It's A Grand Life

It's A Grand Life

By Ryan ArmbrustmacherParentingKids & Family
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It's A Grand Life episodes

  • How False Narratives Control Your Life — And How To Change Them (Part 2 with Daniel Schulerr)

    In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, identity coach Daniel Schulerr joins Craig Nash on It’s a Grand Life to discuss how false narratives shape our relationships, emotions, parenting, finances, and sense of self.

    Daniel explains how people often operate from default beliefs formed years earlier — beliefs tied to performance, rejection, fear, inadequacy, or shame — and how uncovering those narratives can lead to real transformation.

    Topics covered include:
    • Why your identity should not be tied to performance
    • How negative thought patterns affect grandparents and grandchildren
    • What “false narratives” really are
    • How transformation begins by questioning core beliefs
    • Why coaching should create autonomy, not dependence
    • The role of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) in identity work
    • How grandparents can bring healing into family relationships

    This episode is packed with practical insight for grandparents raising grandchildren, caregivers, parents, and anyone seeking emotional freedom and personal growth.

    Subscribe to It’s a Grand Life for more conversations supporting grandfamilies and kinship caregivers nationwide.

    Hashtags
    #Grandfamilies #IdentityWork #MentalHealth #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #DanielSchulerr #KinshipCare #PersonalGrowth #FalseNarratives #itsagrandlife 

    0:00 Welcome to Part 2 with Daniel Schulerr
    2:25 How transformation really begins
    3:56 When identity becomes tied to performance
    5:30 The “excavation” process in coaching
    7:01 Coaching vs dependency
    8:00 Creating autonomy through identity work
    10:11 Understanding neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)
    11:58 Helping grandparents in group settings
    13:09 How false beliefs shape behavior
    14:16 Preview of Part 3 and closing thoughts

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    17 min
  • Teaching Kids Kindness, Manners & Compassion with The Good Eggs

    How can parents, grandparents and caregivers help children develop kindness, manners, forgiveness and compassion?

    On this episode of It’s a Grand Life, Craig Nash and guest co-host Deborah Suzette Brown welcome Sandra Ciaramitaro, creator of The Good Eggs. Sandra explains how her children’s book trilogy grew into an educational ecosystem for children ages 5–9, featuring lesson plans, videos, a podcast, interactive games, kindness challenges and calming sleep stories.

    Sandra also shares how The Good Eggs Foundation turns those lessons into action by supporting organizations serving children through monthly community “eggings.” These projects have provided bedding, school supplies, STEM materials, pajamas and other essential resources.

    In this conversation:

    How The Good Eggs teach kindness and positive values
    Why manners and forgiveness remain essential lessons
    Helping children understand different cultures
    Encouraging community service at an early age
    The Good Eggs app and its kindness challenges
    “Goodnight Corner with Miss Poach” sleep stories
    How book purchases help support children in need
    The importance of positive role models for children

    Learn more about The Good Eggs, explore the books and find links to the app, podcast and YouTube channel at https://thegoodeggs.org/.

    It’s a Grand Life supports grandfamilies and kinship caregivers through information, encouragement and practical resources. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode to help us reach more families.

    #TheGoodEggs #KidsBooks #TeachingKindness #Grandfamilies #KinshipCare #ChildrensBooks #Parenting #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren

    00:00 – Welcome to It’s a Grand Life
    01:19 – Introducing Sandra Ciaramitaro and The Good Eggs
    02:27 – The Good Eggs Media vs. The Good Eggs Foundation
    03:27 – Building an educational ecosystem for children
    04:08 – Community “eggings” that help local children
    06:00 – Teaching children manners and positive values
    07:02 – The Good Eggs book trilogy
    08:04 – Exploring cultures and global awareness
    09:11 – Inspiring children to serve their communities
    10:43 – International voices and The Good Eggs podcast
    11:51 – The importance of positive role models
    12:20 – Children turning lessons into community action
    13:23 – How grandfamilies can use The Good Eggs
    15:34 – The Good Eggs educational app
    16:00 – Kindness challenges, games and activities
    17:14 – Goodnight Corner sleep stories
    18:11 – Grandkid tested and approved
    20:20 – Teaching forgiveness and accountability
    21:49 – Why Benedict’s friends never give up on him
    22:11 – Where to find The Good Eggs books and resources
    22:31 – Purchases support The Good Eggs Foundation
    23:17 – Sandra’s 15-year journey with The Good Eggs
    24:07 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

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    26 min
  • Why Grandchildren Lash Out — And What They’re Really Feeling (Part 1 with Daniel Schulerr)

    In this powerful episode of It’s a Grand Life, Craig Nash sits down with identity coach Daniel Schulerr to discuss the hidden beliefs, fear, guilt, and shame that affect both grandparents raising grandchildren and the children themselves.

