Libsyn Directory

Navigating Grandfatherhood and Midlife Career Moves with Mark Aylward - EP 227

Release Date: 04/18/2025

Pulp, Prayer, and Plot Twists: Inside Jack LaFountain's World - EP 230

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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 grandson Brian. Jack elaborates on his writing process, the evolution of his book series, and the themes that resonate throughout his work, including the Man of God series, which offers a fresh take...

Break the Bottle: Lessons from a Grandson, Marine, and Leader

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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—influenced his values and resilience. Listeners will hear how formative life experiences, including time in Fallujah and setbacks in high school football, became catalysts for leadership...

Writing For Legacy, A Grandfather's Perspective With Kevin Hall - EP 228

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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 career His transition from corporate life to creative writing How he self-published and marketed multiple books without a big budget Tips for grandparents on preserving memories through...

Navigating Grandfatherhood and Midlife Career Moves with Mark Aylward - EP 227

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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 into career coaching, and his mission to help midlife professionals reclaim Clarity, confidence, and courage. Expect real talk, big laughs, and memorable moments—from vocabulary lessons with his...

Support Networks for New Parents with Jane Honikman - EP 226

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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 need for open discussions about mental health. Jane emphasizes the significance of understanding family history and traditions while advocating for a supportive environment for new parents. Key...

Keeping the Connection: Avoiding Common Grandparenting Pitfalls - EP 225

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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 and lasting connection with their families. I also highlight insights from experts like DeeDee Moore (More Than Grand) and Dr. Kerry Byrne (The Long Distance Grandparents) on mending strained...

Unlocking Confidence: Public Speaking, Music, & Growth with Adam Cole - EP 224

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Cole, a jazz musician, educator, author, and confidence coach. Adam shares his fascinating journey from performing jazz and teaching music to becoming a sought-after confidence coach. He discusses the different phases of life and how we can reinvent ourselves. We also discuss how confidence is crucial in public speaking, music, and professional growth and how Adam gets his clients over the hump and into a space where they can effectively share their message with the right audience. Topics covered include: ✔️ Overcoming stage fright & performance...

The Evolving Role of Grandfathers - EP 223

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

In this engaging episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with writer and grandfather Don Akchin for a thoughtful discussion on modern grandfathering. We explore the evolving role of grandfathers, the joys and challenges of connecting with grandchildren, and how today's granddads are breaking past generational stereotypes. Don shares personal stories about his grandchildren, his love for writing, and the importance of staying active and engaged post-retirement. Key Topics Discussed: Don's initial reaction to becoming a grandfather The joys of having grandchildren nearby and...

Vietnam Uncensored: A Veteran's Journey with Jerry Glazer - EP 222

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

Vietnam veteran and author Jerry Glazer joins me in this compelling episode. Jerry shares his remarkable journey from being drafted into the U.S. Army, going through grueling training, and serving in one of the most harrowing conflicts in American history. He reflects on his experiences, the challenges of military service, and the deep brotherhood forged in war. Jerry also discusses his book, Vietnam Uncensored: 365 Days in a Nightmare, which provides a firsthand account of his time in combat and the historical context behind the Vietnam War. His candid storytelling takes listeners through...

Show and Share: Teaching Life Lessons as a Cool Grandpa - EP 221

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

In this episode, I discuss the importance of sharing life skills with grandchildren and creative ways to teach them essential lessons. I reflect on personal experiences with my father and how small, everyday moments can provide invaluable learning opportunities for grandkids. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The power of showing and sharing life skills instead of just telling. How can travel experiences teach kids practical skills, from navigating an airport to problem-solving on the go? The benefits of bringing grandkids to meetings and social gatherings to expose them to real-world...

More Episodes

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 into career coaching, and his mission to help midlife professionals reclaim Clarity, confidence, and courage.

Expect real talk, big laughs, and memorable moments—from vocabulary lessons with his grandson to a great story of a friend calling NBA executives pretending to be Larry Bird. Whether you're navigating grandparenthood or a late-career pivot, this episode offers something valuable and inspiring.

🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways:

The surprise and beauty of becoming a grandfather at 17
Supporting a son through addiction and young fatherhood
The importance of presence and modeling for children and grandchildren
Tree climbing and gratitude: bonding through simple routines
The broken hiring process and how to bypass the gatekeepers
Why confidence is often the missing piece in career transitions
Helping professionals in their 50s+ rediscover purpose and direction
The art of storytelling in job interviews and career branding
Why asking "What do you mean by that?" unlocks absolute Clarity.
Embracing the role of a grandparent without overstepping boundaries

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