Helping Grandkids Graduate Without Debt With Jeannie Burlowski - EP 232
Release Date: 05/30/2025
Living in Crescendo with Cynthia and Kameron Haller EP - 262
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
SHOW NOTES In this inspiring episode, I visit with Cynthia and Kameron Haller to explore what it truly means to live a life of purposeāespecially 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 wasnāt just about service; it was about rediscovering identity, expanding influence, and living with intention. What Youāll Hear in This Episode: The Decision to Serve Why did they choose to leave family behind to serve The role of faith,...
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Winning the Battle for Connection: With Lee Ostler EP - 261
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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: š 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 grandchildrenānot because they donāt care, but because theyāve never been shown how. Together, they unpack: Why emotional regulation is the foundation of strong family relationships The danger of āstealing the futureā by...
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From Self-Sabotage to Self-Leadership with Mark Aylward EP 260
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
Episode Summary What happens when the identity youāve built your life aroundācareer, family role, or personal expectationsāstarts 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 psychological forces shaping modern masculinityāand why todayās men often feel unprepared for this stage of life. Mark shares deeply personal experiences, including moments of loss,...
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Love Travels: How To Stay Connected with Helen Ellis EP - 259
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Helen Ellis, author and researcher specializing in distance familiesāfamilies 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 grandchildrenāeven when separated by thousands of miles and multiple time zones. From practical strategies to emotional truths, this conversation explores how intentionality, empathy, and consistency can transform distance into deeper...
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Aging in Place with Erica Sell EP-258
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
Episode Overview Many grandparents want to stay in their homes as long as possibleābut 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 , about how proactive planning and smart home design can help older adults maintain independence and dignity. Erica shares how growing up around the medical equipment industryāand a family emergencyāled her to create a different approach: helping families understand all their options rather than limiting them to what insurance covers. This episode...
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The Grandparenting Blueprint: With Richard Eyre EP - 257
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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 āGrandfatherās Secrets.ā Richard explains how shifting from lectures and advice to storytelling and interactive conversations opened the door to deeper engagement with his own grandchildren. Even more uniqueā23 of his grandkids helped write the book, contributing their own...
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From Author to Entrepreneur: Kevin Hall's Journey EP - 256
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
Episode Summary What happens when a retired programmer decides heās 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 donāt ask, the answer is always no) And what 50 years of marriage can teach us about grace and love Kevin shares real-world strategies from his upcoming book Book Marketing on a Budget and...
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Transitions Are the Curriculum EP - 255
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
š 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 mentorship in guiding younger generations. T In this reflective solo episode, I also explore the truth every man eventually faces: Transitions are inevitable. From boy to man. From son to...
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An Understanding Heart For Grandparents EP - 254
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
š§ Episode Summary In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore insights from Dan Millerās book and apply them to modern grandfatherhood. Greg shares three powerful themesālistening as a legacy skill, curiosity over correction, and emotional presence in a distracted worldāalong with personal stories and practical steps grandfathers can use today to deepen relationships with their grandchildren. š Listening as a Legacy Skill Listening isnāt passiveāitās an active gift that teaches empathy and builds lifelong connections. I reflect on the...
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Presence Over Pressure: A Cool Grandpa Lesson EP - 253
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
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 a safe space for grandchildren to express themselves. Key Takeaways š§©1. Presence Beats Pressure Just being calm and physically present can create a sense of safety and trust for...
info_outlineIn 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 practical steps grandparents can take to leave a lasting legacy and ensure their grandchildren's success in higher education.
In this conversation, Jeannie Burlowski shares insights on how grandparents can play a pivotal role in helping their grandchildren navigate the complexities of education and career planning. She discusses the importance of strengths assessments, innovative scholarship strategies, and the pitfalls of relying solely on financial aid.
Jeannie emphasizes the need for early career planning and shares success stories of students who have graduated debt-free. Additionally, she highlights the benefits of utilizing 529 plans and Roth IRAs. She introduces the FIRE movement as a pathway to financial independence.
šÆ What You'll Learn:
- Why a heartfelt letter and a $20 college contribution can mean more than the latest toy
- How 529 college savings plans can be used meaningfully ā and what to do with leftover funds
- Why career assessments at age 15 can shape lifelong success
- Creative alternatives to scholarships and financial aid that reduce college costs
- How grandparents can lead the charge with strategic planning (even if the parents are overwhelmed)
Jeannie also shares success stories from families that have used her advice to graduate with zero debtāand, in some cases, money in the bank.
Whether you're a grandparent looking to make a difference or a parent hoping to lighten the load, this episode delivers practical steps and emotional resonance.
š§” Highlight Quote:
"The message matters more than the money ā you're saying to your grandchild: You are worth investing in." ā Jeannie Burlowski
š Resources & Links:
- š Launch: How to Get Your Kids Through College Debt-Free and Into Jobs They Love Afterward
ā¤ Available at libraries or for purchase on Jeannie's site - š Free Monday Newsletter & Tribe Membership
ā¤ Sign up here: https://debtfreecollege.us - š„ Watch Jeannie's age-specific 10-minute strategy videos:
ā¤ https://debtfreecollege.us - š Article: Why You Might Want to Talk Your Kid Out of the Ivy League
ā¤ Google: "Burlowski Out of Ivy League" - š Recommended Reading:
ā¤ The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
ā¤ FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Movement on Facebook