Higher Ground listeners! We'd like to share the first episode of an exciting new Audible Original podcast. It's called The Wonder of Stevie.You might think you know Stevie Wonder. You might think you know his music. But you’ve never heard it like this. Host Wesley Morris is taking you on a deep-dive through Stevie's Classic Period: five legendary albums back-to-back in just four years. Hear about the record deal that started it all, the technology Stevie adopted to create never-before-heard sounds, and his influence on our culture. There will be appearances from legends like Barack and Michelle Obama, Questlove, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Babyface, Janelle Monae and more. In this episode, Wesley details how, years after signing his first recording deal with Motown Records, Stevie decides to renegotiate his contract. One of the things on the table? Complete creative freedom. What follows is the beginning of one of the greatest streak of albums in American popular music: Music of My Mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and commentator Heather McGhee sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up without fear, January 6th, and how to stay hopeful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning journalist Michele Norris and Michelle Obama discuss how they push each other in their friendship, challenges in relationships, and the importance of mentorship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Tell me about your mama’s kitchen.” That’s the simple request which begins each episode of this new Higher Ground and Audible Original podcast from acclaimed journalist Michele Norris. On the very first episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen, Former First Lady Michelle Obama talks with Michele about her beginnings growing up in a working-class family on the South Side of Chicago and the delicious red rice her mother made that reminds her of home. To listen to more of the show, subscribe to Your Mama’s Kitchen wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle and Oprah talk about Michelle’s 50th birthday party on Oprah’s estate, how they foster relationships that last, and why—even after everything that has happened in our country—Michelle still believes in “going high." Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary poet and teacher Elizabeth Alexander sits down with Michelle to discuss their 30 years of friendship, how they struggled as young mothers, and crucial support their friend group has given to them at the low points in their lives. Elizabeth also draws the curtain back on what really happens when you go on a retreat to Camp David with the First Lady. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting is the focus of this conversation: Gayle opens up about how she approached raising her “favorite daughter” and “favorite son”, and Michelle discusses her fight to keep her daughters normal in the White House. (Spoiler: Driving lessons and dating are pretty tricky.) She also shares stories about watching the girls now that they’re launched and living together.Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary talk show host and comedian David Letterman talks to Michelle about anxiety—vulnerability, his struggles with taking criticism, and their mutual experiences in the public eye. They also swap knitting tips and Michelle shares the tools that she leans on to quiet her mind. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode5 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ellen DeGeneres and Michelle discuss the role fear plays in their lives—why it’s important, the people who would weaponize it, and ways to turn the things that terrify you into rocket fuel. Michelle also tells the story of being forced to decide whether her husband would run for president and the time that inviting a Star Wars character to the White House ended up scarring one of her daughters. Plus, a special lesson on “starting kind.” Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conan sits down with Michelle to talk about growing up feeling different and swap hard won lessons about relationships and marriage. Plus: Michelle tells stories of her White House travels, including an unexpected invitation from the Queen that ended in a solid gold room. Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tyler Perry and Michelle discuss their different—but extremely powerful—childhood memories, the drive to succeed as working class Black folks and the difficulty of raising kids in the spotlight. Bonus special guest Madea pops in with a few things to say about “going high”! Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hoda and Michelle go deep on the importance of shining our light for others, especially children. They also talk about how they’ve navigated the most daunting challenges in their lives—from Michelle’s time as the first Black First Lady or Hoda’s decision to adopt kids late in life.Find the episode transcript here: audible.com/tlp/episode1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a new series from Higher Ground, author Heather McGhee embarks on a road trip across Covid-era America, unearthing stories of American hope and solidarity in a time of great division and peril for our democracy.  In the first episode of the podcast, we’ll meet Heather and learn more about her journey—from rural Maine to the coast of California— as she meets extraordinary Americans who are crossing demographic, cultural and political lines to shape their communities for the better.  To listen to more of the show, subscribe to The Sum of Us on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So much has happened since the debut of The Michelle Obama Podcast—including President Barack Obama, launching a podcast of his own. Renegades: Born in the USA is a series of conversations between the former Commander in Chief and Bruce Springsteen about their lives, their favorite music, and their enduring love of America, despite all its challenges and contradictions. This episode—about fatherhood—is Mrs. Obama’s favorite. But they’re all terrific. Head to the Renegades: Born in the USA feed here to listen to all eight now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices