Obamas' Higher Ground Inks Deal to Revive Pop-Culture Podcast 'Lemme Say This'
Higher Ground Productions, the media enterprise founded by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, has officially announced a partnership to reintroduce "Lemme Say This," a weekly pop-culture podcast. Hosted by close friends Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix, the show will integrate into the Higher Ground network, promising a fresh season of engaging content for its dedicated audience.
"Lemme Say This" is renowned for its in-depth exploration of contemporary pop-culture news, celebrity narratives, and prevalent online discussions. The podcast initially launched in May 2024 but entered a hiatus in October 2025. With this new collaboration, the program is slated to recommence its weekly episodes on Thursday, April 30. Listeners can anticipate new installments every Thursday morning across prominent platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
In a joint statement, Harris and Dix expressed their enthusiasm for the podcast's return, highlighting their excitement to reconnect with their loyal listeners. They described the show as a welcoming environment for a diverse audience, encompassing film enthusiasts, individuals with extensive screen time, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing an inclusive atmosphere where all are invited to participate in their lively discussions.
Higher Ground's official description characterizes the duo as adept cultural commentators and self-proclaimed "aspiring hot divorcees" who have maintained a decade-long friendship. Their bond, forged through shared experiences in collegiate dormitories in Boston and the vibrant dating scene of Brooklyn, informs their unique perspective and dynamic on the podcast.
Both Dix and Harris are New York City-based professionals with impressive careers in media. Peyton Dix previously managed social media teams for prominent publications such as InStyle and Paper Magazine, and held the position of global social director at MAC Cosmetics. Her work extends to collaborations with major brands like HBO and Amazon Music, and she has contributed articles to respected outlets including Elle and W Magazine. Hunter Harris has made notable contributions to cultural journalism, including profiles of the "Succession" cast for New York magazine and Zendaya for GQ. She also authors "Hung Up," a popular pop-culture Substack newsletter, and has served as a writer for the HBO Max reboot of "Gossip Girl."
Dan Fierman, the head of audio at Higher Ground, praised Harris and Dix, remarking on their exceptional ability to create a podcast that is both intellectually stimulating and immensely enjoyable. He lauded them as two of the most astute, humorous, and insightful voices in contemporary culture, underscoring the strong affection and loyalty they command from their audience. Fierman conveyed his excitement for "Lemme Say This" joining the Higher Ground family, signaling a promising future for the podcast.
The Higher Ground network is home to a variety of other acclaimed podcasts, such as the weekly interview program "Talk Easy With Sam Fragoso" and "IMO With Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson," featuring candid conversations between the former First Lady and her brother. The production company also boasts a catalog of successful series, including "The Wonder of Stevie," a seven-part exploration of Stevie Wonder's musical legacy; "Fela Kuti: Fear No Man," a 12-episode Audible original delving into the life of the Nigerian musician, hosted by Jad Abumrad; "Your Mama's Kitchen," hosted by journalist Michele Norris; and "Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast," an Audible original presenting conversations with notable figures like Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, Conan O'Brien, and Oprah Winfrey.
The media company, based in Los Angeles, is actively involved in the production of a diverse range of content, including scripted and unscripted television series, feature films, animated productions, podcasts, and digital series, demonstrating its broad reach across various entertainment mediums.
