All Pro Dad Podcast

All Pro Dad

On average, men switch jobs every four years, but one role guys will never outgrow, is dad. It’s a serious responsibility that lasts a lifetime and comes with highs, lows, and a ton of questions. It’s okay not to have all the answers… but the most committed dads are always chasing them.    The All Pro Dad podcast helps men navigate their toughest parenting problems. Experienced dads tackle tough topics, share what's worked for them, and discuss how to love your kids well. We do it all with a combination of humor and humility. If you have more questions than answers, this is the place to be. Today’s the perfect day to become an All Pro Dad.

  1. 1d ago

    Dad Advice I'd Give My Younger Self

    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

    22 min
  2. May 25

    Rites of Passage Are Critical for Kids: Here's How to Create One

    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

    27 min
  3. May 18

    Taking Initiative in Your Marriage: Step Up Before You Are Asked

    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

    19 min
  4. May 11

    Am I Sharenting?: The Dangers of Oversharing Online

    Posting photos of your kids feels harmless—but what if there’s more at stake than we realize? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about “sharenting,” why we do it, and how to know if we’ve gone too far. Why This Matters How dads share their kids’ lives online shapes their children’s privacy, identity, and future relationship with social media. Key Takeaways • “Sharenting” is common—most parents do it—but few stop to consider their true motivation. • Sharing can build connection and preserve memories, but it can also risk privacy, safety, and future embarrassment. • Kids are watching how we post, and our habits will shape how they use social media someday. Practical Tips for Dads 1.    Pause before posting and ask: “Why am I sharing this—and who is it really for?” 2.    Protect your child’s privacy by limiting identifiable details like location, school, or routines. 3.    Involve your kids in conversations about what should and shouldn’t be shared online. Important Episode Timestamps [00:00] What Is Sharenting and Are You Doing It?  [00:48] How Much Do Dads Actually Share About Their Kids Online?  [06:21] What Is Sharenting? The Origin of the Term and Why It Matters  [09:11] Why Parents Share Their Kids Online — and When the Reasons Are Good  [11:23] The 5 Reasons Parents Overshare About Their Kids on Social Media [13:06] The Privacy Problem: What Happens When Everything About Your Kid Is Public?  [15:47] The Real Privacy Risks of Posting Your Kids Online  [19:58] Are Your Kids Your Content? Questions Every Dad Should Ask Before Posting  [25:35] How to Share More Safely: Practical Tips for Protecting Your Kids Online  [30:58] This Week's Pro Move: Have a conversation with your kids about sharing information online—then decide together who you want your family to be online. All Pro Dad Resources: Episode 95 – What Challenges is Generation Alpha Facing? Episode 110 – Should Kids Be Social Media Influencer? Episode 119 – How Dangerous is Doomscrolling? 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

    32 min
  5. May 4

    How to Raise Kids Who Can Do Hard Things

    Are we raising resilient kids—or accidentally making life harder for them later? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about whether today’s parenting trends are helping kids thrive or quietly coddling them. Why This Matters Dads play a critical role in preparing kids to handle real-world challenges with confidence, resilience, and independence. Key Takeaways • Kids today experience connection, independence, and challenges very differently than previous generations. • Overprotecting and over-helping can unintentionally weaken a child’s ability to handle adversity. • Building resilience requires letting kids face discomfort, failure, and responsibility. Practical Tips for Dads 1.    Create space for independence—let your kids solve problems, make decisions, and even fail. 2.    Resist the urge to step in too quickly—coach instead of control. 3.    Introduce responsibility early and consistently hold your kids accountable. Important Episode Timestamps [00:00] Are We Coddling Our Kids? What Dads Need to Know About Raising Resilient Children  [00:38] How Kids Today Experience Childhood Differently Than Their Dads Did  [04:01] What Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt Says About Coddling [05:30] When Labels Like "Triggers" and "Trauma" Help and Hurt Kids [09:17] What the Dead Poets Society Reaction Reveals About Generation Z  [11:39] How to Spot Coddling in Your Own Home  [16:42] The 4 Ways Dads Coddle Without Realizing It  [20:31] How to Coach Your Kids Up and Then Let Them Go  [23:59] Why Free Play and Boredom Are Actually Good for Kids [27:19] This Week's Pro Move" Give your child at least one responsibility this week that they can fully own—then step back and let them handle it. Quotable: "If they can do it, let them do it, and they can probably do more than we think that they could." - Ted All Pro Dad Resources: Episode 98 – How to Build Resilient Children 4 Ways to Raise Resilient Kids Dan Orlovsky: 5 Ways to Teach a Daughter to Have Grit 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

