Pulp, Prayer, and Plot Twists: Inside Jack LaFountain's World - EP 230
Release Date: 05/16/2025
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 â presence, curiosity, encouragement, patience, and wisdom â 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...
info_outline
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 fearâbut about empowermentâand how grandparents can build a legacy of compassion, preparedness, and advocacy...
info_outline
Caring Grandparents Insights from Neil Taft EP - 244
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
âThou shalt honor the parents of your grandchildren. Thatâs the most effective way to build lasting family relationships.â â Neil Taft 𧩠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...
info_outline
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 Zâs 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 â a lively cross-generational conversation about love, legacy, and laughter. Highlights: Why millennials are redefining what âyoung...
info_outline
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 âthe endâ and redefines it as the beginning of a new and vibrant stage of life. Together, we explore how todayâs retireesâespecially menâcan rediscover purpose, creativity, and connection after their careers wind down. In this conversation, youâll hear insights from Don about: Why the old version of retirement no longer fits todayâs longer, healthier lives The âfragile decadeâ â the five...
info_outline
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 moreâit'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...
info_outline
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 â 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. Youâll hear how everyday activities â from raking leaves to building a birdhouse â can become powerful lessons in character and commitment. Whether youâre a...
info_outline
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 â 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...
info_outline
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 upâlike folding laundry, running the vacuum, or simply asking, "How are you, really?"âthis episode empowers grandfathers to rethink their role in early parenthood. Sarah also shares the evolution of postpartum care, explains...
info_outline
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 volunteersâmany of them retireesâare 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 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 on the Western genre. He also touches on the influence of his childhood and local history on his storytelling.
In our conversation, Jack shares his love for classic B-Sci-Fi movies and discusses how they influenced his writing. He delves into his writing process, distinguishing between 'pantsers' and 'plotters', and shares insights on character-driven storytelling. Jack also reflects on the challenges of maintaining consistency in supernatural narratives and the importance of satisfying endings in literature. As a proud grandfather, he expresses the joys and challenges of this role while also providing listeners with information on where to find his work.
What You'll Learn:
- How Jack transitioned from military service and nursing to full-time writing
- The touching story of how his grandson inspired a novel trilogy
- The difference between "pantsers" and "plotters" in writing
- Behind-the-scenes insights into his Moon Series, Man of God Series, and Red River Death Series
- How being a grandfather continues to influence his work
Links & Resources:
- đ Jack LaFountain's Website
- đ Books by Jack LaFountain on Amazon
- đ§ House of Honor Books
- đ Facebook: facebook.com/author.jacklafountain
- You can watch this conversation on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/sBRXfLD9TdA