The Colonel & the Kid

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...

Summary In this episode, Gregory Heitmann shares personal stories, reflections on his grandfather, and insights into his creative projects, including plans for animation and memoirs. He also discusses his recent experiences, hobbies, and future ambitions, offering a heartfelt look into his life and creative vision. Key Topics Personal stories of Gregory and his grandfather Plans for creating an an...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Greg Heitmann reflects on his journey through sports, particularly focusing on a memorable basketball game from his high school days. He discusses the significance of family, the lessons learned from competition, and the importance of self-awareness. The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, including a humorous encounter at Ba...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Gregory L. Heitmann reflects on his relationship with his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., and shares stories from their deer hunting trips in South Dakota. The conversation explores themes of family, hunting traditions, and the importance of following up on hunting shots. Additionally, the host comments on cultura...

Summary In this episode of the podcast, hosts Gregory L. Heitmann, AJ, and Garrett discuss various topics, primarily focusing on North Dakota State University's controversial decision to move up to the FBS level in college football. They express concerns about the implications of this move, including financial burdens and the potential loss of rivalries. The conversation also touches on the changi...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Greg Heitmann reflects on his relationship with his grandfather and the influence of the American Legion in his life. He shares personal anecdotes, insights from his memoir, and discusses the importance of legacy, self-reflection, and community service. The episode also touches on his experiences with dog sitting, providing a light-h...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, Gregory L. Heitmann reflects on his grandfather's military service, sharing personal stories and insights about the impact of the military on their family. The episode explores the significance of military memorabilia, the lessons learned from service, and the importance of remembering and honoring military history. Through heartfelt anec...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Gregory L. Heitmann reflects on his relationship with his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr., and shares personal stories centered around duck hunting and the significance of duck decoys. The conversation explores themes of nostalgia, family traditions, and the therapeutic nature of memoir writing. Through humorous an...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Greg Heitmann reflects on his family memories centered around gambling, particularly the lessons learned from his grandfather. He shares anecdotes about poker nights, the significance of friendly bets, and the impact of gambling on family dynamics. The episode also includes updates on TV shows and music history, particularly the trag...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Gregory L. Heitmann reflects on his memoir about his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. He shares personal stories about the State B Basketball Tournament, family traditions, and the influence of his grandfather, including humorous anecdotes about gambling. The conversation also touches on life lessons learned through...

Summary In this episode of the Colonel and the Kid podcast, host Greg Heitmann reflects on his grandfather's influence and shares personal stories, including the significance of a St. Christopher Medal given to him as a child. He discusses memories of family, the impact of aging on health, and updates on his life, including retirement and a recent guided duck hunting experience. The episode conclu...