It's A Grand Life

Ryan Armbrustmacher
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

You thought you were empty nesters.Then you became a Grand Family.Don't worry, you're not alone.Craig Nash is experiencing this right now and wants to share his journey with others. Millions of Grandparents around the world are now raising their Grandchildren. There are a variety of reasons why this happens, but often times people are unprepared for the challenges.We're here to help. This podcast will give you tips and real life stories on how to navigate kinship care and maximize it to it's fullest.We'll have experts on this podcast to offer the best advice possible and highlight all of the resources available to help.We're thrilled to be bringing you this impactful content. Enjoy!#grandfamilypodcast#kinshipcarepodcast#grandparentspodcast

  1. Aug 6

    Michigan Is a Top 5 State for Human Trafficking: Warning Signs Every Grandparent Should Know

    Human trafficking isn't just happening overseas—it's happening in communities across America. In this powerful episode of It's a Grand Life, Craig Nash speaks with Barbara Roush of Hope Against Trafficking about the alarming reality of human trafficking, online predators, and the risks facing children and grandchildren today. Barbara shares eye-opening statistics, warning signs families should watch for, the dangers of social media, and practical steps grandparents and caregivers can take to help keep children safe. This is an important conversation for anyone raising or caring for children in today's digital world. Topics include: Human trafficking in America Online safety for children Social media dangers Warning signs of trafficking Sleepovers and child safety Protecting grandchildren online Family communication strategies Hope Against Trafficking's mission 00:00 Introduction to It's a Grand Life 01:25 Meet Barbara Roush of Hope Against Trafficking 02:20 Human Trafficking in Every ZIP Code 05:44 How Trafficking Impacts Families and Children 08:25 Why Children Are Vulnerable to Predators 09:57 The Average Age of Targeted Victims 12:50 Online Grooming and Social Media Risks 15:08 What Grandparents Need to Know 16:01 Sleepovers, Trusted Adults, and Hidden Dangers 18:45 Internet Safety and Monitoring Devices 22:51 Half a Million Online Predators Every Day 25:58 Key Takeaways for Grandparents 26:15 Warning Signs to Watch For 28:59 No Blame, No Shame Parenting Approach 29:44 Why Michigan Is a Top 5 State for Trafficking 30:15 Final Thoughts and Resources Support the show

  2. Jul 23

    Helping Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan

    In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, Craig Nash speaks with Paul Propson, CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, about the wide range of support available for families, seniors, immigrants, caregivers, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Paul shares how Catholic Charities serves Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lapeer counties through programs including food assistance, senior outreach, adult day services, foster care and adoption support, mental health counseling, substance use counseling, housing assistance, and immigrant legal services. The conversation also highlights a key message for grandfamilies: you are not alone. Help is available, and community support can make a meaningful difference. Learn more: CCSEM.org Join the It’s a Grand Life Facebook group and subscribe for more conversations supporting grandfamilies and kinship caregivers. Hashtags #Grandfamilies #KinshipCare #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #CatholicCharities #SeniorSupport #MentalHealthSupport #FoodAssistance #FosterCare #ItsAGrandLife Chapters 0:00 Welcome to It’s a Grand Life 2:08 Paul Propson’s path to Catholic Charities 5:52 Mission and reach of Catholic Charities 8:22 Immigration and legal support 10:10 Food distribution and senior outreach 14:45 Serving neighbors of every background 18:08 Housing, adult day programs, and human connection 22:15 Support for grandparents raising grandchildren 27:08 Where families can find help 28:32 Foster care, adoption, and partnership opportunities 32:57 A story about caring for one another 34:52 Closing message for grandfamilies Support the show

  3. Jul 9

    How to Hear God’s Voice | Hope & Healing for Grandfamilies

    Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren and searching for hope, purpose, and peace? In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, Craig Nash sits down with Joshua Hutto, author of To Know His Voice, to explore how connecting with your higher power can bring healing—not just for you, but for your entire family. With over 2.3 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the U.S., many families face emotional, financial, and behavioral challenges. This conversation offers a powerful perspective on overcoming those struggles through faith, identity, and purpose. 🔑 In This Episode: How to hear God’s voice in everyday life Why identity and purpose are critical for caregivers Healing emotional struggles through faith Helping grandchildren find peace and confidence Moving from fear to faith in difficult seasons 📘 Want a copy of To Know His Voice? Email: cNash@itsagrandlife.com  (first 5 requests) #HearGodsVoice #FaithOverFear #PurposeDrivenLife #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGrowth 0:00 Introduction & Mission 1:00 Meet Josh Hutto 2:30 His Story & Hearing God’s Voice 5:00 Why People Are Searching for Purpose 7:30 Religion vs Relationship 10:00 Grandfamilies & Behavioral Health Challenges 13:00 How to Start Connecting with God 16:00 Identity, Fear vs Faith 19:00 Impact on Children 22:00 Powerful Granddaughter Story 24:30 Transforming the Whole Family 26:00 About the Book 27:00 Final Thoughts Support the show

  4. Jun 25

    Grandmother’s Story: How Tutoring Changed Her Grandson’s Life | Learning Disabilities Help

