Scroll down

Can you remember the first time you felt truly in charge of your own decisions?

What’s one thing you picked up from your family that you wish you could unlearn?

In this heartfelt episode, Jay Shetty sits down with former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, coach and mentor Craig Robinson, for an intimate conversation centered around family, resilience, and the lasting impact of love and connection.

Michelle and Craig reminisce about the powerful values instilled by their parents, a deep sense of independence and unwavering family loyalty. Even through financial struggles, their parents cultivated a home filled with trust and safety, making it clear that family would always be a source of strength. Memories of birthdays around the kitchen table, houses bustling with extended relatives, and the steady presence of grandparents and cousins all contributed to a lifelong sense of belonging and support that continues to influence their lives.

As they journeyed into adulthood, both Michelle and Craig relied on therapy, genuine friendships, and a strong community to help them face life’s transitions, grief, and the many complexities of growing up. Michelle shares how seeking guidance and embracing self-reflection, especially during moments of change, has been central to her personal growth, demonstrating the value of openness, adaptability, and continuous learning throughout every stage of life.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Foster Family Unity During Tough Times

How to Nurture Independence in Children

How to Unlearn Limiting Beliefs from Your Upbringing

How to Create Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations

How to Teach Empathy Through Parenting

How to Balance Protection and Freedom as a Parent

How to Normalize Therapy and Emotional Support

Their conversation is a moving testament to the impact of compassion, authenticity, and purposeful living, a reminder that life’s greatest challenges can be met with empathy, courage, and hope.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.  

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!  

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:00 The Kind of Love Only Siblings Understand

04:15 What was the First Secret You Shared With Each Other?

09:53 Raised To Be Independent Children In A Loving Community

14:55 How Different Generations Celebrate Birthdays

17:00 How to Unlearn Your Inner Fears

19:47 The Fear Of What Could Happen Can Hinder Personal Growth

25:28 What a Childhood Encounter with Police Taught Me About Bias

29:35 Being Judged By The Color Of Your Skin

31:54 Racism Is Still An Issue

34:07 How to Raise Resilient Children

35:59 Don't Make Assumptions Based On Your Emotions

38:17 Don't Let Negative Thoughts Dictate Your Actions

40:48 The Power Of Good Parenting

48:41 How To Prioritize Being A Parent While Chasing Your Dreams

52:08 Parents Aren't Responsible For Their Children's Happiness

58:07 Focus On Cultivating Independence in Your Children

01:02:24 What Is Your Form Of Therapy?

01:11:08 Are You Doing Enough?

01:16:10 How To Become A Good Parent

01:37 What Would Your Mother Be Most Proud Of?

Episode Resources:

