The Cool Grandpa Podcast

This podcast is about the relationship between Grandfathers and their Grandchildren. We focus on interesting stories to understand and grow our own relationships. This is the perfect podcast to understand how important the role of Grandfather is to the lives of the Grandchildren and Family in general.

EP - 209 The Sweet Journey of Ricky Dickson 11/22/2024

EP - 209 The Sweet Journey of Ricky Dickson Cool Grandpa Ricky Dickson is joining me to discuss his experience as the CEO of Blue Bell Ice Cream and being a father and a very cool grandpa. Recently, Ricky published his book One Scoop At A Time, which is an excellent book about his time at Blue Bell, from writing a marketing paper for a school project to becoming CEO and guiding Blue Bell through one of its most challenging experiences. Ricky's book combines lessons of leadership, faith, and fun. We talk about how Ricky wrote this book to help tell his story and the story of Blue Bell and, maybe more importantly, as a legacy for his great-grandchildren. We discuss some of Ricky's personal stories, including a turning point in his career when he realized that God's purpose or role for Ricky was more important than a promotion. As a grandfather, Ricky also talks about the importance of one-on-one time with his grandchildren and the special moments they share. Some memorable moments involve ice cream and conversations about listening to God, prompting us about what he wants for us and our lives, and then listening to that prompting and following that message as best we can. As we wrap up our conversation, Ricky shares the 'go to' ice cream flavors that will make you the hit of any holiday or Christmas party you attend. Those flavors are , , and . Do yourself a favor and use one of the links below to check out Ricky's book, One Scoop At A Time. Even if you don't typically read business books, you will enjoy this one, as Ricky is open and honest about what was going on with his time at Blue Bell and with him personally. One of the cool things that you can do now if you live in an area that doesn't sell Blue Bell is order Blue Bell Ice Cream. I have put a direct link to their order page in the links below. Links Use this link to visit Ricky's website: You can check out One Scoop At A Time using this link: You can order Ricky's book from either of the links above, and you can also use this direct link to Amazon to order the book: If you would like to connect and follow Ricky on LinkedIn, you can use this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/33982872

EP - 208 Daddying: More Than Just Fatherhood 11/15/2024

EP - 207 Documenting Our Veteran's Stories 11/08/2024

EP - 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection 11/01/2024

EP - 205 Breaking Generational Cycles 10/25/2024

EP - 204 Cars and Grandpas 10/11/2024

EP - 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa 10/11/2024

EP - 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa Andre Renna shares his experience as a grandfather with us. We learn about Andre's reaction to learning that he would become a grandpa for the first time and how he was very excited to meet his grandchildren. I ask Andre about being a grandfather in the same community as his children and grandchildren. Andre shares with us how being close to his grandchildren is a blessing, but at times, it can also be difficult. We learn about Andre's background growing up in Brooklyn, NY, with his extended family very close by and having that shared experience of living and growing up next to his grandparents. Andre and I also discussed his wonderful experience co-writing a book with his granddaughter. He shares with us the experience of his granddaughter creating the story while he was pushing her on a swing out in the park. You will also be inspired by Andre's involvement as a volunteer at his grandchildren's school. Andre actively acts as a role model and mentor to the children in the school's reading program. The boys in the school also connect with Andre when he assists in the school's cafeteria. He shares that his ability to build connections with the boys through sports and other activities they are interested in helps them and their teachers have better lines of communication and areas of interest outside of the classroom. You will enjoy hearing how Andre builds meaningful and lasting connections with his grandchildren. Once you have listened to this episode, remember to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. Remember to check out my Bookstore page for fun gifts for yourself or the Cool Grandpa in your life. Links Here is the email address to connect with Andre and order the book The Surprise Birthday Party: The Adventures of Aria and Ducky: [email protected] You can check out the book at Amazon as well using this link: (if you order the book through Andre, using his email address, he can have the book signed for you) /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/33409532

EP - 202 How We Can Support Moms 10/04/2024

EP - 202 How We Can Support Moms This is our second panel or round table discussion on The Cool Grandpa Podcast. I like to call these activities Cracker Barrels. I think I like that term because it is what we used in Scouts and because it is a fun nostalgic term for people getting together informally and sharing important and sometimes not-so-important information. We have four wonderful guests joining me to give their thoughts on how fathers and fathers-in-law can support moms. After all, the old adage that if mom isn't happy, no one is happy is more true than we might like to admit. This event's participants are Dr. Kerry Byrne, Lori Wynne, DeeDee More, and Amanda Weishar. I have known these awesome women for some time and have worked with Kerry and DeeDee on some grandparenting projects in the past. You will enjoy this fun conversation, and I encourage you to share it with other people who may be unsure about how to support their adult daughters and daughters-in-law. Links Use this link to access the More Than Grand website. DeeDee More's contact information is available on her website located at: You can learn more about Dr. Kerry Byrne's work on behalf of grandparents at The Long Distance Grandparent and join me in The Long Distance Grandparent Society (LDGS). You might also like to sign up for the Ideas Club. Regardless, the way to connect with Kerry is to start with this link: To connect with Lori and possibly grab a gift card for your wife, daughter, or daughter-in-law, check out Lori's website at You can check out this episode on YouTube by clicking on this link: One of the great books mentioned in our conversation is The Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations, . Amanda mentioned this excellent parenting book, Parenting: A House United: Changing Children's Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self-Government. You can check out Lori's father-in-law's YouTube channel by clicking on this link: (Be sure to 'Like and Subscribe' to the channel) /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/33308267

EP - 201 Good Seer, Good Sayer 09/27/2024

EP - 201 Good Seer, Good Sayer Neil Taft joins our conversation this week to talk about being a Caring Grandparent. Specifically, we learn how Neil, a great-grandfather, is leading the charge to help all grandparents build and maintain incredible relationships with their grandchildren. Neil's mission is to enhance Grandparents' bonds with their Grandchildren by building solid and meaningful connections. Neil believes that stories and shared experiences can strengthen the grandparent/ grandchild bond. You are going to love how Neil has worked hard to develop and maintain his relationships with his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. Neil shares with us a remarkable story of how he has been able to create and maintain a relationship with his ex-daughter-in-law. Neil's work in that relationship now enables him to remain an active grandfather in his nineteen-year-old granddaughter's life. We also talk about one of Neil's philosophies: to be a GOOD SEER and a GOOD SAYER. Simply put, this philosophy is centered on the principle that when you see something good in the world, say something about it. The good could be a great piece of street art or, as Neil shares, seeing a person with a charming piece of clothing. Neil belives that everyone from our youngest grandchild to older people we run into each wants and seeks out approval and complements. As a grandfather, Neil finds this a natural state for him to be in that doesn't cost anything but produces enormous returns for the person receiving the compliment. Links Use this link to visit Neil's webpage and check out the great work that he is doing over there: You can use this link to purchase Neil's book, Good to Great Grandparenting: This link will take you to Neil's new book, Caring Grandparents: You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link: Here is the link to check out our good friend Dr. Kerry Byrne's The Long Distance Grandparent. I hope you join her group if it suits you and your needs. I like to hang out with this group when I can. This link will take you to Grandparent's Academy, a great resource for all grandparents. Neil and I are presenters/ faculty and enjoy connecting with grandparents over at that site as well. /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/33224067

EP - 200 Four Years of Fun and Learning 09/20/2024

EP - 199 Collecting Stories with Heritage HQ 09/13/2024

EP - 198 Supporting Young Parents: How Grandfathers Can Help 09/06/2024

EP - 198 Supporting Young Parents: How Grandfathers Can Help This is our monthly one-on-one conversation. This week, I am discussing my impressions of DeeDee More's great blog post, "A Grandparent's Response to the Surgeon General's Advisory on Parents' Mental Health." Some of the data collected over the last few years concerning parents and their mental health might be surprising to you. I was surprised to learn about some of the challenges that young parents face beyond dealing with picky eaters, colicky infants, and potty training, to name a few. As Grandfathers, I think we can help our grandchildren's parents by doing the following: Educate ourselves on what is causing stress among young parents and be sensitive to the fact that their stresses are not the same as what caused us stress 20+ years ago. Check-in on the parents, both your son or daughter and son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Do this by taking just them out to eat or even by using your phone or texting, depending on how they communicate. Ask about THEM and not the grandkids. I know this is a tough one, but do it anyway. When you visit or talk to them, be aware of their behavior, situation, and what is happening around their home. Notice what is different or "not them," as this could be a sign that they could use additional support or TLC. Remember to be a good listener. Pick up on whether the person you are talking to wants your input or just needs a friendly ear so they can vent. DO NOT get into a comparison or contest about how rough you had it as a parent and how rough they have it today. YOU went through your struggles and have experience and hindsight. THEY are in the middle of their challenges and need support from their father or father-in-law. Once you have listened to this podcast, please remember to subscribe, like, and share this conversation with other people who would enjoy the show AND could use the information and support I try to put into every episode. Links I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking this link: . Here is the link to DeeDee's fantastic blog post: Here is the direct link to download your copy of the Surgeon General's Parental Mental Health & Wellness report: You can listen to the podcast episode DeeDee and I had together and learned about using this link: . Here is my buddy Steve Ownes' website for his podcast, Fascination Street: . /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/32910947

