Break the Bottle: Lessons from a Grandson, Marine, and Leader with Michael Allison – EP 229

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michael Allison, a Marine veteran, author, and founder of the Adversity Academy, to explore a journey shaped by hardship, legacy, and purpose. From growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Miami after immigrating from Jamaica to becoming a decorated Marine and now a leadership coach, Michael...

Writing For Legacy, A Grandfather’s Perspective With Kevin Hall – EP 228

I welcome Kevin Hall to The Cool Grandpa Podcast for a powerful and entertaining conversation on legacy, storytelling, and life after retirement. Kevin opens up about his 49-year marriage, raising a family, and how becoming a grandfather inspired him to write personal memoirs that turned into a published series of books. You’ll hear about: How...

Navigating Grandfatherhood and Midlife Career Moves with Mark Aylward – EP 227

In this heartfelt and candid episode, I sit down with career coach, entrepreneur, and proud grandfather Mark Aylward. They dive into the complexities of becoming a grandfather under unexpected circumstances, the power of simply "showing up," and how intentional presence can transform relationships. Mark also shares powerful insights from his...

Support Networks for New Parents with Jane Honikman – EP 226

In this episode, Jane Honikman and I discuss the evolving role of fathers and grandfathers in parenting, particularly in the context of postpartum support. We explore the importance of emotional wellness, communication, and social support in navigating the challenges of parenthood. Our conversation highlights cultural shifts in parenting...

Keeping the Connection: Avoiding Common Grandparenting Pitfalls – EP 225

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I discuss the challenges of maintaining strong relationships with adult children and grandchildren. I discuss the common mistakes grandparents make—disrespecting parenting choices, giving gifts with hidden expectations, ignoring family schedules, or arguing in front of the grandkids. By recognizing...

Unlocking Confidence: Public Speaking, Music, & Growth with Adam Cole – EP 224

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Cole, a jazz musician, educator, author, and confidence coach. Adam shares his fascinating journey from performing jazz and teaching music to becoming a sought-after confidence coach. He discusses the different phases of life and how we can reinvent ourselves. We also discuss how confidence is crucial in...

The Evolving Role of Grandfathers – EP 223

In this engaging episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with writer and grandfather Don Akchin for a thoughtful discussion on modern grandfathering. We explore the evolving role of grandfathers, the joys and challenges of connecting with grandchildren, and how today's granddads are breaking past generational stereotypes. Don shares...

Vietnam Uncensored: A Veteran’s Journey with Jerry Glazer – EP 222

Vietnam veteran and author Jerry Glazer joins me in this compelling episode. Jerry shares his remarkable journey from being drafted into the U.S. Army, going through grueling training, and serving in one of the most harrowing conflicts in American history. He reflects on his experiences, the challenges of military service, and the deep...

Show and Share: Teaching Life Lessons as a Cool Grandpa – EP 221

In this episode, I discuss the importance of sharing life skills with grandchildren and creative ways to teach them essential lessons. I reflect on personal experiences with my father and how small, everyday moments can provide invaluable learning opportunities for grandkids. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The power of showing and sharing...

How to Live: A Course for Grandparents – EP 220

In this episode, I welcome back to The Cool Grandpa Podcast Richard Eyre, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on family relationships, to discuss his latest project—How to Live the Second Half of Life. Richard shares his journey from parenting expert to grandparenting advocate, emphasizing the importance of being an intentional and...
EP – 139 Getting Aligned on Family Care

EP – 139 Getting Aligned on Family Care

Our conversation with DeeDee More This week's conversation centers on Family Care and how parents and grandparents can get alignment on who is responsible for what and how parents want their children cared for while in the care of the grandparents. DeeDee More, from...

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EP – 138 A Dad’s Path

EP – 138 A Dad’s Path

Our conversation with Will Braunstein Will Braunstein is our guest this week. We discuss how grandfathers can help support our adult sons and sons-in-law. It was great to sit down with someone focused on the challenges that fathers are experiencing today and how...

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EP – 137 BoomerTECH Adventures

EP – 137 BoomerTECH Adventures

Our conversation with Jill Spencer and Ed Brazee This week's conversation is with two of the three founders of BoomerTech Adventures. Ed Brazee and Jill Spencer join us to talk about the founding of BoomerTech and how these educators came together to start working...

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EP – 136 Father’s Day 2023

EP – 136 Father’s Day 2023

Our Monthly One-on-One In this month's conversation, I talk about Father's Day. I think that, for the most part, dads and grandfathers have most of the material things they want or need. Despite what retailers bombard us within the lead-up to Father's Day, I think...

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EP – 135 The Call to Adventure

EP – 135 The Call to Adventure

Our conversation with Tina Sibley Everyone needs to have a goal—something to work towards or work through. Tina Sibley joins us today to talk about how we can infuse a spirit of adventure into our personal and professional lives. You will enjoy how Tina planned and...

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EP – 134 Supporting a Grandchild Through Trying Times

EP – 134 Supporting a Grandchild Through Trying Times

Our conversation with Joe Cochran Joe Cochran joins us to discuss his experience supporting his grandson and his family through a very trying time. We learn about Joe, his pediatric dentist background and his life in Oregon raising three wonderful daughters. Recently...

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EP – 133 Five Tips for Planning a Fun Visit

Our monthly one-on-one conversation This month's one-on-one conversation is about how to make in-person visits fun and stress-free. Like most things in life, communication and planning are the keystones to making sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to when...

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EP – 132 Adaptation

EP – 132 Adaptation

Our conversation with Jan Lipes Jan Lipes is a cool grandpa. Forty years ago, Jan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As an Emergency Room doctor, Jan was faced with a number of constraints AND opportunities in his professional and personal life. I first...

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EP – 131 Grandpas United

Our conversation with Jim Isenberg and Frank Williams Frank Williams and Jim Isenberg are on a mission to get grandpas active at home and especially in their communities. Grandpas United was founded in 2018 to provide multigenerational mentors and leadership to youth...

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EP – 130 Permission to be Creative

Our conversation with Frank Pomata A friend of the show, Frank Pomata, joins us to discuss how grandfathers can release their creative spirits with projects and play with their grandchildren. Frank and I enjoy catching up and talking about how Frank started creating...

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