The Power of Family: with Terry Willis EP – 269

Episode Summary What happens when families stop talking? In this heartfelt conversation, I welcome fellow grandfather and family advocate Terry Willis, founder of The Power of Family. Terry shares the deeply personal experience that inspired his mission to help families reconnect, communicate, and strengthen relationships across generations....

Hope for Estranged Grandfathers and Families EP – 268

Episode Summary Family estrangement is one of the most painful experiences a grandfather can face. Whether it involves an adult son, daughter, or grandchildren, the separation often leaves unanswered questions, lingering hurt, and a deep desire for reconciliation. In this solo episode, I explore why estrangement has become increasingly common,...

Popsicles, Campfires, and Lifelong Memories EP – 267

Show Notes What do grandchildren really remember about summer? It's usually not the expensive vacations. It's the popsicles melting on the porch. Fishing lines tangled in weeds. Late-night ice cream runs. Campfire stories. Helping Grandpa wash the car. Laughing over terrible jokes. Riding in the truck to the hardware store. In this heartfelt...

Revisiting Ep. 207 Documenting Our Veterans’ Stories EP -266

Show Notes: This Memorial Day weekend, we're bringing back one of the most meaningful conversations ever shared on the Cool Grandpa Podcast: my interview with veteran storyteller and oral historian Bob Abbott. Bob has spent decades preserving the stories of World War II veterans — from Marines who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima to sailors,...

Encouraging Entrepreneurial Grandchildren EP – 265

Show Notes In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore how grandfathers can help nurture entrepreneurial thinking in their grandchildren, not simply to create businesses, but to help develop resilience, creativity, initiative, leadership, and purpose. Drawing insights from conversations and teachings from Dan Miller, Dave Ramsey, and...

Honor the Mothers of Your Grandchildren EP – 264

Show Notes In this personal or solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I reflect on the important role grandfathers play in strengthening family relationships by honoring and supporting their grandchildren's mothers. Whether they are daughters or daughters-in-law, the women raising today’s children face enormous emotional and cultural pressure....

Aging Isn’t Just Physical with Erica Sell EP – 263

Show Notes In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, I sit down again with Erica Sell to explore the emotional, relational, and real-life challenges of aging—the side most families aren’t prepared for. While Part 1 covered the logistics of home medical equipment, this episode dives deeper into what really matters:- Difficult conversations-...

Living in Crescendo with Cynthia and Kameron Haller EP – 262

SHOW NOTES: In this inspiring episode, I visit with Cynthia and Kameron Haller to explore what it truly means to live a life of purpose—especially in the later years. With 6 children and nearly 28 grandchildren, the Hallers made a bold decision: step away from family for 18 months to serve a mission in Northern Ireland. What they discovered...

Winning the Battle for Connection: With Lee Ostler EP – 261

In this powerful episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Lee Ostler of the Heart of the Fathers Foundation to explore a transformative idea: 👉 If you want your family to change, you have to change first. Lee shares deep insights into emotional connection, generational influence, and why many grandparents struggle to truly connect...

From Self-Sabotage to Self-Leadership with Mark Aylward EP – 260

Episode Summary What happens when the identity you’ve built your life around—career, family role, or personal expectations—starts to shift or even fall apart? In this powerful return conversation, I sit down with Mark to explore why so many men experience self-sabotage, confusion, and identity loss as they move through their 40s, 50s, and beyond....
Navigating Senior Living with Jeannie Duckworth EP – 249

Navigating Senior Living with Jeannie Duckworth EP – 249

Summary: Choosing senior living for a loved one can feel overwhelming, emotional, and deeply personal. In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Jeannie Duckworth, co-founder of Blue Magnolia Senior Living Advisors, to unpack what families really...

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Leadership Lessons from Santa Claus EP – 248

Leadership Lessons from Santa Claus EP – 248

Show Notes: Santa Claus isn’t just a holiday icon—he’s a world-class leader. In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore four powerful leadership traits modeled by Santa Claus and how grandparents, parents, and team leaders can apply them both at home and...

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Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP – 245

Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP – 245

In this follow-up conversation, I welcome back healthcare advocate and tech CEO Renee Balcom to discuss how grandparents and families can take control of caregiving decisions before a crisis hits. Renee shares practical insights on avoiding common caregiving mistakes,...

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Caring Grandparents Insights from Neil Taft EP – 244

Caring Grandparents Insights from Neil Taft EP – 244

“Thou shalt honor the parents of your grandchildren. That’s the most effective way to build lasting family relationships.”— Neil Taft 🧩 Episode Summary In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I reconnect with author and grandparenting expert Neil Taft to explore the...

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After Work: Redefining Retirement with Don Akchin EP – 242

After Work: Redefining Retirement with Don Akchin EP – 242

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down again with author and creative thinker Don Akchin to talk about his new book, After Work: An Honest Discussion About What Comes Next. Don challenges the old idea of retirement as “the end” and redefines it as the...

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Reductive Art and the Grandparenting Journey EP – 241

Reductive Art and the Grandparenting Journey EP – 241

Summary In this episode, we explore the intersection of grandparenting and art, with a particular focus on reductive art. Drawing inspiration from John Maxwell's leadership principles, I explore how genuine influence isn't about adding more—it's about gently removing...

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