In a recent episode of Michelle Obama's podcast, guest Julia Louis Dreyfus joined the former first lady in discussing the challenges women encounter in the United States. Obama highlighted the existence of "landmines and barriers" that complicate women's achievements, emphasizing the need for awareness among men, particularly those raising daughters, about the societal limitations imposed on women.

Dreyfus concurred, noting that these barriers are often ingrained in American culture, affecting perceptions of women in professional roles. She cited the example of women being identified by their gender in professional contexts, such as referring to a female doctor as "a female doctor" rather than simply "a doctor."

However, statistical data presents a contrasting view of women's progress. According to the American Enterprise Institute, by 2022, women earned 58 percent of all bachelor's degrees, compared to 37 percent for men. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2024, the labor force participation rates for young men and women were closely aligned, with men at 61.2 percent and women at 59.6 percent.

Obama further asserted that women grow up with "less certainty" than men, suggesting that societal conditioning affects women's confidence levels. This perspective has drawn skepticism from some social media users, who question the validity of her claims in light of the data indicating women's educational and labor market advancements.