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...

Vietnam Uncensored: A Veteran’s Journey with Jerry Glazer – EP 222

Vietnam veteran and author Jerry Glazer joins me in this compelling episode. Jerry shares his remarkable journey from being drafted into the U.S. Army, going through grueling training, and serving in one of the most harrowing conflicts in American history. He reflects on his experiences, the challenges of military service, and the deep...

Show and Share: Teaching Life Lessons as a Cool Grandpa – EP 221

In this episode, I discuss the importance of sharing life skills with grandchildren and creative ways to teach them essential lessons. I reflect on personal experiences with my father and how small, everyday moments can provide invaluable learning opportunities for grandkids. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The power of showing and sharing...

How to Live: A Course for Grandparents – EP 220

In this episode, I welcome back to The Cool Grandpa Podcast Richard Eyre, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on family relationships, to discuss his latest project—How to Live the Second Half of Life. Richard shares his journey from parenting expert to grandparenting advocate, emphasizing the importance of being an intentional and...
EP – 149 AdventuRetired

EP – 149 AdventuRetired

Our conversation with Curt and Cindy Liljedahl This week's conversation is with a very cool couple. Curt and Cindy join us to talk about the importance of adventures as part of our retired lives. We hear a great story about their experience of becoming grandparents....

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EP – 148 The Importance of Having a Senior Living Plan

EP – 148 The Importance of Having a Senior Living Plan

Our conversation with Annalee Kruger Working with your parents or loved ones on managing their aging process can be challenging. It makes you ask personal and possibly embarrassing questions about every part of someone's life. These topics are often areas that "we"...

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EP – 147 Supporting Women After 50

EP – 147 Supporting Women After 50

Our conversation with Beverly Glazer Beverley Glazer MA., CCC is a Coach, Therapist, Internationally Certified Addiction Specialist, Author, and Founder of Reinvent Imposible Inc; a personal development company that educates, coaches and empowers older women who've...

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EP – 146 Why You Matter As A Grandparent

EP – 146 Why You Matter As A Grandparent

Our monthly one-on-one conversation This is our monthly one-on-one conversation, and this month, I wanted to be sure to celebrate you, the very cool Grandmother and Grandfather. Yes, I know this is The Cool Grandpa Podcast, but we have some fantastic Grandmothers...

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EP – 145 Grandad Wheels

EP – 145 Grandad Wheels

Our conversation with Brian Abram Brian Abram joins us to talk about his experience with being a grandfather. We also discuss how Brian's bicycling accident left him a paraplegic and wheelchair-bound. To explain why he was in a wheelchair, Brian devised a fun and...

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EP – 144 Being A Storyteller

EP – 144 Being A Storyteller

Our conversation with Debra Weller Debra Weller, a professional storyteller and teacher joins us to talk about her grandfathers AND how we can become entertaining storytellers. We discuss the influence of Debra's grandfathers, Poppy and Grandpa Joe. Each grandfather...

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EP – 143 You Can Choose Who You Want To Be

EP – 143 You Can Choose Who You Want To Be

Our conversation with Daniel Crandall This conversation with Daniel Crandall is an entertaining discussion about how his grandfathers chose to become better men than perhaps circumstances would have predicted. It is incredible to learn how Daniel's grandfathers had...

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EP – 142 Older Job Seekers

EP – 142 Older Job Seekers

Our monthly one on one conversation This month, I discuss some thoughts about being an older job hunter. You might be looking for work because of burnout, no further advancement opportunities, or layoffs. Whatever your particular case may be, we have repeatedly seen...

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EP – 141 Postpartum is Forever

EP – 141 Postpartum is Forever

Our conversation with Jane Honikman Jane Honikman joins us to discuss this important and sometimes misunderstood topic of postpartum and postpartum depression. We start our conversation by getting to know Jane and her background, and how she was affected by her first...

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EP – 140 Leading a True Life

EP – 140 Leading a True Life

Our conversation with Mike Van Pelt Mike Van Pelt joins us this week to talk about his memories of his grandfathers. We reminisce about the sights, sounds, and smells of visiting our grandparents on their farms. I also talk to Mike about his journey to finding his...

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