The Colonel & the Kid

The Bear - Colonel and the Kid Podcast, Chapter 53 Gregory Heitmann reads Chapter 53 of his memoir based podcast, centered on a 2019 solo elk hunt in New Mexico that unexpectedly becomes a bear story. The episode blends hunting detail, family memory, and reflection on the role his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., played in shaping his outlook. In this episode, Greg shares the fu...

The Colonel and the Kid Podcast, Chapter 52: The Knives Gregory Heitmann marks the one year anniversary of the podcast with a reflective chapter about knives, memory, and his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Junior. This episode is part memoir, part personal inventory, and part field report, with Gregory connecting family history to the tools he carries, the hunts he remembers, and t...

Chapter 51: The Oryx Gregory Heitmann reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, then shares a detailed chapter from The Colonel and the Kid memoir about a 2019 oryx hunt on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The episode blends personal remembrance, hunting logistics, military history, and family legacy, all centered on a story he wishes he could have told his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel...

The Snow Goose Gregory Heitmann reflects on Chapter 50 of The Colonel and the Kid, using a spring snow goose hunt and a set of family memories to explore grief, preservation, and the value of record-keeping. He ties the chapter to the death of his father, the legacy of his grandfather, and the emotional pull of keeping those memories alive through the memoir and podcast. In this episode, Gregory H...

The Colonel and the Kid Podcast - Chapter 49: The Daughters Part 3 - Buffalo Lakes Summer Camp Greg Heitmann opens this episode with a personal introduction to Chapter 49 of his memoir-based podcast, then spends most of the show reading and reflecting on a photo-rich chapter about family memories, lake life, military service, and camping. He connects childhood experiences at Buffalo Lakes with lat...

Chapter 48: The Shaving Gregory Heitmann continues The Colonel and the Kid Podcast with a solo memoir episode built around shaving, facial hair, and the memories those rituals trigger. The chapter uses Grandpa’s military-era mustache, old shaving products, and a handful of family and hunting photos to explore masculinity, memory, and the value of preserving a personal record. This episode is part...

Chapter 47 - The Christmas Times Part 3 Greg Heitmann continues the Colonel and the Kid memoir with a photo-rich Christmas chapter centered on family tradition, his grandfather Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., and the values he ties to those memories. The episode also branches into recurring segments on baseball, sports headlines, a found object, a personalized license plate, and a TV recomm...

Summary In this episode, Gregory shares a heartfelt memoir chapter about his elk hunting experience, reflecting on his relationship with his grandfather and the lessons learned from the hunt. He also provides updates on his scouting trip, hunting preparations, and personal insights into the hunting journey. Key Topics Memoir of elk hunting and family influence Preparation and scouting for elk hunt...

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - Chapter 45 - The Heart Attack Gregory L. Heitmann returns with chapter 45 of The Colonel and the Kid, reflecting on his memoir, his grandfather Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., and the lasting impact of a 1998 heart attack. He also spends time on the emotional weight of finishing the memoir, the role the podcast has played in self-examination, and several...

The Last Pheasant Hunt: A Farewell to Grandpa's Hunting Memories In this heartfelt episode, Gregory Heitmann revisits an emotional chapter from his grandfather's life, focusing on their final pheasant hunt together. Explore personal stories, reflections on aging, and the enduring bond between a grandson and his grandfather, all set against the backdrop of South Dakota’s hunting traditions. Main To...

Most of us underestimate the power of poetry—and Grandpas’ stories—until we realize they shape who we are. Greg Heitmann’s heartfelt memoir connects childhood memories, war-time books, and the poetry that defined an era, revealing how words can be both weapons and solace. In this deeply personal episode, Greg shares stories about his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., a man whose...

Most of us struggle to truly cherish the simple joys of Christmas—and often, our memories are the closest we get to reliving those moments. In this heartfelt yet humorous episode, Greg Heitmann takes us on a nostalgic journey through decades of Christmas photos, stories, and reflections that remind us what really matters: family, memories, and the joy of giving. Greg dives into his childhood memor...

Most of us overlook a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth: documenting your life stories. In this heartfelt episode, host, Greg Heitmann, shares how writing about his grandfather’s hunting adventures—and more unexpectedly—became a form of psychotherapy that transformed his perspective on life and loss. Greg's personal journey reveals a treasure trove of vivid memories from South Dakota's...

