The Cool Grandpa Podcast

Greg Payne
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  • Relationships
  • Updated weekly

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.

  1. 15 hr ago

    Grandfathers Raising Young Women: Building Confidence, Resilience & Character EP

    What if one of the most important things you can give your granddaughter isn't advice, money, or even wisdom? What if it's simply becoming the person she knows she can call when life gets hard? In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore the unique role grandfathers can play in helping their granddaughters become confident, capable, and resilient young women. From listening instead of fixing, to teaching practical skills, to showing her what a good man looks like, Grandpa's influence may be far greater than he realizes. And for the grandfathers who aren't simply involved in their grandchildren's lives, but are actually raising them, I have a special message: you're not alone. What does a young woman really need from her grandfather? She needs someone who shows up. Someone who listens. Someone who believes in her. Someone who challenges her to do things she doesn't think she can do. And sometimes, she needs someone who gives her a safe place to talk. In this episode, I explore how grandfathers can help their granddaughters develop confidence, resilience, competence, and a strong sense of identity. I talk about why grandparents can offer a different perspective than parents, why listening may be one of a grandfather's greatest superpowers, and why confidence often grows from competence. I also challenge grandfathers to look beyond appearance-based compliments and intentionally recognize qualities such as courage, perseverance, kindness, creativity, and problem-solving. And there's a special message for grandfathers who are actually raising their grandchildren: you stepped into an extraordinary responsibility, and you don't have to do it alone. The episode includes practical ideas, research-based resources, and organizations that can help grandfathers become more intentional in their relationships with granddaughters and grandchildren. The Big Ideas Consistency matters more than perfection. Become her safe place. Listening is a superpower. Confidence grows from competence. Compliment character—not just appearance. Resources and Links Harvard Center on the Developing Child Harvard's research emphasizes that resilience develops in supportive relationships and that reliable adults help children manage stress and build coping skills. Harvard Center on the Developing Child – Resilience Resources (https://developingchild.harvard.edu) Search Institute – Developmental Relationships Search Institute identifies five elements of developmental relationships: Express Care Challenge Growth Provide Support Share Power Expand Possibilities Practical actions include being dependable, listening, believing in a young person, encouraging effort, helping navigate difficult situations, empowering young people, respecting them, and creating opportunities for them to lead. Search Institute – Developmental Relationships Framework (https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework) Generations United – Grandfamilies & Kinship Care A national resource for grandparents and other relatives raising children. Generations United reports that more than 2.4 million children in the United States live in grandfamilies, where grandparents, relatives, or close family friends are raising children because their parents cannot. Generations United – Grandfamilies & Kinship Care (https://www.gu.org/explore-our-topics/grandfamilies) Grandfamilies.org One of the best practical resources for: Legal questions Custody Adoption Education Healthcare Financial assistance State-specific resources Grandfamilies.org – Grandfamilies & Kinship Care Resource Center (https://www.grandfamilies.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) GrandFacts – State-by-State Resources Useful for finding resources specific to your area. GrandFacts State Fact Sheets (https://www.grandfamilies.org/State-Fact-Sheets) Generations United – State of Grandfamilies Their report Building Resilience: Supporting Grandfamilies' Mental Health and Wellness examines both the strengths and challenges facing grandfamilies. 2023 State of Grandfamilies Report (https://www.gu.org/resources/2023-state-of-grandfamilies-report) Resources Especially Useful for Granddaughters Girl Scouts of the USA A natural fit with the episode's emphasis on competence, leadership, outdoor skills, independence, and confidence. Girl Scouts of the USA (https://www.girlscouts.org) Girls on the Run Programs designed to help girls develop confidence, character, caring, and connection. Girls on the Run (https://www.gotr.org) Dove Self-Esteem Project Useful resources around body confidence, appearance, and self-esteem—themes directly connected to your discussion about not making appearance the center of a girl's identity. Dove Self-Esteem Project (https://www.dove.com/us/en/dove-self-esteem-project.html) The Link to LT's episode that talked about being a lighthouse and not a snowplow: https://cool-grandpa.com/2026/08/12/when-the-door-is-closed-go-through-the-window-with-lt-lu-ep-276/ You can also watch this conversation on YouTube. Remember to like and subscribe to the YouTube Channel while you are watching our conversation: https://youtu.be/hOt-ISCtNcQ Buy Me a Coffee – a great way to help out the podcast; use this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa

  2. 14 Aug

    When the Door Is Closed, Go Through the Window: With "LT" Lu EP 276

    Shownotes What do you do when the door is closed? Do you keep pushing against it? Walk away? Or look for another way in? For LT Lu, the answer is simple: When the door is closed, go in through the window. On this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I talk with LT Lu, author of In Through the Window: On Forging Your Own Path to Success, about resilience, overcoming obstacles, finding your own path, and helping the next generation develop the confidence to solve problems for themselves. LT's story is remarkable. Born in China in the 1960s during the Cultural Revolution, LT grew up in circumstances where higher education was largely unavailable. He became the fourth student from his village to attend college, eventually making his way to the United States and building a career as a global business leader. He later experienced another major "closed door" in his mid-50s when he lost his executive position following the acquisition of GE Appliances. Instead of simply looking for another executive job, LT saw an opportunity. He started his own company, NAVAC, which he describes as becoming an industry leader in HVAC tools. That experience became one of the real-life examples behind his philosophy: A closed door is not a closed future. Resources Learn More About LT Lu LT Lu's Website Get LT's Book In Through the Window: On Forging Your Own Path to Success is available through major booksellers. Learn More About The Cool Grandpa Podcast Cool Grandpa You can also watch this conversation on YouTube. Remember to like and subscribe to the YouTube Channel while you are watching our conversation: https://youtu.be/88i8HfQVspM

  3. 24 Jul

    When Dad Isn't There: How Grandfathers Can Help Raise Good Men

    When Dad Isn't There: How Grandfathers Can Help Raise Good Men When a father isn't actively involved in a boy's life, many grandfathers wonder what role they should play. Should they step in? How much influence is appropriate? How can they support their grandson without replacing his father or unintentionally undermining his mother? In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore the unique opportunity grandfathers have to become steady, trustworthy men in the lives of boys growing up without an active father. Whether you're the father of the absent dad or the father of the child's mother, your role is different, but your influence can be profound. I share practical advice for grandfathers who live nearby and those separated by distance, emphasizing consistency, respect for parental boundaries, and modeling the kind of man every grandson deserves to know. Rather than trying to replace Dad, this episode encourages grandfathers to become another good man a young boy can trust. In this episode you'll learn: Why boys learn healthy masculinity by observing good men The difference between paternal and maternal grandfathers in these situations Why criticizing an absent father can unintentionally hurt a grandson How to support a single mother while respecting her authority Practical ways to mentor boys through everyday activities How long-distance grandfathers can remain deeply involved Why consistency matters more than grand gestures How simple moments can shape a boy's future Memorable Quote "Don't ask, 'Can I replace his dad?' Ask instead, 'How can I become another good man in his life?'" Resources Mentioned The Long Distance Grandparent by Dr. Kerry Byrne (referenced in the episode) Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring research: https://www.bbbs.org/research/ Search Institute's Developmental Relationships Framework: https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-relationships-framework American Psychological Association resources on mentoring and resilience: https://www.apa.org/research-practice/mentorship You can watch this episode on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/mMK8QaeP1H4 Buy Me a Coffee – a great way to help out the podcast; use this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa

