エピソード

  • EP - 205 Breaking Generational Cycles

    EP - 205 Breaking Generational Cycles
    2024/10/25
    Doug Morneau joins us for an engaging conversation. Doug shares his experiences and insights as a grandfather, discussing the importance of family relationships, the impact of technology, and the value of spending quality time with grandchildren. He reflects on his upbringing, the lessons learned, and how he aims to create a nurturing environment for his grandkids. Doug emphasizes the significance of community support and the role of faith in family life and offers practical advice for new grandfathers. Once you have listened to this conversation, be sure to share it with a friend who would enjoy this conversation and learning about building meaningful solid relationships with grandchildren. Links Use this link to check out Doug's website and business: . You can also use this link to get Doug's social media information. If you would like to reach out to Doug directly, you can use his email, which is: You can watch this episode on YouTube by using this link: Here is the link for the episode with Jim Padilla that we mentioned in this week's conversation:
    続きを読む 一部表示
    51 分
  • EP - 204 Cars and Grandpas

    EP - 204 Cars and Grandpas
    2024/10/11
    Michael Platt from Platt Motors sits down with us to share the remarkable story of his grandfather and the car business he started. You will enjoy hearing how Michael's grandfather started one of the earliest used car dealerships in New Jersey. Michael shares his earliest memories of going to auctions and seeing his father and grandfather work as direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale brokers. Michael and I talk about the nostalgic pull that cars can have with grandchildren remembering their grandparent's vehicles and how that nostalgia can contribute to people buying cars that remind them of their parents and grandparents. We also discussed which classic cars might be a little impractical with us older guys who want to use them for road trips. If you haven't already done so, please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast and YouTube channel. Also, remember to check out the Bookstore for cool merchandise that would make any cool grandpa happy. Links Use this link to check out Platt Motors: If you would like to reach out to Michale via LinkedIn, you can use this link:
    続きを読む 一部表示
    44 分
  • EP - 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa

    EP - 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa
    2024/10/11
    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: awrenna@comcast.net 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)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    49 分
  • EP - 202 How We Can Support Moms

    EP - 202 How We Can Support Moms
    2024/10/04
    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)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • EP - 201 Good Seer, Good Sayer

    EP - 201 Good Seer, Good Sayer
    2024/09/27
    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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    50 分
  • EP - 200 Four Years of Fun and Learning

    EP - 200 Four Years of Fun and Learning
    2024/09/20
    In this episode, I am taking a victory lap with my good buddy, Steve Ownes, from the Fascination Street Podcast. In this fun conversation, Steve interviews me on my podcast. We discussed my motivations for starting this podcast and why I have kept this project going for over four years. Steve also talks to me about my children's book and where the heck the follow-up books are. We have a blast discussing the journies we have both been on, and we include some fascinating accounts of folks we have interviewed. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Please like and subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already done so. You can also check out both of us on YouTube. Links Here is the link to my first episode, my introduction to The Cool Grandpa Podcast: This is the link to my first interview with Cool Grandpa Dean Nielson: Use this link to watch this conversation over on YouTube: You can listen to my interview on Fascination Street with Steve Ownes using this link: Check out Steve's Podcast, Fascination Street, wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also check out his site by clicking on this link: Check out my Bookstore/Shop page for some cool merchandise that is perfect for the Cool Grandpa in your life:
    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分
  • EP - 199 Collecting Stories with Heritage HQ

    EP - 199 Collecting Stories with Heritage HQ
    2024/09/13
    This week, our guest is Patrick Brady. Patrick is passionate about gathering his family history and stories. As Patrick started to look at the marketplace, he recognized that there wasn't a service or platform that would allow building a central location to preserve that unique family history and enable the family to make it their own truly. At Heritage HQ, each family gets its unique domain to upload and create files that can be shared and edited. The family website or domain will contain a family tree and records of birthdates, genealogy, and essential documents. Each family will have a Heritage Helper to assist family members with the technology used and create an individualized family newsletter. Heritage HQ helps to build bridges between generations in several ways, including helping family members record in-person, video, and audio interviews. This is an excellent way for young family members to discover the stories of their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others and learn about the challenges and triumphs of those family members and close family friends. Some of the other services that a family can use with their Heritage HQ account are: Photo Organizer Social Media Hub/ Integration Digitization services - copying those printed photos into an electronic format You will enjoy learning more about Heritage HQ, Patrick's experience working as a professor in China, and how that experience helped shape his thoughts about capturing family stories. Links You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking this link: Here is the link to Heritage HQ: If you would like to book a 30-minute call with Patrick, use this link to Book a HeritageHuddle Call: Check out this example of a HeritageHQ Family Website: . Please email us: Call us: ‪(512) 887-2726‬
    続きを読む 一部表示
    43 分
  • EP - 198 Supporting Young Parents: How Grandfathers Can Help

    EP - 198 Supporting Young Parents: How Grandfathers Can Help
    2024/09/06
    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: .
    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分