Former First Lady Michelle Obama isn’t just talking about what brings her joy, she’s sharing the deeper purpose that propels her out of bed.

In a candid interview on her podcast “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” posted Wednesday, which she co-hosts with her brother Robinson, the two were joined by actor Keke Palmer, diving into an array of topics — including the one that sparks Obama’s greatest fulfillment: mentoring the next generation.

The conversation, which was rooted in one’s life’s purpose and what you wanted to be when you grew up, Palmer asked Obama how she found herself at this stage, and Obama’s answer was as direct as it was inspiring.

“I get my most fulfillment… I wake up and pop out of bed when I am going to sit down with another young person who was like me, and I can share with them some secrets, some things I’ve learned to help make their lives a little bit easier,” Obama said.

She added, “Because I know just how many young people just don’t know.”

Earlier in the conversation, Obama reflected on the societal pressures that prioritize titles and salaries, pointing out how many of us are taught from an early age to chase outward markers of success — often without ever questioning what truly brings us purpose.

“We’re constantly giving feedback to kids subtly and directly about what makes for a good life, what makes for a good career choice, what makes you a good person? And a lot of times it’s tied to ‘What’s your title? What’s your salary?’” Obama remarked.

The advocate and author emphasized that when society defines success by external metrics, kids end up chasing “applause lines,” seeking validation based on how impressed adults are — rather than discovering their own true calling.

According to Obama, the real purpose lies in looking within, finding what excites you, and shaping your life around it — not the title or paycheck you think you’re supposed to want.