The Grandpa Channel: What Life Taught The Hard Way

The Blessing We Never Would Have Chosen What Is the Meaning of Life When Everything Changes? What is the meaning of life? It's a question many of us ask when life doesn't unfold the way we expected. For Karina Oshiro, that question became deeply personal when one of her parents went to prison while she was in her twenties. What could have defined her family as a tragedy ultimately became the beginning of healing, growth, and a completely different understanding of purpose. In this conversation with Rivers, Karina shares why she now looks back on that season with gratitude, how difficult experiences changed the direction of her life, and why some of our greatest blessings arrive in forms we never would have chosen. Together they explore what it means to build a meaningful life, trust the unexpected, and keep moving forward when the future looks nothing like the one you imagined. In this episode, you'll hear about: What is the meaning of life when everything changes? How to find purpose after unexpected hardship Why growth isn't linear Finding hope in difficult seasons Family, forgiveness, and resilience Taking risks even when the outcome is uncertain Learning to see possibility where you once saw loss The life lessons that only experience can teach One of Karina's lasting reminders is simple: "Growth isn't linear. Do the things that scare you. It may not look like what you thought it was going to look like, but it's worth risking." If you've ever wondered whether something painful could become the beginning of something meaningful, this conversation is for you.

The Night I Destroyed My Father's Station Wagon What My Dad Taught Me About Grace, Forgiveness, and Self-Control When Steve Harris was a teenager, he borrowed the family station wagon for a summer evening with friends. What started as an ordinary night ended with a destroyed engine, a junked car, and a lesson he would carry for the rest of his life. In this heartfelt Father's Day episode of Grandpa Channel, Rivers shares a story about his father, Lou Harris, whose response to a costly mistake revealed the power of patience, forgiveness, and quiet strength. More than fifty years later, Steve still remembers that moonlit summer night. Not because of the car he ruined, but because of the grace his father showed when he had every reason to be angry. This episode explores: Fatherhood and the lasting influence of dads Forgiveness and second chances Parenting with patience and self-control Family relationships and life lessons How grace shapes the people we love Why our mistakes don't have to define our stories Sometimes the lessons that stay with us longest aren't the ones we're taught. They're the ones we're shown.

Thirty-four years ago, my wife and I received surprising news: we were expecting triplets. What followed was one of the most exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and memorable seasons of our lives. In this solo episode, I share stories from those early years of raising triplets, including sleepless nights, the legendary "car seat theater" survival strategy, and the countless people who helped our family along the way. Looking back, what stands out most isn't the chaos. It's the kindness. The friend who shared an idea. The family member who stepped in to help. The people who made a difficult season just a little easier. Sometimes the most important life lessons aren't learned in dramatic moments. They're learned through the quiet generosity of ordinary people. In this episode: What it's really like raising triplets The challenges and joys of parenting multiples Why community matters during difficult seasons A simple parenting survival trick called "car seat theater" The people who helped shape our family's story Lessons about gratitude, family, and receiving help If you've ever been through a season that felt overwhelming, this episode is a reminder that we rarely make it through alone. Grandpa Channel Grandpa Channel explores one question: What did life teach you the hard way? Each week, Rivers sits down with thoughtful guests - and occasionally shares personal stories - about the lessons that can only be learned through experience. Because what a lifetime reveals can steady another. #parenting #raisingtriplets #familylife #lifelessons #gratitude #community #grandpachannel #storytelling #parenthood #familystories