EP - 197 Living in a Multi-Generational Household 08/30/2024

EP - 197 Living in a Multi-Generational Household Doug Sohn from Success After Sixty is joining the podcast to discuss his experience living in a multi-generational home. If Doug's name sounds familiar, that is because he is a returning guest. Doug is joining us again to talk about living in a multi-generational home. We learn that Doug and his wife have always had a full home, regardless of whether it contained six children or other people coming to live with them. As our discussion continues, we learn that Doug and his wife had moved into a retirement community, expecting they would be mostly just themselves. Doug shares with us that his oldest son was discharged from the military while he was getting divorced. The result was that their son Brian and their three-year-old grandson, Ben, came to live with them, creating a multi-generational home. We talk about how everyone had to work to adjust to having three generations under one roof. Some of the topics we talk about are how they have successfully created separation between Grandma/Mom - Grandpa/Dad - Son/Dad - Grandson/Son. Some of the separation of roles has created boundaries where input and advice can be shared, but that input might not be implemented with their Brain and his son Ben. You will enjoy learning from Doug and his fantastic experience and insights about living and getting along inside a multi-generational home. This conversation is full of great advice for grandfathers and grandparents who are finding themselves living in a multi-generational situation, whether it is temporary or permanent. Remember to like and subscribe to this conversation on your favorite podcast application. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel. Links I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link: Here is the link to the conversation that Doug and I had about his work with Success After Sixty: . Doug is providing a fantastic giveaway for the listeners of our conversation. The giveaway is Doug's "Win Your Morning Guide." This guide offers some useful tools and is also a great entrée into Doug's world: Click on this link to view the website: To join the Success After Sixty Facebook group, click this link: . You can follow Doug on 'X' by clicking this link: . You can follow Doug on LinkedIn by clicking on this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/32804552

EP - 196 The Importance of Play 08/23/2024

EP - 196 The Importance of Play Karen Stillman from Baby Making Genius is back on the podcast to discuss her relationship with her grandfathers and share her thoughts about her father as a grandpa. We are introduced to George (Granddad) and Henry (Grandpa Daddy)and their relationship with Karen and her siblings. Continuing our discussion, we hear how Granddad was a scary grandfather and Grandpa Daddy was a fun-loving card-playing grandfather. Grandpa Daddy introduced the kids to the game Crib or Cribbage. We learn that the grandkids were brought up playing by 'grandpa's rules,' meaning grandpa typically won the game. Grandpa Daddy would also let the grandchildren drive/ steer the car down to the country store for treats. Granddad, who was scary, owned a garage and loved his fish tanks. He didn't talk very much, and Karen remembers him smelling of grease, tobacco, and sweat. As Karen remembers it, Grandad had a particular way of talking to them that made the kids uneasy. We continue discussing how men can sometimes give off a scary vibe. As this energy is most likely unintentional, grandfathers can do a few things to be a bit more welcoming and fun-loving with their grandchildren. You are going to enjoy these memories that Karen shares with us. She does a great job of sharing fun memories and great advice from both a granddaughter's and a mother's point of view. Once you have listened to this program, please remember to like, subscribe to the podcast, and share it with a friend. Links You can use the following link to visit Dr. Karen'swebsite: Here is the link to Dr. Karen's Facebook Page: . Dr. Karen would enjoy connecting with you on LinkedIn. You can do so by using this link: Here is the link to my previous conversation with Karen: I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: Karen's phone number is (+1) 613-314-9802 You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link: . /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/32694302

