Michelle Obama discusses authenticity, responsibility, and her latest project to get kids healthy

Michelle Obama has been one of the most influential and iconic women of the 21st century.

Since leaving the White House she’s written a book, filmed a documentary, started a podcast, created a production company, and for many has been a voice of reason and hope during times of social and political upheaval.

Cityline‘s Tracy Moore had the privilege of sitting down with the former first lady for an Canadian-exclusive interview, which will air this week.

Moore found out how Obama balances the pressures of the intense veneration over who she is and what she stands for, while still living her everyday life.

“Well keeping it fun helps,” Obama said with a laugh. “I always say you can teach with a stick or a carrot, and the carrot is just more fun.”

But her love of children is what really keeps things light.

“You put me in a room with some kids and I’m happy,” Obama explained. “It makes all the pressure just float away because now I see what my purpose is, it’s helping to encourage and support the next generation. So that makes any burden seem so light.”

Her “Let’s Move” campaign launched in 2010 and years after leaving the White House, Obama is passionate about healthy eating and making sure everyone has access to good nutrition. She just launched a non-profit campaign aimed at providing more than one-million meals to food-insecure families impacted by COVID-19.

The launch of the campaign comes in conjunction with the debut of her new kids food show Waffles and Mochi, where she joins her puppet pals to inspire a whole new generation – and to educate them about food.

And after years in the public eye, Obama says she still tries to be as authentic as she can be, but knows it comes with responsibilities — especially with her latest project.

“I’m always conscious about what I do and say in public because I know that kids are watching,” she said. “I think that we, as people in the public eye, have a responsibility not to just completely let go, but to make sure we are mindful of how we show up in the world.”

For this and more, tune in to the Canadian-exclusive interview with Obama on Cityline this Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST on Citytv.