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. Physical and mental health are impacted, so loneliness is worth eradicating. 

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 starting with 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
  Ted, BJ, and Bobby open with a surprising stat—loneliness is worse for your health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
• 00:56 – 02:30 | A Hidden Epidemic for Men and Boys
  The U.S. Surgeon General calls loneliness an epidemic—especially among males.
• 02:31 – 04:47 | Stories from Isolation
  Each host reflects on seasons of adult loneliness and the silent toll it takes on a man’s well-being.
• 04:48 – 06:51 | Redefining Loneliness
  You can be surrounded by people and still feel unknown.
• 06:52 – 08:58 | Why Married Men Aren’t Immune
  Many men rely too heavily on their wives to meet all emotional needs.
• 08:59 – 12:13 | The Barriers to Friendship: Time, Guilt, and Cultural Pressure
  From parenthood demands to societal norms, building male friendships is essential.
• 12:12 – 14:52 | Your Sons Are Watching
  Dads who prioritize friendship model healthy connection for their sons.
• 14:53 – 17:15 | Real Connection Requires Risk
  Authentic friendship begins with awkward vulnerability.
• 17:16 – 21:30 | Help Your Kids Build Friendships, Too
  Note who your kids are bonding with, encourage face-to-face time, and teach them to initiate connection.

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.