If your son has a TikTok or Instagram account, he’s likely aware of the manosphere. Even if he’s off social media, his friends probably aren’t. The world of hyper masculine, misogynistic, anti-feminist content is becoming increasingly popular with young men, but why? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the dangerous content of the manosphere and how it’s resonating with boys and young men.

Why This Matters
There’s nothing beneficial about the manosphere, so we should learn how to help our family avoid its poison.

Terms to Understand

• Manosphere: A loosely connected group of blogs, websites, chatrooms, and online communities centered on men’s issues, often promoting male supremacy, misogyny, and anti-feminism.
• Toxic Masculinity: Defines dominance, emotional suppression, aggression, and ultra competitiveness as “manly traits” while denouncing vulnerability and empathy as feminine.
• Red pill: Inspired by The Matrix movie, this idea claims men need to wake up to the uncomfortable reality that today’s progressive and feminist culture gives advantages to women and disadvantages men.
• Incel: This is short for “involuntary celibate.” This means romantic and sexual relationships are not available to men despite their desire to have them. They believe it’s because of their looks or other genetic deficiencies.
• Black pill: This is the fatalistic viewpoint that self-proclaimed incels hold. Believers think attractiveness is predetermined (looks or wealth) and that all women are shallow, meaning most men don’t have a chance.

What Do Most Boys Ask Themselves?

1. 1. “Who am I?”
   Boys are looking for identity.
2. 2. “Where do I belong?”
   Boys want to fit in.
3. 3. “How do I influence the world?”
   Boys are looking to leave their mark.

What Can Dads Do?

1. 1. Help kids process the rejection and hurt they face in a healthy way.
2. 2. Listen to their pain and complaints without judgement.
3. 3. Remind them their value is not based on the opinions of others.
4. 4. Spend quality time together.
5. 5. Teach them that real men take responsibility, are accountable, and serve others.
6. 6. Model how to treat women well.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:03 | What Is the Manosphere?
The hosts define key terms and unpack how online communities shape men’s beliefs about masculinity.

02:03 – 04:11 | The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing
The discussion tackles the mixed messages the manosphere sends.

04:11 – 06:32 | When Men Feel Unseen
Many men turn to these spaces for validation and belonging when they feel misunderstood by culture.

06:32 – 09:15 | Influencers and Echo Chambers
Certain voices online gain power by amplifying anger and oversimplifying manhood.

09:15 – 12:05 | Real Strength vs. Online Posturing
Authentic masculinity is marked by service and humility.

12:05 – 15:12 | Why Young Men Are Vulnerable
Loneliness, fatherlessness, and social media pull teens into toxic content.

15:12 – 18:37 | Calling Dads to Engage
Fathers must teach boys what real manhood looks like.

18:37 – 22:43 | Modeling Healthy Masculinity
The dads share personal stories and practical ways to show strength through gentleness and integrity.

22:43 – End | Pro Move: “Ask your son who he is following on social media. Ask him if he’s heard of the manosphere, incels, and “red pills” and find out what he thinks about it.”

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.