    29 min
  6. Apr 27

    How to Respond Better to Your Kids: 5 Habits That Are Hurting Your Connection

    Most dads focus on what they say—but what if the real impact comes from how they respond? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to explore what AI surprisingly gets right about responding—and how dads can use those insights to build stronger, more connected relationships at home. Why This Matters The way a dad responds in everyday moments sets the tone for connection, trust, and emotional safety in his home. Key Takeaways • Slowing down your response communicates value and builds stronger relationships. • Not taking things personally helps you stay steady and keeps the door open with your kids. • Small shifts—like staying present, not escalating, and adjusting over time—can transform connection.  5 Dad Habits That Hurt Connection 1.    We rush. 2.    We take things personally. 3.    We hijack the moment. 4.    We escalate. 5.    We don’t adjust.  Practical Tips for Dads 1.    Pause before responding: Even a few seconds can shift you from reacting to connecting. 2.    Stay in their moment: Resist the urge to fix, teach, or redirect too quickly. 3.    Adjust as they grow: Stay curious about who your child is today, not who they used to be. Important Episode Timestamps [00:00] How to Respond Better to Your Kids Every Day  [00:48] What AI Gets Right About Responding That Dads Often Get Wrong  [01:38] Poor Habit #1: We Rush  [05:14] Poor Habit #2: We Take Things Personally  [06:17] Poor Habit #3: We Hijack the Moment [12:53] Poor Habit #4: We Escalate [16:11] Why Staying Steady as a Dad Is a Skill [17:38] Poor Habit #5: We Don’t Adjust [20:31] This Week's Pro Move Before you respond this week, silently ask: “Is this building connection—or just proving a point?” All Pro Dad Resources: Episode 87 – How Can I Connect With My Kids? How To Be A Better Listener to Your Kids 5 Thing To Do When You're Struggling to Connect With Your Kid 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

    22 min
  7. Apr 20

    What’s Really Going On When Our Kids Care About Popularity?

    There’s nothing wrong with wanting to fit in but chasing popularity can cause social anxiety in children. How can dads guide their kids toward true belonging without losing who they are? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to unpack what’s really going on beneath a child’s desire to be popular. Why This Matters When dads misunderstand popularity, they miss the deeper need for belonging—and risk disconnecting from their kids in moments that matter most. Key Takeaways • Popularity isn’t about ego—it’s about belonging and emotional safety. • Kids experience social pressure deeply, and minimizing it increases their sense of isolation. • Dads can guide their kids best by using a simple framework: See. Steady. Shape. Practical Tips for Dads 1.   See first: Acknowledge your child’s feelings before trying to fix anything. 2.   Stay steady: Your calm presence helps regulate their emotions in stressful social moments. 3.   Shape over time: Don’t rush the lesson—help them build perspective gradually. Important Episode Timestamps  [00:00] How to Help Your Kids Navigate Social Pressure Without Losing Who They Are  [00:52] What Did You Do to Be Popular Growing Up?  [04:19] Why Popularity Is Really About Safety and Belonging, Not Being Liked  [06:42] How Kids Use Popularity to Answer the Question "Do I Belong and Do I Have Value?"  [09:27] Why Dads Should Comfort First and Fix Later When Kids Feel Left Out  [11:20] 3 Types of Kids Struggling With Popularity and How to Spot Them [13:58] "I Don't Care About Being Popular" — Why That's Never Really True  [16:33] Why Dads Want to Fix Social Pain and Why That Instinct Backfires [17:59] The See, Steady, Shape Framework: A Dad's Guide to Helping Hurting Kids  [19:04] This Week's Pro Move: Ask your kid, “What does it mean to be a popular kid?”—and listen longer than feels natural. All Pro Dad Resources 5 Ways to Vet Your Kids' Friends 10 Ways To Help Your Kids Stand Up To Peer Pressure 3 Things To Do When Yo 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

    24 min
  8. Apr 13

    Am I Handling My Anger Well? A Checklist for Better Parenting

    Anger shows up fast. For a lot of dads, it feels justified in the moment but regrettable right after. It's the emotion we tend to express most. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to unpack what’s behind our emotions and how to respond so we build connection instead of creating distance. Why This Matters How a dad handles his emotions shapes how his kids experience him and how they learn to handle emotions themselves. Key Takeaways • Anger is “acceptable”: Most dads are not trying to be angry—they are trying to feel in control. • There’s more to you than anger: Anger is often the only emotion men were trained to express, masking deeper feelings underneath. Practical Tips for Dads 1.    Name it: Identify what you’re actually feeling beneath the anger (hurt, stress, embarrassment, exhaustion). 2.    Frame it: Challenge the story you’re telling yourself and replace it with a more accurate, helpful perspective. 3.    Aim it: Choose a response that builds connection with your child. Important Episode Timestamps [00:00] How Dads Can Handle Anger Without Hurting Their Kids [00:44] 5 Types of Angry Dads: Which One Are You? [03:11] Which Anger Style Do You Identify With Most? [05:37] Why Dads Feel So Confused and Guilty About Their Anger [06:17] Real Stories: Times We Lost Our Temper as Dads [09:00] What Happens to Your Kids When You Don't Manage Your Anger [10:39] Why Anger Is Usually Not the Real Problem for Men [14:44] The Name, Frame, Aim Framework for Managing Dad Anger [17:58] How to Apply Name, Frame, Aim to Your Anger Style APD Pro Move: When anger rises this week, walk through Name. Frame. Aim. because your kids don’t need a perfect dad, they need a present one who is learning. All Pro Dad Resources: The Wisdom in Dealing with Anger 3 Deadly Reactions Dads Must Stop How to Be a Calm, Cool, and Collected Parent 5 Choices to Make When You’re Angry at Your Teen 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

    21 min
4.9
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

On average, men switch jobs every four years, but one role guys will never outgrow, is dad. It’s a serious responsibility that lasts a lifetime and comes with highs, lows, and a ton of questions. It’s okay not to have all the answers… but the most committed dads are always chasing them.    The All Pro Dad podcast helps men navigate their toughest parenting problems. Experienced dads tackle tough topics, share what's worked for them, and discuss how to love your kids well. We do it all with a combination of humor and humility. If you have more questions than answers, this is the place to be. Today’s the perfect day to become an All Pro Dad.

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