EP – 144 Being A Storyteller

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/

Affiliate Links

These are links to products and services that I highly recommend AND use. I do get a percentage of the purchases you make.

More than GrandMore Than Grand is an excellent resource for new grandparents AND parents. Listeners of The Cool Grandpa Podcast enjoy 10% off any fantastic products that More Than Grand provides by entering COOLGRANDPA10 at checkout. To visit More Than Grand, click HERE.

Intentional Grandfathering MasterclassGrandfathers 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.

Grandparents academyFounded 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.

My Grandpa’s Grandpa

When it is time for bed, Charlie’s grandpa tucks Charlie in. Charlie asks his grandpa many questions about his grandpa’s grandpa. Charlie’s grandpa shares a magical moment as he introduces Charlie to his great-grandpa through fun memories.

 

This is a smooth mouse pad for even smoother browsing. The top lets everyone know that you are a Cool Grandpa or have a Cool Grandpa in your life. The rubber bottom guarantees no slip around the mouse (optical and laser). The mouse pads will serve you for years without fraying or pilling.

If you prefer an eBook, you can download the Kindle version by clicking on this LINK.

Recent Podcasts

EP – 208 Daddying: More Than Just Fatherhood

EP – 208 Daddying: More Than Just Fatherhood

Allan Shedlin from DADvocacy Consulting Group (DCG) joins this week's conversation. We get to know Allan and his experience as both a father and grandfather. Allan also shares his work as a principal at an elementary school in New York City and as an advocate for...

read more
EP – 207 Documenting Our Veteran’s Stories

EP – 207 Documenting Our Veteran’s Stories

Bob Abate is on a mission to listen to and capture the stories of WW II veterans from New York City and the surrounding area. We discuss Bob's memories of being a small boy when World War II ended and the celebrations that were going on around him that he didn't...

read more
EP – 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection

EP – 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection

This week's episode is our monthly one-on-one conversation. For our discussion, I have chosen to share a few questions and topics I recently had from grandparents. The first question concerns spoiling the grandchildren. Our second topic is the importance of knowing...

read more