Our conversation with Debra Weller
Debra Weller, a professional storyteller and teacher joins us to talk about her grandfathers AND how we can become entertaining storytellers. We discuss the influence of Debra’s grandfathers, Poppy and Grandpa Joe. Each grandfather had a unique background and style of telling stories. Poppy would often talk about growing up in New York and the time during World War II while Grandpa Joe would tell stories of New Orleans and working at the Dixie Brewery.
We talk about the impact and connection of stories between grandparents and grandchildren. Debra talks about how stories are used to entertain and inform grandchildren about where they come from, who their family members are, and passing down generational stories that connect family members across time.
Debra and I explore the types of materials and inspirations that can be used to develop your “storytelling muscle” including the use of Mad Libs, fables, experiences, puns, jokes, and other resources that with time, you can make into your own story or at least your version of the story. We encourage you to do so if you have not included storytelling in your “toolbox” of grandparenting fun. You will not regret it.
Once you have enjoyed this conversation, please share it with three friends who want to learn how grandfathers can use storytelling to build connections and entertain their grandchildren, family, and community.
Links
To connect with Debra and check out her website you can click on this link: https://story-tellingcourses.com/
You can also check out her YouTube channel by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/@DebraWellerStoryteller8084
If you would like to follow Debra on Facebook, you can use this link: https://www.facebook.com/debra.weller.18
You can also check out Debra as Mrs. Sunshine Santa Clause on YouTube.
Here is the link to World Storytelling Cafe: https://worldstorytellingcafe.com/
More Than Grand 
Grandfathers have a unique and meaningful role to play in grandchildren’s development, yet they often find themselves behind the scenes, on the sidelines, or less engaged than they’d like to be. This masterclass delivers a playbook for helping grandfathers level up their influence and impact. Listeners to The Cool Grandpa Podcast can receive 40% off this course by using Cool40 at checkout.
Founded in 2011 by Aaron Larsen as a way to honor his grandparents, GrandparentsAcademy.com is the world’s first and only online academy dedicated to helping grandparents grow meaningful relationships and rich legacies with their loved ones.