  4. 17 Jul

    Best Of: The Legacy We Leave Behind | with Sylvia Liu EP - 274

    Show Notes Can grandparents influence our lives even if we never really knew them? Author and former environmental attorney Sylvia Liu believes the answer is yes. In this fascinating conversation, Sylvia shares the remarkable stories of her two grandfathers, both generals in Nationalist China whose lives intersected with some of the most pivotal events of the twentieth century. Although Sylvia met one grandfather only once and never met the other, their courage, sacrifice, commitment to service, and love of family profoundly shaped the generations that followed. Sylvia and I also discuss immigration, education, family traditions, children's literature, and why every family should preserve its stories before they're lost. This episode is a reminder that our greatest legacy isn't wealth or accomplishments—it's the values we pass from one generation to the next. What You'll Learn Why grandparents influence us—even across generations The extraordinary history behind Sylvia Liu's family How family stories strengthen identity Why preserving your family's history matters Lessons from military service, sacrifice, and resilience The importance of education as a lasting family legacy How Sylvia transitioned from Harvard-trained environmental lawyer to award-winning children's author Why grandparents make such powerful characters in children's books Memorable Moments Two grandfathers who helped shape modern Chinese history Growing up between Chinese, Venezuelan, and American cultures Family recipes that connect four generations Why Sylvia's books often feature grandparents How history can inspire future generations About Sylvia Liu Sylvia Liu is an award-winning children's author whose books celebrate family, culture, courage, and resilience. Before becoming a full-time writer, she practiced environmental law for more than a decade, including work with the U.S. Department of Justice and Oceana. Her books include A Morning with Grandpa, Manatee's Best Friend, and several acclaimed middle-grade novels featuring strong family relationships and multicultural themes. Key Takeaways Sometimes the grandparents who influence us the most are the ones we barely knew. Legacy isn't simply what we accomplish—it's what future generations remember, repeat, and build upon. Family stories give children a stronger sense of identity. Education, service, resilience, and curiosity can become generational gifts. Every family has stories worth preserving before they're lost. Links and Resources Sylvia Liu's Home Page Sylvia's blog about her grandfather Lt. General Fan Hanjie (Fan Hanjie (范漢傑) (1894-1976)) Sylvia's Father's Book about her grandfather: The House Arrest of Zhang Xueliang: A Memoir of Growing Up with China's Most Famous Political Prisoner Sylvia's book page (MANATEE'S BEST FRIEND, A MORNING WITH GRANDPA, etc.) Buy Me a Coffee - a great way to help out the podcast; use this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa

  5. 10 Jul

    The 3 Biggest Challenges Grandparents Face Today

    The 3 Biggest Challenges Grandparents Face Today (And What the Research Says) Grandparenting is one of life's greatest blessings—but it isn't always easy. In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, Greg Payne explores three of the biggest challenges facing grandparents today, backed by current research and years of conversations with grandparents across the country. You'll discover why family estrangement has become one of the fastest-growing emotional challenges for grandparents, why millions of grandparents are unexpectedly raising grandchildren, and how relationships with adult children can either strengthen or strain the entire family. Whether you're struggling with one of these issues or want to become a wiser, more intentional grandparent, this episode offers practical encouragement and hope. In This Episode Why family estrangement hurts so deeply The emotional toll of losing contact with grandchildren What "ambiguous loss" means for grandparents Why grandparents are raising more than 2 million children The physical, emotional, and financial realities of kinship caregiving Healthy ways to navigate relationships with adult children How to become a trusted advisor instead of an unwanted critic Three reflection questions every grandparent should ask Links Here is the link to the conversation that I had with Jamarl D. Clark and Mr. Robert Brown from Generations United: https://cool-grandpa.com/2024/04/19/ep-178-support-for-grandparents-with-generations-united/ You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ZBQW6Ez9VKM. Please remember to like and subscribe to the channel. 🌐 Visit the website: https://cool-grandpa.us 🛍️ Check out Cool Grandpa gear: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop Buy Me a Coffee by using this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa

  6. 3 Jul

    America's First Grandfathers

    Show Notes: As a six-year-old boy in Louisville, Kentucky, I celebrated America's Bicentennial in 1976 with parades, flags, and neighborhood celebrations. Fifty years later, that little boy is now a grandfather himself, reflecting on what it means to leave a lasting legacy. In this special Independence Day episode, we look at a side of America's Founding Fathers that rarely makes it into the history books: their roles as grandfathers, mentors, and family men. What can Thomas Jefferson teach us about being present with our grandchildren? What does George Washington show us about family by choice? How did John and Abigail Adams build a multi-generational legacy? And why are Benjamin Franklin's stories still remembered centuries later? Join me as we explore the timeless lessons these remarkable men can teach today's grandfathers. In This Episode: My memories of America's Bicentennial in 1976 Celebrating the nation's 250th birthday Thomas Jefferson and the gift of mentorship George Washington and family beyond biology John Adams and passing down values Benjamin Franklin and the importance of family stories Why ordinary moments become extraordinary memories The challenge every grandfather faces: What stories are we helping our grandchildren create? Links and Resources: You can watch this episode on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/NuuWGJnDRb0. Please remember to like and subscribe to the channel. 🛍️ Check out Cool Grandpa gear: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop Buy Me a Coffee by using this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa

