Shownotes:

In this episode, I share how I approach Thanksgiving and the tricky family conversations that can come with it. I talk about why I try to be proactive during holiday gatherings, using simple communication tips to keep things warm, positive, and enjoyable for everyone. I also share how I redirect discussions to avoid unnecessary controversy including one of my favorite strategies: creating a "favorite things" list to guide meaningful conversations. My hope is to help you enjoy a holiday filled with connection, gratitude, and less stress.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Thanksgiving Conversations

03:18 - Proactive Conversation Strategies

08:43 - Tools for Meaningful Family Interactions

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 98: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/Why-this-thanksgiving-with-your-grandparents-parents-really-matters

• Focus the conversation by using the Grandkid Investigator Kit -https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

See what's inside the Grandkid Investigator Kit

Shownotes:

In this episode, I reflect on Thanksgiving and why it always reminds me to slow down and truly appreciate family. As I think about mortality and how limited our time together really is, I'm reminded of how precious even the smallest family moments can be. I share my own thoughts on what it means to cherish relationships while we still can and to express appreciation for the people who matter most. My hope is that this episode inspires you to be more present and thankful this season and every season.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast

00:37 - Creating Meaningful Memories During the Holidays

Resources mentioned:

• GKI Holiday Caravan - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/hckids

• Grandkid Investigator Kit - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

• Get a free mission from the kit - valueofwrinkles.com/freemission

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Shownotes:

In this episode, I talk with Leah Bradley from Empowering the Ages about how intergenerational programs can strengthen families and communities. Leah shares inspiring stories from their community programs, including a summer camp that brings grandparents and grandchildren together for learning, laughter, and volunteer opportunities. I love how she connects this work to school readiness, workforce development, and community empowerment, showing that every generation has something valuable to give. Our conversation reminded me that when generations come together, everyone grows stronger.

Leah Bradley is the Executive Director and Co-Founder has extensive experience in the intergenerational field, including providing nationwide training and technical assistance to practitioners establishing intergenerational initiatives. She has visioned, planned and implemented many intergenerational programs throughout the Country. Leah is a social worker, having earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan with concentrations in interpersonal practice and gerontology and a Bachelors of Science from University of Delaware in Family and Community Service. Leah and her husband reside in Olney, Maryland and have two daughters in/recently graduated from Montgomery County Public Schools. Leah enjoys traveling and watching her daughters play sports. To contact Leah, email her at [email protected]

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Empowering the Ages

05:08 - The Impact of Intergenerational Programs

08:18 - Summer Camp for Grandparents and Grandkids

08:38 - Introduction to the Grand Kid Investigator Kit

09:07 - Engaging Families with Free Missions

09:38 - Summer Camp for Grandparents and Grandkids

12:29 - Activities and Learning Experiences

15:34 - Planning for Future Camps

18:36 - Connecting with Empowering the Ages

19:10 - Connecting Generations: The Value of Intergenerational Relationships

Resources mentioned:

• Empowering the Ages - https://empoweringtheages.org/

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share why I'm so passionate about building intergenerational connections between kids and grandparents. I introduce the GrandKid Investigator Kit, a tool I created to help families spark meaningful interactions that bring generations closer together. Drawing from my experiences in senior living communities, I talk about how youth engagement, parenting tips, and even simple community programs can strengthen family relationships and support elder care in everyday life. My hope is to inspire families to be more intentional about helping kids connect, learn from, and celebrate the older adults in their lives.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Intergenerational Connections

02:23 - The Importance of Intentional Interaction

05:16 - Characteristics of Kids Who Connect Well

07:42 - Training Kids for Meaningful Interactions

10:31 - Conclusion and Resources

Resources mentioned:

• Learn about the Grandkid Investigator Program where I using the Grandkid Investigator Kit in assisted living communities - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/The-Grandkid-Investigator-Program-at-Brooke-Grove-Assisted-Living

