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 – 162 Talking about a Good Grandpa

EP – 162 Talking about a Good Grandpa

Ted Page joins the conversation this week to discuss his work to define and capture what it means to be a "Good Grandpa." Since the last time we spoke, Ted has started a journey of writing a book that he hopes allows him to capture the different ways and attitudes of...

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EP – 161 The Gift of YOUR Time

EP – 161 The Gift of YOUR Time

If you are like me, it can sometimes be confusing or downright baffling what to do for your friends and family members when it comes to Holidays, Birthdays, or heck, just when you want to do something nice for them. I know that there are all different kinds of ways...

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EP – 160 Firepit Men’s Group

EP – 160 Firepit Men’s Group

Todd Howard joins our conversation to talk about the importance of men finding connections and friendship. Todd is a great guy from North Atlanta. You are going to find that Todd is as passionate as I am about supporting men in building and maintaining friendships as...

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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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