Michelle Obama has never shied away from honesty — especially when it comes to life behind the headlines. Now, she’s sharing the quiet rule that’s shaped her marriage to Barack Obama from the very beginning — and why it still holds strong today.
Michelle Obama just offered a personal glimpse into her life with former U.S. President Barack Obama — and revealed who really gets the last laugh at home.
Michelle Obama during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast posted on May 13, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@Good-Hang-with-Amy-Poehler
During a candid conversation on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast on Tuesday, the former first lady shared one of the earliest deals she and her husband made in their marriage. The agreement? Michelle can make jokes at her husband’s expense — but not the other way around.
“We have a deal, Barack and I, in our marriage, and it started very early,” she told Poehler. “It’s like, ‘I can tease you, but you cannot tease me.'” She recalled moments when her husband tried to challenge the rule. According to Michelle, when the former President occasionally jokes back, she calls him out immediately.
Michelle Obama during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast posted on May 13, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@Good-Hang-with-Amy-Poehler
She described her reaction as a firm reminder that he’s breaching the agreement, saying he usually responds with, “I’m teasing you,” to which she replies, “None of that.”
But Barack isn’t just outnumbered by the rule — he’s outnumbered at home too. “When me, Malia, and Sasha, all of us, are together, he doesn’t stand a chance,” Michelle said. “We mercilessly go after him. So, yes, teasing is our love language, and I tell him that.”
Humor may be the Obamas’ love language, but when it comes to public scrutiny, the mom of two takes a different approach — one rooted in resilience and detachment. After years under the microscope, she has learned how to silence the noise. Her approach to managing public scrutiny is clear — stay focused, stay grounded, and tune out the rest.
Speaking at SXSW, the former first lady addressed the persistent rumors that have followed her family, both during their time in the White House and in the years since. “People always ask me and Barack, how did we stay hopeful in, not just the eight years that we were in the White House, but beyond?” she said.
The negativity was relentless. She recalled the swirling gossip and unfounded claims — questions about her husband’s birthplace, their patriotism, and even his academic credentials. “Let me tell you, there was a lot of negative energy flipping our way,” she said.
But instead of letting the noise define them, the Obamas found strength in perspective. “What kept us sane, and we tried to instill this in our daughters is, that you cannot live through social media,” she noted.
Michelle made it clear that disengaging from online commentary has been vital to maintaining their peace of mind. “I don’t think I have ever once looked at a comment section, period,” she stated.
By setting that example, she hopes to protect her well-being and that of her daughters — from a world where public opinion can quickly spiral out of control. Beyond the rumors and the spotlight, Michelle is entering a new season of life — one shaped by personal choice rather than obligation.
In a conversation on Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast, she opened up about her recent public absences and what life looks like now, post-White House and post-parenting full-time. Asked about her current lifestyle and social life, Michelle didn’t hesitate. “Man, it is whatever I want, Sophia. It’s whatever I want,” she said.
She described this stage as liberating, though slightly unsettling. For years, her time was defined by responsibility to her children, her husband, and her role as First Lady.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama and former U.S. President Barack Obama meet with mothers in the Oval Office at the White House on December 18, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Michelle admitted that it was easy to rely on those roles as reasons to say no to certain things, often deferring opportunities because her daughters needed her or because she was married to the president.
Now, with those responsibilities behind her, the weight of decision-making falls squarely on her shoulders. Michelle acknowledged that she can no longer attribute her choices to anyone else. She reflected that, as a woman, she may have been capable of making more personal decisions earlier in life but didn’t allow herself that freedom.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House on December 18, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
With that chapter behind her, she’s learning to prioritize herself — a shift that came into sharp focus this year.
“And so now I have to look at my — I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year,” she said, reflecting on that turning point. “It was a real big example of me, myself looking at something that I was supposed to do — you know, without naming names — and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do.”
We previously reported that during Michelle’s appearance on Poehler’s podcast, the ladies spoke about Poehler’s “Parks and Recreation” character’s reaction to meeting Michelle for the first time and the former first lady’s response. Their conversation and reactions to one another had many netizens laughing out loud.