EP - 195 Meet The Grampion 08/16/2024

EP - 195 Meet The Grampion This week's guest is Jim Tracy, or as he is better known, The Grampion. Jim and I dive right in and talk about the challenges and fun of being younger grandfathers. Jim shares with us how he is building connections with his grandchildren of all ages. We learn how The Grampion is staying active and working out with his grandson, who is a Division 1 level football recruit, and his five-year-old grandson, who wants to sling on a ruck pack and go hike the mountains around Eagle(Boise), Idaho. We also learned how Jim would sit down with the granddaughter, who was learning music, and how he encouraged her to keep practicing and getting better. You will love this conversation with Jim as we learn his insights about living in a multi-generational home. We will also learn how his grandson, Wes, gave him the gift of the title "The Grampion." It was great to learn about how Jim got his pilot's license and earned another title, that of a call sign of 'CHaos.' Jim also shares with us the impact that his grandfather made on him while at fish and hunt camps and how Jim learned to interact with other men his grandfather's age. This is just a fun conversation that Jim and I have. You are going to enjoy joining us for our virtual cup of coffee. After you listen to this conversation, please do me a favor and share this episode with someone else who would enjoy learning from Jim on how to build meaningful and lasting connections with grandchildren. Links Here is the link to Jim's "Grampion" website: Check out Jim's YouTube Channel at: Check out the Tower Family Foundation's website: I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: Should you want to take advantage of 35% off my award-winning children's book, you may do so at this link: If you would like to watch this conversation on YouTube, you can use this link: Here is the link to the conversation that I had with Cynthia Covey Hollar about the book Live Life In Crescendo: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/32587822

EP - 194 Grandparents Week 2024 08/09/2024

EP - 193 Be Part of the Solution 08/02/2024

EP - 193 Be Part of the Solution A few weeks back, I volunteered at the scout camp where I worked in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. It was a blast being with a group of energetic people who are really putting their hearts and souls into doing what they can to make the world a better place. I was able to eat, sleep, work, and sweat with these great folks. Over the week, I made a few observations about Generation Z, or iGen, as they are sometimes called. To start out, let's define Gen Z as anyone born between 1995 and 2015. Here are a few of the characteristics of iGen that I read about from Generational Kinetics (). Gen Z is better at multi-tasking than other generations before them. Gen Z has a desire to work. The iGen cohort is more Entrepreneurial than other generations. (I think this is a natural function of age vs. something particular about this generation) Gen Z thinks that Millennials are old. Social media affects iGen members' self-worth more than other generations. 47% of Gen Zers feel that social media directly impacts how they feel about themselves. After spending about ten days with a group of over 40 Gen Zers, here are a few of my observations. Few seemed to be self-starters or felt they were not responsible for the area around them regarding upkeep or enhancements. Many seemed to have an exaggerated sense of risk or were risk-averse. There seemed to be a lack of creative problem-solving or creatively working with their constraints to create solutions to physical or non-physical challenges. I want to be clear that while I am sharing my opinions and insights into what I was seeing with a group of teenagers and people in their early 20s, this is not intended to be a negative discussion but rather an opportunity for us grandparents to work and coach up our grandchildren as well as those young people who we come into contact with to help them be more prepared for the challenges they will experience both personally and societally. What Grandparents can do to help out GenZ: Here are some of my ideas about how we can help our grandchildren who are part of GenZ. Help them identify tasks that need attention and then help them learn to take the initiative in owning and coming up with a solution. Encourage the taking of calculated risks. Many of our grandchildren live in a highly regulated, minimally risk-tolerant society. The result is that they don't take risks and only see downsides and hazards instead of potential opportunities for fun and gain. Help them be forward-focused. We can do this by encouraging discussions about the freedoms and responsibilities they will have as they age and achieve success in their lives. Work with grandchildren to come up with solutions, even temporary, using the tools and resources on hand. There is a great opportunity for accomplishment that I think younger people miss out on when coming up with a 'good enough' solution using only what is on hand until a better solution to a challenge can be put into place. Conclusion It would be easy enough for us to join the chorus of doomsayers about the rising generation. After all, doesn't it seem like part of the reward for growing older to take up that mantel of 'the world is going to hell in a handbasket'? What I am challenging myself and hopefully YOU to do, is to recognize that there might be some gaps that our grandchildren and their generation have BUT then find ways to become part of the solution and not just a crusty old cus sitting on the sidelines telling everyone how awesome it was when you were young. Like Billy Joel said in one of his songs, "You know the good ole days weren't always good. And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems." Links I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: If you would like to watch this conversation on YouTube, you can use this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/32390632

