Michelle Obama Unpacks the Deal She and Barack Made to Maintain Their Relationship

Michelle Obamaโ€™s Marriage Deal That Still Stands

Michelle Obama has always spoken candidly โ€” especially about life behind the scenes. In a recent podcast, she shared a quiet rule thatโ€™s shaped her marriage with Barack Obama from day one โ€” and why it still works.

The One-Sided Teasing Agreement

While chatting on Amy Poehlerโ€™sย Good Hangย podcast (aired May 13, 2025), Michelle revealed one of their earliest marriage deals:
She can tease Barack โ€” but he canโ€™t tease her.

โ€œWe have a deal,โ€ Michelle told Poehler. โ€œIt started early. I can tease you, but you cannot tease me.โ€

Barack has tried to break that rule before, but Michelle doesnโ€™t let it slide. When he tries to joke back, she immediately shuts it down. โ€œNone of that,โ€ she tells him with a smile.

Outnumbered at Home

Michelle admitted Barackโ€™s outnumbered at home too. โ€œWhen me, Malia, and Sasha are together, he doesnโ€™t stand a chance,โ€ she joked. โ€œWe go after him mercilessly. Teasing is our love language, and I tell him that.โ€

Michelle Obama during an appearance on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast posted on May 13, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@Good-Hang-with-Amy-Poehler

Michelle Obama during an appearance on Amy Poehlerโ€™s โ€œGood Hangโ€ podcast posted on May 13, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@Good-Hang-with-Amy-Poehler

Handling Scrutiny with Strength

While humor thrives at home, Michelle takes a more grounded approach to public pressure. Years in the spotlight taught her how to deal with criticism โ€” by ignoring it.

At SXSW, she addressed persistent rumors โ€” from false claims about Barackโ€™s birthplace to questions about their patriotism. โ€œThere was a lot of negative energy flipping our way,โ€ she recalled.

Still, they kept perspective. โ€œWhat kept us sane โ€” and what we taught our daughters โ€” is you canโ€™t live through social media,โ€ she said. Michelle avoids it entirely. โ€œI donโ€™t think Iโ€™ve ever once looked at a comment section,โ€ she admitted.

A New Chapter: Living for Herself

On Sophia Bushโ€™sย Work in Progressย podcast, Michelle opened up about her recent absence from the spotlight. Post-White House and post-full-time parenting, sheโ€™s embracing a new phase โ€” one driven by choice, not duty.

Asked about her current lifestyle, she replied with confidence: โ€œMan, it is whatever I want, Sophia.โ€

For years, she prioritized her children, her husband, and her First Lady role. Now, the decisions are hers alone. She confessed that in the past, it was easier to say no by blaming responsibilities. But today, she canโ€™t shift the weight โ€” and thatโ€™s both freeing and unfamiliar.

โ€œThis year, I looked at my calendar and chose what was best for me โ€” not what I had to do, not what others expected,โ€ she said. That moment marked a real turning point.

A Viral Moment onย Parks and Recreation

On Poehlerโ€™s podcast, the two also reflected on Michelleโ€™s guest appearance onย Parks and Recreation. Poehler dressed in a slate blue shirt and brown blazer, while Michelle rocked a grey zip-up sweatshirt with belted jeans โ€” a grounded, stylish combo.

Their chemistry lit up social media. In a TikTok clip, Poehler recalled how nervous she was filming with Michelle โ€” so nervous she drooled mid-line.

โ€œDo you not remember? Iโ€™m so glad you donโ€™t remember. I full-on drooled,โ€ Poehler confessed.

Michelle burst into laughter. โ€œDid I say something? Did I notice the drool?โ€ she teased. Poehler praised Michelleโ€™s poise, saying, โ€œYou just looked like, โ€˜Maybe this is a choice.โ€™โ€


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