    If you're a grandparent raising a grandchild who is struggling in school, this story will hit home. In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, we visit the Learning Disabilities Clinic in Oak Park, Michigan to hear a powerful story from a grandmother who fought to get her grandson the help he needed. After years of struggling with reading and school, everything changed with the right support. 👉 You’ll learn: How learning disabilities can impact children differently Why one-on-one tutoring can be life-changing How the right teacher can unlock confidence and ability What grandparents and caregivers can do to advocate for their child This episode also highlights the mission of The Grand Fund, providing real support for grandfamilies across the country. 📌 If you or someone you love is raising a grandchild, you are not alone. 👉 Subscribe for more stories and resources 👉 Join our Facebook group: It’s a Grand Life 👉 Share this video to help another family #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #LearningDisabilities #DyslexiaSupport #KinshipCare #itsagrandlife  0:00 Introduction to Grandfamilies 0:30 2.3 Million Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 1:45 Meet the Guests 2:30 Finding the Right Tutor 4:30 Grandmother’s Emotional Story 7:00 First Signs of Progress 9:00 How Tutors Match with Students 11:00 Can Kids Learn Later in Life? 13:00 Reading Challenges & Misconceptions 17:00 Services Offered at the Clinic 20:00 Who They Help (Full Breakdown) 21:30 Final Thoughts + Resources Support the show

  5. Jun 11

    Secrets to Raising Emotionally Healthy Grandkids: Kenneth Barish on Listening, Kindness & Resilience

    How can grandparents help children navigate anxiety, bullying, loneliness, social media pressures, and emotional challenges in today's world? In this episode of It's a Grand Life, Craig Nash sits down with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Kenneth Barish to discuss practical strategies for raising emotionally healthy children and grandchildren. Dr. Barish shares why listening may be the most important parenting skill, how kindness can reduce bullying, why play is essential for child development, and how grandparents can strengthen relationships through meaningful conversations and connection. They also explore collaborative problem-solving, supporting children through emotional struggles, helping grandchildren build resilience, and the unique role grandparents play in a child's life. Whether you're a grandparent raising grandchildren, a kinship caregiver, or simply looking to build stronger relationships with the children in your life, this conversation offers valuable insights and encouragement. This episode is based on a conversation featured on It's a Grand Life. #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #Grandfamilies #KinshipCare #ParentingAdvice #Grandparenting #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #BullyingPrevention #EmotionalHealth #itsagrandlife  00:00 Introduction to It's a Grand Life 02:18 Meet Dr. Kenneth Barish 03:09 Why Listening Is the Most Important Parenting Skill 04:38 The Impact of Phones on Family Communication 05:48 Taking Interest in Your Grandchild's Passions 07:18 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Today 08:30 The Importance of Community and Support 10:35 Teaching Kindness and Empathy 11:49 Helping Kids Deal with Bullying 15:28 Self-Harm, Anxiety, and Emotional Pain 19:16 Collaborative Problem Solving Explained 24:00 Why Kids Face More Pressure Today 27:14 Repairing Relationships After Conflict 28:45 Supporting Grandparents Emotionally 31:00 Building Community Through Service 32:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development 34:29 Five Minutes of Play Can Make a Difference 36:10 Final Thoughts and Book Information Support the show

  6. May 28

    Over 60? Get Your Strength Back FAST | Detroit Trainer Shows Simple Exercises That Work

    In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, we sit down with Detroit fitness expert Demetrius Robinson, owner of Tighten Ups Gym, to talk about how grandparents and seniors can regain strength, mobility, and energy—no matter where they’re starting. With over 30 years of experience, Demetrius shares simple, practical exercises that can be done at home, at work, or anywhere—perfect for those who may feel intimidated by traditional gyms. 💪 Learn how to: Improve strength and mobility after 60 Reduce back pain and joint stiffness Build endurance in just 6 months Stay active while raising grandchildren Start exercising safely—even if you haven’t in years One of the most important takeaways? 👉 “Exercise is medicine.” If you're a grandparent, caregiver, or just looking to get your health back on track, this episode is a must-watch. 📍 Serving Metro Detroit 📞 Contact Tighten Ups Gym: 313-433-9777 👉 Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tighten-Ups-Gym-100066895482577/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help more families stay strong and healthy. 0:00 Intro – Why Fitness Matters for Grandparents 0:45 Meet Detroit Trainer Demetrius Robinson 2:30 30 Years in Fitness – His Background 3:15 Mobile Training (Workout Anywhere) 4:00 Why People Avoid Gyms (Post-Pandemic Reality) 5:20 Simple Beginner Exercises Anyone Can Do 6:30 Why Sitting Is Hurting Your Health 6:55 Resistance Bands for Strength & Mobility 8:40 Rebounder (Mini Trampoline) Benefits 10:25 Office & At-Home Workouts Explained 11:45 How He Builds Personalized Fitness Plans 13:25 What Results Can You Expect in 6 Months 14:00 How Movement Heals Joint Pain 16:50 “Exercise Is Medicine” Explained 17:50 How Long Workouts Should Be (For Beginners) 19:00 Fixing Back Pain with Movement 20:50 Why Fitness Matters for Grandparents Raising Kids 22:20 How to Contact Demetrius 23:00 Final Advice – Just Start Moving #SeniorFitness #Over60Fitness #DetroitFitness #ExerciseIsMedicine #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #MobilityExercises #HomeWorkoutForSeniors #HealthyAging #FitnessOver60 #DetroitPersonalTrainer #StayActive #StrengthAfter60 #TightenUpsGym Support the show

