Grandpa Is Him

A quiet birth in a low place, a question that refuses to fade: can a tiny light still change a troubled world. We gathered for a musical fireside to follow that light from the manger to our moment, weaving scripture, narration, and song into a story of courage, humility, and hope. Starting with heartfelt thanks for the many hands behind the program, we step into the lives of Mary and Joseph—two young people who carried a holy calling through confusion, fear, and faithful consent. Their journey becomes a map for ours: say yes to the next right step, and let grace meet you on the road.From there, we reflect on how light works. It rarely shouts. It grows. Line upon line, dawn after darkness, until uncertainty gives way to trust. Shepherds remind us that heaven honors the humble. Wise men remind us that seeking truth isn’t passive; it’s study, patience, and long roads guided by a star. Both groups converge at the same hope, showing that different paths can lead to the same Savior. Along the way, music anchors key moments—Christ born for you and me—bringing the story close enough to touch, close enough to carry into Monday.We talk plainly about doubt, healing, and how to access the power of Christ in real life. Not through shortcuts, but through presence: prayer that is honest, service that stretches us, and community that holds room for both wonder and weariness. We close with a celebration of the King of Kings and an open invitation to lift your voice in Hallelujah, letting praise become a practice that steadies the heart. If the world feels dark, consider this your reminder: the light has come, it still grows, and you are welcome to walk in it with us. Subscribe, share with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find the light.Send us Fan Mail

The digital age promised revolutionary new tools for espionage, but as the CIA discovered through catastrophic failure, technology can betray as easily as it can conceal. At the heart of this shocking intelligence disaster sits an unlikely protagonist: StarWarsWebNet, a seemingly innocent fan site that secretly served as a communication channel between CIA handlers and their informants behind enemy lines.Across hundreds of such innocuous-looking websites, the CIA built what they believed was an impenetrable system for their assets in hostile territory to safely transmit intelligence and receive instructions. The genius lay in its ordinary appearance—who would suspect discussions of Yoda and lightsaber battles to conceal state secrets? But beneath this clever disguise lurked fatal flaws that would lead to devastating consequences.When Iranian intelligence stumbled upon this digital spy network around 2009, they discovered elementary mistakes that exposed the entire operation. Shared IP addresses, similar code structures, and digital fingerprints connected these supposedly isolated websites like a trail of breadcrumbs. The Iranians reportedly shared their discovery with China, leading to the systematic dismantling of America's human intelligence networks in both countries. The human toll was staggering—approximately 30 informants in each country were captured, many executed or imprisoned. Years of careful intelligence cultivation vanished overnight, creating blind spots in America's understanding of these critical regions that may persist to this day.This fascinating and tragic story serves as a stark reminder that in the shadow world of international espionage, basic security principles remain paramount even in the digital age. When lives hang in the balance, "security through obscurity" proves a dangerously inadequate shield. As intelligence agencies continue evolving their methods, the lessons from this digital disaster echo through the corridors of power: your adversaries are watching, they're clever, and they need only find one weakness to unravel even the most elaborate deception.Curious about other shocking intelligence failures and surprising truths hidden beneath official stories? Subscribe to Grandpa's Hymn for more tales that prove reality often outstrips the wildest spy fiction!Send us Fan Mail

We explore the smelly side of history by examining professional farters through the ages, from medieval court entertainers to modern-day performers.• Roland the Farter, employed by King Henry II, performed a yearly Christmas routine of jumping, whistling, and farting in exchange for land and a manor• Medieval Irish professional farters called "braggatori" performed for nobles and were paid in meat• Joseph Pujol (Le Pétomane) was a famous 19th century French performer at the Moulin Rouge who could control his flatulence to make music and blow out candles• Modern performers like Mr. Methane continue the tradition, even appearing on Britain's Got Talent• Throughout history, flatulence served as a reminder that everyone, including royalty, shares the same bodily functionsKeep history weird and wonderful by joining us for more unexpected historical journeys on Grandpa Is Him.Send us Fan Mail

