Michelle Obama Michelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon Michelle Obama: 'We could've never gotten away with' what the Trump White House does Obama's first presidential memoir, 'A Promised Land,' set for November release MORE has a message for Americans who are frightened by the current political climate: remain hopeful.

"All we have is hope," the former first lady says in a preview clip from Thursday's "Ellen" show. Obama's sit-down with host Ellen DeGeneres marks her first TV interview since leaving the White House last year.

"People are afraid, but then there are people who feel good about the direction of the country, so I mean, that’s what makes this country complicated because it’s made up of so many different people from different backgrounds," Obama tells DeGeneres, when asked what advice she'd give people who find the world to be a "scary place right now."

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"The thing I learned in the eight years that I was in the White House is that what we do every day in our lives, the good things that we do every day — and we know we do it: we show empathy, we care for each other, you know, we do have a lot in common," says Obama. "That’s what it means to lead with hope and not fear."

"I would just encourage your viewers, the country, to do the things we do every day: to love each other, to take care of each other, to show empathy — and you can’t do that only when people make you feel good or safe," the 54-year-old Obama said, without mentioning President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE. "We’ve got to do it all across the board."

"We have to be an open-hearted nation and that’s who we are," she added.

"So, let’s just keep living our lives like that every single day and forget what they’re saying in Washington. That’s not necessarily who we are. We know who we are."

Obama also shared some lighter moments with DeGeneres as part of the daytime talk show host's 60th birthday celebration on her eponymous chatfest.

The ex-executive mansion resident gifted DeGeneres with a few birthday goodies, including boxed wine, Metamucil, push-up handles and a Barack Obama Barack Hussein ObamaThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon Trump appointees stymie recommendations to boost minority voting: report Obama's first presidential memoir, 'A Promised Land,' set for November release MORE Chia pet.