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  • EP - 207 Documenting Our Veteran's Stories

    EP - 207 Documenting Our Veteran's Stories
    2024/11/08
    Bob Abate is on a mission to listen to and capture the stories of WW II veterans from New York City and the surrounding area. We discuss Bob's memories of being a small boy when World War II ended and the celebrations that were going on around him that he didn't understand at the time but grew to appreciate as he grew older. Bob and I also talk about his early years going through the Naval Academy and his academic career after leaving the Navy. Bob started his passion for collecting veteran stories when he noticed that one individual who had been a heck of an athlete before going to Vietnam was not included in Manhattan University's Hall of Fame. That person is . Through the research and induction comments that Bob made, you are going to enjoy hearing the touching story of how Tyrone's daughter got to know her father, who died when she was just a baby. You will also enjoy hearing about Bob's effort and passion for getting the veterans to tell their stories without editing, polishing, or editorial comments. Their story is THEIR STORY, with all the good and the bad that come from raw memories and places in the heart that only they have known and experienced. Once you have listened to this conversation, I encourage you to share it with your friends and family who are interested in great stories and who might be interested in learning how to capture the memories of family and friends who have served this country. Links Here is Bob's email address should you wish to reach out to him: You can also use this link to hear another great conversation with Bob conducted by the Yonkers Public Library: . You can watch Bob's presentation at the Scarsdale Public Library using this link: .
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    52 分
  • EP - 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection

    EP - 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection
    2024/11/01
    This week's episode is our monthly one-on-one conversation. For our discussion, I have chosen to share a few questions and topics I recently had from grandparents. The first question concerns spoiling the grandchildren. Our second topic is the importance of knowing basic first aid and CPR, primarily pediatric CPR. The third topic is creating an enjoyable connection with the grandchildren as a Long-Distance Grandparent during Thanksgiving and the Holidays when you can not be there in person. I also share my thoughts about how we, as grandfathers, can help our grandchildren connect with the veterans in our families and honor veterans, both living and deceased, in our community. Links Here is the link to Dr. Kerry Byrne's The Long Distance Grandparent: Click on this link to investigate More Than Grand:
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    24 分
  • 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:
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    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:
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    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)
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    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)
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    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.
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    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:
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    57 分