We explore the hidden tunnels beneath Milan's Sforza Castle, designed by Leonardo da Vinci and only recently discovered in 2025 using ground-penetrating radar technology. While working as a military engineer for Ludovico Sforza, da Vinci created secret passageways connecting important Renaissance landmarks that remained hidden for over 500 years.• Leonardo applied to work for Ludovico Sforza primarily as a military engineer, listing artistic abilities as almost an afterthought• The Sforza Castle evolved from military fortress to palace to museum, housing many Renaissance treasures• Da Vinci designed the Sala della Asse with an elaborate ceiling of intertwined mulberry trees symbolizing prudence and productivity• Researchers discovered actual tunnels that match Leonardo's sketches, including one connecting the castle to Santa Maria delle Grazie where The Last Supper was painted• A mysterious sealed chamber was detected beneath the castle that has not been accessed since the 1490s• Renaissance Milan was filled with political intrigue, spies, and dangerous power struggles alongside artistic innovation• The castle has accumulated numerous ghost stories and legends of hidden treasure over its 500+ year historyFollow this podcast for more explorations of fascinating historical discoveries and overlooked stories from the past.And a shark drops in on a disc golf gameSend us Fan Mail

The enduring mystery of Genghis Khan's tomb reveals how history's greatest conqueror remains hidden 800 years after death despite modern technology and scientific explorations. Respectful archaeological approaches balance scientific curiosity with cultural reverence as UNESCO protections and Mongolian traditions shield sacred burial grounds from excavation.• Examining popular myths about Genghis Khan's burial, including stories of mass executions that likely never occurred• Exploring how the Burkhan Khaldun mountain region became protected as a sacred site guarded by elite warriors for centuries• Learning about modern search efforts using satellites, ground-penetrating radar, and 10,000 online volunteers• Discovering how UNESCO World Heritage designation permanently protects the suspected burial site• Understanding why cultural respect sometimes means letting historical mysteries remain unsolved• Exploring seven other famous missing tombs including Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, and China's first Emperor• Comparing archaeological approaches to sacred sites across different cultures and time periodsKeep your curiosity sharp and your sense of humor sharper. And hey, if you find any ancient tombs, maybe you don't want to tweet it out.Send us Fan Mail

The digital music industry is rife with fraud and manipulation, from AI-generated song scams to playlist payola, all at the expense of real artists who struggle to earn sustainable income from streaming.• North Carolina man Michael Smith stole $10 million using AI to create fake songs and bots to stream them• Spotify paid $10 billion in royalties last year, but only 4% of artists earn sustainable income• Playlist placement is often pay-to-play, with curators charging up to $5,000 monthly• Major labels own playlist networks that prioritize their own artists• "Playlist-safe" music is designed for algorithms, not artistic expression• Global streaming manipulation includes Indian "streaming cafes" and organized fan campaigns• Matt Farley earned a living creating thousands of novelty songs about bodily functions• Voice assistants like Alexa inadvertently drive streams for bizarre children's contentFollow Grandpa Is Him for more insights into the strange forces shaping our digital world. Email your music discovery stories to [email protected] us Fan Mail

Baseball isn't just about what happens on the field – it's a complex world of statistics, coaching strategy, and quirky traditions that make America's pastime endlessly fascinating. We explore the hidden aspects of the game that fans rarely see but that shape everything from scoring to memorabilia.• Box scores have evolved from simple newspaper summaries to complex analytical tools incorporating advanced metrics like exit velocity and launch angle• First base coaches use precise methodologies including hand signals, timing pitchers, and making split-second decisions about whether runners should advance• Stolen bases significantly impact scoring opportunities when executed at a 75% success rate or higher, as demonstrated by Ohtani's remarkable 93.7% success rate in 2024• Every MLB baseball gets rubbed with special "magic mud" from a secret location in New Jersey to provide pitchers with better grip• MLB's authentication team has tagged over 10.5 million items with tamper-proof holograms since 2001, preserving everything from dirt to jersey patches• The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown houses over 40,000 artifacts in temperature-controlled vaults, most donated by players who know their items are safer thereSend us Fan Mail

