Grandpa Wisdom: Legacy, Love, and Family Connection | Ep 17

What happens when becoming a grandfather changes not only your role in the family, but your understanding of leadership, legacy, and love? In this episode of The Power of Family, Terry Willis sits down with Greg Payne, host of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about grandfatherhood, emotional connection, and the quiet influence grandfathers can have across generations. Together, Terry and Greg explore what it means for grandparents to show up as coaches instead of managers, how to respect adult children even when parenting styles differ, and why legacy is about more than money or material things. Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a father, grandfather, parent, or loved one who may need this conversation. KEY INSIGHTS/TAKEAWAYS Grandfathers can build legacy through emotional connection, unconditional love, support, and presence, not just through money or possessions. Grandparents are most helpful when they act as coaches, not managers, especially when adult children or grandchildren are working through challenges. Respect between grandparents and parents often means giving space, staying quiet when needed, and supporting parents as they find their own way. Traditions do not have to be big or expensive; simple moments like sharing a joke, reading together, playing online, or creating regular touchpoints can build lasting memories. Encouragement matters. Young parents need to hear that grandparents see the good they are doing and understand how hard parenting can be. Guest Bio Greg Payne is the host of the popular The Cool Grandpa Podcast, where he explores the evolving role of grandfathers in modern families through conversations with grandparents, authors, educators, and family experts. Through hundreds of interviews and solo episodes, Greg has become a respected voice in the movement to strengthen multigenerational relationships and encourage intentional grandfatherhood. A first-time grandfather at age 48, Greg turned his personal journey into a mission to help men embrace grandfatherhood with purpose, humor, wisdom, and emotional connection. His work focuses on the influence grandfathers can have on family culture, mentoring, resilience, and legacy-building. In addition to podcasting and writing, he has appeared in interviews and collaborations across digital media platforms, including JLJ Media, GRAND Magazine, Caring Grandparents, and other family-focused programs. He is the author of the award-winning children's book My Grandpa's Grandpa and frequently speaks and writes about family relationships, emotional legacy, and the importance of strong multigenerational families. Greg lives in the Atlanta area with his wife Karen and proudly embraces his favorite title of all: Cool Grandpa. Connect with Greg Payne Website: http://www.cool-grandpa.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-payne  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolGrampaGreg  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thecoolgrandpapodcast  Chapters 00:00 Precap 00:46 Welcome to The Power of Family 01:58 Meet Greg Payne, The Cool Grandpa 04:11 Grandfatherhood, Leadership, and Legacy 07:18 What Emotionally Engaged Grandfathering Looks Like 10:20 Respecting Adult Children and Parenting Differences 13:11 Creating Traditions and Memories Across Generations 16:48 Values Gen X Grandparents Can Pass Down 20:44 The Mindset Shift Every Grandfather Needs 23:55 Mistakes Grandparents Make When Staying Connected 26:24 Using Technology to Deepen Relationships 29:21 Tools and Practices for Stronger Grandparent Relationships 32:27 How to Connect with Greg Payne 33:50 Final Reflection on Legacy and Family Connection If this conversation made you think of a father, grandfather, parent, or loved one, share it with them. Sometimes one conversation can open the door to a deeper connection. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus Leave us a review: Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG