The Grandpa Channel: Grandparent Stories, Family Legacy & Life Lessons

with Steve Harris – Real Talk, Real Laughs & the Real Grandparent Life
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From hilarious grandparent moments to heartfelt life lessons, The Grandpa Channel celebrates grandparent stories, family legacy, and the wisdom we pass down across generations. Host Steve “Rivers” Harris brings authentic conversations that mix laughter, reflection, and timeless family traditions. Join for interviews, memories, and tips that help grandparents connect more deeply with their grandkids and keep their stories alive. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or simply someone who treasures family heritage, you’ll find joy, inspiration, and connection here.

  1. FEB 10 · VIDEO

    056 The Crossing Guard Who Knows Every Name: Linda’s Lessons in Love, Safety & Showing Up

    In this moving and often hilarious conversation, Steve Harris (aka Rivers) welcomes Linda Childs, the local crossing guard who’s become a legend to the children (and parents!) she serves. Linda talks about how a “retirement job” turned into a calling—sharing powerful stories of kids who greet her, trust her, and even heal through her gentle presence. You'll hear about: The autistic boy who found his voice at her crosswalk Why she keeps a spreadsheet of every child’s name and birthday How she handles distracted drivers with grit and grace The emotional toll and incredible joy of being seen and showing up for others This is an episode about consistency, kindness, and what it really means to make a difference—without fanfare or filters. 👟 Whether you're a grandparent, a parent, or just someone who needs a reminder of the quiet heroes in our midst, don’t miss this one.

    32 min

  2. FEB 6 · VIDEO

    055 The God of Dropped Dimes: A Grandpa's Story About Faith, Coincidences, and the Ones We Love

    In this episode: – A trip to the ER becomes an unexpected spiritual moment – What “dropping dimes” really means—from sports to the sacred – Stories of Steve’s late father, and why he believes love lives on – How to recognize divine moments in everyday life – A reflection on faith, legacy, and the presence of God in hard times – A beautiful quote from Frederick Buechner on God's subtlety – Why Grandpa Steve believes in a God “in the thick of our day-to-day lives” 🔗 Mentioned in the episode: Planted Media – https://plantedmediaco.com (Use code “RIVERS” for a special discount) 📣 Share this with a friend, grandparent, or someone navigating loss and looking for meaning in the quiet moments.

    9 min

  3. JAN 31 · VIDEO

    054 What Obituaries Teach Us About Living a Life That Actually Matters | The Obit Lady Mary McCreevy

    Episode Overview In a culture obsessed with achievement, titles, and appearances, obituaries quietly tell a different story. In this deeply moving and surprisingly joyful conversation, Steve Harris welcomes Mary McGreevey, the woman behind the viral project Tips From Dead People, to talk about what thousands of obituaries have taught her about life, legacy, empathy, and meaning. Rather than focusing on famous people or polished lives, Mary highlights everyday individuals — complicated, funny, flawed humans — and shows why those stories resonate most. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why the best obituaries make you wish you’d known the person What really matters at the end of life (hint: it’s not resumes or awards) How reading obituaries can increase empathy — for others and ourselves Why sharing imperfections may be the most loving legacy for kids and grandkids The surprising healing power of honest storytelling during grief How grandpas (and grandmas) can use stories to connect across generations Why “zig‑zag lives” are not failures — they’re often the richest stories Memorable Moments & Ideas “The little things are the big things.” Why we’re all likely forgotten in three generations — and why that’s freeing The power of love/hate lists as a storytelling tool Why honest obituaries can be healthier for grief than polished tributes How stories create empathy across political, cultural, and generational lines About the Guest Mary McGreevey is a writer, speaker, and creator behind Tips From Dead People, where she shares powerful lessons from everyday obituaries. Her work has been featured in Reader’s Digest and beyond, and she speaks to organizations about individuality, empathy, and storytelling. Follow Mary: Instagram / TikTok: @tipsfromdeadpeople Mary's Substack\ Intro Video about Tips From Dead People About The Grandpa Channel The Grandpa Channel is a podcast about capturing the good stuff — stories, wisdom, humor, and hard‑won lessons worth passing down. Hosted by a real grandpa, it’s for kids, parents, and grandkids who believe stories matter because people matter. 📘 Free Resource: Steal Our Best Plays — 10 legacy‑level ideas to help grandpas show up in ways that matter 👉 www.thegrandpachannel.com/playbook Closing Thought If this episode made you laugh, cry, or rethink what really matters — share it with someone who needs a reminder that their story counts.

    42 min

  4. JAN 9 · VIDEO

    053 She Threw Up in My Red Sox Hat: A Love Story

    In today’s episode, Steve Harris takes the mic solo to tell a tale that’s as tender as it is ridiculous. It starts with a beloved baseball cap and ends in a hospital parking lot with a whole lot of love (and a little bit of vomit). Along the way, he reflects on marriage, parenthood, and the wild ride of discovering you’re having triplets. Whether you’re a Red Sox fan or just a fan of good stories, this one’s got all the ingredients: – Unexpected plot twist – A long-suffering but amazing wife – Humor that sneaks in the back door – A reminder that love shows up in the messiest moments 💡 Mentioned in this episode: Planted Media – Tell your life story on video The iconic Fenway Park The quiet heroism of a woman navigating a brutal pregnancy A tribute to the hats we lose and the memories we gain 👴 Leave a review, share it with a friend, or better yet, tell your favorite grandpa.