  7. May 14

    Need Help at Home? How This Nonprofit Fixes Homes for Seniors & Families FREE

    In this episode of It’s a Grand Life, we highlight an incredible nonprofit making a real difference—St. Joseph’s Helpers. Executive Director Rayna Bennett shares how their volunteer-driven organization is helping seniors, veterans, and families stay safe in their homes through free home repairs, ramps, and essential services. From fixing doors and installing grab bars to building wheelchair ramps, this mission is all about neighbors helping neighbors. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How seniors can get free home repairs How volunteers are transforming communities Why aging safely at home is more important than ever How churches and communities are stepping up to serve How YOU can volunteer or donate With 2.3 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the U.S., safe housing is more critical than ever. 👉 Learn more or get involved: https://www.sjhelpers.org 📍 Serving Michigan, Northern Kentucky & expanding nationwide 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help more families get the support they need. #NonprofitImpact #SeniorHelp #FreeHomeRepairs #VolunteerOpportunity #Grandfamilies #AgingInPlace #CommunitySupport #MichiganNonprofit #FaithBasedService #HelpingSeniors #HomeRepairHelp #StJosephHelpers #ServeOthers #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors 0:00 Intro – Helping Grandfamilies & Caregivers 0:45 Meet St. Joseph’s Helpers 2:20 Rayna Bennett’s Background & Mission 3:45 What St. Joseph’s Helpers Does 4:40 How Volunteers Power the Organization 5:30 Who They Help (Seniors, Veterans & Families) 6:10 Biggest Need: Volunteers 7:20 How Anyone Can Get Involved 7:25 What Is Julie’s List? 8:40 Referrals & Free Community Resources 9:10 Real Impact & Growth Stories 10:00 Faith, Service & Community Impact 11:30 How to Donate & Support the Mission 12:00 How to Volunteer (Step-by-Step) 13:00 How They Coordinate Projects 14:10 Expanding Across the U.S. 15:50 Youth Programs & Volunteer Opportunities 17:30 Yard Cleanups & Community Projects 18:25 Wheelchair Ramp Program Explained 20:00 Cost of Ramps & Recycling Donations 21:15 Final Thoughts – How You Can Help Support the show

  8. Apr 30

    How Detroit Mentors Are Changing Young Men’s Lives (Men of Vision Mentoring Story)

    In this powerful episode of It’s a Grand Life, we spotlight Men of Vision Mentoring, a life-changing mentoring program serving young men in Detroit and Redford, Michigan. Founded through a simple act of coaching basketball, this program has grown into a mission-driven nonprofit focused on mentorship, education, life skills, and faith-based guidance for young men—many of whom are being raised by single mothers and grandparents. With over 2.3 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the U.S., organizations like this are critical in providing support, structure, and hope for the next generation. 🔹 Learn how mentorship is transforming lives 🔹 Hear real stories from Detroit youth 🔹 Discover how you can volunteer, donate, or get involved 🔹 See how communities can come together to support grandfamilies 👉 Learn more or support the mission: It’s a Grand Life: https://www.itsagrandlife.com/ Men of Vision Mentoring: http://movmentoring.org/ 📍 Serving Detroit, Redford, and surrounding Metro Detroit communities If you care about mentorship, youth development, or supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, this is a must-watch. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help us reach families who need this support. 0:00 Intro – Supporting Grandfamilies & Youth in Detroit 0:45 Meet Men of Vision Mentoring 2:10 How the Program Started (From Basketball to Mentorship) 4:00 Why Mentorship Matters for Young Men Today 6:10 Real Impact: Growth & Confidence in Youth 7:05 How Young Men Find the Program 8:40 Breaking the Stigma Around Today’s Youth 10:40 Powerful Story: Overcoming Real-Life Challenges 12:30 Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 13:00 Program Details: When & Where They Meet 14:30 Skills, Education & Career Exposure for Youth 16:15 Why Consistency in Mentorship Matters 17:00 Real Growth: Reading, Confidence & Community Service Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

You thought you were empty nesters.Then you became a Grand Family.Don't worry, you're not alone.Craig Nash is experiencing this right now and wants to share his journey with others. Millions of Grandparents around the world are now raising their Grandchildren. There are a variety of reasons why this happens, but often times people are unprepared for the challenges.We're here to help. This podcast will give you tips and real life stories on how to navigate kinship care and maximize it to it's fullest.We'll have experts on this podcast to offer the best advice possible and highlight all of the resources available to help.We're thrilled to be bringing you this impactful content. Enjoy!#grandfamilypodcast#kinshipcarepodcast#grandparentspodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Armbrustmacher
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's A Grand Life
  • Show Website
    It's A Grand Life

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