Weird college courses have become legendary in our cultural mythology—but how strange do they really get? Grandpa Is Him takes you on a bewildering tour through academia's most eyebrow-raising offerings, from "The Philosophy of Star Trek" to "Thinking About Toilet Paper."After sharing his own unconventional education story—graduating college in 2020 alongside his oldest son due to COVID—Grandpa Is Him reveals a carefully curated list of 25 actual university courses that will make you question your tuition dollars. With his teenage grandchildren as guest reactors, he unpacks offerings like "The Art of Walking" (Center College), "Underwater Basket Weaving" (various schools), and "Cyber Porn and Society" (Cal State Northridge), delivering hilarious commentary on what these classes might entail and whether they have any practical value.Between fits of laughter, something unexpected emerges from this academic sideshow. When Grandpa Is Him asks his grandchildren which courses they find most intriguing, their thoughtful responses reveal how these unconventional classes often serve as creative frameworks for exploring legitimate academic subjects. His grandson Trenton astutely observes that courses like "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame" use popular culture as entry points to deeper concepts—perhaps these bizarre-sounding offerings aren't as frivolous as they initially seem.The episode wraps with a charming family discussion where the grandchildren imagine creating their own college courses, including one about navigating life as a left-handed person. Grandpa Is Him's knowledge shines through as he explains how such courses actually exist within interdisciplinary studies. Whether you're a current student, college graduate, or just someone who enjoys pondering the purpose of higher education, this episode will leave you questioning what truly makes a subject worthy of academic study—and maybe secretly wishing you could take "History of Surfing" for credit.Send us Fan Mail

Buckle up for a hilarious journey through America's strangest and most useless driving laws as we quiz you on which bizarre rules are fact versus fiction across all 50 states.• Blindfolded driving is illegal in Alabama, though singing opera behind the wheel is perfectly fine• Alaska prohibits transporting drunk passengers in taxis• In Arizona, driving in reverse on public streets is against the law• Arkansas bans honking near sandwich shops after 9pm - a remnant from drive-in restaurant days• California made it illegal to jump from vehicles traveling at 65mph• Florida requires payment for parking meters even when tying elephants to them• It's illegal to change clothes while driving in Delaware (with a hilarious story about a commuter getting dressed at 65mph)• Montana requires sheep to have a herder when transported in trucks• Tennessee prohibits shooting whales from moving vehicles (in a landlocked state)• Four states have five syllables in their names: Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and California (if mispronounced)Send your weird or outdated driving laws to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an upcoming listener law segment!Send us Fan Mail

What do a singing plastic fish, a rock in a box, and a blanket with sleeves have in common? They all made their creators millions of dollars despite seemingly ridiculous premises. In this fascinating exploration of unlikely product success stories, we take you through 25 bizarre inventions that defied all logic yet struck gold in the marketplace.From Big Mouth Billy Bass (the animatronic singing fish) to Gary Dahl's Pet Rock that earned $15 million in just six months by literally selling ordinary stones with "care instructions," we delve into how these quirky products captured public imagination. The Snuggie—essentially just a wearable blanket—generated over $200 million through infomercials that became cultural touchpoints themselves. Remember Tamagotchis? These digital pets that required constant attention sold over 70 million units worldwide, proving sometimes the most peculiar ideas resonate most strongly.The journey continues with products both nostalgic and head-scratching: Beanie Babies that generated billions as collectibles, Silly Putty that started as a failed rubber substitute, and even novelties like Doggles (protective eyewear for dogs) and dog wigs that somehow found enthusiastic markets. We also explore digital-age oddities like the iFart app ($400,000 in sales) and the Million Dollar Homepage, where Alex Tew sold pixels for $1 each and earned exactly what the name promised—in just one year.What makes these strange products succeed when so many sensible innovations fail? Maybe there's a lesson here about human psychology, clever marketing, or just the unpredictable nature of what catches our collective fancy. Listen now and discover how sometimes the weirdest ideas make the most money. Who knows—maybe your own million-dollar idea is sitting right under your nose, waiting to defy all logic and strike gold!Send us Fan Mail

