EP – 209 The Sweet Journey of Ricky Dickson

Cool Grandpa Ricky Dickson is joining me to discuss his experience as the CEO of Blue Bell Ice Cream and being a father and a very cool grandpa. Recently, Ricky published his book, One Scoop At A Time, which is an excellent book about his time at Blue Bell, from writing a marketing paper for a school project to becoming CEO and guiding Blue Bell...

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 education and now for Daddys everywhere. We discuss his philosophy on education, the...

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 understand at the time but grew to appreciate as he grew older. Bob and I also talk...

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 basic first aid and CPR, primarily pediatric CPR. The third topic is creating an...

EP – 205 Breaking Generational Cycles

Doug Morneau joins us for an engaging conversation. Doug shares his experiences and insights as a grandfather, discussing the importance of family relationships, the impact of technology, and the value of spending quality time with grandchildren. He reflects on his upbringing, the lessons learned, and how he aims to create a nurturing environment...

EP – 204 Cars and Grandpas

Michael Platt from Platt Motors sits down with us to share the remarkable story of his grandfather and the car business he started. You will enjoy hearing how Michael's grandfather started one of the earliest used car dealerships in New Jersey. Michael shares his earliest memories of going to auctions and seeing his father and grandfather work as...

EP – 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa

Andre Renna shares his experience as a grandfather with us. We learn about Andre's reaction to learning that he would become a grandpa for the first time and how he was very excited to meet his grandchildren. I ask Andre about being a grandfather in the same community as his children and grandchildren. Andre shares with us how being close to his...

EP – 202 How We Can Support Moms

This is our second panel or round table discussion on The Cool Grandpa Podcast. I like to call these activities Cracker Barrels. I like that term because it is what we used when I was in Scouts. It is a fun, nostalgic term for gathering informally and sharing important and sometimes not-so-important information. We have four wonderful guests...

EP – 201 Good Seer, Good Sayer

Neil Taft joins our conversation this week to talk about being a Caring Grandparent. Specifically, we learn how Neil, a great-grandfather, is leading the charge to help all grandparents build and maintain incredible relationships with their grandchildren. Neil's mission is to enhance Grandparents' bonds with their Grandchildren by building...

EP – 200, Four Years of Fun and Learning

In this episode, I am taking a victory lap with my good buddy, Steve Owens, from the Fascination Street Podcast. In this fun conversation, Steve interviews me on my podcast. We discussed my motivations for starting this podcast and why I have kept this project going for over four years. Steve also talks to me about my children's book and where...

Ep – 29 Root Beer Floats and Slush Funds

My Conversation with my old buddies Ted and Bob Reuss Root beer floats and slush funds two valuable lessons that we learn about from Ted and Bob's experience with their cool grandpa. In this episode, we learn about how Ted and Bob's grandpa worked hard to connect with...

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EP – 28 Maj. General Rupertus Pt. 2

Welcome back! This is part 2 of my interview about Maj. General Rupertus, USMC. In this episode, Heather, Kim, and Amy join me to talk more about their extraordinary grandfather. If you haven't heard the first episode, I strongly recommend that you go back and listen...

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EP – 27 Encouraging your grandchild’s design

My conversation with Frank Sinclair Encouraging his grandchildren's innate design is what Frank Sinclair is all about. Frank is one cool grandpa and shares his insights into encouraging and leading his grandchildren with love and respect. I was lucky to meet Frank...

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EP – 26 Maj. General Rupertus Pt. 1

My conversation with Heather Bates, Kim Robinson, and Amy Peacock about researching their grandfather, Maj. General William Rupertus, USMC In this episode, I talk with Heather, Kim, and Amy about the research and their drive to document and write about their...

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EP – 23 The impact of an aviator on his grandson

My conversation with Bryan Kirkpatrick This conversation is about the impact a self-taught aviator had on his grandson. My guest for this episode is Bryan Kirkpatrick. Bryan grew up in Wyoming and shared his grandfather's memories, Jim Good. Bryan describes how his...

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