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 – 159 Thanks for YOU

EP – 159 Thanks for YOU

This week is Thanksgiving here in the United States. I am spending much of this week with my family AND knocking out items on my to-do list. I did want to take this opportunity to make sure that you and I got connected for a short conversation that hopefully hits home...

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EP – 158 Grandfathers Can Provide Balance and Support

EP – 158 Grandfathers Can Provide Balance and Support

Stephen Gomes joins us this week to talk about his grandfather's impact on him while growing up. We talk about how, between Stephen's father and grandfather, he had a well-rounded environment to grow up in. Stephen and I talked about how lucky he was to have a...

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EP – 157 Discussing Grief

EP – 157 Discussing Grief

Brittany Johns joins our conversation this week to discuss the important topic of grief. Brittany has worked in the healthcare industry for over 13 years and is certified in grief counseling. She runs and operates New Beginnings Grief Recovery in Bend, Oregon. During...

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EP – 156 The Importance of Traditions

EP – 156 The Importance of Traditions

My wife, Karen Mangum, joins our conversation to talk to us about the traditions that her and her family had during the end of the year celebrations. Karen talks about how at Thanksgiving, there would be up to 30 people at her grandparent's house. Even with those...

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EP – 155 Brotherhood of Fatherhood

EP – 155 Brotherhood of Fatherhood

Scott Rammage joins the conversation this week to talk about his grandfathers and his project, The Brotherhood of Fatherhood, that seeks to help men be the leaders and whole men they intended to be. As we begin our discussion, Scott talks about his two grandfathers....

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EP – 154 See Differently

EP – 154 See Differently

Renee Balcom is one of these folks who took a career turn and unexpectedly found their passion in service and educating others. You will enjoy hearing how Renee started in Silicon Valley in the 1970s and quickly rose to the ranks of the CEO of a technology company in...

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EP – 153 Learning about Flex Mortgages

EP – 153 Learning about Flex Mortgages

Stephen Gomes joins us this week to talk about Reverse and Flex Mortgages. Stephen does a great job explaining how the different lending options or products are indeed a step up from what was available back in the 1970s and 1980s. Like many of you, I didn't know how...

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EP – 152 Fall Storytelling for Grandchildren

EP – 152 Fall Storytelling for Grandchildren

With Autumn starting to turn the leaves colorful and leaving a bit of an evening chill in the air, our thoughts begin to turn towards festivals and the end of the year. Debra Weller, a master storyteller, joins us again to discuss the great traditions of...

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EP – 151 Your Next Year

EP – 151 Your Next Year

Our Monthly One-on-One Conversation This month's conversation is about goals. I know this isn't November or December, the usual months when we start thinking about goals or New Year Resolutions. I felt that we needed to talk about goals as we head into the last...

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EP – 150 Becoming a Sage

EP – 150 Becoming a Sage

Our conversation with Chris Bruno Chris Bruno from ReStory Counseling joins us today to discuss men entering their second stage of life. We discuss how this second stage of life can be the most powerful in our story. While we will undoubtedly experience decline in...

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