While speaking on his wife Michelle Obama’s podcast, Barack opened up about the importance of raising “emotionally intelligent, competent men.”

Former President Barack Obama explained his reasoning that more men need queer friends. As a guest on his wife Michelle Obama’s IMO podcast, which she hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, the 63-year-old detailed his experience with a gay male mentor and emphasized the importance of having diverse friend groups.

Barack Obama, joined by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson on the IMO podcast, discussed how to raise emotionally intelligent boys in today’s world. He stressed the need for multiple male role models beyond just fathers,

Michelle Obama then warned her hubby not to “start,” but once everyone was settled in their seats, Robinson said, "It’s so nice to have you both in the same room together,” which made Michelle Obama address the divorce rumors. “I know, because when we aren’t, folks think we’re divorced,” she said.

"We need to start by learning to listen to boys, not to correct or direct, but to understand," a mental health expert told Newsweek.

Barack Obama appeared on his wife Michelle Obama's 'IMO' podcast and explained why he'd be challenged to raise a son after raising two daughters.

Former President Barack Obama urged men to have gay friends as role models for their kids and to teach them kindness, during a podcast appearance this week.