Show Notes:

Santa Claus isn't just a holiday icon—he's a world-class leader.

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore four powerful leadership traits modeled by Santa Claus and how grandparents, parents, and team leaders can apply them both at home and at work.

Drawing from real-life experiences, generational insights, and leadership wisdom, this conversation reminds us that leadership is less about titles and more about vision, trust, consistency, and joyful service.

Whether you're guiding your family, leading a team at work, or mentoring others, these Santa-inspired leadership lessons offer a meaningful framework as we head into a new year. lead-like-santa

Episode Highlights:

🎄 Trait 1: Vision Casting — Leading with Clarity and Hope

Santa's mission is simple and universally understood: spread joy, build connection, and create magic.

I discuss how grandfathers can:

• Define a clear family vision
• Adapt traditions across generations
• Serve as an emotional anchor during the holidays

And how leaders can:

• Re-state mission and purpose often
• Keep the "why" front and center
• Lead hard conversations with optimism, lead-like-santa

🎄 Trait 2: Empowering the Team — Trusting the Elves

Santa trusts his elves with responsibility and autonomy.

Applications include:

• Letting grandchildren participate and problem-solve
• Teaching skills, then stepping back
• Asking kids (and employees) for their ideas

In the workplace:

• Delegating ownership
• Coaching instead of micromanaging
• Celebrating initiative and effort, like Santa

🎄 Trait 3: Consistency of Character — Always Showing Up

Santa shows up the same way every year, without fail.

I explore:

• Showing up for milestone moments
• Being emotionally consistent
• Maintaining rituals and traditions

At work:

• Keeping your word
• Being predictable and steady
• Leading calmly through pressure and change, like Santa

🎄 Trait 4: Joyful Servant Leadership — Leading with Generosity

Santa leads with joy, kindness, and service.

This includes:

• Laughing often with grandchildren
• Entering their world
• Building connection through fun

Professionally:

• Publicly celebrating wins
• Serving your team in practical ways
• Being generous with praise and encouragement leads like Santa

Key Takeaways

• Leadership begins with clarity of vision
• Trust and empowerment build confidence at every age
• Consistency creates safety and credibility
• Joy and generosity are leadership multipliers
• Influence, heart, and presence matter more than perfection

Links

Click on this link to visit my online store: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/

Summary

In this episode, I talk with historian Lisa Brunet, whose work explores the hidden world of grandparents in ancient Rome. Together, we unpack what grandparenting looked like 2,000 years ago—how elders shaped family identity, cared for young children, preserved memory through storytelling, and passed on family and cultural traditions.

While grandmothers often stepped into hands-on roles, grandfathers frequently became the family's historians and memory keepers—sometimes proudly seeing themselves in a toddler learning to speak or scribble. Lisa explains how Roman law, marriage customs, early Christianity, and even mobility during empire expansion shaped what grandparenting meant—and how echoes of those patterns still exist today.

This conversation bridges centuries to ask one simple question: What can modern grandparents learn from ancient ones?

Lisa also shares updates on her upcoming two books, in which her research will continue to open windows into the emotional lives of ancient families.

Takeaways

Historically, people became grandparents at a younger age.

Currently, individuals are older when they become grandparents.

Grandfathers now spend almost 20 years with their grandchildren.

The role of grandparents has evolved.

The societal perception of aging is changing.

Grandparents' ages influence family dynamics.

Their grandparents' age shapes grandchildren's experience.

Understanding these shifts can inform social policies.

Links:

• Lisa's full thesis on Roman grandparents: https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/grandparents-in-the-roman-empire-the-evidence-of-the-latin-west/
• Follow Lisa's work and publications on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrunet/

Be sure to check out my store for fun and interesting gifts for you or the cool grandpa in your life. From now until January 22, all items in my bookstore are 30% off. https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/

Show Notes

You are going to enjoy listening to the very first interview that I did for The Cool Grandpa Podcast. This episode originally aired back in May of 2020. This conversation still resonates with me, my wife Karen, and many other listeners to the podcast. If you heard it before, I hope you enjoy it again. If this conversation is new to you, you will get a lot of wisdom from Dean.

