After leaving the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama continue their media takeover.
The two have inked an exclusive podcast development deal between their company, Higher Ground Productions, which has created a new division called Higher Ground Audio, and Spotify.
A list of the projects between the Obama’s and Spotify has yet to be revealed, but the two promise the podcasts will tackle a diverse range of topics.
“We’ve always believed in the value of entertaining, thought-provoking conversation,” President Obama said in a statement to Variety. “It helps us build connections with each other and open ourselves up to new ideas.”
Our forever president added that he hopes the podcasts will “foster productive dialogue, make people smile and make people think, and, hopefully, bring us all a little closer together.”
Michelle Obama added, “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to amplify voices that are too often ignored or silenced altogether, and through Spotify, we can share those stories with the world. Our hope is that through compelling, inspirational storytelling, Higher Ground Audio will not only produce engaging podcasts, but help people connect emotionally and open up their minds—and their hearts.”
This is not the Obama’s first time working with Spotify. During his time in the White House, our forever president created a series of Summer Playlists for the service.
Along with their Spotify deal, the Obamas have a deal with another streaming giant, Netflix. Among the forthcoming projects are a biopic centered on civil rights icon Frederick Douglass and a post-WWII period drama set in the fashion world.
Michelle is also making her debut at ESSENCE Festival next month as we celebrate 25 years of moving the culture forward. The global icon and bestselling author will take part in a special keynote conversation on the Superdome mainstage on July 6.