In this engaging and mouth-watering episode,  we explore the fascinating world of smoking and grilling meats, guided by the expertise of our guest, Michael Waller. Listeners will appreciate the distinctions between grilling and barbecuing, illuminating how each method contributes to the deliciousness of our favorite meats. The conversation kicks off with cherished family memories of Thanksgiving, grounding our culinary pursuits in the love of food shared among generations. Throughout the episode, we shed light on the Maillard reaction, a pivotal process behind the golden crust found on cooked meats that enhances flavor and aroma. Michael shares his hands-on experience and essential tips, helping listeners utilize tools that enhance their barbecue game, potentially transforming novice cooks into confident pitmasters. We dive deep into the importance of temperature control, discussing common challenges faced during cooking and offering practical solutions to ensure juiciness in every bite. This episode is not only informative but also emphasizes the emotional connections we forge through cooking, as we encourage listeners to bring their families together over warm, hearty meals. If you’re ready to take your grilling skills to the next level while embracing the cozy traditions of family gatherings, subscribe, share, and leave us a review! Join the conversation and share your cherished cooking stories as we continue our journey through the delicious landscape of barbecue culture.Send us Fan Mail

There wee some audio problems with the original release so here is release 2.Ever wondered why we say "paint the town red"? Step back in time to 1837 and join us as we unravel the thrilling escapade of the Marquis of Waterford, whose mischievous antics gave birth to this colorful expression. From wild night stories to hangover cures, we explore the quirky history of idioms like "hair of the dog," offering a humorous glimpse into how old remedies play into modern-day life. My grandson Blake’s unexpected encounter with an empty cannabis box prompts a personal reflection on the discoveries that shape my podcast's journey and broader life perspectives.Switching gears to a more serious note, idioms like "read the riot act" and "mad as a hatter" lead us into a vital conversation about gun safety. As a trained firearm safety instructor, I share a real-life account of Blake's commendable actions in a tense situation involving a supposed firearm, underscoring the challenges of teaching and enforcing safety rules. Discover how a child's responsible behavior can spark unexpected responses from others, and join me in appreciating the lighter side of life—as I've found solace in cooking shows amidst the intensity of true crime narratives.Send us Fan Mail

The last episode with DnD content.This episode happened when I found that I had most of the family DnD players in one place, at one time, and some recording equipment. The neat thing is that EVERYONE from 9 to 64 years of age enjoyed the time together.There are a lot of technical problems but the content is so organic that it could not be improved, much.KeywordsDungeons and Dragons, podcast, role-playing games, family gaming, character development, D&D adventures, gaming experiences, tabletop games, humor in gaming, group dynamics, Dungeons and Dragons, D&D gameplay, roleplaying games, tabletop gaming, character creation, DM tips, storytelling, social gaming, meta gaming, game mechanicsSummaryIn this episode of 'Grandpa is Him', host Lynn Dimick engages with a group of Dungeons and Dragons players, exploring their personal experiences, the formation of their gaming group, and the humorous moments that arise during their adventures. The conversation delves into what makes D&D enjoyable, the dynamics of character development, and the challenges of navigating the game's rules as both players and Dungeon Masters. In this engaging conversation about Dungeons and Dragons, the speakers delve into various aspects of gameplay, including the dynamics of playing, navigating rules, and the social elements that make D&D enjoyable. They share personal experiences, character creation tips, and the impact of D&D on storytelling and history. The discussion also touches on challenges like meta gaming and the importance of flexibility as a DM, concluding with a light-hearted take on puzzles and challenges within the game.TakeawaysMaking a podcast is akin to cooking, requiring creativity and adjustments.Dungeons and Dragons serves as a great way for family bonding.Players are encouraged to use their imagination beyond traditional board game limits.The fun in D&D often comes from unexpected and humorous moments.Character development is crucial for engaging gameplay.The versatility of D&D allows for countless player options and strategies.Role-playing can be a mix of projecting oneself and creating a unique character.Navigating the rules can be challenging, especially for new players.The dynamics of being a Dungeon Master can greatly influence the game experience.D&D fosters creativity and collaboration among players. D&D gameplay is dynamic and often requires improvisation.Understanding the rules is essential, but flexibility is key.The social aspect of D&D enhances the overall experience.Creating unique characters adds depth to the game.D&D can change perspectives on storytelling and history.Learning from experienced DMs can improve gameplay.Meta gaming can complicate the experience for players and DMs alike.Puzzles and challenges can add fun and complexity to sessions.Engaging with friends in D&D fosters creativity and collaboration.D&D clubs in schools can provide a supportive community for players.TitlesCooking Up a Podcast: The D&D ExperienceMeet the Adventurers: A Family D&D GatheringThe Origins of Our D&D GroupLaughter and Lessons: D&D MisadventuresSound Bites"Making a podcast is a lot like cooking.""You can kind of do whatever you can imagine.""I like killing my enemies, that's really fun.""It's very versatile.""You have to think how the character does.""There are times you don't like the character.""You just attack them, you're like, I attack!""Every round around the table is Send us Fan Mail

