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...

Dignity In Eldercare: The Carebidet Solution – EP 219

In this episode, I sit down with John Larson from CoHealth to discuss an innovative solution for transforming elder care—The Carebidet. John shares his journey in the elder care space, the inspiration behind this groundbreaking technology, and how it aims to improve hygiene, dignity, and overall well-being for aging individuals and their...

Family Businesses & Storytelling: Why Your Story Matters – EP 218

Daniel Crandall and I discuss the significance of capturing family stories and histories in this episode. We discuss the dynamics of family businesses, the role of publishing in preserving narratives, and the importance of engaging younger generations in storytelling. Daniel shares techniques for capturing family members' stories, the impact of...
Navigating the Complexities of Grief – EP 216

Navigating the Complexities of Grief – EP 216

Kerri Lewis from Second Act Mastery joins me this week to talk about her journey through grief after losing her husband. We discuss the importance of addressing grief, its loneliness, and the societal expectations surrounding how one should grieve. Kerri emphasizes...

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Film as a Bridge in Family Relationships – EP 215

Film as a Bridge in Family Relationships – EP 215

Allan Shedlin joins us again for another engaging conversation. As Allan and I talked about being a grandfather, he reflected on the profound influence of his grandfather on his parenting style and the evolution of relationships between parents and their adult...

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The Role of Grandparents in Family Life – EP 214

The Role of Grandparents in Family Life – EP 214

Ricky Dickson, author and former CEO, is back for a dare; I say it? A second scoop, but in this case, we are talking about his experience with being a grandson and the profound impact of grandparents on personal development and family dynamics. Ricky shares his...

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EP – 212 Parental Mental Health and How We Can Help

EP – 212 Parental Mental Health and How We Can Help

DeeDee Moore from More Than Grand joins me this week to talk about the challenges facing parents and what grandparents can do to be a resource to young parents. We delve into the critical topic of parental well-being, highlighting the mental health challenges parents...

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EP – 211 Connecting Generations Through Muzzleloading

EP – 211 Connecting Generations Through Muzzleloading

Ethan Yazel from I Love Muzzleloading joins me to discuss how the sport and hobby of muzzleloading have created a unique bond between multiple generations of his family. Ethan shares his deep family connection to muzzleloading and explores the rich histories of his...

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EP – 210 Tips To Find Peace This Holiday Season

EP – 210 Tips To Find Peace This Holiday Season

This week is our final one-on-one conversation for 2024 about being a cool grandpa. In this conversation, I share valuable insights and tips for grandparents navigating the holiday season. I emphasize the importance of flexibility, adjusting expectations, and focusing...

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EP – 209 The Sweet Journey of Ricky Dickson

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...

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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...

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