Modern Fatherhood: Raising Emotionally Resilient Boys in a Digital World

Modern Fatherhood: Raising Emotionally Resilient Boys in a Digital World

Author: Lianne Castelino June 14, 2025 Duration: 28:54

What does it mean to be an engaged father today? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the evolving role of dads in raising emotionally grounded boys amidst toxic masculinity, social media, and shifting family dynamics, with guest Drew Soleyn.

A leadership coach, speaker, Director of Dad Central Ontario and founder of Connected Dads, Soleyn unpacks the real challenges fathers face, from managing hormonal changes and digital distractions to fostering independence and navigating peer pressure. Soleyn, a father of five emphasizes why emotional well-being, healthy communication, and modelling consent are key pillars of modern fatherhood.

Key Takeaways:

Why open communication is critical during hormonal shifts

How device use and social media affect boys' mental health

The impact of toxic masculinity—and how fathers can counter it

Strategies for setting boundaries, building resilience, and encouraging independence

The importance of modelling self-care and healthy relationshipsLinks referenced in this episode:


This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:



Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
Podcast Episodes
Plastics Decoded: Myths, Facts, and Parenting Insights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:30
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, Lianne Castelino speaks to Chris DeArmitt, PhD, materials scientist, a global advisor on plastics policy and evidence-based research, speaker, author and father.The disc…
When Substance Use Hits Home: A Parent's Guide to Healing and Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:46
Substance use and addiction are affecting more families than ever—and many parents feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and alone.In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with certified family recover…
Rethinking Leadership: Parenting Skills for Tomorrow's World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:20
The tumultuous waters of parenting in today's world often requires a nuanced understanding of emotional and mental health, especially as our children face unique challenges such as bullying, social media pressures, and t…
Raising Independent Kids in an Overprotective World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:34
Why are so many young adults struggling with independence today—and what can parents do differently?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk Podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with licensed school psychologist, autho…
Cyber Smart Parenting: Protecting Kids in a Digital World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:57
How do you raise safe, confident kids in a world of gaming chats, AI tools, social media, and constant connectivity?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to cybersecurity profess…