revealed that TV host Ellen DeGeneres questioned her push-up technique after the former First Lady was challenged to a competition during a 2012 episode of the show. She opened up about their early relationship during an interview with comedian Amy Poehler on her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

"Ellen... my first term, she challenged me to a push-up competition. I'm the First Lady, you know?" The 61-year-old recalled: "She heard that I worked out. So I'm on her show doing push-ups, and I did more push-ups than her. She still says I didn't go down all the way. Anatomically, I don't think I can. My arms are very long, and she's a much smaller person than me."

Michelle was challenged back in a 2012 episode of the once-lauded talk show, which ended in 2022 after the host faced backlash and .

In a clip, Ellen asks Michelle: "I was just wondering if you could do more push-ups than I could do. You know, it depends on how your back is. I know you've got these back issues," responded the former First Lady.

Michelle then went on to beat Ellen at her challenge by doing 25 push-ups.

The podcast, which launched in March, has given listeners fresh insight into the lives of the Obama family.

Alongside her older brother, Craig Robinson, the duo has interviewed celebrities and public figures and offered their perspectives by listening to personal dilemmas.

During her interview, Michelle also attempted to squash long-running rumours that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, are divorcing.

She shut down the speculations and told entrepreneur Steven Bartlett: "If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it."

As for her marriage, Michelle told Poehler: "We have a deal, Barack and I, I can tease you, but you cannot tease me.

"When me, Malia and Sasha are together, he doesn't stand a chance. We mercilessly go after him. Teasing is our love language."