From Self-Sabotage to Self-Leadership with Mark Aylward EP 260
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
Episode Summary What happens when the identity you’ve built your life around—career, family role, or personal expectations—starts 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 masculinity—and why today’s 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 families—families 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 grandchildren—even 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 possible—but 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 industry—and a family emergency—led 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 “Grandfather’s Secrets.” 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 unique—23 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 he’s 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 don’t 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
🎙 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
🧠Episode Summary In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore insights from Dan Miller’s book and apply them to modern grandfatherhood. Greg shares three powerful themes—listening as a legacy skill, curiosity over correction, and emotional presence in a distracted world—along with personal stories and practical steps grandfathers can use today to deepen relationships with their grandchildren. 👂 Listening as a Legacy Skill Listening isn’t passive—it’s 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 🧩1. Presence Beats Pressure Just being calm and physically present can create a sense of safety and trust for...
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The Grandpa Effect: Belief, Confidence & Legacy EP -252
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
What do your grandchildren believe about themselves because of you? In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I draw on the timeless wisdom from Chapter One of The Magic of Thinking Big and apply it to one of the most underestimated leadership roles in a child’s life: the role of a grandfather. David Schwartz opens his book with a bold claim—success begins with belief. Not intelligence. Not talent. Belief. And when you view that idea through the lens of grandfatherhood, it raises an important question: What beliefs are our grandchildren borrowing from us—intentionally or...
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Skip Gen Travel with Stefanie Shackelford EP - 251
The Cool Grandpa Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with Stefanie Shackelford, founder of Odyssey Travel, to explore how travel has evolved—and why experienced travel advisors matter more than ever, especially for grandparents planning meaningful trips with their grandchildren. With over 40 years in the travel industry, Stefanie shares how travel planning has shifted from handwritten tickets and phone-book-sized fare manuals to today’s digital-first world—while explaining what technology still can’t replace: human insight, experience, and relationships. Together,...
info_outline🧠Episode Summary
In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore insights from Dan Miller’s book An Understanding Heart and apply them to modern grandfatherhood. Greg shares three powerful themes—listening as a legacy skill, curiosity over correction, and emotional presence in a distracted world—along with personal stories and practical steps grandfathers can use today to deepen relationships with their grandchildren.
đź‘‚ Listening as a Legacy Skill
Listening isn’t passive—it’s an active gift that teaches empathy and builds lifelong connections. I reflect on the adults in my childhood who truly listened and how that shaped me to have an understanding heart.
🌉 Curiosity Over Correction
Curiosity builds bridges; correction builds walls. I encourage grandfathers to ask reflective questions instead of jumping in with advice, especially with young children and teens. Show them that YOU offer them an understanding heart.
🧠Emotional Presence in a Distracted World
Phones, schedules, and multitasking compete for attention—but presence is what grandchildren crave. I share stories of grandparents who modeled full presence and a powerful personal memory of a long road trip with my grandfather, who truly had an understanding heart.
🛠️ Practical Steps for Cool Grandpas
- Follow the 2:1 rule—listen twice as much as you speak
- Ask one curious question in every conversation
- Pause before giving advice and ask if advice is wanted
- Mirror emotions: “That sounds exciting” or “That sounds hard.”
- Schedule intentional one-on-one time with each grandchild
đź’ˇ Reflection Question
What does your grandchild need from you right now—advice or understanding?
🚀 A Call to Action:
đź‘´ For Grandfathers
Practice listening without interrupting this week. Notice what you learn about your grandchildren’s inner world.
👨‍👧 For Fathers
Ask one curious question today that you’ve never asked before—and observe how your child responds.
đź“š Resources Mentioned
- An Understanding Heart by Dan Miller, use this link to order this treasured book: https://www.48days.com/product/an-understanding-heart/
- Here is the link to that amazing episode I had with my mentor, Dan Miller: https://cool-grandpa.us/2021/09/10/ep-48-growing-creativity-with-grandchildren/
- Buy Me a Coffee by using this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa
- Cool Grandpa merchandise store: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/
- You can watch this fun conversation on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/B_ceCsH-zss