EP - 192 Your Life Is About Other People 07/26/2024

EP - 191 Baby Making Genius 07/19/2024

EP - 191 Baby Making Genius Dr. Karen Stillman joins the conversation this week to discuss how she helps women worldwide work through fertility issues. We learn about Karen's passion for taking a holistic approach to the challenges women face when addressing issues around fertility. Dr. Karen talks to us about her challenges when trying to conceive. Although Karen was an Obstetrics and gynecology Resident and had access to numerous tests, doctors, and other resources, it wasn't happening. That's when a conversation with her mother about her successful appendix surgery when she was 13 years old recalled some important memories. You see, the surgery was successful, but it also revealed that one of her fallopian tubes had knotted on itself and was dying. The surgeon discussed this condition with Karen's mum and told her, "She will have trouble getting pregnant. Sorry.” In later years, when talking about this conversation, Karen was reminded that when she heard this story, she responded, “No one is going to tell me that I can’t have my two babies.” This memory recall started Karen on the path of addressing her challenges from a purely scientific and holistic approach of mind, body, and spirit. This approach enabled Dr. Karen to have two wonderful children. We also talk about how fathers and grandfathers can be part of the solution and support structure that our daughters and granddaughters need as part of their care team as they navigate their journey. This is a fun yet powerful conversation that will help you better understand some of the hurdles women can face as they work to grow their families. Once you have listened to this conversation, remember to like, share, and subscribe to this podcast and YouTube channel so that we can all help get great information into the hands of those who can use it. Links You can use the following link to visit Dr. Karen's website: Here is the link to Dr. Karen's Facebook Page: . Dr. Karen would enjoy connecting with you on LinkedIn. You can do so by using this link: I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: Karen's phone number is (+1) 613-314-9802 You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/32205742

EP - 190 Growing Memories and Relationships 07/12/2024

EP - 189 Declaring Independence from Negative Thoughts in Grandparenting 07/05/2024

EP - 189 Declaring Independence from Negative Thoughts in Grandparenting This weekend is July 4th or Independence Day in the United States. It was the day that the United States declared its independence from England. In this one-on-one conversation, I want to encourage you to declare your independence from just ONE thing holding you back on your journey to becoming the coolest grandparent ever. We declare independence from a negative mindset, emotion, or even a condition by doing the following: Write down (paper, a Google Doc, whatever but something) ONE (1) thing causing you not to enjoy being the best grandparent ever. Don't write down more than one thing. We can rinse and repeat this process as often as we like. Think about and write down what actions, thoughts, etc., are in your control. Don't worry about what you can't control, focus on you. When you look at your list, is this complete, or have you left items off because of assumptions or oversite on your part? Create a plan to add to, enhance, remove, or reduce thoughts or actions that you control that would reduce or eliminate your inability to enjoy being the awesome grandparent you are. Keep track of your plan and then see if it resolves your negative thoughts or anxiety about whatever you decide to work on. Don't be afraid to adjust your plan as you need to. The goal of breaking free from what is controlling you is what is important, not how you get there. Celebrate your Independence! In my example this week, I used the anxiety that some grandparents feel when they send letters or gifts to their grandchildren and then don't hear anything back from the children's parents. I talked about how, immediately hearing lately from the grandchildren's moms and dads whether something has been received, using a tracking number can help ease someone's mind. After all, you can follow up and check with the carrier whether an item was delivered. I hope you find these steps and this helpful approach. If you did, please share this content with a friend or family member who might be struggling with an aspect of being a grandparent. I want all of us to declare our independence from whatever is holding us back from enjoying this exceptional period and role in life. Links I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31933767

