All Pro Dad Podcast

“There’s a big exam on Friday. Will I get invited to the party? Will I even get into college?” There are so many things bouncing around our teens’ heads. No wonder anxiety is at an all-time high. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss why anxiety and depression are affecting so many teens today.
Why This Matters
Teens today are carrying enormous emotional pressure, often silently. Dads play a critical role in helping teens feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate anxiety, stress, and emotional struggles.
Key Takeaways
Teen girls often feel intense pressure around appearance, relationships, and perfection.
Teen boys frequently hide anxiety because they fear looking weak or vulnerable.
Doomscrolling and nonstop exposure to negative content can increase anxiety and emotional stress.
Emotional struggles are not always obvious, especially in quiet or high-performing kids.
Dads need to prioritize listening, empathy, and emotional safety over simply “fixing” problems.
Practical Tips for Dads
1.    Listen and empathize first.
Don’t minimize your teen’s feelings, even if their worries seem small to you. Their experiences are real to them.
2.    Create emotional safety.
Let your kids know they can talk honestly without fear of judgment or shame.
3.    Teach that stress is normal.
Help teens understand that challenges, pressure, and setbacks are part of life and can build resilience.
4.    Avoid rescuing too quickly.
Support your kids through struggles without solving every problem for them.
5.    Pay attention to hidden anxiety.
Quiet kids and boys especially may hide emotional struggles behind silence, anger, or withdrawal.
6.    Limit unhealthy influences.
Monitor social media, doomscrolling, and comparison-heavy content that increases emotional pressure.
7.    Teach healthy coping mechanisms.
Encourage exercise, sleep, deep breathing, positive thinking, outdoor activity, and face-to-face relationships.
8.    Reinforce value outside performance.
Help your teens know they are loved for who they are, not just what they achieve.

Important Episode Timestamps 
 [00:00] Why Are So Many Teens Struggling with Anxiety and Depression? 
Ted introduces the episode's central question and sets up a practical conversation for any dad raising an anxious child. 
[00:40] Did You Struggle with Anxiety Growing Up?
BJ, Bobby, and Ted share their own middle and high school anxiety stories.
[02:54] What the Research Says About Anxiety in Teen Boys vs. Girls
Pew Research found that anxiety and depression rank as the top struggle for both boys and girls, making it vital dads learn how to help kids with anxiety.
[04:22] Girls and Boys Experience Anxiety Differently 
Girls face unique pressures around appearance, comparison, and performance, while boys deal with anxiety in other areas.
[08:19] Why Dads Must Create a Safe Space for Sons to Talk About Anxiety 
Ted shares how he discovered his son's anxiety through a family friend and makes the case that dads must know how to help sons with anxiety.
[09:28] Social Pressure, Bullying, and the Peer Comparison Trap 
BJ and Bobby break down how fitting in, physical and social bullying, and the pressure to keep up with peers quietly fuel anxiety.
[11:25] How Doomscrolling Is Making Teen Anxiety Worse
BJ explains why Harvard Health research shows girls are hit harder by doomscrolling than boys.
[13:17] The Chemical Reality: Why Teen Girls Can Become Anxious About Being Anxious 
Bobby shares research from the Child Mind Institute explaining how puberty and emotional sensitivity can cause girls' anxiety to compound while boys' tend to bottle things up.
[15:03] Listen, Empathize, and Normalize Anxiety Instead of Trying to Fix It 
The dads walk through what it actually looks like to show up for an anxious kid.
[19:22] The Pro Move
Ask your teen, “What gives you the most anxiety right now, and how do you usually deal with it?” Then listen carefully, empathize honestly, and resist the urge to immediately fix the problem.
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.
All Pro Dad Resources:
Episode 2 – How Can I Help My Anxious Kid?
Episode 111 – What Should I Do When My Kids Are Scared?
5 Ways Parents Cause Their Teens Anxiety
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Connect with Us:
Ted Lowe on LinkedIn
Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn
BJ Foster on LinkedIn
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We’ve all been there. You hear your kid use a four-letter word for the first time. Or belittle someone else. Do your kids understand the power of their words? In this episode of the All Pro Dad podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how often our kids use words without thinking about the consequences and what dads can do to shape kids’ language. 
Why This Matters
The words we use shape relationships, build trust, and influence how kids see themselves and others.
Key Takeaways
Kids learn the power of language primarily by listening to the adults around them.
Compliments and encouragement often have a longer-lasting impact than we realize.
A child’s language often reveals deeper heart issues, influences, or emotional struggles.
Parents should pay attention to the influences shaping their kids’ communication, including friends, music, movies, and online content.
Practical Tips for Dads
1.    Model the language you want your kids to use.
Praise your spouse, encourage others openly, and speak respectfully even when frustrated.
2.    Practice “reverse gossip.”
Speak highly of people behind their backs and let your kids hear it regularly.
3.    Build gratitude into family rhythms.
Use moments like dinner conversations to encourage thankfulness and affirmation.
4.    Address hurtful language quickly.
Teach kids the difference between joking around and attacking someone’s dignity.
5.    Talk about the “why” behind words.
Ask questions that uncover the heart posture behind the language your kids use.
6.    Monitor influences carefully.
Pay attention to the friends, media, music, and online content shaping your child’s communication habits.
7.    Teach honesty as a core family value.
Help kids understand that trust is built through consistent truthfulness.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] How Can We Teach Our Kids the Power of Language? 
Ted frames a conversation about how the words dads model at home shape the way their kids speak for years to come.
[00:49] The Words We Wish We Could Take Back: Honest Stories From the Guys BJ, Ted, and Bobby share cringe-worthy moments when their words caused unintended harm.
[04:12] The Surprising Power of the Right Word at the Right Moment
The dads reflect on times a well-timed compliment or word of affirmation made a lasting impact on someone.
[06:01] Why Kids Already Know 42 Taboo Words by Age Five 
Ted shares unsettling research about how early children absorb harsh language.
[07:23] How to Model the Power of Language at Home Every Day 
The dads discuss practical ways dads can demonstrate uplifting language in action.
[10:17] Reverse Gossip, Doug Compliments, and Other Ways to Build People Up
Bobby introduces the concept of reverse gossip, Ted shares the Doug Compliment tradition, and BJ explains why passing along praise is one of the most powerful things a dad can do.
[13:11] How Careless Words at Home Become Bullying Behavior Everywhere Else Ted and BJ connect the dots between the language kids use with siblings at home and the bullying behavior that shows up at school.
[14:48] Cursing, Tone, and What Really Tears People Down 
BJ offers a nuanced take on cursing, arguing that tone, posture, and dehumanizing language do far more damage than any particular word.
[19:01] Why Lying Is the Most Damaging Language of All
The dads explain why dishonesty is the most common way to destroys trust, and why creating a home where kids feel safe to tell the truth is one of the most important things a dad can do.
[21:30] This Week's Pro Move: Ask your kids why they think some kids use curse words. Talk about where language comes from, how words affect others, and what kind of people your family wants to be through the way you speak.
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.
All Pro Dad Resources
Mark Merrill on CBS News: What To Do When Your Kid Starts Swearing
Episode 3 – What Are The Words My Kids Long to Hear?
Episode 8 – What Are 7 Things A Son Needs From His Dad?
Episode 9 – What Are 7 Things A Daughter Needs From Her Dad?
Episode 118 – What Do Dads Need to Stop Saying to Their Kids?
We 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
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EXTRAS:
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Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day.
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This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com.

