It can be challenging when you’re the child of a celebrity or prominent public figure. Many people want to make a name for themselves and not rely on any kind of path paved by older generations. Nepotism is real, and while it works to benefit some, others want nothing to do with it. Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, share two daughters. Malia and Sasha Obama were just children when their father took office; now, they are grown women. At 26, Malia Obama decided to drop her last name, and her mother, Michelle, spoke about it for the first time with Kate and Oliver Hudson on their podcast, Sibling Revelry.

The siblings shared bits of the interview on Instagram with the caption, “Don’t miss the latest episode of Sibling Revelry featuring Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson—a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss!”

Michelle Obama told Kate and Oliver that Malia’s decisions are very much on brand for the young woman.

“I mean, it is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world, and they don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard, that they’re just naturally, just handed things,” Michelle shared. “They’re very sensitive to that — they want to be their own people.”

Michelle explained Malia first publicly dropped Obama in exchange for Ann in the credits of The Heart, a short film she wrote and directed.

Michelle told Oliver and Kate she understood what her daughter was trying to do but tried to be realistic at the same time.

“We were like, they’re still going to know it’s you, Malia,” Michelle said. “But we respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way.”

This story’s featured image is by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images.