Revisiting Ep. 207 Documenting Our Veterans’ Stories EP -266

Show Notes: This Memorial Day weekend, we're bringing back one of the most meaningful conversations ever shared on the Cool Grandpa Podcast: my interview with veteran storyteller and oral historian Bob Abbott. Bob has spent decades preserving the stories of World War II veterans — from Marines who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima to sailors,...

Encouraging Entrepreneurial Grandchildren EP – 265

Show Notes In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore how grandfathers can help nurture entrepreneurial thinking in their grandchildren, not simply to create businesses, but to help develop resilience, creativity, initiative, leadership, and purpose. Drawing insights from conversations and teachings from Dan Miller, Dave Ramsey, and...

Honor the Mothers of Your Grandchildren EP – 264

Show Notes In this personal or solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I reflect on the important role grandfathers play in strengthening family relationships by honoring and supporting their grandchildren's mothers. Whether they are daughters or daughters-in-law, the women raising today’s children face enormous emotional and cultural pressure....

Aging Isn’t Just Physical with Erica Sell EP – 263

Show Notes In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, I sit down again with Erica Sell to explore the emotional, relational, and real-life challenges of aging—the side most families aren’t prepared for. While Part 1 covered the logistics of home medical equipment, this episode dives deeper into what really matters:- Difficult conversations-...

Living in Crescendo with Cynthia and Kameron Haller EP – 262

SHOW NOTES: In this inspiring episode, I visit with Cynthia and Kameron Haller to explore what it truly means to live a life of purpose—especially in the later years. With 6 children and nearly 28 grandchildren, the Hallers made a bold decision: step away from family for 18 months to serve a mission in Northern Ireland. What they discovered...

Winning the Battle for Connection: With Lee Ostler EP – 261

In this powerful episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Lee Ostler of the Heart of the Fathers Foundation to explore a transformative idea: 👉 If you want your family to change, you have to change first. Lee shares deep insights into emotional connection, generational influence, and why many grandparents struggle to truly connect...

From Self-Sabotage to Self-Leadership with Mark Aylward EP – 260

Episode Summary What happens when the identity you’ve built your life around—career, family role, or personal expectations—starts to shift or even fall apart? In this powerful return conversation, I sit down with Mark to explore why so many men experience self-sabotage, confusion, and identity loss as they move through their 40s, 50s, and beyond....

Love Travels: How To Stay Connected with Helen Ellis EP – 259

Episode Summary In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Helen Ellis, author and researcher specializing in distance families—families spread across cities, countries, and continents. Drawing from her personal experience and groundbreaking research, Helen shares how grandfathers can build meaningful, lasting relationships with...

Aging in Place with Erica Sell EP-258

🎧 Episode Overview Many grandparents want to stay in their homes as long as possible—but most families only begin planning when a medical crisis forces the issue. In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with Erica Sell, founder of Harmony Home Medical, about how proactive planning and smart home design can help older adults maintain...

The Grandparenting Blueprint: With Richard Eyre EP – 257

Summary: In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I welcome returning guest Richard Eyre to discuss his latest book, The Grandparenting Blueprint. Together, we explore how grandparents can intentionally build meaningful relationships with their grandchildren by sharing wisdom, stories, and what Richard calls “Grandfather’s Secrets.” Richard...
Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP – 245

Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP – 245

In this follow-up conversation, I welcome back healthcare advocate and tech CEO Renee Balcom to discuss how grandparents and families can take control of caregiving decisions before a crisis hits. Renee shares practical insights on avoiding common caregiving mistakes,...

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Caring Grandparents Insights from Neil Taft EP – 244

Caring Grandparents Insights from Neil Taft EP – 244

“Thou shalt honor the parents of your grandchildren. That’s the most effective way to build lasting family relationships.”— Neil Taft 🧩 Episode Summary In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I reconnect with author and grandparenting expert Neil Taft to explore the...

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After Work: Redefining Retirement with Don Akchin EP – 242

After Work: Redefining Retirement with Don Akchin EP – 242

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down again with author and creative thinker Don Akchin to talk about his new book, After Work: An Honest Discussion About What Comes Next. Don challenges the old idea of retirement as “the end” and redefines it as the...

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Reductive Art and the Grandparenting Journey EP – 241

Reductive Art and the Grandparenting Journey EP – 241

Summary In this episode, we explore the intersection of grandparenting and art, with a particular focus on reductive art. Drawing inspiration from John Maxwell's leadership principles, I explore how genuine influence isn't about adding more—it's about gently removing...

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Instilling Work Ethic in Grandchildren – EP 240

Instilling Work Ethic in Grandchildren – EP 240

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I dive into one of the most valuable lessons a grandfather can pass down — a strong work ethic. From small chores to big projects, grandfathers have a unique opportunity to model what it means to start, stick with, and...

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