Finding purpose in life through an unexpected setback. What do you do when life suddenly stops going according to plan? For Mike Allen, a difficult season at work sparked a deeper conversation about purpose, self-worth, family, and what really matters. What initially felt like fear turned out to be something else entirely: a question of worthiness. In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Mike shares how uncertainty became an unexpected invitation to step back, reevaluate, and ask bigger questions about the life he was building. Together, we explore what it means to find purpose in life when the future feels unclear, why life's setbacks often teach us the most important lessons, and how some of our deepest beliefs remain hidden until circumstances bring them to the surface. In this episode: What looked like fear was really a question of worthiness How a career setback became an opportunity for reflection Why self-worth quietly shapes the decisions we make How to find purpose in your life during uncertain seasons The importance of asking, What really matters? What difficult moments can teach us about family, identity, and meaning Why some of life's most important lessons arrive disguised as setbacks Questions We Explore What is the purpose in life? How do you find purpose in your life when everything feels uncertain? Why is life so hard sometimes? How does self-worth affect the choices we make? What can setbacks teach us about what matters most? How do difficult seasons help us discover meaning in life? If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain about your direction, or questioned your worth, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that clarity often arrives in unexpected ways. Because sometimes what looks like fear on the surface is really a question of worthiness underneath. Connect with Mike Allen: https://www.thelightinus.org https://hearebros.com/ Grandpa Channel Capturing what life teaches the hard way - before it's too late.

Jenny Richards is a Juilliard-trained pianist, mother of four, and hospital chaplain whose life took an unexpected turn toward spiritual care after profound personal loss. In this conversation, Jenny reflects on what life taught her the hard way after losing her youngest sister to suicide, working with oncology patients, and learning that some of life’s deepest questions never fully resolve. Together, Rivers and Jenny explore: why this life is so hard sometimes what is the meaning to life when suffering interrupts everything how to find purpose in your life without having all the answers where can I find God in grief and uncertainty what it means to stay present with pain instead of trying to fix it faith, ambiguity, and learning to trust God without certainty why “it’s better to be loving than to be right” the sacred pause and what silence can teach us how suffering changes the way we see beauty, joy, and being alive Jenny also shares her experience working with cancer patients, the lessons chaplaincy has taught her about human connection, and the quiet realization that perhaps meaning is not something we fully solve, but something we live inside together. If you’ve ever wrestled with existential questions, grief, faith, purpose, or feeling overwhelmed by life, this conversation will likely stay with you. Subscribe to The Grandpa Channel for more conversations about what life teaches us the hard way.

What is the meaning to life? For Rivers, the answer showed up unexpectedly one Saturday morning on the way to his grandsons’ football games. A man sitting cross-legged on the side of the road. A cardboard sign that read: “Anything would help.” A quiet prompting that felt inconvenient to follow. And a simple phrase that turned a passing interaction into something difficult to forget: “Thanks, family.” In this reflective solo episode, Rivers wrestles honestly with hypocrisy, compassion, faith, and the tension many of us feel when confronted with human need. Not from a place of certainty or moral superiority, but from the perspective of someone still learning how to see people more clearly. This conversation explores: Why the small moments often reveal the biggest truths The quiet struggle between convenience and compassion What faith looks like in ordinary interruptions Why humility changes the way we see other people The idea that we may all be “fellow beggars” in one way or another How life’s meaning is often revealed through simple human encounters If you’ve ever wondered: What is the purpose in life? Why is life so hard? How does God speak to us? What does faith actually look like in everyday life? Where can meaning still be found in a noisy world? …this episode sits gently inside those questions instead of trying to rush past them. Memorable Line “We are family. He is my brother.” About Grandpa Channel Grandpa Channel is a storytelling podcast exploring one question: What did life teach you the hard way? Through reflective conversations and personal confessions, we gather the kind of wisdom that only time, loss, endurance, forgiveness, and faith can reveal. Because sometimes what a lifetime reveals can steady another.  

If you’ve ever found yourself asking what is the meaning to life—especially after things didn’t go the way you expected—this conversation with Kimball DeLaMare is one to sit with. Kimball shares what decades of experience have taught him about life, relationships, and the lessons that only come from living through hard things. There’s a moment where he reflects: “Taking the easy way has propelled me into the hard way… several different times.” And from there, the conversation opens up into something deeper. This episode explores: why is this life so hard sometimes how to find purpose in your life through experience what is the purpose in life when things don’t go as planned how the hard way can shape empathy, growth, and perspective over time This isn’t a conversation about having everything figured out. It’s about what begins to make sense after you’ve lived through enough to see things differently. If you’ve ever asked: what is the meaning to life how can I find purpose in life or why life feels harder than expected this is a conversation that stays with you. 🎧 Listen and reflect. Here's the next episode to listen to {Journal Link}  

