Podcast Summary: All Pro Dad Podcast

Episode: "What's the Best Part About Raising Boys?"
Date: September 1, 2025
Hosts: Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and B.J. Foster

Overview

This heartfelt and humorous episode dives deep into the joys and unique experiences of raising sons. Drawing on personal stories, science, and a hefty dose of camaraderie, Ted, Bobby, and B.J.—dads to a collective four (plus) boys—share what makes fathering boys a wild, meaningful ride. Their stories highlight the adventure, the learning, and the irreplaceable bonds that form between fathers and sons. The core message: being a dad, especially to boys, is a lifelong, ever-evolving, and supremely rewarding responsibility.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Value of Saying "Yes" to Adventure

• Ted’s Breakfast Story (00:28–01:24): Ted shares a recent moment when his son wanted to cook breakfast outdoors using a fire pit.
  • “In the moment, I was like, all right. I guess there’s no reason to say no. But I don’t know why you’d want to do this. I made that kid so happy.” (00:39)
  • It turned into a resourceful, proud moment for his son—and a memorable family breakfast in the backyard.

2. Recreating Father-Son Traditions

• B.J.’s Baseball Memory (02:06–04:26):
  • B.J. describes flying with his son to Philadelphia to catch a Phillies game, mirroring a treasured memory with his own dad.
  • Although his son spent more time on the ballpark’s playground than watching the game, the special trip became a childhood highlight.
  • “Whenever I ask him, hey, what’s your favorite memory from childhood?... that one always comes up.” (04:15)

3. Creating Unique Rituals and Bonding Through Roughhousing

• Bobby’s "Triangle O" Tradition (04:40–06:35):
  • Bobby recalls inventing “Triangle O” time with his two boys—wrestling, camping, biking, and lots of physically playful bonding.
  • “I love them so much, I want to punch them, you know... Every time they walk by me, they flinch, but it’s who we are.” (05:26)

4. Passing Down "Dad Stuff" & Skills

• Transferring Practical Knowledge (06:35–09:59):
  • The dads reminisce about teaching their boys to use tools, fix things (like a toilet seat), handle grilling, and even pressure washing.
  • Letting boys handle real tasks, even at the risk of imperfection, fosters confidence and pride.
  • “It’s so fun when you can pass down dad stuff.” (07:37)
  • B.J. highlights the joy of seeing his son surpass him in sports and other abilities:
    • “To see him kind of surpass me... it’s just, it’s been a really fun thing.” (09:05)

5. Roughhousing: A Key Connection Point

• Physical Play & Scientific Backing (10:10–13:17):
  • Rough-and-tumble play is a recurring theme; wrestling and play fighting are celebrated as essential for bonding.
  • Ted cites science, noting:
    • “One of the ways that dads bond with their kids on a chemical level is by physical play... it makes you tighter, which is really cool.” (12:21)
  • Nostalgia and laughter abound as they recall play-wrestling, pool tossing, and even the occasional injury.

6. The Value of Blunt, Honest Conversation

• Being Real with Boys (13:20–16:34):
  • The dads discuss how they can be more blunt with their sons—sharing honest advice and life lessons.
  • Notable is B.J.'s story about discussing sex, puberty, and masturbation openly:
    • “We’re gonna have an awkward conversation right now about masturbation. And he goes, okay... I don’t want you to ever feel alone in this.” (14:13–15:11)
  • The importance of vulnerability:
    • “I’m just going to lay out myself and I’m going to lay out the situation, the truth of it, and we’re not going to be afraid of it.” (15:54)

7. Built-In Buddies & Long-Term Friendship

• Fostering Lifelong Friendship (16:34–21:59):
  • Bobby frames sons as “built-in buddies,” advocating for leveraging shared interests to build connection.
  • Ted references research showing boys are especially likely to report loving relationships with their parents (17:06).
  • Building a friendship now paves the way for closeness when they are adults.

8. Mentorship, Modeling, and Legacy

• Mentoring Sons into Strong Men (17:38–20:07):
  • The dads discuss intentionally modeling traits and teaching practical life skills, from money management to character.
  • “You get to create not a little mini you, but a best version of them.” (19:25)
  • They stress the privilege and responsibility of shaping future men, husbands, and dads.

9. Future Best Friends

• The Joy of Grown-Up Sons (20:07–21:11):
  • Bobby shares the joy of being invited along to activities as his adult sons’ “future best friend,” appreciating the relaxed camaraderie.

10. Pro Move: Prioritize One-on-One Time

• Actionable Advice (22:01–22:18):
  • The hosts recommend:
    • “Set aside one-on-one time with each of your sons, let them set the agenda, and just enjoy being with your boy.” (22:01)
  • Often, it’s the smallest activities (like cooking ham outside) that make the biggest impact.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Every time they walk by me, they flinch, but it’s who we are.” —Bobby Lewis (05:26)
• “When you’re wrestling... you’re actually sharing these chemical balances... you have a little seared memory in your brain that says, we had fun, and it makes you tighter.” —Ted Lowe (12:21)
• “I want you to feel like you can talk to me about any of this stuff and you don’t need to feel weird.” —B.J. Foster (15:11)
• “You get to create not a little mini you, but a best version of them. And it’s such a privilege to do that.” —Ted Lowe (19:25)
• “Set aside one-on-one time with each of your sons, let them set the agenda and just enjoy being with your boy. Usually they pick things way smaller than we think, like cooking ham in the backyard.” —Bobby Lewis (22:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:28–01:24 — Ted’s outdoor breakfast story
• 02:06–04:26 — B.J.’s Phillies game tradition with his son
• 04:40–06:35 — Bobby’s “Triangle O” wrestling and bonding
• 06:35–09:59 — Passing down skills and practical knowledge
• 10:10–13:17 — Roughhousing, physical play, and scientific bonding
• 13:20–16:34 — Honest, blunt communication with sons
• 16:34–21:11 — Built-in buddies and the value of long-term friendship
• 17:38–20:07 — Mentoring and modeling as a dad
• 22:01–22:18 — Pro Move: Prioritizing one-on-one time with sons

Final Thoughts

This episode is a celebration of the often messy, always meaningful adventure of raising boys. Through stories both funny and profound, the hosts encourage dads to be present, say yes to the little (and big) adventures, pass down their know-how, roughhouse, and—most importantly—be real, involved friends and mentors to their sons.

For more practical tips and daily encouragement, check out the All Pro Dad "Play of the Day" newsletter, as recommended by the hosts.