All About Michelle Obama’s Brother (and Fellow Podcast Host!) Craig Robinson

Michelle Obama’s Brother, Craig Robinson: A Look into His Life

Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, share a special bond that has been evident throughout their lives. The siblings, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago with their late parents, have always supported and leaned on each other through thick and thin. Craig has been a pillar of strength for Michelle, especially after the passing of their father, Fraser C. Robinson III, in 1991 and their mother, Marian Shields Robinson, in 2024.

The former first lady has opened up about her childhood and the close relationship she shares with Craig in various mediums, including her memoir, “Becoming,” and social media. In a heartwarming Instagram post in September 2019, Michelle reminisced about their humble beginnings, highlighting the diversity of their neighborhood and the strong friendships they built growing up. This deep connection has now manifested in a new creative venture for the siblings.

Michelle and Craig have recently launched a weekly podcast titled “IMO With Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” which premiered on March 12. The podcast aims to delve into a range of topics, including their shared upbringing, pivotal moments in their lives, and engaging discussions with experts and celebrity guests. Through this platform, they hope to foster open dialogue and provide insights into navigating life’s challenges.

Born two years before Michelle, Craig Malcolm Robinson has had his own remarkable journey. A standout athlete in high school, he received multiple full scholarship offers from prestigious colleges, eventually choosing to attend Princeton University. Despite his initial hesitation due to financial concerns, Craig excelled both academically and athletically, becoming the fourth all-time leading scorer in Princeton basketball history.

After graduating with a sociology degree in 1983, Craig briefly pursued a professional basketball career before transitioning into coaching. His coaching path led him through various institutions, including Northwestern University, Brown University, and Oregon State University, where he made a significant impact. Craig’s passion for coaching eventually led him to roles with the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks, leveraging his analytical skills from his prior banking career.

In his personal life, Craig is a devoted husband and father to four children. After his first marriage to Janis Robinson, Craig found love again with Kelly McCrum, whom he married in 2006. Their blended family includes two sons from Craig’s previous marriage and two sons from his marriage to Kelly. One of his children, Leslie, has followed in his basketball footsteps and even made history as the first Ivy League woman drafted into the WNBA in two decades.

Craig’s influence extends beyond his professional and personal achievements; he played a pivotal role in Michelle’s life as well. Serving as a father figure after their dad’s passing, Craig walked Michelle down the aisle at her wedding to former President Barack Obama. His assessment of Barack’s character through a friendly basketball game is a testament to the strong bond between the siblings and his pivotal role in Michelle’s life.

The launch of their podcast further cements the shared values and commitment to open communication between Michelle and Craig. They hope to provide a platform for authentic conversations, honest questions, and diverse perspectives in a world filled with constant change. Their joint endeavour reflects not only their strong sibling bond but also their dedication to fostering meaningful connections with their audience.

As Michelle and Craig embark on this new chapter together, their collaborative efforts promise to inspire, inform, and engage listeners in thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics. Their shared experiences, individual journeys, and unwavering support for each other serve as a beacon of strength and unity in an ever-evolving world. Through their podcast, they aim to create a space where people can come together, share their stories, and find hope in the power of dialogue.