The Cool Grandpa Podcast

The 3 Biggest Challenges Grandparents Face Today (And What the Research Says) Grandparenting is one of life's greatest blessings—but it isn't always easy. In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , Greg Payne explores three of the biggest challenges facing grandparents today, backed by current research and years of conversations with grandparents across the country. You'll discover why family e...

Show Notes: As a six-year-old boy in Louisville, Kentucky, I celebrated America's Bicentennial in 1976 with parades, flags, and neighborhood celebrations. Fifty years later, that little boy is now a grandfather himself, reflecting on what it means to leave a lasting legacy. In this special Independence Day episode, we look at a side of America's Founding Fathers that rarely makes it into the histo...

What if most of what we've been told about aging is simply wrong? In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with wellness expert, physical therapist, educator, and author Eileen Kopsaftis to discuss why decline is not an inevitable part of aging. Drawing on decades of experience helping people improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function, Eileen shares practical strategies tha...

Show Notes As grandfathers, we often focus on our grandchildren, and rightly so. But one of the most effective ways to positively influence our grandchildren may be to encourage the fathers raising them. In this Father's Day episode, I discuss the unique role grandfathers can play in supporting sons and sons-in-law as they navigate modern fatherhood. Drawing from personal experience and observatio...

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. Together, we explore the challenges facing modern famil...

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, why fathers are often disproportionately affected, and what grandfathe...

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, and riding in the truck to the hardware store. In this heartfelt episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I reflect on ho...

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, sharpshooters, nurses, and everyday Americans who quietly...

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 David Senra's Founders podcast, Greg discusses how en...

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. I share practical wisdom for grandfathers who want...

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 - Resistance from aging parents - Family dynamics - Planni...

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 wasn't just about service; it was about rediscovering iden...

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 with their grandchildren—not because they don't care,...

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. Together, we unpack the emotional, cultural, and ps...

Episode Summary In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I sit down with Helen Ellis, author and researcher specializing in distance families —families spread across cities, countries, and continents. Drawing from her personal experience and groundbreaking research, Helen shares how grandfathers can build meaningful, lasting relationships with their grandchildren—even when separated by thousa...

Episode Overview Many grandparents want to stay in their homes as long as possible—but most families only begin planning when a medical crisis forces the issue. In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with Erica Sell, founder of Harmony Home Medical , about how proactive planning and smart home design can help older adults maintain independence and dignity. Erica shares how growing up around th...

Summary: In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I welcome returning guest Richard Eyre to discuss his latest book, The Grandparenting Blueprint . Together, we explore how grandparents can intentionally build meaningful relationships with their grandchildren by sharing wisdom, stories, and what Richard calls "Grandfather's Secrets." Richard explains how shifting from lectures and advice to s...

Episode Summary What happens when a retired programmer decides he's not finished building? In this powerful and practical conversation, I welcome back author and marketing mentor Kevin M Hall to discuss: Reinventing yourself after retirement Building an author platform from scratch Marketing books without spending thousands Navigating AI in publishing The courage to ask (because when you don't ask...

🎙 The Magic of Transitions In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore the theme of transitions in life, particularly focusing on the journey from fatherhood to grandfatherhood and the responsibilities that come with these roles. My observations delve into the emotional and relational aspects of these transitions, emphasizing the importance of embracing new identities and the role of me...

🧭 Episode Summary In this solo episode of  The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I explore insights from Dan Miller's book  An Understanding Heart  and apply them to modern grandfatherhood. Greg shares three powerful themes—listening as a legacy skill, curiosity over correction, and emotional presence in a distracted world—along with personal stories and practical steps grandfathers can use today to deepen...

Summary In this episode of the Cool Grandpa Podcast, I discuss the importance of communication and listening in building meaningful connections with grandchildren. I emphasizes that presence is more powerful than pressure and introduces the 'Three, Two, One Grandpa Rule' to enhance interactions. The episode highlights the significance of asking questions, reflecting on conversations, and creating...

What do your grandchildren believe about themselves because of you ? In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I draw on the timeless wisdom from Chapter One of The Magic of Thinking Big and apply it to one of the most underestimated leadership roles in a child's life: the role of a grandfather . David Schwartz opens his book with a bold claim— success begins with belief . Not intelligenc...

Episode Summary In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I sit down with Stefanie Shackelford , founder of Odyssey Travel , to explore how travel has evolved—and why experienced travel advisors matter more than ever, especially for grandparents planning meaningful trips with their grandchildren. With over 40 years in the travel industry, Stefanie shares how travel planning has shifted from ha...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I sit down with author, father, and former tech entrepreneur Kepler Knott to explore what it means to raise kids in an age of rapid change. Drawing from his book Raising Tomorrow: Talks to Prepare Our Kids for What Lies Ahead , Kepler shares why adaptation , resilience , and values matter more than ever—and how parents and grandparents...

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 need to know when navigating senior care options. Jeannie shares her journey into senior living, shaped by years of hands-on experi...