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...
EP – 197 Living in a Multi-Generational Household

EP – 197 Living in a Multi-Generational Household

Doug Sohn from Success After Sixty is joining the podcast to discuss his experience living in a multi-generational home. If Doug's name sounds familiar, that is because he is a returning guest. Doug is joining us again to talk about living in a multi-generational...

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EP – 196 The Importance of Play

EP – 196 The Importance of Play

Karen Stillman from Baby Making Genius is back on the podcast to discuss her relationship with her grandfathers and share her thoughts about her father as a grandpa. We are introduced to George (Granddad) and Henry (Grandpa Daddy)and their relationship with Karen and...

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EP – 195 Meet The Grampion

EP – 195 Meet The Grampion

This week's guest is Jim Tracy, or as he is better known, The Grampion. Jim and I dive right in and talk about the challenges and fun of being younger grandfathers. Jim shares with us how he is building connections with his grandchildren of all ages. We learn how The...

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EP – 194 Grandparents Week

EP – 194 Grandparents Week

This week's conversation is with Aaron Larsen, the founder of Grandparents Academy. In our discussion, Aaron and I discuss the incredible growth of Grandparents Weeks from its first year to the present day. Being associated with Grandparents Academy and watching this...

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EP – 193 Be Part of the Solution

EP – 193 Be Part of the Solution

A few weeks back, I volunteered at the scout camp where I worked in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. It was a blast being with a group of energetic people who are really putting their hearts and souls into doing what they can to make the world a better place. I was...

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EP – 192 Your Life Is About Other People

EP – 192 Your Life Is About Other People

Jim Padilla from Gain The Edge joins us this week to talk about his experience as a grandfather. This is a fantastic conversation as we learn about Jim's past and how he grew up with less-than-stellar male role models. We dive right in and learn about Jim's background...

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EP – 191 Baby Making Genius

EP – 191 Baby Making Genius

Dr. Karen Stillman joins the conversation this week to discuss how she helps women worldwide work through fertility issues. We learn about Karen's passion for taking a holistic approach to the challenges women face when addressing issues around fertility. Dr. Karen...

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EP – 190 Growing Memories and Relationships

EP – 190 Growing Memories and Relationships

This week's guest, Craig McManus from McPlants, is on the show to discuss gardening and landscaping and how these activities can build lasting memories. Craig starts our discussion by sharing his experience as a professional gardener and operating one of the best...

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EP – 188 The First Grandfather Cracker Barrel

EP – 188 The First Grandfather Cracker Barrel

This week's episode is a round table or cracker barrel discussion for The Cool Grandpa Podcast. The term cracker barrel comes from when, primarily, men would gather in a country store and eat saltine crackers out of a wooden barrel while talking about the weather,...

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