In this episode: Wayne Allred reflects on a lifetime of experiences that changed how he sees himself, his purpose, and his relationship with God. What started as a quiet question—what is the meaning to life—became something more personal. Through failure, faith, and moments of clarity, he came to a realization that shaped everything that followed: That he matters. This conversation explores: what it means to feel seen by God how people wrestle with questions like will God love me where people begin when asking where can I find God how to find purpose in your life through lived experience what it looks like to trust there is a purpose of God for your life Continue the conversation: 📓 Until It Starts to Speak Back (Journal) 👉 [Link] 🎧 I Would Have Walked Right Past Him with Glen Nelson

Moments where you feel like you’re feeling stuck in life… or even feeling trapped by life you didn’t choose. And yet, something shifts when you realize: You don’t have to have everything figured out in advance. You can move forward anyway. This episode explores: what it means to loosen your grip when life feels uncertain how people learn to move through fear instead of waiting for it to disappear why some of the most meaningful changes come from things you never would have chosen and how to keep going when you don’t feel ready It’s not about pushing through meaning. It’s about discovering it—sometimes on the other side of the thing you were trying to avoid. If you want to sit with this a little longer… there’s a place to take it: 👉 [Journal Link] If this conversation stayed with you… there’s another one that continues it: 👉 Erin Allen Episode    More from Emily Orton: Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week *No experience required—and yes, you’ll take the helm. *Not a party charter. Not a certification course. *Small-group, hands-on sailing experience that’s been called the “unicorn of sailing trips.” See if it’s your kind of adventure:   https://www.theawesomefactory.nyc/sailing Book: Seven At Sea 

There are moments where nothing feels obviously wrong… until something shifts how you see it. In this conversation, John Brasher reflects on the kind of experiences that don’t seem big at the time—but end up changing your perspective years later. A small decision as a kid. A moment where trust was broken. A realization that integrity might be broader than you thought. These are the kinds of life lessons that don’t come from being told what to do. They come from living long enough to see things differently. And over time, they start to shape bigger questions: What makes relationships successful? Why is family important in ways you don’t always notice at first? How do you become a better person without even realizing it’s happening? What does it actually look like to be honest with yourself? This isn’t a conversation that tries to answer those directly. But it might leave you seeing your own life a little differently. If you want to stay with this a little longer… there’s a place to take it: 👉 [Journal Link – Until It Starts to Speak Back] If this made you think differently about how people change… there’s another conversation that continues that idea: 👉 Glenn Nelson Episode

What does life teach you the hard way about suffering… and about hope? Why is life so hard sometimes—and what does it actually mean? In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers sits down with musician and artist Donovan Taylor to talk about mental health, resilience, and how people begin to find meaning in life through lived experience. Donovan shares his journey through years of severe mental illness, including a suicide attempt that became a defining turning point in his life. What followed wasn’t a quick recovery, but a long and difficult process of rebuilding—through therapy, faith, creativity, and the support of others. At the center of this conversation is a powerful idea: that some of the most painful experiences in life can expand our capacity for empathy, connection, and purpose in ways nothing else can. For anyone who has ever wondered what is the meaning of life, how to find your purpose in life, or how to keep going when life feels overwhelming—this conversation offers something more grounded than answers. It offers perspective. In this episode: • What mental illness taught him about pain, identity, and healing • Why suffering can create a deeper capacity to understand others • The idea of becoming “unbreakable” — and what that really means • How creativity became a pathway to healing and expression • The role of faith, humility, and guidance in rebuilding a life • Why hope — even a small amount — can change everything • The story behind the George Washington Bridge as a symbol of transformation A few moments that stay: “you’ve kind of been to hell and back… and it changes how you see people” “there is absolutely hope… even if it’s just a small light” “the word that keeps coming back is… unbreakable” About The Grandpa Channel: Stories about what life teaches the hard way—exploring what is the meaning of life through real conversations, lived experience, and the quiet process of making sense of it all over time. Where to find Donovan: Instagram: @donovantaylormusic Album: Beatitude (available on all streaming platforms)

