The Cool Grandpa Podcast

• Break the Bottle: Lessons from a Grandson, Marine, and Leader

  In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Michael Allison, a Marine veteran, author, and founder of the Adversity Academy, to explore a journey shaped by hardship, legacy, and purpose. From growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Miami after immigrating from Jamaica to becoming a decorated Marine and now a leadership coach, Michael shares how his two grandfathers—both named Vincent—influenced his values and resilience. Listeners will hear how formative life experiences, including time in Fallujah and setbacks in high school football, became catalysts for leadership growth. Michael shares the life-and-death moments that defined his military service and the deep mentorship that helped him evolve. He also explains how he now helps others through speaking and training programs that foster identity, purpose, and organizational strength. 🧠 Key Takeaways: The importance of legacy and storytelling across generations How to extract purpose from pain What "dark work" means and how it shapes real leaders. The impact of servant leadership in high-stakes environments Why leadership development must exist at every organizational level Building trust, especially with team members who feel undervalued The transition from military service to entrepreneurship Links Website: michaelwallison.com Leadership Training: theadversityacademy.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @IAmMichaelWAllison You can watch this conversation on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/Kj3508LJDco

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• Writing For Legacy, A Grandfather's Perspective With Kevin Hall - EP 228

  I welcome Kevin Hall to The Cool Grandpa Podcast for a powerful and entertaining conversation on legacy, storytelling, and life after retirement. Kevin opens up about his 49-year marriage, raising a family, and how becoming a grandfather inspired him to write personal memoirs that turned into a published series of books. You’ll hear about: How telling stories to grandkids sparked Kevin’s writing career His transition from corporate life to creative writing How he self-published and marketed multiple books without a big budget Tips for grandparents on preserving memories through writing or video Kevin’s thoughts on AI, history, spiritual storytelling, and leaving a legacy This episode is packed with laughs, life lessons, and practical advice for anyone looking to write their own family stories. Links Use this link to view Kevin's website: http://www.kevin-hall.com/index.html Here is the link to Publisher Rocket: https://publisherrocket.com/ You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link:

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• Navigating Grandfatherhood and Midlife Career Moves with Mark Aylward - EP 227

  In this heartfelt and candid episode, I sit down with career coach, entrepreneur, and proud grandfather Mark Aylward. They dive into the complexities of becoming a grandfather under unexpected circumstances, the power of simply "showing up," and how intentional presence can transform relationships. Mark also shares powerful insights from his decades-long career in IT recruitment, his transition into career coaching, and his mission to help midlife professionals reclaim Clarity, confidence, and courage. Expect real talk, big laughs, and memorable moments—from vocabulary lessons with his grandson to a great story of a friend calling NBA executives pretending to be Larry Bird. Whether you're navigating grandparenthood or a late-career pivot, this episode offers something valuable and inspiring. 🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways: The surprise and beauty of becoming a grandfather at 17 Supporting a son through addiction and young fatherhood The importance of presence and modeling for children and grandchildren Tree climbing and gratitude: bonding through simple routines The broken hiring process and how to bypass the gatekeepers Why confidence is often the missing piece in career transitions Helping professionals in their 50s+ rediscover purpose and direction The art of storytelling in job interviews and career branding Why asking "What do you mean by that?" unlocks absolute Clarity. Embracing the role of a grandparent without overstepping boundaries Links MarkAylward.com – Website, coaching info, and newsletter The Imperfect Men's Club Podcast – Real talk for men in midlife Use this link to book Mark's Free 30-Minute Coaching Call: https://calendly.com/aylwardmark/30min?month=2025-04

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• Support Networks for New Parents with Jane Honikman - EP 226

  In this episode, Jane Honikman and I discuss the evolving role of fathers and grandfathers in parenting, particularly in the context of postpartum support. We explore the importance of emotional wellness, communication, and social support in navigating the challenges of parenthood. Our conversation highlights cultural shifts in parenting dynamics, the impact of generational perspectives, and the need for open discussions about mental health. Jane emphasizes the significance of understanding family history and traditions while advocating for a supportive environment for new parents. Key Takeaways: The significance of peer support for new mothers. How societal expectations impact maternal mental health. The role of fathers and families in providing support. Advocacy efforts that have shaped postpartum care services. Actionable steps for building community-based maternal support. Links: You can listen to my first discussion with Jane about postpartum at this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/2023/07/18/ep-141-postpartum-is-forever/ Check out Jane's website at: https://janehonikman.com/ Click on this link to order your copy of Parental Mental Health: Factoring in Fathers: https://www.amazon.com/Parental-Mental-Health-Factoring-Fathers/dp/B089CTDLJW/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=factoring+in+fathers&qid=1591048113&sr=8-1 You can watch this interview on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/ubFMDcfmo6Q

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• Keeping the Connection: Avoiding Common Grandparenting Pitfalls - EP 225

  In this episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I discuss the challenges of maintaining strong relationships with adult children and grandchildren. I discuss the common mistakes grandparents make—disrespecting parenting choices, giving gifts with hidden expectations, ignoring family schedules, or arguing in front of the grandkids. By recognizing these issues, grandparents can foster a more positive and lasting connection with their families. I also highlight insights from experts like DeeDee Moore (More Than Grand) and Dr. Kerry Byrne (The Long Distance Grandparents) on mending strained relationships. If you're looking for ways to improve communication and respect with your family, this episode is a must-listen! Key Takeaways: ✅ Respect your adult children's choices, even when they differ from your own. ✅ Be mindful of how and why you give gifts to grandchildren. ✅ Honor family schedules and avoid unplanned visits that add stress. ✅ Avoid arguing in front of grandkids—it impacts how they see family relationships. ✅ Self-reflect before assuming the problem is one-sided. Next Week's Episode: Join us next week as I sit down with Jane Honikman to discuss Support Systems for Postpartum Depression—an insightful conversation on how families can better support new mothers Links Use this link to explore The Long Distance Grandparent: https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/ To check out More Than Grand, use this link: https://www.morethangrand.com/ You can watch this episode on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/NwNQmB1J5EM.

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