Fun Grandma

How can you help your grandchildren feel safe enough to tell you what’s really going on? Shelleigh Beeson and Susan Bramlet talk with Cheryl Allman, a licensed counselor, grandmother, and Director of Counseling & Services at Homes of Hope in Lewiston, Idaho.

Cheryl introduces “felt safety,” a concept from Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), and brings it to life with a flashlight, a worried child, and a quick check under the bed. She shares what to say when big feelings show up, how to connect when you and your grandchild have different interests, and what a do-over can sound like when you’re the one who loses your cool.

Cheryl also shares how her faith shapes the way she comes alongside families. Whether you see your grandkids on weekends or are raising them yourself, you’ll come away with simple ways to help them feel seen, heard, and loved.

Resources

• What is TBRI®? Official FAQ from Texas Christian University

• Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU

• TBRI® resources for caregivers and parents

• Homes of Hope in Lewiston, Idaho, supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families

• Meet Cheryl Allman at Homes of Hope

Follow Fun Grandma for more conversations about intentional grandparenting and leaving a legacy of love. Find us at fun-grandma.com.

#FunGrandmaPodcast #LegacyOfLove #IntentionalGrandparenting #EmotionalSafety #TBRI

What if one of the most meaningful gifts you could give your family is your story?

Janet Bly, wife of the late author Stephen Bly, joins Susan and Shelleigh to talk about recording personal memories and sharing them with the next generation. Janet shares her experience using STORYWORTH, offering a starting point for anyone who wants to preserve family stories.

She also tells of bringing to print her husband's memoir, "Down My Western Trail," by using his personal letters & journals. It is an insight into the celebrated author's experiences & what he learned. It is an extremely worthwhile read and you can find it here: https://a.co/d/03aKA3O1

Whether you’re a grandmother, mother, or someone wishing you’d asked your own grandparents more questions, this conversation will encourage you to start sharing.

Your stories can become part of your legacy of love. Which one will you tell first?

Fun Grandma Idea: "Chosen Adventures"

Website: https://www.thechosenadventures.com/

Find more from Fun Grandma at https://www.fun-grandma.com.

Susan did a thing and she shares all about it —because, there's a meaningful story behind it! In fact, it has inspired our focus for this season on the podcast.

Whether you're a grandma, a mom, or a woman who wants her life to make a difference, this conversation is an invitation to think about the legacy you're creating right now.

Join us for another season of laughter, encouragement, meaningful conversations along with some Fun! ideas to help you connect as a family.

Make Love Your Greatest Aim!

🌐 www.fun-grandma.com

Last Arrow by Erwin, McManus, https://a.co/d/08BkmGZ4

#FunGrandmaPodcast #LeavingALegacyOfLove #Grandparenting #IntentionalLiving #FamilyLegacy

Season 2 has given us plenty to think about—and even more to laugh about!

In this season finale, Fun Grandma hosts Susan and Shelleigh look back at some of their favorite conversations, funniest moments, and most meaningful lessons from the past season. They share the ideas that stayed with them, the wisdom they are trying to put into practice, and the ways their guests have challenged them to live with greater intention.

In this episode:

• Our favorite moments from Season 2
• Conversations that made us laugh
• Lessons we are trying to live out
• Ideas for an intentional, memory-filled summer
• Encouragement for strengthening family relationships
• How everyday choices can create a lasting legacy of love

#FunGrandma #FunGrandmaPodcast #SeasonFinale
#Grandmotherhood #Grandparenting #GrandmaLife
#IntentionalGrandparenting #LegacyOfLove
#MakeMemories #FamilyMemories #IntentionalFamilyTime
#SummerMemories #SummerWithGrandkids #LoveYourFamily
#FaithAndFamily #ChristianWomen #WomenOfFaith
#FamilyLegacy #GenerationalConnection #BetterTogether

To be a Fun a Grandma that is able to show up and keep up - minding our health is key. In this episode, Sue and Shelleigh sit down with Billy Jeffrey Scharnhorst of GNC (in our quad city area) for a practical and encouraging conversation about aging gracefully, supplements, goal-setting, and whole-person health. Billy helps answer common questions about wellness while reminding us that true health is more than what we take—it is also how we live, grow, and care for ourselves and others. Billy also does an edit on Sue's supplements along with an edit on Shelleigh's attitude - both are uber informative!! Be sure and give this one a listen.

Billy Jeffrey Scharnhorst

https://www.facebook.com/officialbillyjeffrey

GNC Store

https://stores.gnc.com/all-stores-idaho/lewiston/

#FunGrandmaPodcast#AgingGracefully#HealthyAging
#LiveWellAgeWell#WholePersonHealth#HolisticHealth
#Supplements#WellnessOver50#GrandmaWellness
#HealthyGrandparents#GoalSetting#HealthyHabits
#GNC#GNCLewiston#LewistonIdaho#LCValley#QuadCities
#PodcastEpisode#WomenOver50#FaithFamilyFitness

In this encouraging episode of Fun Grandma, Sue and Shelleigh talk with experienced teacher and grandmother Dena Vrieling, who shares why grandparents can play such an important supporting role in today’s busy family life. As a teacher who works with preteens and teens, Dena brings thoughtful insight into what kids need and how grandparents can come alongside both their adult children and grandchildren with practical help, love, and consistency.