What did life teach you the hard way about fear… and about trust? How do you find your purpose in life—and what is the meaning to life when everything changes? In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers sits down with Erin Allen for a conversation that moves through disruption, deep loss, and the kind of faith that is forged in experience. Erin shares the story of being prompted to face one of her greatest fears—skydiving—and how that moment became preparation for something far more difficult: the loss of her sister. What follows is not a conversation about easy answers. It’s about what it feels like to move through grief without turning away… and to discover peace in places that should have only held pain. For anyone who has ever wondered how to find your purpose in life or what is the meaning to life in the middle of loss, this conversation offers something quieter than answers. It offers perspective. This episode explores: • Why growth often begins at the edge of fear • The difference between believing something and experiencing it • Grief as something we move forward with, not move on from • How love can transform even the darkest places • The connection between our hardest experiences and our purpose • What it means to become, rather than just overcome Key Takeaways: Fear often marks the doorway to transformation Some lessons can only be learned through lived experience God’s preparation rarely looks logical in the moment Grief, when faced fully, can deepen connection rather than isolate Our deepest pain is often tied to our greatest purpose Peace is not the absence of difficulty—it’s presence within it Quote from the Episode: “Erin, I need you fearless.” About The Grandpa Channel: Stories about what life teaches the hard way—exploring how to find your purpose in life and what is the meaning to life through real conversations, lived experience, and the quiet process of making sense of it all over time. To learn more about the work & retreats that Erin & her husband offer: https://www.thelightinus.org/

What did life teach you the hard way about love? Why is life so hard when trust is broken—and how do you learn to love again without certainty? In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers sits down with his close friend Art Brothers for a conversation that moves from childhood fractures to lasting commitment. Art reflects on growing up through his parents’ divorce and how it shaped his relationship with trust, commitment, and fear. He shares what it took to step into marriage despite uncertainty—and what 43 years of marriage have taught him since. The conversation expands into creativity, teaching, and the idea of “flow”—not as control, but as alignment. Art speaks about the role of humility, patience, and faith in finding that state, and why optimism can deepen with age rather than fade. For anyone who has ever wondered why is life so hard in relationships—or what is the meaning to life when trust has been broken—this conversation offers something more grounded than answers. It offers perspective. This is a conversation about: • What divorce does to a child’s view of commitment • Learning to love again without certainty • Why some decisions can’t be proven in advance • The difference between knowledge and wisdom • Creativity as a form of living, not just making • Flow as alignment with something greater • Why hope, when earned, becomes steadier over time Key Takeaways: Divorce isn’t a single event—it echoes Commitment often begins before confidence Some of the most important decisions come without guarantees Real teaching draws out insight rather than delivering it Flow is something we both practice and surrender to Optimism can grow stronger with age when rooted in faith Quote from the Episode: “You decide… and I’ll bless you.” About The Grandpa Channel: Stories about what life teaches the hard way—exploring why life is hard, what is the meaning to life, and how people slowly learn to trust, love, and make sense of it all over time.

What happens when the life you expected… doesn’t unfold the way you thought it would? Why is life so hard when nothing goes according to plan—and how do you find your footing when everything feels uncertain? In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Emily Snyder Burrup reflects on the moments that forced her to take full ownership of her life—from career pivots and long seasons of uncertainty to a defining realization in her mid-30s that no one else was responsible for her path. Her perspective is simple, but not easy: Own your life. Through stories of faith, relationships, and personal turning points, Emily shares what it looks like to stop waiting—for clarity, for permission, for someone else to step in—and instead take responsibility for your own direction. For anyone who has ever wondered how to find your purpose in life or what is the meaning to life when things don’t go as planned, this conversation offers something more grounded than advice. It offers perspective. This conversation explores: • Why “own your life” became a defining principle • The realization that no one cares about your life the way you have to • Navigating career changes, uncertainty, and multiple life chapters • A defining moment where faith and expectations came into conflict • Why staying too long in the wrong situations can quietly shape your life • The challenge of balancing personal responsibility with love and connection • Learning how to navigate change, awkwardness, and new environments • Why life isn’t one path—but many evolving chapters About The Grandpa Channel: Stories about what life teaches the hard way—exploring why life is hard, how to find your purpose in life, and what is the meaning to life through real conversations and lived experience. To learn more about Emily’s consulting work, reach out on Instagram: @synderem