EP - 188 The First Grandfather Cracker Barrel 06/28/2024

EP - 188 The First Grandfather Cracker Barrel This week's episode is a round table or cracker barrel discussion for The Cool Grandpa Podcast. The term cracker barrel comes from when, primarily, men would gather in a country store and eat saltine crackers out of a wooden barrel while talking about the weather, news, gossip, etc. I thought this description fits rather well to get a great group of guys together to talk about Grandpa stuff. In this episode, we have the following guests, who comprise our august body: Frank Pomata, who joins us from Long Island. James Lott Jr. represents Los Angeles (and Brooklyn). Neil Taft is from Leland, North Carolina, and Winn Egan joins us from Salt Lake City. Each of these men joins us with various levels of experience and expertise in being a grandfather and promoting the importance of grandfathers in the lives of our grandchildren and communities. This exercise is an enjoyable way to share insights, question our roles, and, most importantly, be able to suggest to each other how we can all be more loving and supportive of the grandchildren in our lives. During our discussion, we discuss the following subjects: "What do grandchildren want and need?" - Winn Egan "What have you learned from your grandchildren?" - Frank Pomata "Creating a lasting, meaningful connection" - Neil Taft "Watching your kids...parent! How do you handle their style vs your style?" - James Lott Jr You will enjoy the fun we have and our almost instant connection as we focus on how grandfathers can support our grandchildren, our adult children, and their spouses. I have included links below for the episodes each man has participated in as one-on-one guests and how you can connect with James, Frank, Neil, and Winn. Please share this conversation with friends and family who will enjoy hearing about these subjects and these gentlemen's wisdom. Links Here is the link to the episode that I recorded with Winn: A great way to connect with Winn is by reading his fantastic blog, "Grandparenting on Purpose," which you can find at this link: . If you would like to order his book, you can do so by clicking this link: Here is the link for the latest episode that I had with Frank Pomata: Frank would also like to connect with you on LinkedIn, and you can find his profile here: Click on this link to listen to my latest podcast with James Lott, Jr.: . James "Popa Jamie" Lott, Jr. can be found at JLJ Media: . You can subscribe to the "Really! I'm A Grandparent" podcast on YouTube and other podcast service providers: . James Lott Jr's other website is You can read Neil's blog at: If you would like to order Neil's book, "Good To Great Grandparenting," you can do so by clicking I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: . If you would like to watch this conversation on YouTube, you can click on this link: . /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31917642

EP - 187 Doing Busy Right with Larry Tribble 06/21/2024

EP - 187 Doing Busy Right with Larry Tribble Larry Tribble, PhD, joins us this week to discuss how busy professionals can be productive in managing their professional and personal lives. Larry and I start our discussion by defining what a typical knowledge worker experiences concerning minimum direction and oversight by the management team we report to. We compare the state of management and the working environment today to that of forty to fifty years ago. As part of that comparison, we discuss how pride in creating space for leisure activities signals your success in your professional life. Now, it seems the opposite is true. We see people bragging about how busy and indispensable they are, leaving little time for self-development, personal fulfillment, and even family and grandchildren. As our conversation progresses, Larry talks about how humans enjoy being busy or occupied. He also talks about how we sometimes confuse activity for productivity. We agree that being busy tends to be an activity that does not move a task or goal forward or at least not noticeably further. Productivity, on the other hand, is focused action that purposely moves to close out a task or accomplish a goal. Larry discusses the roadblocks to focused work as we continue our conversation about being busy versus productive. We further discuss his Attention Compass program, which successfully helps professionals learn or relearn to focus on what is essential for themselves and their teams. Larry lists the following as roadblocks or waste to doing busy right: Interruptions - This is pretty self-explanatory. These are all the items that take us out of our flow or mindset for the task that we are working on. Multi-tasking - There is no such thing. There is mult-focus, which takes an already limited resource and diminishes it by creating other tasks or goals with the result of work that is often sub-par to what we could have accomplished by defending our time and mindset. Distraction - This waste of effort often allows thoughts or external stimuli to pop up, keeping us from getting into a work groove and putting our best efforts and abilities into the task at hand. We next pivot to a discussion about Larry's father, his impact on Larry growing up, and how his father and mother embraced becoming grandparents to two adopted children. Larry does a great job in telling us how his father and mother took the new family members to heart and, in typical grandparent fashion, might have gone a bit overboard that first Christmas. Larry and I also discuss fathers' roles as coaches and mentors in their adult children's lives. You will enjoy this conversation with Larry, and I encourage you to share it with friends and family. You can also connect with Larry through the links and email addresses below. Links Use this link to sign up for Grandparents Week. This is a great free resource for grandparents: . Here is Larry's email address should you want to send him a question or even provide him with feedback about what you found valuable in our conversation: Click on this link to visit Larry's website, Do Busy Right: If you would like to connect with Larry through LinkedIn, you can use this link to view his profile: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31825032

