The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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 at work . Drawing from real-life experiences, generational insights, and leadership wisdom, this conversation reminds us that leader...

Summary In this episode, I talk with historian Lisa Brunet , whose work explores the hidden world of grandparents in ancient Rome . Together, we unpack what grandparenting looked like 2,000 years ago—how elders shaped family identity, cared for young children, preserved memory through storytelling, and passed on family and cultural traditions. While grandmothers often stepped into hands-on roles,...

Show Notes You are going to enjoy listening to the very first interview that I did for The Cool Grandpa Podcast. This episode originally aired back in May of 2020. This conversation still resonates with me, my wife Karen, and many other listeners to the podcast. If you heard it before, I hope you enjoy it again. If this conversation is new to you, you will get a lot of wisdom from Dean. In this he...

Summary In this solo episode, I explore how the natural strengths of intentional grandfathers — presence, curiosity, encouragement, patience, and wisdom — translate into powerful leadership skills in today's workplace. Using stories about Legos, pancakes, and real-life team challenges, Greg reframes proven leadership ideas from Dale Carnegie , John Maxwell , and Dan Miller into an accessible, hear...

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, understanding medical and legal authority, and how technology, such as her new platform, Scroll.care , is changing the way families...

"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 evolving role of grandparents in modern families. Neil shares insights from his newest book, Caring Grandparents , and explains h...

I welcome back longtime friend and repeat guest Dr. James Lott Jr. , host of Really, I'm a Grandparent!, to discuss the rise of millennial grandparents and how shifting generational dynamics are reshaping modern family life. Together, we unpack everything from Millennials' and Gen Z's futures as grandparents to how technology, social media, and evolving family structures have changed what it means...

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 beginning of a new and vibrant stage of life. Together, we explore how today's retirees—especially men—can rediscover purpose, cr...

Summary In this episode, we explore the intersection of grandparenting and art, particularly focusing on the concept of 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 what doesn't belong, thereby revealing the beauty and potential already within our children. Through the metaphor of ca...

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I dive into one of the most valuable lessons a grandfather can pass down — a strong work ethic. From small chores to big projects, grandfathers have a unique opportunity to model what it means to start, stick with, and finish a job with pride. I share personal stories, practical ideas, and real-world ways to teach grandkids about responsibility, persev...

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I return after a short break to share powerful tools grandparents can use to connect deeply with their grandchildren. I talk openly about my own journey over the past year — from navigating career changes and health challenges to stepping into a new role as a special education teacher. With those experiences, I'd like to introduce a practical worksheet...

In this insightful episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Trott , founder of the Fourth Trimester Podcast and creator of the Hello Gaia app. Together, we unpack how grandfathers can be a vital and compassionate part of the postpartum experience. From the importance of emotional support and boundary-setting to the practical ways grandpas can show up—like folding laundry, running...

In this powerful episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , I chat with Sean Webb, the Executive Director of Read With Me Volunteer Programs , based in California's Coachella Valley. Sean shares how over 600 volunteers—many of them retirees—are making an incredible impact by reading with children who are English language learners and often two to three years behind in literacy. With warmth and insight,...

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast , Greg chats with acclaimed magician and author Allan Kronzek. Allan shares the inspiration behind his book, Grandpa Magic , and how simple, playful magic tricks can help grandfathers create lasting connections with their grandchildren. Allan explains how magic is a tool for engagement, wonder, and even mentorship. Whether you're performing napkin bunnie...

In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Ed Stephens returns to The Cool Grandpa Podcast to continue his candid conversation about men's emotional responses to pregnancy, birth, and fatherhood. Greg and Ed dive deep into the often-overlooked realities of paternal depression, miscarriages, and the emotional toll that fathers quietly carry during these life-changing moments. Dr. Stephens shares perso...

In this episode of the Cool Grandpa podcast, Greg Payne and George Dubec discuss the evolving roles of grandparents, family values, and the changing landscape of relationships and parenting. They reflect on their own childhood experiences, the importance of family structure, and the lessons learned from their grandparents. The conversation also touches on the impact of societal changes on marriage...

In this episode of the Cool Grandpa podcast, Ted Page discusses his journey in writing the Good Grandpa book, inspired by the stories and experiences of grandfathers he encountered through his blog. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the role of grandfathers in nurturing future generations, and the wisdom shared by various leaders, including the Dalai Lama. The conversation highlights t...

In this episode of the Cool Grandpa podcast, Jeannie Burlowski discusses how grandparents can effectively support their grandchildren's college finances. She emphasizes the importance of creative strategies for college savings, the impact of personal letters from grandparents, and the significance of career assessments in guiding students toward debt-free education. The conversation highlights pra...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ed Stephens about the evolving roles of fathers and grandfathers today. Dr. Stephens shares his deeply personal journey from corporate success to becoming a spiritual guide for men seeking purpose, presence, and legacy in their families. Key topics include: The power of authentic, present fathering How men transition into the grandfather role with impact Dr. Steph...

In this engaging conversation, Jack LaFountain shares his unique journey to becoming an author later in life, reflecting on his diverse experiences from military service to nursing and ministry. He discusses the joys and surprises of becoming a grandfather, the challenges of maintaining family relationships over distances, and the creative inspiration he draws from his family, particularly his gra...

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 shares how his two grandfathers—both named Vincent...

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 telling stories to grandkids sparked Kevin's writing c...

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 decades-long career in IT recruitment, his transition i...

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 dynamics, the impact of generational perspectives, and the n...

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 these issues, grandparents can foster a more positive...