Helping Grandkids Graduate Without Debt With Jeannie Burlowski – EP 232

In this episode of the Cool Grandpa podcast, author Jeannie Burlowski explains how grandparents can inspire their grown kids and grandkids toward the goal of debt-free college and career - without using one penny of grandparent money.  She emphasizes the importance of creative strategies for college savings, the impact of personal...

Understanding Men’s Mental Health with Dr. Ed Stephens – EP 231

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ed Stephens about the evolving roles of fathers and grandfathers today. Dr. Stephens shares his deeply personal journey from corporate success to becoming a spiritual guide for men seeking purpose, presence, and legacy in their families. Key topics include: The power of authentic, present fathering How men...

Pulp, Prayer, and Plot Twists: Inside Jack LaFountain’s World – EP 230

In this engaging conversation, Jack LaFountain shares his unique journey to becoming an author later in life, reflecting on his diverse experiences from military service to nursing and ministry. He discusses the joys and surprises of becoming a grandfather, the challenges of maintaining family relationships over distances, and the creative...

Break the Bottle: Lessons from a Grandson, Marine, and Leader with Michael Allison – EP 229

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michael Allison, a Marine veteran, author, and founder of the Adversity Academy, to explore a journey shaped by hardship, legacy, and purpose. From growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Miami after immigrating from Jamaica to becoming a decorated Marine and now a leadership coach, Michael...

Writing For Legacy, A Grandfather’s Perspective With Kevin Hall – EP 228

I welcome Kevin Hall to The Cool Grandpa Podcast for a powerful and entertaining conversation on legacy, storytelling, and life after retirement. Kevin opens up about his 49-year marriage, raising a family, and how becoming a grandfather inspired him to write personal memoirs that turned into a published series of books. You’ll hear about: How...

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...
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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EP – 169 Bizstarters, Helping With Your Encore Business

EP – 169 Bizstarters, Helping With Your Encore Business

Jeff Williams has spent over thirty years helping professionals transition from one career path to another. Started in the 1990s as a resource to help people who were being laid off during the corporate restructuring, Jeff has grown and developed a team of experts who...

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EP – 168 Grandfathers Walk

EP – 168 Grandfathers Walk

Daniel Grissom is passionate about helping men learn more about the Word of God and how to use that knowledge to lead their families. He is a great guy from Atlanta, Georgia, who works to develop sales leaders in his professional life and faith leaders in his...

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EP – 167 Our Inner Citadel

EP – 167 Our Inner Citadel

This week's episode is a solo show. I just finished Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is The Way. This was a great book that seemed to hit at the right time. I was recently laid off from a non-profit where I had just started working. The Obstacle Is The Way is an excellent...

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EP – 165 A Grandfather Reflects on his Grandfathers

EP – 165 A Grandfather Reflects on his Grandfathers

Curt Liljedahl from AdventuRetired is back to talk and share with us his memories of his grandfathers. Curt will introduce you to his grandfathers, James Bertelson, and JM Liljedahl. We take our time getting to know each of these gentlemen's backgrounds and their...

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EP – 164 Success After Sixty

EP – 164 Success After Sixty

Doug Sohn from Success After Sixty joins our conversation to discuss how aging people can look around and see what their age and experience make possible. We talk with Doug about how, as a father of six and a successful lawyer. Shortly before his birthday, he...

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EP – 163 Three Challenges for Grandpas

EP – 163 Three Challenges for Grandpas

Welcome to 2024! As we kick off this new year and new opportunities for learning, leading, and loving our families, I wanted to talk with you about navigating the challenges Grandfathers experience when caring for grandchildren. The first challenge that I think a lot...

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