EP - 186 Understanding and Addressing Teen Loneliness 06/14/2024

EP - 186 Understanding and Addressing Teen Loneliness Dr. Gene Beresin, MD, MA, from The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, joins us to discuss the increase in loneliness among today's teenagers. We start by discussing the Surgeon General's report on loneliness, the causes and effects of loneliness in teenagers, and the role of social media and over-scheduling in contributing to loneliness. We also discuss and emphasize the importance of face-to-face interactions, social-emotional learning, and deep relationships in combating loneliness. We talk about the need for grandparents to be a resource for their grandchildren. Gene and I feel that Grandparents play a unique role in their grandchildren's lives, offering wisdom, support, and meaningful conversations about challenges we have faced and overcome. Grandparents can teach new skills, validate their grandchildren's knowledge of technology, and foster curiosity and connection. However, as we discuss, social media can be beneficial and detrimental. It can foster connections and academic resources but also displace in-person engagement and lead to cyberbullying and misinformation. It's important for grandparents to ask about loneliness, anxiety, and depression and to have conversations about mental health. Here is a list of the surgeon general's seven recommendations. I also strongly recommend purchasing the e-book Ways to Help Your Lonely Teen, discussed in this episode. The link is . Invest in Your Relationship with Your Child or Loved One Model Healthy Social Connection Help Children Develop Relationships with Supportive Adults Encourage Healthy Social Connection with Peers Be Attentive to How Young People Spend Time Online Identify Behaviors that May Increase Risk for Social Disconnection Talk to Your Children About Social Connection Regularly Once you have listened to this important conversation, please share it with someone who would benefit from Gene's wisdom and insights in working with children and adolescents. Links Click here to visit The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds: You can order your e-book, Your Lonely Teen, by clicking this link: Here is a link to the ShrinkingIt Down Podcast on Spotify: . Here is the link to the first conversation that Gene and I had: Use this link to sign up for Grandparents Week. This is a great free resource for grandparents: . If you would like to view this interview, click on this link: . /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31722437

EP - 185 4 Tips To Elevate Your Relationships Today 06/08/2024

EP - 185 4 Tips To Elevate Your Relationships Today This week, we have another chance to have a one-on-one conversation. In this week's episode, I share four tips you can implement immediately to enhance your relationship with your grandchildren. Our first tip is to help our grandchildren learn to give and receive compliments. Remember that when complimenting our grandchildren and people generally, we want to be timely and specific. Too often, we can fall into the trap of discounting or dismissing compliments for different reasons. A great way to help our grandchildren learn to be both polite and generous with their praise is to model how to give and receive compliments. Tip two is to write down or document important information about your grandchildren. We all want to keep birthdays and other information about our grandchildren straight, but it can become challenging to keep this in our minds, especially when we end up with multiple grandchildren. Writing down information in a notepad or an electronic document is a great way to help keep track of what is first and foremost in our grandchildren's lives. It is also fun to track how their tastes and preferences change. Our third tip is to become a fantastic listener. We all desire to be heard and listened to. It is one way that we feel we matter to people close to us. Being an active listener vs. an active fixer might be a tough challenge for cool grandpas. After all, we all desire to jump in and correct what might be an obstacle to our grandchildren's desires. This notion of fixing everything needs to take second place to truly listen to our grandchildren's hopes, dreams, and even their pain. This episode's fourth and final tip is to express love in and around the grandchildren. Remember that they are always watching how you interact with your spouse, your adult children, and your child's spouse or partner. How you touch, talk, and interact with close family members is how the grandchild will associate love. A great way to express love is to talk about how much you love members of your family AND your love towards your friends and others outside your family. This explicit and implicit conversation will help to demonstrate what you and your family consider love for family and friends. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast. If you would like to work with me on increasing your influence and relationship as a grandparent, don't hesitate to contact me. Let's talk about whether my current coaching program might fit you. Links To sign up for Grandparents Academy's Grandparents Week, you can use this link: . If you would like to watch this episode, you can check it out on YouTube by clicking this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31661962

EP - 184 Using Nature to Help Heal Others 05/31/2024

EP - 184 Using Nature to Help Heal Others This week’s guest is Adrienne Davis. Adrienne is a Health & Wellness Coach, helping adults and children overcome physical and mental health challenges by eating more plants and spending time outdoors. She’s a plant-based wife and momma with 3 sons and a dog. Adrienne loves nature, especially hiking, tent camping, and listening to cicadas. After using nature and nutrition to eliminate her panic attacks and help her husband reverse Type 2 Diabetes, she now helps others take charge of their health so they can live life to the fullest and become all that God has created them to be. We talk about her memories of her grandparents, and she updates us on what has been going on with her since the last time we spoke. We learn how Adrienne ended up in delivery with her third son right before our previous episode went live. I also ask about her memories of her oldest son’s experience with her grandfather. Adrienne discusses how she felt called to start helping people with Type 2 Diabetes to minimize complications through a combination of plant-based nutrition and nature therapy, to create a holistic approach to living a healthy lifestyle. You will enjoy learning about how God led Adrienne to return to spending time in nature to reduce stress and promote wellness, and how following that prompting has served her well. Adrienne provides valuable insight into how grandparents can introduce or use nature to connect with their grandchildren. We agree that many meaningful experiences occur when grandchildren and grandparents work or play outdoors. As Adrienne says, her job is to help grandparents be able to go hiking and actively play with their grandchildren. Once you have listened to this episode, please remember to like, share, and subscribe to the show. Also, be sure to connect with Adrienne using the link to Raven Creek Wellness below. LINKS To sign up for Grandparents Academy's Grandparents Week, you can use this link: . You can click on this link to visit Raven's Creek Wellness: Click on this link to hear the first conversation that Adrienne and I had about her grandfather: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31538677