Most people overlook the simple lessons in life, but this episode reveals how embracing unexpected moments — like reading Pop Tart microwave instructions at 57 for the first time — can teach us resilience, humor, and the importance of paying attention. If you're tired of the mundane and craving a dose of humor, nostalgia, and real-life insights, this one's for you. Gregory Heitmann takes us on a l...

In this episode of "The Colonel & the Kid Podcast," host Gregory L. Heitmann returns after a month-long hiatus to provide an interim update. He reflects on completing the second volume of his memoir, which chronicles his relationship with his grandfather, Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. Gregory discusses the upcoming chapters for the third volume, sharing insights into his writing process and the p...

Milestone Episode: Completing Season 2 of "The Colonel and the Kid" & Chapter 40 - The Mail Route Join host Greg Heitmann as he celebrates the culmination of Season 2 and Volume 2 of the memoir dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. In this episode, Greg reflects on his grandfather’s career as a rural mail carrier, shares family artifacts, and explores broader themes of history, ef...

The Colonel and the Kid Podcast - Chapter 39: Daughters, Part 2 & COVID Reflection Explore the heartfelt memoir chronicling family history intertwined with reflections on COVID-19's impact. Learn about the author's family stories, personal insights, and lessons learned through memories and photographs. Key Topics: Family history through vintage photos and stories from the 1950s to 1980s The pe...

Memoir and Culture: The Christmas Times and Miscellaneous Musings - Colonel and Kid Podcast Join Greg Heitmann as he candidly reflects on childhood Christmas memories, family traditions, and personal anecdotes, blending nostalgia with humor. This episode explores childhood holiday experiences, cultural insights, and amusing tangents on current events and media. Main Topics: Chapter 38 from the mem...

In this episode, Greg Heitmann reflects deeply on family connections, personal growth, and the intriguing mysteries of UFOs and scientific curiosity. Join us as he shares stories from his memoir, personal insights, and musings on cultural phenomena, all interwoven with a casual yet profound narrative. Main Topics: Greg’s reflections on his grandfather, father, and family history, illustrated with...

The Daughters, Part 1 - A Reflection on Family, Memories, and Art In this episode, Gregory Heitmann explores the significance of family history, personal reflections, and the power of photographs. He shares heartfelt stories about his grandfather, recent family photos, and muses on life, art, and the universe. Key Topics: Introduction to the chapter on "The Daughters" and its significance in the m...

Title: The Good-Hearted Woman & Baseball Memories: A Personal Reflection Discover a heartfelt reflection on family, baseball, and nostalgia with Greg Heitmann, as he tells stories about his grandparents, shares insights on baseball, and updates on NCAA basketball and country music. In this episode: Greg introduces his personal connection to his grandparents through family photos and stories Ex...

Chapter 34: Bedtime Stories - Reflections on Family, Memories, and Life Lessons In this episode, Host, Greg Heitmann, shares heartfelt memories of his grandfather, storytelling rituals, and personal reflections on life, humor, and mental health. Whether you're interested in family stories, self-improvement tips, or a good laugh, this episode offers a mix of all. Casual, reflective, and humorous st...

Most people avoid talking politics altogether—until a quiet, unassuming patriarch shows how dignity, independence, and genuine patriotism define true leadership. In this heartfelt episode, Greg Heitmann reflects on his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., and explores the enduring legacy of a man who mastered the art of true service outside the limelight. The chapter titled The Poli...

Show Summary Catalina Sandoval joins The Colonel & the Kid Podcast with host Greg Heitmann for her recurring segment...."Trippin' With Cat," a vacation review. The Ultimate Travel & Experience Podcast: Disney, Universal & Road Trips Dive into a behind-the-scenes look at a family trip to Disney World and Universal Studios, featuring personal stories, funny mishaps, and detailed park rev...

Summary In this episode, Gregory Heitmann shares personal stories and reflections on his grandfather, deer hunting adventures at Long Lake, and insights into society's current craziness. He explores lessons learned, family memories, and societal observations, all woven into a heartfelt narrative. Key Topics Deer hunting stories at Long Lake Family memories and lessons from grandfather Society's cu...