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 Matters
Statistically, only about half of men say they are satisfied with their friendships. This trickles down to children as well.
Stats on Loneliness
- Survey 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 Dads
Building 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 Timestamps
00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction: The Silent Health Threat
00:56 – 02:30 | A Hidden Epidemic for Men and Boys
02:31 – 04:47 | Stories from Isolation
04:48 – 06:51 | Redefining Loneliness
06:52 – 08:58 | Why Married Men Aren’t Immune
08:59 – 12:13 | The Barriers to Friendship: Time, Guilt, and Cultural Pressure
12:12 – 14:52 | Your Sons Are Watching
14:53 – 17:15 | Real Connection Requires Risk
17:16 – 21:30 | Help Your Kids Build Friendships, Too
21:31 – 23:06 | Pro Move of the Week
No 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 St
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