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
  • 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
  • Lead Like a Grandpa: The Heart-Centered Leadership Your Team Needs EP - 246

    Lead Like a Grandpa: The Heart-Centered Leadership Your Team Needs EP - 246
    Nov 21 2025
    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 Be Present Put the phone down. Give undivided attention. It builds trust instantly. Be Curious Ask about projects, challenges, and motivations. Curiosity creates belonging. 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.
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    28 mins
  • Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP - 245

    Empowered Caregiving; with Renee Balcom EP - 245
    Nov 14 2025
    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
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    56 mins
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