Michelle Obama, the former first lady, has entered the podcast realm with her brother Craig Robinson, but the debut of their new show, IMO, has not met the expected audience numbers.

The podcast, which premiered on Wednesday, attracted 19,000 subscribers on YouTube by the next day, with its first episode garnering just over 50,000 views, Daily Mail reported.

The launch of IMO took place earlier this week under the production of Higher Ground, a company founded by the Obamas in 2018. Despite the high-profile nature of the hosts, the show struggled to attract viewers right out of the gate. This has been surprising given Michelle Obama's previous successes in various media endeavors.

Comparison With More Established Shows

The viewing figures pale in comparison to some long-established podcasts. For instance, 'Call Her Daddy' and 'The Joe Rogan Experience' boast millions of subscribers. Even the popular podcast 'New Heights' by Travis and Jason Kelce has a substantial following with over 2.5 million subscribers.

In contrast, another political figure, Gavin Newsom, who recently launched his podcast, already has a higher subscriber tally, totaling around 25,000. Comparatively, Michelle Obama's IMO seems to be struggling somewhat to secure a solid foothold within the crowded digital space.

As part of its promotion, the podcast has highlighted its list of celebrity guests, including well-known figures such as Tyler Perry, Seth Rogen, Jay Shetty, and Issa Rae. These guests are expected to attract a wider audience as future episodes are released.

Listeners Offered Personal Insights

The first episode of IMO delved into personal anecdotes from Michelle and Craig’s upbringing in Chicago, as well as Craig Robinson’s divorce. Unlike many popular podcasts, IMO does not delve into current affairs. Instead, it focuses on intimate discussions, a factor that may influence its initial appeal.

Michelle Obama emphasized the supportive role her brother played during Barack Obama's political campaigns. Reflecting on those times, she shared her thoughts that her husband's eventual rise to the presidency wasn't something she had originally foreseen.

Michelle humorously recounted how Barack Obama had to adjust his last-minute tendencies when it came to punctuality, emphasizing the importance of time management in their relationship. Robinson added to this narrative with a light-hearted remark about Barack’s "island time" habits influenced by his Hawaiian origins.

Podcast Stage Is Still Early

Commentary from social media users has been mixed. Some expressed astonishment at the low viewership. One person remarked that even trivial online content might attract more attention. Another commenter noted that podcasting is unique, suggesting that popularity stems from listener interest and trust rather than just star power.

While feedback from listeners has varied, some believe it may be too soon to make conclusive judgments about the podcast’s reach or impact. One user advised patience, noting that it often takes time for word of mouth to spread and for broader recognition to take place in the podcast world.

The podcast, made available on platforms like Spotify, is described as offering a blend of humor, introspection, and advice on life. The inclusion of such diverse elements could eventually broaden its audience as new episodes are released.

Future Of IMO Remains Uncertain

Each episode promises to feature different guests and to engage listeners actively by allowing them to submit questions. These interactive components might help build a more dedicated listener base over time.

Moving forward, Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson may have to rely on their personal stories and the rapport they build with their audience to boost the show’s popularity. The dynamic of a brother and sister co-hosting could appeal to a niche, fostering a unique connection with listeners.

Although the podcast started with lower-than-anticipated attention, its potential for growth remains open-ended. As the series continues to evolve, it could eventually find a larger, more engaged audience willing to tune in for its insights and shared experiences.

Given Michelle Obama's influence and the recognizable faces set to appear as guests, there’s room for optimism that IMO will carve out a dedicated following in time. The journey of the podcast is only just beginning, and its future developments will be closely watched by both fans and critics alike.