In this heartfelt, post-Thanksgiving episode, I sit down with longtime friend and seasoned grandfather Dean Nielson. Dean—a Lean Six Sigma project manager, Eagle Scout mentor, devoted husband, dad of four, and grandfather of six—shares powerful lessons about embracing grandparenthood with presence, patience, and purpose.

Dean opens up about becoming a grandfather earlier than expected, and how that surprise launched emotional growth, healing, and a deeper appreciation for the influence grandfathers have in shaping young lives. He and I dig into the differences between granddaughters and grandsons, how kids naturally gravitate toward grandma or grandpa, and why grandfathers shouldn't take those early patterns personally.

Dean's wisdom shines when he talks about doing it better the second time, including being more present, more patient, and more intentional than he sometimes was as a young dad. He shares simple but powerful stories—from building blanket forts to gently pushing kids beyond their comfort zones on the rope swing—that illustrate how grandfathers help grandchildren develop confidence, bravery, and emotional security.

You'll also hear a moving story about Dean's own grandfather and how that relationship still impacts him today.

This episode is packed with warmth, humor, and genuine grandpa insight—perfect for the day after Thanksgiving, when many of us are still surrounded by family and gratitude.

Highlights

• The emotional surprise of becoming a grandparent earlier than planned
• How granddaughters and grandsons respond differently to Nana vs. Pop
• Why play is essential—especially for stretching confidence
• Lessons learned from raising kids that help us show up better as grandparents
• The importance of simple affirmations: "I love you," "I'm proud of you," "You're beautiful."
• A powerful legacy story from Dean's grandfather

Takeaways

• Grandparenting offers a "second chance" to be more present.
• Kids do listen—your words matter more than you think.
• Grandpas play a unique and important role in building confidence.
• Don't compare your connection to grandma's; each relationship is unique.
• Stretch grandkids gently—adventure builds courage.

Links

Don't forget to grab your 30% off discount in my Bookstore. You can visit my bookstore using this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/

Summary

In this solo episode, I explore how the natural strengths of intentional grandfathers — presence, curiosity, encouragement, patience, and wisdom — translate into powerful leadership skills in today's workplace. Using stories about Legos, pancakes, and real-life team challenges, Greg reframes proven leadership ideas from Dale Carnegie, John Maxwell, and Dan Miller into an accessible, heart-first approach he calls Grandpa Leadership.

Listeners will learn how to build stronger connections with their teams, empower younger employees, guide people through mistakes, and cultivate loyalty by showing genuine care. I also introduce my three-part Grandpa Formula for Connection and share a weekly challenge to help leaders put these ideas into action.

Key Takeaways

• Lead with presence, not pressure. Your team needs to feel seen, valued, and supported.
• Let people build "their ship." Encourage creativity and ownership instead of rigid compliance.
• Practice real curiosity. Ask questions that show you care about your people's work and dreams.
• Encouragement = fuel. A slight nod, a quick thank-you note, or celebrating tiny wins builds massive confidence.
• Loyalty follows care. People may not feel loyal to an organization these days, but they will be loyal to a leader who shows up for them.
• Be the calm center. Like a seasoned grandparent, bring steadiness, patience, and wisdom when stress hits.
• Guide people without taking over. Present options, help them think, and let them choose — that's how they grow.

The Grandpa Formula for Connection

1. Be Present Put the phone down. Give undivided attention. It builds trust instantly.
2. Be Curious Ask about projects, challenges, and motivations. Curiosity creates belonging.
3. Be Encouraging Praise progress, not perfection. Your encouragement becomes someone's confidence.

Links and Resources

Click HERE to download your free copy of my Grandpa Leadership Connection Worksheet.

To listen to Dan Miller's interview about supporting grandchildren's creativity, click on this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/2021/09/10/ep-48-growing-creativity-with-grandchildren/

As always, you can watch this video on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/I3_S8E1UhjY.

In this follow-up conversation, I welcome back healthcare advocate and tech CEO Renee Balcom to discuss how grandparents and families can take control of caregiving decisions before a crisis hits. Renee shares practical insights on avoiding common caregiving mistakes, understanding medical and legal authority, and how technology, such as her new platform, Scroll.care, is changing the way families find trustworthy care providers.

We explore why planning for aging is not about fear—but about empowerment—and how grandparents can build a legacy of compassion, preparedness, and advocacy within their families.

