin wraps up the episode by celebrating Michelle Obama's new podcast and encouraging listeners to tune in for more heartfelt conversations. The episode offers a deep dive into Michelle's personal journey, her reflections on ambition, change, and coping with despair, all while sharing timeless memories that shaped her.

Notable Quotes:

• “Safety was our little house on 7436 South Euclid... I could always come back home.”
  — Michelle Obama [01:59]

• “She told me, I don't think you're Princeton material.”
  — Michelle Obama [05:06]

• “I think I'm now at a stage in my life where all my choices are mine... right now, I have not regretted it.”
  — Michelle Obama [22:17]

• “Being around kids gives me hope... When you despair, you stop acting.”
  — Michelle Obama [33:26]

• “One of the nights after dinner when my dad agrees to play a game... everything is right and safe back in that safe place on 74th and Euclid.”
  — Michelle Obama [41:07]

Production Credits:
Produced by Lee Hale, Edited by Dave Blanchard, Mastered by Robert Rodriguez
Executive Producer: Yolanda Sangweni
Theme Music: Ramtin Arablouei
Visuals: Filmed by NPR's visuals team

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