Barack Obama sits down with Bruce Springsteen for new podcast, Renegades: Born in the USA

Former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, and Spotify have announced the second original podcast from their ongoing partnership, Renegades: Born in the USA.

The podcast is a personal, in-depth discussion between Obama and Bruce Springsteen, exploring their pasts, their beliefs, and the country that they love—as it was, as it is, and as it ought to be going forward.

From today, the first two episodes will be available exclusively to millions of Spotify users worldwide.

President Obama and Springsteen have formed a deep friendship since they first met on the campaign trail in 2008. For the first time ever, listeners can eavesdrop as they discuss their hometowns and role models, explore modern manhood, and confront the painfully divided state of America today and the country can move forward.

President Barack Obama's introduces the first episode of the podcast, saying:

“How did we get here? How could we find our way back to a more unifying American story? That topic came to dominate so many of my conversations last year – with Michelle, with my daughters and with friends. And one of the friends just happened to be Mr. Bruce Springsteen.

"On the surface, Bruce and I don't have a lot in common," Obama adds. "But over the years, what we’ve found is that we’ve got a shared sensibility. About work, about family and about America. In our own ways, Bruce and I have been on parallel journeys trying to understand this country that’s given us both so much. Trying to chronicle the stories of its people. Looking for a way to connect our own individual searches for meaning and truth and community with the larger story of America.”

On Episode 1, 'Outsiders: An Unlikely Friendship', President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen discuss the making of an unlikely friendship, growing up as outsiders.

Episode 2, 'American Skin Race in the United States', sees the pair reflect on their early experiences with race and racism and the uncomfortable conversations we need to have.

For more information on Renegades: Born in The USA, check out Higher Ground on Spotify here.