    6 min

  5. JAN 6 · VIDEO

    052 Where Family Traditions Become Family Memories

    Some family traditions are planned. Others just happen. Most don’t feel important while you’re living them. Until years later, when you realize they became the memories everyone still talks about. In this special episode of the Grandpa Channel, we’re sharing a collection of stories that highlight how everyday family rituals turn into lasting family memories. You’ll hear about: A hand-built motorhome and Saturday morning Burger King runs Fireworks, popcorn, and the legendary Cul-de-Sac of Fire Diaries written for grandchildren not yet grown Thanksgiving sleepovers with oil paints and blank canvases Steak Sundays, Gramp Camp, and learning to spot the hand of God Mountain Man breakfasts that turn into lifelong traditions And a reminder that laughter might be one of the most important rituals of all These stories aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, repeating what matters, and creating spaces where connection can grow. Listen in, reflect on the traditions you inherited, and maybe start one of your own. Because what we repeat with love becomes what our families remember. Listen to the FULL Episodes here:  Wayne Samuelson, 035 The Grandpa Who Taught Me Hard Things Are Holy — A Masterclass in Grandparenting Through Love + Work Wayne Samuelson Brad Harris, 007 Grandparent Stories: McFluffies, Fireworks & Life Lessons with Brad Harris Dan Gibbons, 012 Family Legacy, Journals & Grandfather Wisdom | Dan Gibbons on Faith & Stories Steve Newton, 004 From Hamster Vomit Popsicles to Russian Missions: Connection Built with Love with Steve Newton Mollie Diamond, 024 Poison Pillow, Duddo & Snow Removal: How Grandpas Create Joy in the Small Things with Mollie Diamond Steve Grigg, 030 The Man Behind the Tater Tot: Legacy, Invention, and Grandpa Wisdom with Steve Grigg Dennis Bledsoe, 025 Family Legacy & Faith: How Grandpas Pass Down Resilience, Pioneer Stories, and Listening Paired with Curiosity with Dennis Bledsoe Lee Ann Meads, 022 One-on-One Time, Funny Nicknames, and Finding the Hand of God with Lee Ann Meads Stanley Lear, 021 Keep Smiling: Life Stories, Family Jokes & 94 Years of Wisdom with Stanley Lear I worked with Planted Media to capture my life story, and they made the whole thing easy, meaningful, and actually fun. They’ll handle the setup—you just show up and tell your story. Mention The Grandpa Channel for a nice little discount. Want to Steal Our Best Plays: 10 Ways To Powerfully Connect with Your Grandkids, get the free guide here!

    29 min

  6. JAN 2 · VIDEO

    051 The Hotline Is Open: Grandpa Lou, Lost + Found

    This episode is a little different—and a little sacred. We’re launching The Hotline—a new way to capture the grit, glory, and heart of real-life grandpa stories. Each month, we’ll drop a prompt. You record your voice. We amplify it. To kick things off, Steve shares a recovered recording of his dad, Grandpa Lou, telling his own origin story: How he bribed a sergeant to get married Why Mormon boys made the best bartenders What $78 a month bought in 1950 And why food, faith, and family always fed more than just hunger This is what The Hotline is for—preserving the voices we love before they slip away. 🎤 Want to be part of it? Leave your story here! 🧡 Your story matters. And now, there’s a mic waiting.

    7 min

  7. 12/30/2025 · VIDEO

    050 Urban Huck Finn: The Wild & Redemptive Life of Mike Deraedt

    In this raw and riveting episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve Harris sits down with longtime friend and honorary "Urban Huck Finn"—Mike Deraedt. Born and raised on the hard-edged Lower East Side of Detroit, Mike shares powerful stories of survival, loss, resilience, and unexpected transformation. From stealing hubcaps to studying calculus, bouncing at biker bars to teaching science, and surviving Vietnam to raising bright, capable kids—Mike’s life is a study in contrast. He opens up about trauma, redemption, and what it really means to take responsibility, no matter where you come from. Topics include: Growing up fast in Detroit’s toughest neighborhoods Losing his father at age 7 and navigating life solo Military service, trauma, and unexpected academic success How storytelling, honesty, and hard-won empathy shaped his legacy Advice for anyone navigating pain, parenthood, or prejudice 🔗 Want to record your own grandpa story or get featured? Visit plantedmediaco.com and tell them Rivers sent you.   Want to Steal our Best Plays? Get our Free Guide for 10 Ways to Connect Deeply with Your Grandkids here!

    31 min

  8. 12/24/2025 · VIDEO

    049 Santa’s Secrets: What Kids Really Ask For (It’s Not Toys)

    What if the most meaningful stories at Christmastime came not from gift wrap, but from the raw honesty of children sitting on Santa’s lap? In this powerful and unexpected episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers (aka Steve Harris) welcomes a real-life Santa who shares the funny, spiritual, and deeply moving stories behind the red suit. From silly sibling rivalries to tear-stained notes from kids asking for peace at home instead of presents, Santa reflects on what he’s learned after decades of listening — really listening — to the hearts of children. We also explore: The surprising #1 thing kids ask for A haunting Christmas wish from an 11-year-old girl Santa’s journey from air traffic controller to spiritual mentor in red velvet What grandpas (and all of us) can do to bring magic and meaning back to modern life Why grandparenting isn’t just for family — and how to “grandpa where you’re planted” Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of what it means to see, hear, and lift each other. Let this episode fill you with wonder — and maybe change the way you think about Santa forever. 🎄 Merry Christmas — and may it last all year long.   Steal Our Best Plays: Get the Free Grandpa Channel Guide on How To Connect WIth Your Grandkids here!

    36 min
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From hilarious grandparent moments to heartfelt life lessons, The Grandpa Channel celebrates grandparent stories, family legacy, and the wisdom we pass down across generations. Host Steve “Rivers” Harris brings authentic conversations that mix laughter, reflection, and timeless family traditions. Join for interviews, memories, and tips that help grandparents connect more deeply with their grandkids and keep their stories alive. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or simply someone who treasures family heritage, you’ll find joy, inspiration, and connection here.

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