This interview with Ben Dimick dives into the world of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), presenting it as an interactive storytelling experience rather than just a game. Ben defines the roles of players and the Dungeon Master (DM), emphasizing the importance of player agency and collaboration over competition. He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming challenges like metagaming while maintaining player engagement. Practical tips include fostering character development and creating opportunities for each player to shine, along with the significance of backstory collaboration to enrich the narrative. Ben discusses tools for organizing campaigns and stresses open communication to enhance the gaming experience. Ultimately, he champions a fun, adaptable, and cooperative approach to D&D, encouraging players to focus on the journey rather than rigid rules.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode I interview three of our grandchildren. William, 7, Paige 6, and Connor 3.Ask a crazy question and get a crazy/unexpected answer.I hope that they enjoy it!Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we dig into the investigative tools used to search for suspects for the January 6th riots. We uncover some concerning tools, identify some serious concerns, and help you decide if this is a real concern or another conspiracy.Keywordsmicrocast, policing, January 6th, surveillance technology, privacy, facial recognition, Clearview AI, geolocation, geofencing, law enforcementSummaryIn this episode of 'Grandpa is Him', host Lynn Dimick discusses the implications of surveillance technology in law enforcement, particularly in the context of the January 6th Capitol riot. The conversation explores the differences in policing between the U.S. and the UK, the role of facial recognition technology like Clearview AI, and the ethical concerns surrounding geolocation data collection. Dimick emphasizes the need for a balance between security measures and the protection of individual privacy rights, highlighting ongoing debates about the legality and morality of these technologies. TakeawaysThe microcast focuses on personal experiences and societal issues.Policing shows often dramatize real-life events for viewership.January 6th is a significant date in American history.Surveillance technology has evolved significantly post-January 6th.Clearview AI collects images without user consent, raising privacy concerns.Facial recognition technology is not always accurate, especially for marginalized groups.Geofencing can track individuals' locations, raising privacy issues. Legal implications of surveillance technology are still being debated.The balance between security and privacy is a critical issue for society.Ongoing dialogue is essential to protect civil liberties.Sound Bites"This is just for our little piece of the world.""January 6th has edged itself onto American history.""Clearview AI has more than 30 billion images.""Facial recognition is not as accurate as they say.""Geofencing raises big questions about privacy."Send us Fan Mail

