Happy birthday, Barack Obama! Celebrate the former president with these 5 podcasts and episodes

We’re celebrating Barack Obama’s birthday on August 4 with some podcasts and episodes. On our list, there are some classic episodes when Obama joined hosts like Conan O’Brien and Michelle Obama for wide-ranging conversations capturing his keen wit and sharp perspectives.

Obama teamed up with his buddy, Bruce Springsteen, to host “Renegades: Born in the USA” and chatted about topics ranging from music to race, fatherhood, and so much more. Check out “History is US” for a historical look at Obama’s presidential election, hosted by scholar and author Dr. Eddie S. Glaude.

History is US

Scholar and author Dr. Eddie S. Glaude hosts “History is US,” a 6-part documentary series about American history and race. This episode covers Barack Obama’s presidential election, politics at that time, and what Obama’s campaign ignited in America. This series is presented by C13Originals.

Renegades: Born in the USA

On Higher Ground’s “Renegades: Born in the USA,” Barack Obama chats with his friend, Bruce Springsteen. They shared how their friendship began, discussed race, traveling in the US, American music, money, and economic class. In other episodes they explored parenting, relationships with their fathers, and what it means to be a man. This series’ 8 episodes are filled with insightful (and bingeable) conversations.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

On this episode from 2021, Barack Obama felt “ambivalent” about being Conan’s new friend. In this 64-minute episode, the 44th President of the United States shared why he entered public service, his love for writing, and what readers can look forward to in his book, A Promised Land. Obama shared why it wasn’t that challenging to be funny as a president and what it’s like to optimistically persevere in modern times. This series is presented by Team Coco.

The Michelle Obama Podcast

Higher Ground and Spotify present “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” hosted by the former First Lady. Michelle was joined by her husband on this 50-minute episode from 2020 when they chatted about responsibilities to our communities, the nation, and each other. In other episodes, Michelle speaks with friends, family, colleagues, and more loved ones.

Consider This

The former president joined “Consider This” to discuss America, define what it means to be a man, and if any definitions limit men with what’s traditionally expected in society. These questions were posed by Aarti Shahani on “Art of Power” from WBEZ in Chicago, and the episode was shared on NPR’s “Consider This.”