Words by The Urban Journal
For a politician, Barack Obama is very popular – a rockstar, if you like. Add Bruce Springsteen to the mix, and you’ll have a sold out show.
First things first: yes, Obama’s wearing Stan Smiths. Cool, right? Retirement, it seems, never looked so good. And to be fair, that’s been the theme of no. 44’s post-presidency – just so damn cool. There was the kitesurfing with Richard Branson, the boat ride in Italy with George Clooney and the interview with Prince Harry. He’s at home on the beach and can sing a tune or two with ease. So, as you’d expect, news of the release of his podcast was met with gleeful enthusiasm – and with Bruce Springsteen sharing the stage, the excitement was hardly containable.
Their podcast, Renegades: Born in the USA, brings with it more star power than Spotify could’ve dreamed of – and given the red hot podcast market, the pair will do well to raise Spotify’s profile among listeners (along with Mrs Obama, of course). At this point – given Obama’s interest in politics (ex-president, duh) and Springsteen’s legendary music career – you might be scratching your head as to what they might be talking about. Maybe a musical remix of Obama’s speeches? Or a karaoke session of Springsteen’s hits?
In a surprising turn of events, it’s neither of those. Instead, the clue’s in the title and the style, much like other podcasts: just two friends, talking, enjoying each other’s company and reminiscing on times past. But, in this case, when those two friends just happen to be an ex-president of the United States and a music legend, the topics are a little bit… different.
Renegades: Born in the USA is the second podcast to launch as part of Barack and Michelle Obama’s partnership with the music streaming giant. Over eight episodes, the two ‘regular’ friends will shoot the bull about everything from fatherhood to race in America.
Ex-presidents don’t really do podcasts. They might appear on a brief episode here and there, but running their own is a bit unusual. The Obamas, shall we say, are a little different. On culture, they hit the right notes, and on social issues, they sing from the same hymn sheet as their (mostly) young fans. As people, they’re relatable, with endless stories which – as hard it is to believe – sound just like our own. The only difference, of course, is that they used to live in the White House.
That ease with the language of today’s youth, and the familiarity with what they care about, makes them huge stars in their own right. Barack Obama’s recent memoir, A Promised Land, was wildly successful – and Michelle’s caused a global frenzy few books could match.
Politics aside, people care what the ex-president thinks. His views on life – from marriage to fatherhood – make the rounds in magazines, and his opinions on politics – especially on his successor – break the airwaves. And with divisions across the world, his thoughts and words will be of huge importance. By talking with Springsteen, the conversation becomes more interesting, the stories much richer.
With the two being pals and all, expect some friendly banter – and thankfully, it’s not of the forced kind. At the beginning of the first episode, Springsteen asked Obama how he wanted to be addressed.
“Barack, man. C’mon, dude,” he answered.
To Springsteen, he’s Barack, but to the rest of us – especially those who hang on his every word – he’s still very much “Mr President.”
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