In this special release we listen to the Christmas Devotional presented by the Sunset Beach Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. This one hour long performance was written and directed by Karen DimickSong- “Let the Stable Still Astonish”- Stake ChoirSoloist- Kate EnsleyCellist- Isla MadsenSong- “Born is the Light of the World”- Stake ChoirBy Sally DeFord Song- “Come, Lord Jesus”- Children’s Choir Song- “Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella” Children’s Choir w/ Huntington Beach and Golden West Ward Choirs Song- “Gaudeamus Hodie”- Combined Choirs Percussionists- Spencer McDearmon, Daniel Andrews & Brooklynn Schautzmann Song- “Christmas Bells Are Ringing” -Stake Choir By Robert P. ManookinSong- “Christmas is a Time of Joy”- Stake Choir & Congregation Arranged by A. Laurence LyonSong- “Two Noels” –Pogue, Smith and McCready Families With percussionists Arranged by Noel Goemanne- Reading- “Nativity Story”- By Christine King Song- “Coventry Carol”- Stringed Ensemble- Kirk Howe, Ben Hamatake, Mackenzie Guy and Melanie Pogue Arranged by Melanie Pogue Song- “All Because of Him”- Youth Choir By Shawna Edwards                                                                                            Song- “A Christmas Blessing”- Magnolia Ward Choir Words- Pamela Stewart, Music- Lloyd Larson Song- Silent Night Medley- Youth Choir & Congregation Arranged by Scirocco ToelupeSong- “Let the Stable Still Astonish”- Reprise- SoloSong- “Halleluiah Chorus”- Choir and Congregation- Lead by Cindy Torgersen, Accompanied by Julie Matthews By George Frideric HandelStake Music Coordinator and Adult Choir Director: Karen DimickAdult Choir Accompanist & String Director- Melanie PogueYouth Choir Director: Meaalii ToelupeYouth Choir Accompanist- Scirocco ToelupeChildren’s Choir Director- Stephanie Phillips with Karen LockhartChildren’s Choir Accompanist- Jennifer Guy & Cindy TorgersonPercussion Director- Spencer McDearmon & Melanie PogueCombined Ward Choirs Director- Ginny GarrMagnolia Choir Director- Pat HuttnerMagnolia Choir Accompanist- Carmen EastonPrimary Children Narration- Wynn Nesser, Eliza Lockhart & Nova KeelFamily with Child- Janette Anderson, Ty & Freddy CrowtherChoir Participants: Aldon Thompson, Holly Payne, Marie Mizokami,Ander McDearmon, Holly Thompson, Marissa Jackson, Anita Flint, Isla Madsen, Mark Goode, Anthony Munoz, James McCready, Mark Lockhart, April Goode, Janette Jones, Nam Binh Hamatake, Ben Hamatake, Jim Jones, Nova Keel, Bob Staley, JoAnn Pace, Pat Huttner, Brooklyn Guy, John McCready, Paxton Lockhart, Carmen McCready, Julie Matthews, Penelope Strickland, Christian Pogue, Juliet Guy, Rory Keel, Cindy Torgerson, Kathy Staley, Ruby Flint, Cory Wheeler, Khai Minh Nguyen, Sadie Smith, Danny Johnson, Kirsten Keel, Scotty Smith, Diego McCready, Leland Pace, Simeon McDearmon, Eden Pogue, Linda Grow, Spencer McDearmon, Eliza Lockhart, Lyn Montes, Stephanie Smith, Elliott Flint, Lynn Dimick, Sydnie Smith, Ginny Garr, Macey Flint, West McDearmon, Greg Miller, Mackenzie Guy, Wynn Neser, Henry Pogue Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Grandpa is Him, I delve into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on podcasting. I share my experiences using tools like ChatGPT for idea generation and content creation, discussing both their benefits and limitations. A conversation with Max Foster, an AI avatar, reveals AI's influence across sectors and ethical concerns, particularly for younger audiences. I stress the importance of critical thinking when engaging with AI-generated content and share anecdotes highlighting potential inaccuracies. ChatGPT is caught in a series of LIE.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of 'Grandpa is Him', host Lynn Dimick explores the world of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) with guests Daniel and Brandon. They discuss the evolution of the game, their personal experiences as players, and the dynamics of character creation and group interactions. The conversation highlights the importance of camaraderie, creativity, and the joy of playing D&D as a family activity. The guests share valuable advice for newcomers to the game, emphasizing the need for patience and openness in the learning process.takeawaysDungeons and Dragons has evolved significantly over the years.The game fosters creativity and imagination among players.Character creation offers endless possibilities with trillions of combinations.Group dynamics can greatly affect gameplay and character interactions.New players should not be afraid to ask questions and learn at their own pace.D&D can be a fun family activity that creates lasting memories.It's important to balance combat and exploration in gameplay.Players often develop deep connections with their characters and the story.Feedback from players can enhance the overall gaming experience.D&D is accessible to everyone, not just niche groups.Sound Bites"We were there to play Dungeons and Dragons.""You have to give D&D a chance.""The game is complex.""Don't be embarrassed.""It's not just a game for weirdos."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons03:03 Evolution of Dungeons and Dragons05:51 Player Perspectives on D&D11:57 Character Creation and Development17:58 Navigating Group Dynamics in D&D24:12 Advice for New PlayersSend us Fan Mail

This is a quick sample of what Grandpa Is Him will sound like. It is fun and family friendly. In this episode Lilly and Rozy share their part in naming this podcast.Send us Fan Mail