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 – 179 A Work In Progress

EP – 179 A Work In Progress

In this episode, Parcsen, a grandfather from Singapore, talks about his experience and the role of grandfathers in the family and community. We talk about the issue of isolation and loneliness among the older population and the need for intergenerational connections....

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EP – 177 Grandchildren Choose What is Quality Time

EP – 177 Grandchildren Choose What is Quality Time

Lee Ostler joins the conversation this week to talk about his relationship with his grandchildren. We are fortunate to hear Lee talk about building and nurturing relationships with both grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. We discuss how our identities change...

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EP – 176 One To Ride The River With

EP – 176 One To Ride The River With

He was a man to ride the river with. A long time ago, someone could get no higher compliment than to be known as one to ride the river with. It seems that this phrase came about during the time of the frontiersmen and cowboys. When exactly, no one seems to know. It...

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EP – 175 A Mind To Care

EP – 175 A Mind To Care

Simon Gidney from A Mind To Care joins us to discuss his organization and the tools he is developing to help caregivers and those needing memory and behavior care. Simon discusses how, with over 40 million unpaid caregivers in the United States, many of these...

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EP – 174 Keeping Memories Not Stuff

EP – 174 Keeping Memories Not Stuff

Matt Paxton is joining our conversation this week to discuss how we can keep AND share valuable memories but let go of stuff that doesn't serve us anymore. You might recognize Matt from the television show Hoarders or its current show, Legacy List. Matt is also an...

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EP – 173 It’s Their Turn

EP – 173 It’s Their Turn

Cynthia G. Kane from It's Their Turn joins this week's conversation to discuss the importance of excellent communication between parents and grandparents. Cynthia brings her background as a genetic counselor to help parents and grandparents who are daily caregivers to...

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EP – 172 Live Life In Crescendo

EP – 172 Live Life In Crescendo

Cynthia Covey Haller joins us to discuss the book Live Life In Crescendo, which she and her late father, Steven Covey, wrote. We discuss the idea for the book and how it came about. Cynthia shares with us how her father thought that expanding a person's life was the...

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EP – 171 Creative Thinking with Dan Miller

EP – 171 Creative Thinking with Dan Miller

This is somewhat of a 'Bonus' or repeat episode. This episode is a conversation that I had with Dan Miller, author of the book 48 Days To The Work and Life You Love. I start this conversation with a few thoughts about Dan and his 48 Days Community's influence on me...

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EP – 170 Substance Use Information Update 2024

EP – 170 Substance Use Information Update 2024

This week's conversation is with adolescent substance use expert Richard Capriola. Rick joins the conversation this week to discuss the University of Michigan's annual survey of adolescent use of substances. For those of you who don't know, this survey asks middle and...

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