The Cool Grandpa Podcast Podcast By Greg Payne cover art

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

The Cool Grandpa Podcast

By: Greg Payne
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This podcast is about the influence that Cool Grandpa's can have on their grandchildren and families. This podcast contains great stories about the influence that grandpas have had on their grandchildren. We also interview grandpas to learn how they are developing and maintaining powerful connections with their grandchildren.Copyright 2020 Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Leadership Lessons from Santa Claus EP - 248

    Leadership Lessons from Santa Claus EP - 248
    Dec 19 2025
    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/
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    28 mins
  • Grandparenting in the Roman Empire with Dr. Lisa Brunet EP - 247

    Grandparenting in the Roman Empire with Dr. Lisa Brunet EP - 247
    Dec 5 2025
    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/
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    52 mins
  • Bonus Show - How Grandkids Stretch Us: Lessons from Dean Nielson

    Bonus Show - How Grandkids Stretch Us: Lessons from Dean Nielson
    Nov 28 2025
    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/
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    36 mins
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