EP - 183 Learning about Legacy Coalition 05/24/2024

EP - 183 Learning about Legacy Coalition John Coulombe, Director of Spiritual Development for Legacy Coalition, joins the conversation this week to discuss his background as a pastor's kid. We also learn about John's history with entering the ministry and starting down the road as an intergenerational ministry leader. With 55 years in ministry, John met with Larry Flower, the founder of Legacy Coalition, along with other key people interested in starting a ministry movement for grandparents. Along with starting a group focused on supporting grandparents, they also asked what the Bible says about Grandparenting. A young man, Josh Mulvihill, who was not a grandfather, was starting his dissertation on the role of grandparents according to the Bible. John talks about how their group was puzzled about how they had all missed the information in the Bible about the role of grandparents. About eight years ago, after the group signed its charter, Legacy Coalition held its first event for grandparents. As John says, Legacy Coalition's mission is "We help Grandparents grow in their Biblical role so they can have a greater spiritual impact on their families." John talks about how, within a short time, they have seen an explosion of growth in their mission and those picking up on the ministry to grandparents or people entering the second half of life. John talks about how when he has people around him who are retiring, he talks with them about having a period to relax, travel, and do what they want to, but then he will call them into service and influence. We talk about how, in the Bible, there is a mention of retirement, where the church priests were to retire at 50. Still, that retirement was moving from physical labor to a calling of spiritually shepherding those around them compared to the physical acts of taking care of the temples and the appropriate sacrifices. You will enjoy this conversation and will no doubt learn more about what the Bible teaches about being a grandparent. To learn more about Legacy Coalition, please check out their website below. Hopefully, I'll see you at their next Grandparenting Summit. Links To sign up for Grandparents Academy's Grandparents Week, you can use this link: . To check out Legacy Coalition: To learn more about John, check out this link: . If you want to check out Josh Mulvihill's book, "Biblical Grandparenting: Exploring God's Design for Disciple-Making and Passing Faith to Future Generations." Click on this link: If you want to see the Stars and Whales singing "How Great is Our God," you can watch it here: . You can check out Louie Giglio's books by clicking on this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31424102

EP - 182 I am Fine 05/17/2024

EP - 181 Rocking Retirement 05/10/2024

EP - 181 Rocking Retirement Kevin Lyles joined us this week to discuss his experience becoming a retirement coach. We discussed the difference between financial planners and wealth managers and how each helps grandparents and seniors plan for their financial future. Kevin also helped us understand what a retirement coach does to help retirees plan and develop their purpose and goals in retirement. As a retirement coach, Kevin works with his clients to define and create goals around the following: taking care of elderly parents, finding a purpose outside of their old profession, and determining what they want to do to enjoy retirement in terms of recreation. Of course, a big part of creating an enjoyable retirement is discussing what the grandparents want to do with their grandchildren. We also talk about making the right mindset and adjusting your retirement plan if you should find yourself needing to take care of and raise your grandchildren. Kevin's main area of expertise is helping his clients and others with their retirement mindset. He works with retirees to help them be optimistic about aging, retirement, and their relationship with their spouse. We talked about the importance of aligning the goals of both people in the relationship so that they can identify their differences and similarities. You are going to enjoy this conversation with Kevin and learn a lot about how you can plan to rock your retirement. Once you have listened to this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe to the podcast. Links Save your seat for Grandparents Week - the world's largest online celebration and educational conference for grandparents - this September 8 - 14. Hosted by GrandparentsAcademy.com. General admission is free. Pre-register today to enter pre-event giveaways and receive important updates: Check out the Rock RetirementClub'ss website: Use this link to check out Kevin's bio at Rock Retirement Club: If you would like to connect with Kevin on LinkedIn, use this link: If you would like to watch this interview, you can watch us on YouTube by using this link: /episode/index/show/coolgrandpa/id/31214147

EP - 180 Balancing Selfish and Selfless Motives 05/03/2024

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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