While you or I can't invite former president Barack Obama round for a cup of mint tea to quiz him about his incredible life, his wife, former first lady Michelle, certainly can, and that's exactly what she did for the first episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast.
In recent years, the celebrity podcast has become the place for the world’s most influential stars to get their famous friends (or spouses) to unbutton, spill secrets and share opinions, not to mention offer advice on everything from dating to body image.
Here are 10 of our favourite all-star podcasts to download.
1. Michelle Obama, ‘The Michelle Obama Podcast’
What's it about? The hour-long podcasts, which are available exclusively on Spotify, focus on news, social and community stories happening around the world.
"My hope is that this series can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we're all trying to answer in our own lives," the formerfirst lady told Spotify.
Notable guests: Former president Barack Obama (obviously!), talk show host Conan O'Brien, and author and Washington Post journalist Michele Norris.
2. Anna Faris, ‘Anna Faris is Unqualified’
What's it about? The Mom actress – and ex-wife of Jurassic World star Chris Pratt – takes on the complicated world of dating in her chatty, informal podcast, in which celebrity guests are given hypothetical dating situations and asked to offer their advice.
“I started this podcast with zero qualifications, only curiosity, the desire to connect, and a genuine interest in your life and your stories,” she says on her website.
Notable guests: Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Josh Hutcherson, Padma Lakshmi and Seth Rogen.
3. Dax Shepard, ‘Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard’
What's it about? The comic actor and husband of Frozen star Kristen Bell, with whom he has two children, is the host of one of the most popular celebrity podcasts. Happy to delve into his own life experiences, the Bless This Mess actor says on his website: "I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly attractive."
Notable guests: Aly Raisman, Sofia Coppola, Bill Gates, Tom Brady and Sean Penn.
4. Jameela Jamil, ‘I Weigh with Jameela Jamil’
What's it about? The British actress and activist, and star of Netflix show The Good Place, tackles a subject close to her heart in her podcast: weight and body image. Having started the hashtag #iweigh on Instagram, encouraging her followers to measure their worth in achievements rather than the number on the bathroom scales, she told Stylist: "I'm so polarising on Twitter. I think it's hard to ever get a gauge of what I'm actually like … It's nice to have more than 280 characters to have a proper conversation."
Notable guests: Reese Witherspoon and Demi Lovato.
5. Gwyneth Paltrow, ‘The Goop Podcast’
What's it about? Hosted by Oscar-winning Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, the actress, along with the company's chief commercial officer, Elise Loehnen, discuss the wide-ranging subject of wellness. From mental to physical health, marriage and relationships, dealing with trauma and learning to apologise properly, the pair welcome expert guests each week.
Notable guests: Oprah Winfrey, Cameron Diaz, Laura Wasser and Ambassador Susan Rice.
6. Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, ‘Sibling Revelry’
What's it about? The actor siblings and children of Hollywood great, Goldie Hawn, discuss all things family in their podcast, with a focus on the relationships between siblings.
"We had a childhood that I think a lot of people would look at and think it was the best childhood," the Almost Famous actress told Grazia. "And in retrospect, I look back and think we had a wonderful upbringing. But like any other family dynamic, at some point you have to accept the fact that yes on the outside everything looks great but there's always going to be something."
Notable guests: Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, Elle and Dakota Fanning, and Danica Patrick and Brooke Selman.
7. Alec Baldwin, ‘Here’s The Thing’
What's it about? The 30 Rock actor and father-of-six uses his impressive Hollywood and political connections to showcase what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to work.
“Alec pursues great conversations in unexpected places to find out what motivates his guests, how they feel about what they do and what keeps them up at night,” says his podcast website.
Notable guests: Chris Rock, Michael Douglas, Anjelica Huston and James Caan.
8. Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, ‘Office Ladies’
What's it about? The stars of the US version of The Office, Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly) and Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin), who just so happen to be best friends in real life, teamed up to create a podcast that's perfect for fans. Each episode breaks down an episode of the TV show, which ran for nine season from March 2005 to March 2013, providing insights "only two people who were there can tell you".
9. Amy Schumer, ‘3 Girls, 1 Keith’
What's it about? The American actress and stand-up comedienne has teamed up with her three friends, Rachel Feinstein, Bridget Everett and Keith Robinson, for a podcast in which they discuss pop culture and comedy.
“I know that everybody feels like you can only take in so much news. We’re all just trying to do the right thing and stay home and not go completely insane,” Feinstein told Spotify of the podcast’s ethos. “So, I feel like it has to be a balance between taking in enough information so that you know whether you’re supposed to wipe down cardboard or not, and staying calm and entertained.”
Notable guests: Quentin Tarantino, David Byrne, Jerry Seinfeld and Harley Pasternak.
10. Oprah Winfrey, ‘Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations’
What's it about? Promising to "light you up, guide you through life's big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self", the most well-connected person in Hollywood opens up her vast contacts book to interview "thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts". Expect plenty of Winfrey's signature uplifting messages.
Notable guests: Beyonce, David Letterman, Rihanna, John Legend and Deepak Chopra.
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Read more:
Why scripted drama series ‘The Basement’ is a landmark for the Arab podcast scene
Michelle Obama launching a podcast on Spotify: It's a place to 'open up and be vulnerable'
Soon, you won't find Joe Rogan's podcast on most apps, and it won't be on YouTube either
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Quick%20facts
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E299hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E420Nm%20at%202%2C750rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12.4L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh157%2C395%20(XLS)%3B%20Dh199%2C395%20(Limited)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
More on animal trafficking
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Directed by: Shaka King
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons
Four stars
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
More on animal trafficking
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Western Clubs Champions League:
- Friday, Sep 8 - Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Bahrain
- Friday, Sep 15 – Kandy v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
- Friday, Sep 22 – Kandy v Bahrain
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
FIGHT CARD
Fights start from 6pm Friday, January 31
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) v Ahmed Saeb (IRQ)
Women’s bantamweight
Cornelia Holm (SWE) v Corinne Laframboise (CAN)
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (JOR) v Vitalii Stoian (UKR)
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) v Ali Dyusenov (UZB)
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) v Delfin Nawen (PHI)
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) v Mohamed El Mokadem (EGY)
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Ramadan Noaman (EGY)
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Reydon Romero (PHI)
Welterweight
Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Juho Valamaa (FIN)
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) v Austin Arnett (USA)
Super heavyweight
Roman Wehbe (LEB) v Maciej Sosnowski (POL)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final
Esperance de Tunis 0
Al Ain 3 (Ahmed 02’, El Shahat 17’, Al Ahbabi 60’)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Simran
Director Hansal Mehta
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
Three stars
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
