Barack and Michelle Obama are producing a podcast for Spotify.
The former President of the United States and First Lady’s production company, Higher Ground, has announced a multi-year partnership with the streaming company.
The couple will “develop, produce, and lend their voices” to multiple podcasts.
“Podcasts offer an extraordinary opportunity to foster productive dialogue, make people smile and make people think, and, hopefully, bring us all a little closer together,” Barack Obama said in the statement.
Michelle Obama added that the podcasts will “amplify voices that are too often ignored or silenced altogether”. There were no specific details regarding what content the podcasts will contain.
1/10 On the key to a successful marriage
“In our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.”
On Live with Regis and Kelly in February 2011.
Getty Images
2/10 On not underestimating yourself
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
In a speech to schoolgirls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London in April 2009.
Getty Images
3/10 On inspiring young people
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid. You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered… Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.”
In her final White House address in January 2017.
Getty Images
4/10 On double standards regarding parenting
“When a father puts in long hours at work, he’s praised for being dedicated and ambitious. But when a mother stays late at the office, she’s sometimes accused of being selfish, neglecting her kids.”
At the “Let Girls Learn Event” in Madrid, Spain in June 2016.
Getty Images
5/10 On the importance of diversity in film and TV
“For so many people, television and movies may be the only way they understand people who aren’t like them… I come across many little black girls who come up to me over the course of this 7½ years with tears in their eyes, and they say: ‘Thank you for being a role model for me. I don’t see educated black women on TV, and the fact that you’re first lady validates who I am.’”
In an interview with Variety in August 2016.
AFP/Getty Images
6/10 On maintaining hopeful following the election of Donald Trump
“See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?”
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in December 2016.
Getty Images
7/10 On motherhood
“My most important title is ‘mom-in-chief’. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world.”
At the Democratic National Convention in September 2012.
AFP/Getty Images
8/10 On championing women’s education
“Men in every country need to look into their hearts and souls and ask themselves whether they truly view and treat women as their equals. And then when you all encounter men in your lives who answer no to that question, then you need to take them to task. You need to tell them that any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country.”
In a speech at the summit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, July 2014.
Getty Images
9/10 On dealing with bullies
“When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high.”
At the Democratic convention, July 2016.
Getty Images
10/10 On the meaning of success
“Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being inspired.”
In a speech at the Oregon State University commencement, June 2012.
Getty Images
1/10 On the key to a successful marriage
“In our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.”
On Live with Regis and Kelly in February 2011.
Getty Images
2/10 On not underestimating yourself
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
In a speech to schoolgirls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London in April 2009.
Getty Images
3/10 On inspiring young people
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid. You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered… Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.”
In her final White House address in January 2017.
Getty Images
4/10 On double standards regarding parenting
“When a father puts in long hours at work, he’s praised for being dedicated and ambitious. But when a mother stays late at the office, she’s sometimes accused of being selfish, neglecting her kids.”
At the “Let Girls Learn Event” in Madrid, Spain in June 2016.
Getty Images
5/10 On the importance of diversity in film and TV
“For so many people, television and movies may be the only way they understand people who aren’t like them… I come across many little black girls who come up to me over the course of this 7½ years with tears in their eyes, and they say: ‘Thank you for being a role model for me. I don’t see educated black women on TV, and the fact that you’re first lady validates who I am.’”
In an interview with Variety in August 2016.
AFP/Getty Images
6/10 On maintaining hopeful following the election of Donald Trump
“See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?”
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in December 2016.
Getty Images
7/10 On motherhood
“My most important title is ‘mom-in-chief’. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world.”
At the Democratic National Convention in September 2012.
AFP/Getty Images
8/10 On championing women’s education
“Men in every country need to look into their hearts and souls and ask themselves whether they truly view and treat women as their equals. And then when you all encounter men in your lives who answer no to that question, then you need to take them to task. You need to tell them that any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country.”
In a speech at the summit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, July 2014.
Getty Images
9/10 On dealing with bullies
“When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high.”
At the Democratic convention, July 2016.
Getty Images
10/10 On the meaning of success
“Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being inspired.”
In a speech at the Oregon State University commencement, June 2012.
Getty Images
The Obamas launched Higher Ground last year, initially announcing a partnership with Netflix to produce films, television shows and documentaries.
On their Netflix collaboration, Barack Obama said: “One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience.
“That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix — we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”