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

All dads are a work in progress. We've yelled when we shouldn't have. We've been impatient and overreacted. If you could go back and tell your younger self something, what would it be? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about most dad wisdom comes through experience and giving yourself grace is a must. 
Why This Matters
Many dads carry pressure they were never meant to carry. We think we have to get everything right, fix every problem, and shape every detail of our kids’ futures. But parenting is less about control and more about presence, consistency, and connection. Looking back on fatherhood helps dads identify what truly mattered—and what didn’t—so they can parent with more peace, wisdom, and intentionality today.
Key Takeaways
·       Parenting gets healthier when dads learn to respond instead of react.
·       Kids do not need constant entertainment or problem-solving from parents in order to grow.
·       Empathy helps children process emotions without removing accountability.
·       Dads often underestimate how quickly childhood passes.
·       Consistency, humility, and apologizing to your kids build trust and security.
·       Bringing kids into your world creates lasting memories and deeper relationships.
·       Kids are born with unique temperaments that dads are meant to nurture, not completely reshape.
·       Choosing family over work and distractions pays lifelong dividends.
Practical Steps for Dads
1.    Pause before reacting when your kids frustrate you. Create space for wisdom instead of responding emotionally.
2.    Let your kids experience boredom and manageable problems instead of rescuing them immediately.
3.    Practice empathy by helping your kids identify and process emotions calmly.
4.    Be intentional about enjoying the current season of parenting instead of rushing toward the next stage.
5.    Apologize when you fail. Humility strengthens your relationship with your children.
6.    Prioritize your family over unnecessary work, distractions, and commitments.
7.    Create one-on-one experiences with your kids by bringing them into your world whenever possible.
8.    Focus on nurturing your child’s personality instead of trying to force them into someone they are not.
Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Would You Go Back and Tell Younger You as a Dad?
[00:37] Relax and Stop Rushing to the Next Season of Parenting
[05:15] It's Okay for Your Kids to Be Bored — and You Don't Have to Solve All Their Problems
[06:52] Pause Before Responding and Lead With Empathy
[08:24] Kids Come Out a Way — Stop Trying to Completely Reshape Them
[10:10] Keep Being Real and Keep Being Fun — Your Kids Need Both
[13:35] Keep Apologizing When You Fail — It Models More Than You Know 
[15:06] Embrace Failure — Good Dads Fail Their Way Into Wisdom
[17:47] Embrace the Hard — Raising Kids Is the Most Important Thing You'll Ever Do 
[18:14] This Week's Pro Move: Write a Letter to Your Younger Dad Self
Take five minutes this week and write down what you would tell your younger self as a dad—both wisdom and encouragement—and keep it somewhere you will see regularly.
All Pro Dad Resources:
Episode 22 – What Do I Wish I Had Know Sooner as a Dad?
Dan Orlovsky: 4 Things I’d Tell My Younger Self About Being a Dad
Tony Dungy: What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
5 Things I Wish I Knew in My 30s and 40s
We 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

