Exciting news to start the morning: the Michelle Obama podcast is officially coming to Spotify, by Spotify and Higher Ground Productions, the production company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama (opens in new tab), This is the first project to be released in a multi-series, multi-year partnership.

The "Michelle Obama Podcast" will be available for free on Spotify on July 29, 2020 and, according to a Spotify press release, will "bring listeners the former First Lady's most candid and personal conversations, allowing us to be vulnerable ourselves, open up, and most importantly show us what is possible when we focus on what is most important". The former first lady is expected to talk about everything from pandemics to racism, hoping to spark important conversations with loved ones.

"I hope this series will be a place where we can explore meaningful topics together and sort through the many questions we are trying to answer in our own lives," Mrs. Obama said in the same press release. Perhaps most importantly, the podcast will be a catalyst for new and difficult conversations with the people who matter most to our listeners." In doing so, we can build more understanding and empathy with one another."

Guests on this podcast include friends, family, and colleagues such as Marian and Craig Robinson, Conan O'Brien, Valerie Jarrett, Michelle Norris, and Sharon Malone, MD. Mrs. Obama's podcast introduction can be heard here (opens in a new tab) or directly below.

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

Click here to register (opens in new tab)