Navigating Grandfatherhood and Midlife Career Moves with Mark Aylward - EP 227
Release Date: 04/18/2025
Lead Like a Grandpa: The Heart-Centered Leadership Your Team Needs EP - 246
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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, heart-first approach he calls Grandpa Leadership. Listeners will learn how to build stronger connections with their teams, empower younger employees, guide people through mistakes, and cultivate...
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Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP - 245
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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 find trustworthy care providers. We explore why planning for aging is not about fear—but about empowerment—and how grandparents can build a legacy of compassion, preparedness, and advocacy...
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Caring Grandparents Insights from Neil Taft EP - 244
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
“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 how grandparents can both care about and care for their grandchildren. We discuss the emotional and financial realities of grandparents raising grandchildren, the importance of respecting...
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Millennial Grandparents; Insights From James Lott Jr. - EP 243
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
I welcome back longtime friend and repeat guest Dr. James Lott Jr., host of 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 to be a grandparent today. The discussion is full of humor, honesty, and insight — a lively cross-generational conversation about love, legacy, and laughter. Highlights: Why millennials are redefining what “young...
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After Work: Redefining Retirement with Don Akchin EP - 242
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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, . 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, creativity, and connection after their careers wind down. In this conversation, you’ll hear insights from Don about: Why the old version of retirement no longer fits today’s longer, healthier lives The “fragile decade” — the five...
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Reductive Art and the Grandparenting Journey - EP 241
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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 carving, I explore how grandparents can shape their grandchildren's development by employing tools like patience, perspective, encouragement, and presence. Our conversation culminates in the idea...
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Instilling Work Ethic in Grandchildren - EP 240
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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, perseverance, and follow-through. You’ll hear how everyday activities — from raking leaves to building a birdhouse — can become powerful lessons in character and commitment. Whether you’re a...
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Welcome Back and Three Ways to Connect With YOUR Grandchildren EP - 239
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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 designed to spark meaningful conversations with grandchildren. The episode explores three simple but profound questions: How would people describe you if you left the room? How do you WANT...
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Understanding the Fourth Trimester with Sarah Trott - EP 238
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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 the vacuum, or simply asking, "How are you, really?"—this episode empowers grandfathers to rethink their role in early parenthood. Sarah also shares the evolution of postpartum care, explains...
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Reading and Changing Futures with: Sean Webb - EP 237
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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, Sean explains how volunteers provide not just academic support but a vital human connection for students, often becoming the "one more caring adult" that kids need. From overcoming challenges at...
info_outlineIn 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
Links
- MarkAylward.com – Website, coaching info, and newsletter
- The Imperfect Men's Club Podcast – Real talk for men in midlife
- Use this link to book Mark's Free 30-Minute Coaching Call: https://calendly.com/aylwardmark/30min?month=2025-04