Michelle Obama | Instagram

Michelle Obama | Facebook

Michelle Obama | YouTube

Michelle Obama | Books

Obama Foundation 

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

Craig Robinson | Instagram 

Craig Robinson | X

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

“Love this podcast!”
By SHU12323
Love this podcast!
Jay, and everyone else who works on this podcast, thank you. Your energy and passion is contagious and helpful. Thank you so much!
By SHU12323
“Amazing and life changing podcast”
By ChrisAlan83
Amazing and life changing podcast
I was not a fan of podcasts, however after listening to a few of Jay Shettys podcasts I’ve quickly become a fan of podcasts in general but primarily this one. It genuinely gives sincere positive life changing habits that I personally have incorporated into… life and often share with my own friends… and family. Like many of us, I sometimes struggle with anxiety, and the many tips and mindful habits on this podcast truly help.
By ChrisAlan83
“Jay has a special energy that draws people towards him, and a talent at taking people on a journey”
By ChrisAlan83
Jay has a special energy that draws people towards him, and a talent at taking people on a journey
By ChrisAlan83
“Fantastic”
By Kshaq87
Fantastic
Thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge as you fulfill your purpose in life in making wisdom go viral. I really enjoy your podcast.
By Kshaq87
“2020 Vision & Purpose”
By Scottie4488
2020 Vision & Purpose
He has some much good interesting information. I like how he uses facts and information behind what he talks about. I am glad I found him in 2020 because he was just what I was looking for. I would love to meet him and keep up the great work. I am looking forward to your book. Not sure what to expect but listening to everything you said so far has been great. I can’t wait to see what it has in store for us. Thank you for being a positive person and shedding light on things. I’m glad your not a lawyer or doctor! I’m glad you found your passion and helping others. I am looking for that as well. I feel stuck and hope your content gets me passed that!
By Scottie4488
“Amazing and life changing podcast”
By ChrisAlan83
Amazing and life changing podcast
I was not a fan of podcasts, however after listening to a few of Jay Shettys podcasts I’ve quickly become a fan of podcasts in general but primarily this one. It genuinely gives sincere positive life changing habits that I personally have incorporated into my life and often share with my own friends and family. Like many of us, I sometimes struggle with anxiety, and the many tips and mindful habits on this podcast truly help.
By ChrisAlan83
“Every episode is an opportunity!”
By Gloraya
Every episode is an opportunity!
Life is beautiful when you find the right words and the right person who motivates you to keep growing, learning , going deep in our feelings and become a better version of ourselves ...Thank you Jay for been part of my journey and teaching me how to embrace the chaos with a better understanding. I was addicted to chocolate, now is chocolate and “On purpose”
By Gloraya
“Life changing”
By wesbacher
Life changing
This podcast is by far the best I’ve ever listened to. Jay goes deep into what it means to live a healthy life in all aspects and causes you to truly reflect on your own life and where you’re at. Thank you for the life changing content, Jay!
By wesbacher
“Great Perspective”
By Steelborne
Great Perspective
“The world we see is what we give it, nothing more than that. As a man thinketh so does he perceive. Therefore, seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world.” So far I would say the above quote from “A Course in Miracles,” sums up Jay’s podcast the best. If you want to live a purposeful life in service of others, as I do, you need to change your mind - your perception; not work to change others or the world. Work authenticity in what you are. Jay does this extremely well. Fantastic messages for a purposeful life. I will certainly listen to every episode.
By Steelborne
“Inspiring”
By Shocked and Offended
Inspiring
Great pearls of wisdom in each episode. Always motivates me to make changes in my life. Finally consuming content that increases your emotional intelligence and asks you to be better for your community. Keep a pen and notebook handy while listening. Lots of helpful and actionable steps for you life.
By Shocked and Offended
“Life changing”
By BeChDu
Life changing
Thank you so much for your enlightenment. It is so easy to listen and realize what direction I wanted to go but didn’t know the steps to take. The podcast on how to not fall in love fast hit me like a brick. Words and their definitions such as what love means to me, values, priorities and preferences, etc. All of it is pure gold!!! Thank you Jay!
By BeChDu
“The most Transformational podcast”
By LD504
The most Transformational podcast
This podcast will become a mirror to your life, you will begin to have moments after listening that are constantly reflecting situations in your everyday and it gives you the tools and inspiration to make great choices! Jay is truly one of a kind. His messages and content services all walks of life.
By LD504
“Podcast is great!”
By Bradley0414
Podcast is great!
This is an amazing podcast! It really has helped me to set my intentions for my day and to make decisions in alignment with my purpose! I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of your choices and the fact that it forces me to think deeply about my life and my choices! Thank you so much for all you do!
By Bradley0414
“Podcast is life changing”
By Dejalovesyou670
Podcast is life changing
Jay Shetty podcast is what has literally changed my life. Just buy listening everyday I have seen have much I have grown and healed myself as a person. I can’t thank him enough for all his love, compassion, and knowledge. It’s what’s truly helped me be the person I am today and constantly wanting to grow into the best version of myself.
By Dejalovesyou670
“Meaningful content!!”
By Marmeduke puke
Meaningful content!!
Thank you, Jay, for your podcast! I love the content and find myself regularly sharing the insights with people in my life. Many times I will listen 2 to 3 times per episode. Once while doing tasks, again to take notes, and a third time to really let it sink in. Listen, meditate, contemplate. Thanks again to you and your team.
By Marmeduke puke
“Gratitude for sharing knowledge”
By BrotherRidhu
Gratitude for sharing knowledge
We human beings come across those souls so fortunately, yet so rarely, that generate a spark within us to see what the naked eye cannot. You have changed the rarity of such meaningful friendships by instigating that self-love, self-awareness, and self-care in every person who’ve had the chance to hear and see you. Knowledge is power, but when shared with others it becomes powerful. Thank you for sharing with the world your lessons and your insights. I’ve embarked on this journey of self discovery and your voice has been a powerful guide. I’m hoping to have a chance to connect with you personally some day, but until then I look forward to hearing from you every week to inspire me to make an impact in my own life for a better present.
By BrotherRidhu
“Mentor I hope to meet someday”
By Hidef53
Mentor I hope to meet someday
This is one of my favorite podcasts I listen to every week. I look forward to it and know I’ll always go away learning something new, a new perspective on a subject I never considered. As I learned from Jay that you can be mentored by someone you haven’t met and he is def someone I consider a mentor (hopefully I’ll meet someday). This is a must listen, consider it a self care item.
By Hidef53
“Love this podcast!!”
By Shui2323
Love this podcast!!
Jay, and everyone else who works on this podcast, thank you. Your energy and passion is contagious and helpful. Thank you so much!
By Shui2323
“Thank you!!!”
By madhatter96
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much Jay for creating this podcast and providing weekly content! I listen whenever I have some down time during the day and it’s such a nice way to reflect and stay motivated and grounded throughout the day.
By madhatter96
“Wow!”
By RollTideDLCC
Wow!
Jay has an amazing gift and an even more amazing heart! I love what he is doing in the world and has made me a better person through his insights and kindness! Thank you Mr. Shetty
By RollTideDLCC
“Fantastic”
By Kshaq87
Fantastic
Thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge as you fulfill your purpose in life in making wisdom go viral. I really enjoy your podcast.
By Kshaq87
“Jay is life-changing!”
By Naty0210
Jay is life-changing!
Listening to Jay Shetty during my commute early in the mornings has changed my life! He’s wise yet so simple in delivering his message. I’m a fan and I’m so thankful for his insights in life, love and everything in between!
By Naty0210
“Thank you Jay Shetty for your spiritual wisdom and insight. ”
By PearlJelly9
Thank you Jay Shetty for your spiritual wisdom and insight.
Thank you Jay Shetty for your spiritual wisdom and insight. I am on a spiritual journey currently and I’ve been searching for answers and teachings that are deeply connected spiritually. There’s a higher calling on my life. I thank you again for all of your teachings.
By PearlJelly9