Poehler embraced a smart-casual look, dressed in a slate blue button-up shirt beneath a deep brown blazer. Meanwhile, Michelle wore a relaxed light-grey zip-up sweatshirt with belted high-waisted jeans — a grounded yet effortlessly stylish ensemble.
The visual contrast between the two added an extra layer of charm to their playful dynamic, which unfolded even more vividly in a TikTok clip that has quickly become a fan favorite.
Amy Poehler speaking about one of her shared memories with Michelle Obama during an episode of “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” posted on May 14, 2025. | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
In the snippet, Poehler reminisced about the day Michelle guest-starred on “Parks and Recreation” — a moment that blended scripted television with real-world gravitas. Michelle modestly recalled how daunting the experience felt, admitting she isn’t an actress and had struggled to find her footing.
“I’m running lines and trying to figure out cues,” she explained before Poehler jumped in with a quip, “God is fair. I mean, you can’t be a good actress on top of everything else.”
Michelle Obama talking about her experience on “Parks and Recreation.” | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
Their shared laughter made it clear this wasn’t just a routine memory but a sincere bonding moment. Then came Poehler’s now-viral confession: In the first take, overwhelmed by Michelle’s presence, Poehler, as both herself and Leslie Knope, accidentally drooled while trying to say her line.
Amy Poehler admitting to how she drooled by being overwhelmed and excited about Michelle Obama’s presence. | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
The comic timing and Michelle’s delighted reaction — clutching her chest and laughing heartily — sent social media into a frenzy.
Michelle Obama laughing at the fact that Amy Poehler drooled. | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
“Do you not remember? I’m so glad you don’t remember. I full-on drooled,” Poehler said. “Did I say something about it? Did I notice the drool?” Michelle teased, as Poehler responded, praising the former first lady’s ability to carry on like a “total pro.”
“You just looked like, ‘Ok, maybe this is a choice,'” recalled the comedic actress. The banter didn’t stop there, as Michelle then inquired with a laugh, “What happened? Why the drool?”
Michelle Obama asking about when Amy Poehler drooled on “Parks and Recreation.” | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
Poehler blamed her “very active salivary glands,” to which Michelle responded with playful astonishment, “That’s real acting!”
“Not to brag, Michelle,” asserted Poehler before laughing. The exchange was a seamless blend of humility, humor, and authenticity — a behind-the-scenes peek that reminded fans why both women remain beloved across generations.
Amy Poehler joking with Michelle Obama on her podcast. | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
The online response to the hilarious exchange between Poehler and Michelle was swift, spirited, and overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded the comment section of the TikTok clip with reactions that were equal parts amused and admiring.
Referencing Poehler’s funny contradiction, one person quipped, “‘I’m so glad you don’t remember’ *reminds her in explicit detail* 🤣😅.” Echoing the comedic gold of the moment, Michelle’s IMO Podcast account chimed in with, “Drool is the highest form of compliment,” a sentiment that gained traction with thousands of likes.
Amy Poehler expressing relief at the fact that Michelle Obama didn’t remember her drooling. | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
Another viewer recalled the series fondly, writing, “Leslie crashing out in front of politicians was always such a hilarious bit 😂.” Leaning into the scenario’s absurdity, someone else added, “Imagine Michelle Obama asking you why you drooled 😂😂.”
Commenting on the realism of the situation, a fellow spectator joked, “Seems like an appropriate response in the moment.” Another humorously opined, “Amy drooling not being in a blooper reel is criminal after talking about how she loved bloopers!!!!! we [sic] must see!!!”
Michelle Obama asking Amy Poehler why she drooled. | Source: TikTok/@goodhangwithamy
Collectively, the reactions painted a picture of pure delight. Fans appreciated the behind-the-scenes story and celebrated the relatable awkwardness and light-hearted spirit shared between the former first lady and the beloved comedy actress.
Their widely discussed comedic banter comes after Michelle sat down for a different discussion with Tina Knowles. She hosted Knowles at The Theater at MGM National Harbor for Knowles’ first stop on her book tour to promote her novel, “Matriarch: A Memoir.”
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