Dude Chat Helps Men Escape Isolation

“If that’s a joke, I love it. If not, can’t wait to unpack that with you later.” – Ted Lasso

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

It’s been more than a year since a pair of Anderson men took on the challenge of battling isolation and loneliness among men. It was during the COVID shutdown that Brock Elder was watching the AppleTV series “Ted Lasso,” that the idea was born.

“The show featured male bonding, male relationships, and men being open and growing together,” said Elder, who added it was not something he witnessed in his life.

Elder and his good friend Sanchez Neeley gave birth to Dude Chat, a grassroots organization for men to find a place to connect, learn and grow into better human beings.

The group, which meets in person every other week at the Anderson County Library and online in the off weeks, now has between 50-60 men who have registered at their website https://www.thedudechat.com/ to work toward the mission of “Providing a space for adult men to come together, speak openly in small groups, and work toward living their best lives.”

The purpose, according to the website is: “Helping individuals foster relationships, experience vulnerability, focus on healthy habits, and strengthen themselves and their community.”

Their online meetings have attracted men from other states, including Colorado, Ohio and Texas.

The founders are encouraged by the progress, saying that men had reported improved family relationships and stronger family bonds as a result of participation in Dude Chat.