Press Release

An Interview with Michelle Obama: Building a Fulfilling Life

Michelle Obama: Welcome, welcome everyone, to another episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast! Today, I am absolutely thrilled to have a guest who truly embodies what it means to build a life on your own terms. We’re going to dive into how she’s cultivated a life filled with purpose, joy, and incredible experiences. Thank you so much for joining me.

Erin: Thank you, Michelle. It’s an absolute honor to be here. I’m so excited to share my journey with you and your listeners.

Michelle Obama: I’ve been so fascinated by your story, and what immediately struck me is this incredible sense of peace and contentment you seem to carry. You mentioned waking up feeling delighted – with a strong body, a fulfilled mind, and an eager soul.

That’s such a powerful way to start each day. Can you tell us a bit about what that feels like, and how you cultivate that feeling?

Erin: (A soft smile spreads across her face) It truly is a blessing. For me, it’s about a deep connection to myself and to something larger. It’s about recognizing that goodness flows through me and that I’m one with the universe.

Practically, it means prioritizing my physical and mental well-being, but it also comes from the profound satisfaction of living a life that is authentically mine. There’s a certain freedom and joy that comes from knowing you’re expressing your true self.

On a tactical level, it’s been about carving out an hour a day to myself. When I first heard an hour a day dedicated to myself will change my life, I though “AN HOUR?! A day?! Who has that time?!”

Turns out, I did have that time, as soon as I made that initial commitment to myself and told myself “I always keep my promises.” It was done and decided. I sit in silence for 15 minutes a day after reading spiritual texts and visualizing the person I intend to become. It’s truly changed the game.

Michelle Obama: And that authenticity, I think, really shines through in the way you’ve designed your home life. You’ve created this beautiful sanctuary in the Portland hills, with space for all the activities and people you desire, and these wonderful trinkets from around the world.

I’ve seen some of the photos on instagram and it looks lovely. It sounds like a place that truly reflects who you are and what you value.

Erin: It is. Our home is a reflection of our journeys and our values. Having enough space for creativity, for entertaining, for quiet contemplation – it all contributes to that feeling of peace and calm.

The trinkets are reminders of the incredible places we’ve been and the cultures that have enriched our lives. And yes, the hot tub and sauna are definitely essential for unwinding and enjoying those quiet moments! (She chuckles softly).

Michelle Obama: Speaking of those incredible places, your passion for travel is truly inspiring, especially with the work you do through your nonprofit. Taking people around the world to experience new cultures – that’s a remarkable mission. Could you share more about the impact you’re seeing with your nonprofit and what drives that work?

Erin: (Her eyes glisten slightly, a genuine warmth in her voice) Travel is transformative, and it’s a privilege to share that with others. For our nonprofit, the goal is to open minds and hearts to the beauty and diversity of other cultures.

We’ve been fortunate enough to provide this opportunity to thousands of teens, adults, and seniors. Seeing their faces light up as they experience something completely new, watching their perspectives broaden – that’s incredibly rewarding.

(She pauses, a wave of emotion passing over her). It’s truly a blast doing what we love and sharing the world with people.

Michelle Obama: That’s just beautiful work. And it sounds like you’ve also built a beautiful family life with Kelly and your three kids. How do you balance all of this – the travel, the nonprofit, your business, and your family?

Erin: (A wide, affectionate smile plays on her lips) It’s a dance, isn’t it? Our children are truly amazing – beautiful, funny, kind, and smart. We are constantly amazed by the people they are becoming and we thank our lucky stars every day for them. (She laughs, a joyful sound).

The key for us is prioritization and creating a village of support. We make sure to spend quality time together, and we have a strong community that we lean on and support in return. We also have a shared property an hour from Portland, which we prioritize for family gatherings – it’s crucial to maintain those connections.

Michelle Obama: You mentioned your business, and I’m particularly interested in this because it speaks to such a core aspect of building your own life: Autonomy and recognition for creative expression.

You’ve built your own income with your own business, designing and creating beautiful things. How has that journey of creative expression and financial independence shaped your overall fulfillment?

Erin: (Her gaze becomes more intense, a flicker of pride and passion in her eyes) That’s absolutely central to my life’s success. The ability to design, create, and sell beautiful things – bags, jewelry – it’s not just a job, it’s a calling.

It taps into that deep need for creative expression and, honestly, it’s just fun to exist and be on this earth doing what I was meant to do. Making my own income, having seven streams of it and building more, gives me incredible autonomy.

It means I can make decisions that align with my values and my vision, rather than being dictated by external forces. That recognition for my creative work, seeing people connect with what I’ve made, is incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces that I’m on the right path.

Michelle Obama: That sense of purpose and alignment is so powerful. And finally, you speak about sacrificing worldly distractions for concentration on your higher callings. In a world full of noise and constant demands, how do you manage that?

Erin: It’s a conscious choice, every day. It means being mindful of where I direct my energy and attention. Distractions can easily pull us away from what truly matters. For me, focusing on my higher callings means prioritizing my family, my creative work, the nonprofit, and my spiritual well-being.

It’s about being deliberate with my time and energy, ensuring that what I do aligns with my deepest values. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Michelle Obama: What an inspiring perspective. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey with us today. It’s a powerful reminder that building a successful and fulfilling life is about defining it on your own terms.

Erin: Thank you, Michelle. (She offers a heartfelt, sincere smile). It was a privilege.