Key Takeaways:

• Why "responsibility without authority" is one of the biggest caregiving mistakes.
• How to use Scroll.care to find vetted care professionals in your area.
• The surprising age when children gain medical privacy rights (and what parents can do).
• How to navigate the healthcare system and communicate effectively with doctors.
• Why it's time for grandparents to lead family discussions about care, aging, and health.
• Technology and AI can enhance (not replace) human connection in caregiving.
• People are often unprepared for the realities of aging and caregiving.
• Family caregivers often live in denial about aging loved ones.
• The importance of having structured conversations about aging and care.
• Legal authority is crucial for caregivers to make decisions.
• Understanding the difference between a power of attorney and a durable power of attorney is essential.
• A HIPAA release document is essential for accessing medical information.
• Care planning should prioritize the individual's needs and desires.
• Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and slow down treatment decisions.
• Culturally appropriate care is vital in healthcare services.

Links Mentioned:

• Renee Balcom's Website
• Scroll.care Platform
• Renee's First Appearance on The Cool Grandpa Podcast (Ep. 154: "See Differently")
• Family Care Conversation Starter

"Thou shalt honor the parents of your grandchildren. That's the most effective way to build lasting family relationships." — Neil Taft

🧩 Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I reconnect with author and grandparenting expert Neil Taft to explore the evolving role of grandparents in modern families. Neil shares insights from his newest book, Caring Grandparents, and explains how grandparents can both care about and care for their grandchildren.

We discuss the emotional and financial realities of grandparents raising grandchildren, the importance of respecting family boundaries, and Neil's viral TikTok moment that reached over 2 million people. His message — "Honor the parents of your grandchildren" — has become a mantra for building healthy, lasting family relationships.

You will walk away with wisdom on communication, compassion, and the power of being a "good seer and good sayer."

💡 Key Takeaways

• Grandparenting today means balancing love, support, and boundaries.
• "Caring Grandparents" highlights both caring for and about grandchildren.
• Over 2.5 million U.S. households are led by grandparents raising grandchildren.
• Neil's viral message reminds us: "The mother is the queen who holds the keys to the castle."
• Healthy grandparenting starts with empathy, communication, and affirmation.
• Being a "good seer and good sayer" transforms relationships across generations.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Click on this link to download your free copy of The Caring Grandparents Connection Guide: https://cool-grandpa.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Caring_Grandparents_Connection_Guide.docx
• 🖥️ Visit Neil's website: CaringGrandparents.com
• 📚 Learn more about Neil's books: Good to Great, Grandparenting & Caring Grandparents
• 🎧 Listen to previous episode: Good Seer, Good Sayer: https://cool-grandpa.us/2024/09/26/ep-201-good-seer-good-sayer/
• Visit Dr. Kerry Byrnes' group at https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/
• Check out Aaron Larson's community at: https://www.grandparentsacademy.com/
• Of course, you're going to want to find Popa Jammie, aka James Lott Jr., on his YouTube channel using this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbunerNsVDOMLCrInkAzow
• You can watch this conversation with me and Neil on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/wTsihHEsoDk

🌐 Follow The Cool Grandpa Podcast: cool-grandpa

I welcome back longtime friend and repeat guest Dr. James Lott Jr., host of Really, I'm a Grandparent!, to discuss the rise of millennial grandparents and how shifting generational dynamics are reshaping modern family life. Together, we unpack everything from Millennials' and Gen Z's futures as grandparents to how technology, social media, and evolving family structures have changed what it means to be a grandparent today. The discussion is full of humor, honesty, and insight — a lively cross-generational conversation about love, legacy, and laughter.

Highlights:

• Why millennials are redefining what "young grandparent" means.
• The role of technology and social media in shaping modern family life.
• How Gen X's "latchkey kid" experience impacts their grandparenting style.
• Why millennial and Gen Z grandparents may raise kids with less stigma and more openness.
• The growing visibility of grandfathers in modern families.
• What multi-generational households tell us about the future of family.
• The importance of humor, patience, and presence in every generation

Links and Resources:

Here are the links to James Lott Junior's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JLJMedia

Click HERE to visit the Caring Grandparents website.

Here is the link to James's blog about becoming the last living grandparent. It is titled, The Weight and Wonder of Being the Sole Grandparent: https://www.caringgrandparents.com/the-weight-and-wonder-of-being-the-sole-grandparent/

Click on this link to check out Ted Page's book, Good Grandpa: https://

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I sit down again with author and creative thinker Don Akchin to talk about his new book, After Work: An Honest Discussion About What Comes Next.

Don challenges the old idea of retirement as "the end" and redefines it as the beginning of a new and vibrant stage of life. Together, we explore how today's retirees—especially men—can rediscover purpose, creativity, and connection after their careers wind down.

In this conversation, you'll hear insights from Don about:

• Why the old version of retirement no longer fits today's longer, healthier lives
• The "fragile decade" — the five years before and after leaving work
• Rediscovering passions left behind for career and family
• Volunteering, mentoring, and giving back through experience
• Finding new social connections and combating isolation
• The rise of retirement coaches and the emotional side of retirement planning
• How creativity, curiosity, and flexibility lead to fulfillment in later years

Don also shares his personal story of rediscovering his creative spark through writing—and how After Work came to life.

This is a thoughtful, funny, and deeply encouraging episode for anyone approaching or already living their "after-work" life.

Takeaways:

Retirement is not the end, but a new beginning.

Many struggle with identity after leaving their careers.

It's important to explore new passions and hobbies post-retirement.

Planning for retirement should include emotional and psychological aspects.

Creativity can flourish in later life if nurtured.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and community.

Legacy is about the example we set for future generations.

Finding purpose is crucial for a fulfilling after-work life.

Social connections are vital for health and longevity.

Lifelong learning keeps the mind engaged and curious.

Links:

🌐 DonAkchin.com — Learn more about Don's work, his Substack The End Game, and his book After Work.

You can use this link to listen to Don's first appearance on the podcast. His episode is called "The Evolving Role of Grandfathers."

You can also watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Summary

In this episode, we explore the intersection of grandparenting and art, particularly focusing on the concept of reductive art. Drawing inspiration from John Maxwell's leadership principles, I explore how genuine influence isn't about adding more—it's about gently removing what doesn't belong, thereby revealing the beauty and potential already within our children.

Through the metaphor of carving, I explore how grandparents can shape their grandchildren's development by employing tools like patience, perspective, encouragement, and presence. Our conversation culminates in the idea of legacy and the art of letting go, allowing grandchildren to shine.

Be sure to let me know which tool, patience, perspective, encouragement, or presence YOU are going to sharpen a little more in the coming weeks.

Links

Click here to listen to the fantastic episode I recorded with world-renowned artist, Rodney Hopkins. We discuss wood carving and his grandfather, who lived in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Check out Dark Hollow Woodworking on Facebook by using this link: https://www.facebook.com/DarkHollowWoodworking

Here is the link to my good friend, Neil Taft's organization, Caring Grandparents: https://www.caringgrandparents.com/

Click here to visit the John C. Campbell Folk School.

In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I dive into one of the most valuable lessons a grandfather can pass down — a strong work ethic. From small chores to big projects, grandfathers have a unique opportunity to model what it means to start, stick with, and finish a job with pride.

I share personal stories, practical ideas, and real-world ways to teach grandkids about responsibility, perseverance, and follow-through. You'll hear how everyday activities — from raking leaves to building a birdhouse — can become powerful lessons in character and commitment.

Whether you're a hands-on project grandpa or a storytelling mentor, this episode will help you inspire your grandkids to value effort, own their actions, and feel the satisfaction of a job well done.

Takeaways

A work ethic is essential for making a lasting impact on grandchildren.

Teaching work ethic involves commitment, responsibility, and pride.

Involving grandchildren in chores helps them learn independence.

Narrating tasks while working with grandchildren reinforces learning.

Work ethic is about character, not just completing chores.

Sharing personal experiences can help grandchildren understand the importance of a work ethic.

Encouraging ownership of small projects fosters responsibility.

Reflective questions can help children learn from their experiences.

Modeling good work habits is crucial for teaching kids. Resources are available to help grandparents teach work ethic.

Links

• Cool Grandpa Work Ethic Challenge
• Mike Rowe Sweat Pledge