Dena also shares about the special relationship she has built with her granddaughter, Jazzy, through everyday time together and fun shared experiences like theater, games, and science day. Her story is a beautiful reminder that meaningful grandparenting often grows through simple, faithful presence. This episode is made even sweeter by a heartfelt letter Jazzy wrote to her grandma after our classroom visit. If you have ever wondered how grandparents can make a real difference in the lives of their families, this conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.

#FunGrandmaPodcast #Grandparenting #IntentionalGrandparenting #GrandmaLife #FamilySupport #SupportForParents #MultigenerationalFamily #GrandmotherAndGranddaughter #BusyFamilies #GrandparentsMatter #FamilyConnection #PreteensAndTeens #ChristianPodcast #FamilyPodcast #GrandparentEncouragement

"How to Babysit a Grandma" by Jean Reagan

https://a.co/d/0hCcEoUw

What makes a grandma so special? In this episode of Fun Grandma, Susan and Shelleigh share real classroom answers from children about what they love most about their grandmothers, then sit down with veteran teacher Lynn Ridinger for a heartfelt conversation on grand parenting, child development, and connection across generations.

Lynn has spent decades teaching both preschool and elementary students, and she shares how what she learned in the classroom now influences the way she loves, understands, and connects with her the children in her life. This episode is full of encouragement for grandmothers, parents, and anyone who wants stronger family relationships.

#FunGrandmaPodcast #Grandparenting #GrandmaLife #Grandchildren #FamilyRelationships #GenerationalConnection #IntentionalGrandparenting #GrandmaWisdom #FamilyPodcast #TeacherWisdom

In this episode of the Fun Grandma Podcast, Sue and Shelleigh sit down with returning guest Kristi Ottmar for a conversation full of practical travel wisdom and thoughtful encouragement.

Kristi is a seasoned traveler and former travel agent whose advice first caught the attention of many listeners during our live Shenanigans event. Her insight sparked so much interest that we knew we needed a full episode with her.

Kristi shares helpful travel tips, advice for traveling with a group, and practical ways to communicate clearly so vacations go more smoothly. She also offers ideas specific to Hawaii and especially Maui, along with smart ways to think about planning, packing, budgeting, and making the most of your time away.

But this conversation is about more than logistics. Kristi also talks about the kind of vacation mindset that can help you slow down, enjoy the moment, and deepen connection with the people you’re traveling with. Whether you’re planning a getaway with friends, family, or multiple generations, this episode is full of encouragement to help you travel with more peace, purpose, and joy.

Be sure to visit our Fun Grandma blog for links and resources connected to many of the ideas Kristi mentions in this episode.

https://www.fun-grandma.com/fun-g-blog/

#Grandparenting #MultiGenerationalTravel #FamilyConnection #TravelPlanning #VacationMindset #TravelWithFriends #WomenWhoTravel #FunGrandmaPodcast

In this episode of the Fun Grandma Podcast, hosts Sue and Shelleigh sit down for one of their favorite types of conversations—asking each other questions about the things that are helping them grow, stay encouraged, and navigate life in this season.

From practical habits to small mindset shifts, they share what’s been making a difference lately and why it matters.

Then the conversation takes a fun turn when podcast producer Aidan Beeson joins them in front of the camera for the first time.

Aidan schools them a bit on current slang and some questions about how music was experienced “long ago!” 

Aidan also shares exciting news about his musical duo Beyond Bryden, who have been selected to participate in the Plaid Dog Studios Development Program. As part of finishing their upcoming album, the duo is working to crowdfund the final production of their project.

If you enjoy conversations about family, creativity, music, and supporting the next generation, this episode will inspire you.

Support Beyond Bryden: https://funding.plaiddogrecording.com/beyondbryden

#FunGrandmaPodcast #FamilyPodcast

#GenerationalConversations #GenZvsBoomers #MusicIndustry

#IndieMusicArtist #SupportYoungArtists

#CreativeJourney #PodcastClips

#LifeConversations #IndependentMusician

#NewMusicArtist #CrowdfundingMusic

#MusicDevelopment #SongwriterLife

What does it take to stay connected to your grandchildren when the generational gap feels large? In this inspiring episode of Fun Grandma, we sit down with Janet Bly, prolific author of over 120 books, who shares heartfelt wisdom on the challenges and joys of modern grand parenting. 

Janet reminds us that grand parenting is not about perfection — it’s about presence, creativity, faith, and resilience.

Whether you’re navigating widowhood, long-distance grand parenting, or simply wondering how to stay relevant and connected in your grandchildren’s lives, this episode is filled with encouragement and practical ideas.  We hope this episode will inspire you to keep on connecting, praying, laughing and living life to the full. Let Love be your greatest Aim! 

Bly’s Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/stephenandjanetbly/

Stephen Bly Down a Western Trail Podcast Series

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-bly-down-a-western-trail/id1649215475

The Power of a Godly Grandparent

https://a.co/d/01bH6juB

How to be a Good Grandparent

https://a.co/d/0a4iSNTp

Paperback Writer

https://a.co/d/04ZYpeuO

#Grandparenting #FunGrandma #ChristianGrandparent
#GrandmaLife #WidowhoodJourney #FaithAndFamily
#LegacyLiving #StayYoungAtHeart #FamilyConnection
#WomenOver60 #GrandparentTips #JoyInEverySeason
#PodcastForWomen #SteelDrumsAndRodeos