  7. 25 Jun

    The Biggest Aging Myths with Eileen Kopsaftis

    What if most of what we've been told about aging is simply wrong? In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down with wellness expert, physical therapist, educator, and author Eileen Kopsaftis to discuss why decline is not an inevitable part of aging. Drawing on decades of experience helping people improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function, Eileen shares practical strategies that grandparents can use to stay active, independent, and fully engaged with their families. From nutrition and hydration to movement, mindset, and community, this conversation challenges the conventional narrative that aging automatically leads to weakness, pain, and loss of independence. Whether your goal is to get down on the floor to play with your grandchildren, enjoy outdoor adventures, or maintain your quality of life, Eileen offers hope, inspiration, and actionable advice. Many grandparents assume that aches, pains, loss of mobility, and declining energy are simply part of getting older. According to Eileen Kopsaftis, that's one of the biggest myths in modern society. In this conversation, Eileen explains why aging itself is not the culprit behind many of the challenges we associate with growing older. Instead, she argues that inactivity, poor nutrition, inadequate hydration, and limiting beliefs often play a much larger role. We explore: Why do many people mistakenly accept decline as inevitable How movement—not age—determines mobility The importance of getting on the floor and maintaining functional strength Why hydration is critical for muscle performance and energy The role nutrition plays in reducing inflammation and joint pain Common exercise mistakes that can lead to injury Why authentic movement matters more than isolated gym exercises The power of mindset in shaping the aging process How community and relationships contribute to lifelong wellbeing Inspiring examples of active adults in their 80s, 90s, and beyond Eileen also shares practical resources, including her free movement assessment and wellness tools designed to help people identify mobility limitations before they become major problems. For grandparents who want to remain active, independent, and engaged with their families, this episode offers both encouragement and a roadmap. Key Takeaways 1. Aging Does Not Automatically Equal Decline Many losses commonly attributed to aging are actually related to inactivity and lifestyle choices. 2. Movement Is Medicine Your body adapts to what you ask it to do. If you stop moving in certain ways, those abilities fade—but can often be restored. 3. Nutrition Fuels Energy Whole foods, proper hydration, and healthy eating habits play a major role in energy levels, inflammation, and overall health. 4. Mindset Matters Believing that decline is inevitable often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. 5. Community Supports Longevity Strong social connections, family relationships, and supportive communities contribute significantly to healthy aging. 6. Consistency Beats Intensity Small daily habits practiced consistently produce better results than occasional bursts of activity. Links and Resources Mentioned Website: https://havelifelongwellbeing.com Movement Assessment: https://mwpprivateclub.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EileenKopsaftis You can watch this episode on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/yGaDm0I0mIo. Please remember to like and subscribe to the channel. 🌐 Visit the website: https://cool-grandpa.us 🛍️ Check out Cool Grandpa gear: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop Buy Me a Coffee by using this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa Experts Mentioned Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Dr. Neal Barnard Dr. John McDougall T. Colin Campbell Moshe Feldenkrais Ida Rolf Recommended Reading The China Study by T. Colin Campbell Whole by T. Colin Campbell Aging Culprits by Eileen Kopsaftis

  8. 19 Jun

    The Hidden Power of Encouraging Dads

    Show Notes As grandfathers, we often focus on our grandchildren, and rightly so. But one of the most effective ways to positively influence our grandchildren may be to encourage the fathers raising them. In this Father's Day episode, I discuss the unique role grandfathers can play in supporting sons and sons-in-law as they navigate modern fatherhood. Drawing from personal experience and observations, I explore the challenges fathers face today, the importance of encouragement, and how grandfathers can offer wisdom without becoming controlling. You'll learn practical ways to strengthen family relationships, support healthy marriages, and become a positive influence across generations. In This Episode Why modern fatherhood can feel overwhelming Remembering our own early experiences as fathers The power of simple encouragement Wisdom versus control Supporting sons-in-law as valued family members Practical ways to help fathers thrive Breaking unhealthy generational patterns Creating a positive family legacy Key Takeaway One of the greatest gifts a grandfather can give his grandchildren is helping their father succeed. Links and Resources You can watch this episode on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/hO59aZLE9zM. Please remember to like and subscribe to the channel. 🌐 Visit the website: https://cool-grandpa.us 🛍️ Check out Cool Grandpa gear: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop Buy Me a Coffee by using this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Payne
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    293
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020
  • Show Website
    The Cool Grandpa Podcast

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