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 – 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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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EP – 120 The Year of Adventure

This is our monthly one-on-one conversation. What adventures have you been on lately? Do you plan adventures for yourself? How about adventures with the grandchildren? This conversation is about the importance of having adventures and some ideas for adventures with...

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