    Daniel shares how false narratives shape behavior — from homework battles to emotional outbursts — and explains how grandparents can begin uncovering what their grandchildren are really feeling beneath the surface.

    The conversation explores:
    • Why children react emotionally to homework, cleaning rooms, and bedtime
    • How grandparents can respond without escalating conflict
    • The importance of validating feelings without affirming false beliefs
    • How identity impacts behavior, confidence, and relationships
    • Why transformation starts by addressing our own false narratives first

    This is Part 1 of a deeply impactful conversation focused on healing, communication, and transformation for grandfamilies and kinship caregivers.

    Subscribe for more episodes supporting grandparents, caregivers, and families nationwide

    #Grandfamilies #GrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren #IdentityCoaching #ParentingAdvice #KinshipCare #MentalHealth #CaregiverSupport #ItsAGrandLife #DanielSchulerr

    0:00 Welcome to It’s a Grand Life
    2:16 Daniel Schuler’s background and coaching journey
    5:25 Identity, false narratives, and self-worth
    8:01 Helping grandparents understand emotional reactions
    11:48 Homework, bedtime, and cleaning room triggers
    14:08 Asking better questions instead of reacting
    15:58 “I’m not smart” — uncovering hidden beliefs
    18:27 Why validation matters in communication
    20:05 Grandparents addressing their own false narratives
    21:20 Part 2 preview and closing thoughts

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    24 min
  • From Retirement to Purpose: Tony Rosati’s Mission to Serve Others

    What happens when retirement turns into a calling?

    In this inspiring episode of It's a Grand Life, Craig Nash sits down with Tony Rosati, founder of St. Joseph's Helpers, to discuss how a simple mission of helping neighbors with home repairs has grown into a powerful movement serving seniors, grandfamilies, and people in need across multiple states.

    Tony shares his personal journey from business owner to nonprofit founder, the role faith played in shaping the organization, and how St. Joseph’s Helpers is helping people remain safe and secure in their homes through volunteer-driven repairs, companionship, prayer support, and their rapidly growing “Julie’s List” resource network.

    The conversation also explores:
    • The loneliness epidemic affecting seniors
    • Why serving others creates purpose after retirement
    • How volunteers are making a real impact in their communities
    • The growing need for support systems for grandparents raising grandchildren
    • The expansion of St. Joseph’s Helpers into additional states

    If you care about community, faith, service, caregiving, or helping older adults age in place, this episode is for you.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations supporting grandfamilies and kinship caregivers.

    #GrandFamilies #SeniorSupport #Volunteerism #FaithInAction #KinshipCare #HomeRepairs #Nonprofit #Caregiving #ItsAGrandLife #StJosephsHelpers

    00:00 – Introduction to It’s a Grand Life
    01:15 – Meet Tony Rosati & St. Joseph’s Helpers
    02:23 – Tony’s journey from business success to ministry
    04:42 – Seminary experience and changing direction
    05:56 – Discovering purpose after retirement
    06:58 – How St. Joseph’s Helpers began
    09:25 – What St. Joseph’s Helpers actually does
    10:12 – The story behind Julie’s List
    12:53 – Expanding outreach through resources and partnerships
    15:15 – Expanding into Kentucky and beyond
    17:04 – How the volunteer system works
    19:47 – Scaling the organization nationally
    20:28 – Why volunteering changes lives
    22:04 – A simple grab bar that changed everything
    23:17 – How neighborhoods and communities have changed
    25:00 – Finding purpose through serving others
    26:03 – The importance of companionship and prayer
    28:15 – Supporting seniors emotionally and spiritually
    29:00 – How to get help or volunteer
    31:24 – Partnership with It’s a Grand Life
    32:53 – Connecting families to additional support services
    34:22 – Final thoughts and closing message

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    37 min
  • 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

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    32 min
  • 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

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    37 min
  • 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: [email protected]
     (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

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    29 min
  • 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

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    25 min
  • 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

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    40 min

About It's A Grand Life

From the publisher's feed

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.…