• Episode 76 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/When-Grandparents-are-not-Kid-People

• Grandkid Investigator Kit - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

• Get a free mission from the kit - valueofwrinkles.com/freemission

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share my experiences working with older adults who've lost their ability to speak clearly. I talk about the emotional impact of losing one's voice and what it's taught me about listening with compassion. I also reflect on how culture, especially in Asian families, influences the way we care for and advocate for our elders. My hope is to remind us all to slow down, pay attention, and be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast

00:27 - Preparing for the Holidays with Family Activities

01:25 - Promoting the Grand Kid Investigator Kit

01:33 - The Challenge of Communication with the Elderly

09:30 - The Importance of Advocacy for Older Adults

09:52 - The Silence of Senior Living Communities

10:46 - Advocating for the Voiceless

Resources mentioned:

• Get discounts on my products by joining my email list at https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

• Listen to episode 94 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/The-Best-Time-to-Celebrate-Your-Aging-Parent-Grandparent

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share why I believe we should celebrate and honor our older loved ones while they're still with us. Too often, we wait until after they're gone to express how much they mean to us. I talk about simple, meaningful ways to show appreciation now and build stronger connections with the older generation. My hope is to inspire you to start celebrating your parents and grandparents today, not someday.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast

00:30 - Celebrating Older Loved Ones

00:44 - Introduction to The Value of Wrinkles

06:44 - The Importance of Honoring Our Elders

08:26 - Practical Ways to Show Love to Grandparents

09:05 - Introduction and Call to Action

09:36 - The Importance of Reviews for Podcasters

10:03 - Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

Resources mentioned:

• Prepare to Care Course - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

• Episode 93 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/One-Practical-Step-to-Honoring-Elders

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share why teaching kids to honor and acknowledge their elders matters so much to me. I talk about the power of small gestures like saying hello or using someone's name and how they can build real respect across generations. I also share practical ways parents can nurture this value in their children, helping them see the worth in every older adult they meet. My hope is to inspire families to make kindness and connection part of everyday life.

Highlights:

00:00 Practical Parenting Advice for Honoring Elders

07:26 The Importance of Acknowledgment in Relationships

Resources mentioned:

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share how the Grandkid Investigator idea first began. After writing The Value of Wrinkles, I realized I wanted my own kids to connect with their grandparents now, not decades later. What started as a simple experiment at home has grown into a program designed to make intergenerational connections fun, meaningful, and lasting. Join me as I tell the story behind it all and hint at where the journey is headed next.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Grand Kid Investigator Concept

08:48 - The Evolution of the Grand Kid Investigator Program

15:09 - Future Plans and Community Engagement

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 91 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/The-Grandkid-Investigator-Concept-The-Spark-that-Started-It-All

• Email sign up link - valueofwrinkles.com/signup

• The Book - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/the-book

• Prepare to Care Course - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare 

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

In this episode, I share how the Grandkid Investigator concept began and why it matters to me as both a mom and a granddaughter. I talk about the challenge of helping kids connect with their grandparents in today's busy, distraction-filled world, and why it's important to make those connections fun and meaningful. You'll hear the inspiration behind the program and why I believe it can help families build stronger intergenerational bonds. Be sure to tune in to the next episode, where I'll dive into the origins and evolution of the Grandkid Investigator.

Highlights:

01:09 - The Importance of Intergenerational Relationship

04:45 - The Grandkid Investigator Concept

07:06 - Engaging the Community and Future Plans

Resources mentioned:

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking

Recently I implmenented the GKI Kit at an assisted living. It was exciting, but don't et me wrong, I had fears! Would kids want to hang out with residents? Would these residents be alert and willing to converse?  Will the connection happen? Will the kids complain and be bored? Will that hour be forever?

In this episode I discuss the fears that I had in implementing an intergenerational program.  

"With great risk comes great reward – Thomas Jefferson

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen
📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/
📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534
📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup
🎤 Invite Isabel to speak: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/speaking