Benji and Joel Madden Declare They Both Hold a 'Healthy Fear' of Wives Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie

There's an element of fear in Benji and Joel Madden's marriages.

In an appearance on the latest episode of Rob Lowe's SiriusXM podcast Literally!, the Good Charlotte rockers opened up about their superstar spouses — Benji, 46, is married to Cameron Diaz, and Joel, 46, is married to Nicole Richie — and why they're a little afraid of them.

The topic arose as Lowe, 61, who's married to Sheryl Berkoff, spoke about their three "strong" wives and the "core" values shared within their relationships.

"I think also too, when you think about the powerful women that are just these forces of nature— I think all of our wives are interesting in the fact that they also don't want to be with a pushover guy," said Benji, who married Diaz, 52, in 2015. They share two children, daughter Raddix, 5, and son Cardinal, 1.

Benji added of their wives, "They still need a strong counterpart, but you have to also not have the ego."

"We all respect our wives," said Joel, who married Richie, 43, in 2010. They share two children, daughter Harlow, 17, and son Sparrow, 15.

"They are absolutely our counterparts, and we all have a healthy fear of our wives... I don't know if I ever thought someone could keep me," Joel added. "I was a relationship guy, but then I met Nicole, and she absolutely runs the show — but we are partners."

"There's aspects that I run, but there's a whole part of my life that would not work if she wasn't there running it. And she gave me a way deeper, richer life because of the aspects of my life that she oversees, she runs, and vice versa," continued Joel. "We work together, but she's strong. I respect her and fear her a little bit."

Benji noted that meeting Diaz and launching into a relationship shifted his world into place.

"Fear is strong, ‘cause it sounds almost, like, abusive," joked Joel, clarifying Nicole is "sharp" and "strong."

Lowe chimed in, "They're formidable. You don't wanna f--- with them. I want no part of running afoul of any of our three wives."

"That's the queen," declared Benji of Diaz. "Go against my wife? Good luck. I don't even need to get involved."