EP – 180 Balancing Selfish and Selfless Motives

In this one-on-one conversation, I want to discuss grandparents' frustrations when things don't go as planned with their grandkids. I also want to explore the concept of having selfish and selfless motives in our actions and how these coexist.  When things don't go our way, I think there is an opportunity to detach from the situation and analyze...

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. Parcsen shares his journey of becoming a grandfather and his joy seeing his...

EP – 178 Support for Grandparents with Generations United

Raising children can be a tough row to hoe. No matter what age you are, there are a lot of demands on your time, energy, knowledge, and patience when dealing with children. Not only do you need to manage the children, but you also need to manage their schedules, diets, hobbies and interests, friends, and education. I am worn out just thinking...

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 from being known as 'Dad' to becoming 'Grandpa.' While we enjoy the change that...

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 might have been during the early days of the Oregon Trail or soon after that. When...

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 caregivers need tools to help engage and, for lack of a better word, manage the loved...

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 author, speaker, and all-around good guy. In this conversation with Matt, we talk...

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 their grandchildren align with the adult children's caregiving expectations. As...

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 eighth habit that would lead to a successful life. For those unfamiliar with the...

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 and my relationship with my children. I also share some of my intentions about...

EP – 130 Permission to be Creative

Our conversation with Frank Pomata A friend of the show, Frank Pomata, joins us to discuss how grandfathers can release their creative spirits with projects and play with their grandchildren. Frank and I enjoy catching up and talking about how Frank started creating...

read more

EP – 129 You Need a Nemesis

Our monthly one-on-one conversation This month, I want to talk to you about the need for a nemesis in your life. I am not talking about a person here. That kind of nemesis is different from what I want to discuss. The nemesis I am talking about here is that obstacle...

read more

EP – 128 Milestone to Manhood

Our conversation with Steven Arms Steven Arms joins the Cool Grandpa Podcast to discuss the importance of having a rite of passage for young men. Steven and I have the opportunity to discuss the concept and need for a rite of passage for young men and women. While we...

read more

EP – 127 Staying active with BRD Sport

Our conversation with Nina Bard Nina Bard from BRD Sport joins us to discuss how having the proper compression brace can keep athletes and seniors active and participating in life. We had a great conversation about how NAFTA adversely affected her husband's business...

read more

EP – 126 Sharing a Love for the Skies

Our conversation with Ryan Nothhaft Ryan Nothhaft joins us to discuss his grandfather, Roy "Butch" Voris. We talk about Butch's life, growing up in Northern California and developing an interest in flying before the outbreak of WW II. We find out that Butch worked as...

read more

EP – 125 Managing Worry with Grandchildren

Our monthly one-on-one call This month's one-on-one conversation is about helping our grandchildren manage stress. Regarding stress, I know that as grandpas, we have all had our share. Some of us have learned to deal with stress well, and some haven't. I think I am in...

read more

EP – 124 Will Kits

Our conversation with Paul Smith Paul Smith from All American Will Kits sits down with us to discuss the creation and use of a will. We discuss who should create a Will and who should probably create a trust. I asked Paul about creating and updating a Will based on...

read more

EP – 123 Youth Substance Abuse Information

Our conversation with Richard Capriola Richard, Rick, Capriola joins us again for an updated conversation about youth and substance abuse. Rick presents updated findings from the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future study on teen substance use. The study's...

read more

EP – 122 Resources for Grandparents

Our conversation with Aaron Larsen Aaron Larsen is back to talk to us about Grandparents Academy. Aaron and I jump in and talk about how and why Aaron started Grandparents Academy. In our conversation, we discuss the importance to grandparents and families to continue...

read more

EP – 121 Sharing Values and Faith

Our conversation with Dick Olson I am pleased to have Richard 'Dick' Olson back on The Cool Grandpa Podcast. Dick and I sit down to discuss ways, specifically grandfathers and grandparents in general, can share their values and faith with their grandchildren. While we...

read more