Kristina Roberts
Podcasts hosted by celebrities are everywhere these days, but just being famous doesn’t mean people will listen. The best podcast hosts feel like friends sharing juicy stories. So, how are Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle doing with their new shows?
Kylie Kelce, wife of NFL star Jason Kelce, started a podcast in December where she talks about being a mom and clears up rumors about her family. People loved her honesty, and her show quickly became a hit, even beating Spotify’s top podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, for a while.
Now, Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle (who now goes by Meghan Sussex) have launched their own podcasts. Michelle’s show, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, started on March 12. She hosts it with her brother, Craig Robinson, and they talk about life, relationships, and parenting. Meghan’s podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, began on April 8 and focuses on her journey starting her new brand, As Ever.
Both women are huge stars, but their podcasts haven’t made as much noise as expected. Strangely, when they talk on other people’s podcasts, those conversations get more attention.
Michelle’s team promised that her show would be relaxed and honest, which is exactly what listeners want. But instead of addressing big rumors (like false divorce rumors about her and Barack) on her own podcast, she talked about it on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress. That interview went viral, but it didn’t bring more listeners to Michelle’s own show. Later, she did discuss skipping Donald Trump’s inauguration on IMO, which got people talking.
Even with a slow start, Michelle’s fans are tuning in. According to Podchaser, her podcast gets between 920,000 and 1.4 million listens every month. Right now, it’s ranked No. 13 on Apple Podcasts and No. 29 on Spotify.
Meghan’s podcast is different—it’s more about business than personal stories. She interviews successful women about their careers, but the show hasn’t become a big topic of conversation yet. Some listeners might prefer hearing more about her own life, like her time as a royal or her thoughts on fame.
Both Michelle and Meghan are well-known, but podcast success depends on feeling real and relatable. Kylie Kelce’s show worked because she was open and casual. If Michelle and Meghan can bring that same friendly, honest vibe, their podcasts could become much bigger hits.
Why Listeners Crave Authenticity
One big reason why podcasts like Kylie Kelce’s do so well is that people want real, unfiltered conversations. Listeners don’t just want polished stories—they want honesty, funny moments, and even awkward confessions. When hosts share personal struggles or behind-the-scenes drama, it feels like catching up with a friend. Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle are both smart, well-spoken women, but if their podcasts feel too rehearsed or formal, they might not grab attention the way more relaxed shows do. The best podcasts make listeners feel like they’re part of the conversation, not just being talked at.
What Could Make Their Podcasts More Engaging?
If Michelle and Meghan want to boost their shows, they might need to loosen up a bit. Michelle could share more funny family stories or talk about everyday challenges, not just big life lessons. Meghan could mix business advice with personal behind-the-scenes stories—like her struggles as a new entrepreneur or how she balances work and family life. The key is making listeners feel like they’re getting an inside look, not just a carefully planned interview. If they can bring that warmth and openness, their podcasts could become must-listens instead of just another celebrity project. After all, the most successful hosts don’t just talk—they connect.
For now, though, they haven’t quite connected with listeners the way some other hosts have. Maybe they’ll find their groove soon—after all, even the best podcasts take time to grow.
Would you listen to their shows? Or do you prefer podcasts that feel more like chatting with a close friend? Let us know what you think!