Hunting lions. Camping outdoors alone. Whatever happened to rites of passage? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why creating milestone moments matters for kids as they mature into adulthood. 
Why This Matters
Modern kids may be missing out on meaningful transitions into adulthood.
Key Takeaways
• Rites of passage help kids develop identity, courage, responsibility, and belonging.
• Modern milestones often happen passively, but meaningful growth usually requires challenge and intentionality.
• Kids build confidence when they overcome hard things and are recognized for their growth and maturity.
Practical Tips for Dads
1.    Ask yourself what kind of adult you want your child to become when they leave your home.
2.    Create intentional experiences, challenges, or ceremonies that help shape courage, resilience, and responsibility.
3.    Celebrate growth and maturity when your child overcomes something difficult or reaches a new stage of life.
Important Episode Timestamps 
[00:00] Should Dads Be Intentional About Rites of Passage for Their Kids?
[00:38] The Most Extreme Rites of Passage Around the World
[07:47] Why American Kids Have Lost Their Rites of Passage
[08:05] What a Real Rite of Passage Looks Like — and Why It Has to Be Personal
[11:43] The Emotional Cost of Never Being Told You've Become a Man
[15:46] What a Navy SEAL Taught Us About Why Rites of Passage
[19:45] Ushering Kids Into Adulthood: Doing It With Them vs. For Them
[21:40] The 3 Things Every Meaningful Rite of Passage Should Include
[25:39] How to Start Building a Rite of Passage for Your Kid Right Now
[26:20] This Week's Pro Move:
Think about a rite of passage you can create for your child and take a step toward making it happen. 
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.
All Pro Dad Resources:
Crafting a Rite of Passage For Your Son
Susan Merrill: Sons’ Rites of Passage 
Mark Merrill: The Blessing
We 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

He thinks he’s helping. She feels like she’s carrying everything. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster to unpack why so many couples miss each other when it comes to initiative—and what dads can do to step up in ways that actually build connection.
Why This Matters
When dads take initiative at home, it strengthens partnership, reduces stress, and builds deeper connection with both their spouse and kids.
Key Takeaways
• The real issue isn’t just physical tasks—it’s the unseen mental and emotional load many wives carry.
• Initiative isn’t about doing more—it’s about communicating presence, awareness, and partnership.
• Small, consistent actions—like emotional check-ins and owning responsibilities—can transform the tone of a home.
Practical Tips for Dads
1.    Check in intentionally: Slow down, ask meaningful questions, and listen without trying to fix everything.
2.    Own a lane: Take full responsibility for a part of family life—don’t just “help,” lead it.
3.    Go first in repair: After conflict, take initiative to reconnect and reset the relationship.
Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Does It Look Like to Take Initiative With Your Wife and Kids?
[00:51] Why Good Intentions Without Initiative Leave Your Wife Feeling Alone
[02:27] Why So Many Marriages Fall Apart After the Kids Leave Home
[04:04] The Power of Emotional Check-Ins
[05:17] Taking Initiative With Date Nights, Vacations, and the Decisions Your Wife Is Tired of Making
[06:44] Pick a Lane: How Owning Household and Kid Logistics Changes Everything
[09:49] Stop "Babysitting" Your Own Kids: What Real Parenting Initiative Looks Like
[12:42] How Taking Initiative With Your Kids Relieves Stress and Strengthens Your Marriage
[13:48] Repair and Reconnection: Why the Stronger Person Always Goes First
[15:56] This Week's Pro Move
Pick one area at home and take full ownership—don’t announce it, just do it consistently and let your actions speak.
Quotable:
“Good intentions with low initiative makes her feel really alone.” –BJ
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.
All Pro Dad Resources:
Episode 106 – What is a Passenger Parent and Am I One?
We 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