Michelle Obama Discusses Fear With Ellen DeGeneres: 'They Took The Image Of A Smart Black Woman And Turned It Into A Threat'

According to the official description:

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.”

In the exclusive clip embedded below, DeGeneres commends Obama on maneuvering fear throughout her stint as First Lady.

“They took the image of a smart, articulate, outspoken black woman and they turned it into a threat. So yes, it definitely hurt,” said Obama. “It was stunning at first, because when you see yourself in a way that’s not you, you wonder how easily your whole persona can be manipulated when you’re in the public eye.”

Obama added that the media’s focus on spewing negative has become “the easy go-to.”

“…What prevents you from seeing my humanity? Something is broken,” she said.

The Light We Carry is produced by Audible and the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground. The podcast examines how people can overcome obstacles in their lives as long as they remember their personal power.

Per the logline:

Listen as Mrs. Obama and her friends explore themes like building meaningful relationships; issues connected to race, gender, and visibility; the habits and principles they have used to successfully adapt to change and overcome obstacles; and the importance of lighting up for others to reveal the richness and potential around us. As ever, Michelle Obama brings her trademark humor, candor, and compassion while she discusses her tools for living in today’s world.

Listen to the clip below: