Hosts Sharon and Angela share laughter and real-life chaos as Sharon prepares for a second grandbaby. 

Angela brings her experience with two under two, and her continued preparation for managing multiple grandbabies, including bringing nanny-tested advice on routines, flexible planning, gentle discipline vs. boundaries, syncing naps, and carving out one-on-one time — all tied together with holiday plans and a brief seasonal break...whew!  

On this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon interview Becky Livingston — certified travel and life coach, author of The Suitcase and the Jar, and founder of Vital Journeys at Any Age.

Becky shares her personal story how in 2010 a brain tumor took the life of her daughter, Rachel. Twenty-three years old and an avid traveller, it was her dying wish to keep traveling.  Providing practical, gentle tips for starting solo travel (start small, set intentions, consider house‑sitting or group tours), Becky also explains the cognitive and emotional benefits of travel for women 55+, and offers encouragement for building confidence and meaningful connections on the road.

Episode Notes:  

Folllow Becky on Instagram

Becky's Website

Becky's Book - The Suitcase and the Jar

Hosts Angela and Sharon catch up on life — a lemon-themed baby sprinkle, a house full of energetic grandkids, and another "Don't Get Me Started" segment.

They share practical tips for caring for two young grandchildren: safety first, routines, and potty-training strategies to simplify outings.

The episode closes with encouragement for working grandmas, celebrating the community of active grandparents and the love that fills busy hands and hearts.

On this episode of The Grand Balance, aesthetician Sharon joins hosts Sharon and Angela to discuss skincare for women 50 and up along with younger mothers. The conversation explores at-home tools versus professional treatments, supplements, face, body and hand care, and practical tips for busy moms and women going through menopause or other hormonal changes to keep skin healthy and hydrated.

Episode Notes: SkincareByShar Instagram

On this episode of The Grand Balance, aesthetician and skin wellness expert Sharon joins the hosts to discuss the rise of social media-driven skincare trends and how grandparents and parents can guide tweens and teens toward healthy, age-appropriate routines. 

The conversation covers practical tips for handling breakouts, safe product choices, the role of hygiene and diet, useful apps for checking ingredients, and ways parents and grandparents can support kids’ self-esteem in a trend-driven world.

Episode Notes: 

Bobby Approved App

Yuka App

Angela and Sharon kick off with a quick travel check-in before diving into a fresh “Don’t Get Me Started” .They spotlight an inspiring working grandma before diving into some book recommendations focusing on The Anxious Generation, which launches a candid discussion on kids, tech, and modern parenting. They summarize four foundational harms linked to digital life—social deprivation, sleep loss, attention fragmentation, and addiction—then connect the dots to new school phone rules and the importance of offline, free play for building resilience. A Taylor Swift quote sparks a reminder to treat personal energy like a luxury: invest it where it matters.

The conversation widens to a preview of some upcoming episodes on the sandwich generation and a skincare expert who will cover routines from tweens to grandmas.

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon kick off a brand new segment called “Don’t Get Us Started,” where they share lighthearted takes on the everyday things that confuse and annoy us all. From there, the conversation shifts to something deeper: the juggling balls theory—the idea that in life, some priorities are like glass balls (fragile and precious, such as health and family) while others are like rubber balls (able to bounce back if dropped). Angela and Sharon unpack how to recognize the difference, protect what truly matters, and give yourself permission to let go of the rest.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder about the importance of women uplifting women—in the workplace, in friendships, and in life. Because when we support one another, balance becomes easier and everyone rises together.

In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon reflect on what it means to wear many hats—professional, parental, and grandparental—all in one jam-packed week. From last-minute travel, big work presentations, and the excitement of another grandbaby on the way, it’s a whirlwind only a working grandma can understand.

But the episode doesn’t stop there. The grandmas open up about imposter syndrome, the challenge of being one of the only women in male-dominated industries, and the importance of teaching the next generation of girls—and granddaughters—to use their voices with confidence. They also explore the power of women supporting women and the value of surrounding yourself with others who reflect your strengths.

Packed with real talk, humor, heart, and wisdom, this episode reminds listeners that the balance may never be perfect—but it’s always worth the juggle.

Sharon's Fabulous Find: Hiccapop Mattress Pad

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Grand Balance, where Angela and Sharon dive into the ever-evolving dynamics between grandmothers, daughters, and daughters-in-law. They explore the natural yet complex dynamics that arise between maternal and in-law grandparents, grounded by family history, proximity, and personal relationships.

The episode emphasizes the significance of respectful communication, setting boundaries, and dispelling common misconceptions to ensure access and positive engagement with grandchildren. By drawing insights from a survey of fellow grandmothers, this discussion unveils practical ways to nurture a harmonious family environment. Join this engaging dialogue for valuable tips on reinforcing a supportive and inclusive family network.

In this warm and insightful episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon celebrate the arrival of a new baby girl and explore the beautiful — and sometimes bumpy — transition that comes with introducing a newborn to an older sibling. With heartfelt stories and expert-backed strategies, they reflect on the vital role grandparents play in helping the whole family adjust during this tender time.

Shifting gears, the hosts dive into an important conversation about California’s proposed Phone-Free School Act, a groundbreaking policy aimed at reducing smartphone use in schools to support student mental health and focus. Angela and Sharon offer thoughtful perspectives on how this legislation could reshape the school experience for kids — and what it means for families trying to stay connected in a digital world.

Tune in for an episode that blends real-life parenting moments with timely conversations about raising well-rounded kids in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

Sharon's Fabulous Find: Rotating Carseat