Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently opened up about one common issue many married couples face — disagreements over the thermostat — during a humorous and heartfelt conversation on the Good Hang podcast with Amy Poehler.
Speaking with Poehler on Tuesday, May 13, Michelle, 61, discussed her nighttime routine and how important it is to sleep at the right temperature. She revealed that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, often clash over room temperature.
“The change in temperature is wild for any woman, especially when you have to deal with your partner,” she said with a laugh. “Because [Barack is] always cold.”
She recalled waking up in the middle of the night, convinced her husband had touched the thermostat. “And I’m like, ‘Do not touch.’ And sometimes I wake up hot, and I’ll say, ‘Did you touch the thermostat? You touched the thermostat, didn’t you?’ ” she joked. “He’s like, ‘I didn’t, I swear to God!’ ”
Michelle added that her husband has since learned to stay away from the controls. “He’s afraid of the thermostat,” she joked. “I told him, ‘I don’t care what you do, just do not touch anything in this room after I go to sleep.’ ”
Adjusting to Life in Her 60s
Beyond funny stories about married life, Michelle also spoke openly about the changes she’s experienced since entering her 60s. She revealed that she recently dealt with “frozen shoulder,” a painful condition that causes stiffness in the shoulder joint and is more common in women over 40. The condition, known medically as adhesive capsulitis, can last for years.
“I had frozen shoulder a couple years ago,” she shared.
Poehler replied with a knowing smile, “And guess what? Nobody knows what causes it, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Like every ailment for women in their 50s.”
“They’re like, ‘Yeah. I guess it just hurts,’” Poehler continued. “And it’s like, how long is it gonna hurt? And they’re like, ‘I guess forever maybe?’ ”
Reflecting on Life After the White House
Michelle also discussed how her mindset and priorities have shifted now that she’s out of public office and officially an “empty nester.” In a separate interview on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast last month, she described this time in her life as a personal “transition.”
“I’m 60 years old. I finished a really hard thing in life with my family intact. I’m an empty nester. My girls are — they’ve been launched,” she said, referring to her daughters Malia and Sasha. “And now for the first time… every choice I’m making is completely mine.”
Michelle explained that for years, her decisions were shaped by her roles as a mother, a wife, and a public figure. Now, with her children grown and her time in the White House behind her, she is focused on her own needs and goals.
“I don’t have the excuse of, ‘Well, my kids need this,’ or ‘My husband needs that,’ or ‘The country needs that,’” she said. “So how do I think about this next phase, and let me get some help.”
A longtime advocate of therapy, Michelle shared that she’s continuing the practice to help guide her personal growth. She likened it to getting a “tune-up.”
“Let me unwind some old habits,” she explained. “Let me sort through some old guilt that I’ve been carrying around. Let me talk about how my relationship with my mother has affected how I think about things.”
From bedtime battles over the thermostat to reflections on aging and emotional wellness, Michelle Obama continues to share her life with openness, humor, and honesty — reminding others they’re not alone in navigating life’s transitions.
