Could Your Son Be Struggling in Silence?
Could Your Son Be Struggling in Silence?  
Podcast: All Pro Dad Podcast
Published On: Mon Aug 04 2025
Description: There is no safe level of cigarette consumption. It causes lung cancer, heart disease, and many other problems. But there’s something the U.S. Surgeon General claims is even worse for your health: loneliness. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the male loneliness epidemic and how it’s impacting our kids. Loneliness increases feelings depression, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and cardiovascular illness.Why This MattersStatistically, only about half of men say they are satisfied with their friendships. This trickles down to children as well. Stats on LonelinessSurvey Center on American Life: 1 in 7 men have “no close friends.”Equimundo: Two-thirds of men ages 18–23 say "no one really knows me". Gitnux: 40% of men reported feeling lonely at least once a week.Practical Tools for DadsBuilding up social skills is a good start, but dads can do even more to facilitate healthy, strong friendships for their sons. Try these:1. Encourage extracurricular activities like sports or clubs. 2. Invite people over to your home. 3. Encourage “awkward” conversations.4. Volunteer at their school. Consider starting an All Pro Dad chapter!Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction: The Silent Health Threat00:56 – 02:30 | A Hidden Epidemic for Men and Boys02:31 – 04:47 | Stories from Isolation04:48 – 06:51 | Redefining Loneliness06:52 – 08:58 | Why Married Men Aren’t Immune08:59 – 12:13 | The Barriers to Friendship: Time, Guilt, and Cultural Pressure12:12 – 14:52 | Your Sons Are Watching14:53 – 17:15 | Real Connection Requires Risk17:16 – 21:30 | Help Your Kids Build Friendships, Too21:31 – 23:06 | Pro Move of the WeekNo one is immune to loneliness. Prioritize connection in your life and your son’s life this week. Try to make one new friend this week.Resources: Episode 62 – How To Raise Emotionally StWe love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Connect with Us: Ted Lowe on LinkedIn Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn BJ Foster on LinkedIn Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Get All Pro Dad merch! EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com