045 Wisdom, Legacy & Love: A Conversation with Historian Richard Bushman

What does it mean to be a grandfather today — and how has that role changed over time? In this heartfelt episode of The Grandpa Channel, host Steve Harris (aka “Rivers”) welcomes legendary historian, author, and beloved grandfather Richard Lyman Bushman for a conversation filled with timeless wisdom, personal reflection, and multigenerational insight. Now 94, Bushman shares his lived experience as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather — and opens up about the joys, challenges, and surprises that come with growing a family legacy. Together, they explore what makes grandparenting so vital, how storytelling shapes connection, and why being fully present might be a grandfather’s greatest gift. 🎓 Richard Bushman is Professor Emeritus of History at Columbia University and author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. He’s been called “one of the most important scholars of American religious history” and continues to mentor and inspire across generations. 🔍 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 02:00 — Life in NYC & being surrounded by 20 grandchildren (and counting!) 05:00 — How the role of grandfathers has changed over the last century 08:00 — Lessons from his own grandfathers 10:00 — What he hopes his grandkids would say about him 13:00 — The power of stories, family lore, and being known 18:00 — Prophetic blessings and how he connects spiritually with his grandkids 25:00 — What inspires him from American history 30:00 — What he would tell his 34-year-old self 32:00 — A final message for grandfathers everywhere 💡 Key Takeaways: Grandfathers today have more time and more tools to connect than ever before Storytelling is how we pass down not just facts — but who we are Being a grandfather isn’t just biology — it’s a calling of love, guidance, and presence “They need to feel who you are” — Bushman on spending real time with grandkids Don’t underestimate the power of small, everyday moments 🧭 Ready to start capturing your story on video? 🎥 Visit PlantedMediaCo.com and tell them Rivers sent you for a Grandpa Channel discount! 📺 Subscribe to The Grandpa Channel on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify — and share this episode with someone you love. Steal Our Best Plays: 10 Ways to Connect With Your Grandkids here!