What if the people you’ve overlooked had something to teach you? In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Glen Nelson reflects on the lessons life taught him the hard way—from growing up as a chronically ill child to realizing he didn’t have to stay where he started. After a life-altering experience with his daughter’s health, Glen began to question what really mattered—and shifted away from chasing things that no longer felt meaningful. But it’s his perspective on people that stays with you. Through simple, unexpected moments—a conversation at a bus stop, a stranger in a record store—he shares how easy it is to walk past someone without ever knowing who they are… and what changes when you don’t. This is a conversation about curiosity, connection, and learning to see people differently. In this episode: Growing up sick and discovering you can choose your environment The moment that changed what mattered most Why both younger and older generations feel invisible How small interactions turn into meaningful connections The story behind “I would have walked right past him” Letting go of judgment and becoming more curious Why relationships shape everything Recognizing guidance, faith, and unseen connection in everyday life

Some people leave behind stories. Others leave behind ways of doing things that continue shaping a home long after they’re gone. — In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, we’re sharing the voice of Daryl Hoole—author of The Art of Homemaking and someone known for the way she ran a home with intention, order, and consistency. But this isn’t a lesson on organization. It’s a glimpse into how she thought. — Through a series of simple, repeated phrases, you begin to hear something deeper: A belief in preparation A respect for small, daily habits A way of reducing overwhelm by bringing structure to what’s in front of you — “Put the house to bed before you go to bed.” “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” “Put the pressure on paper, not on your mind.” — These aren’t just tips. They’re reflections of a life lived with attention. — Daryl didn’t just teach these ideas. She embodied them. And over time, they became part of the way her family—and many others—moved through their own lives. — If you listen closely, this episode isn’t really about keeping a home. It’s about how someone chose to show up in the small things… every single day. — What a life reveals… can steady another.   Daryl Hoole is best known for her book, The Art of Homemaking. Her most recent book (she wrote 9 total!) is entitled, The Art of Aging Joyfully. She wrote this book at the age of 90. 

Some lives don’t unfold the way they were supposed to. Not because something went wrong but because something happened that changed everything. In this conversation, Bob Farewell reflects on the moments that shaped him over time from early patterns he didn’t question to the consequences that forced him to to a life that now looks nothing like what he once imagined. This is a story about addiction and recovery about selfishness and what it costs about family, loss, and becoming a caregiver in a way no one prepares for But more than that, it’s about what happens after. When life doesn’t return to normal and something quieter begins to take its place. Bob shares: – why most people’s stories go unheard – what it takes to recognize yourself honestly – how purpose can show up in places you wouldn’t choose – the reality of burnout, and what keeps you going – how faith, grief, and responsibility reshape a life over time – and what it means to become someone who encourages others This conversation doesn’t rush. It moves through the parts most people try to skip and stays long enough for something to settle. If you’ve ever wondered what stays with someone over a lifetime this is one of those stories.

Most people carry a quiet belief: If I work hard enough, plan carefully enough, and make the right decisions… life will go the way I expect it to. But life has a way of interrupting that. In this conversation, Jeff Taylor reflects on what it looked like to: Reach a long-held goal - and still feel unsettled Lose his career during the 2008 recession Rebuild without a clear roadmap Discover that what felt like disruption… was actually redirection This episode moves through the tension between: Control and surrender Chaos and structure Effort and what can’t be forced Jeff shares how some of the hardest seasons of his life became the very foundation he would draw from for decades - even when they felt like mistakes at the time. The conversation also explores: Why hindsight is often the only place clarity shows up What it means to let your life unfold instead of trying to manage every outcome The difference between helping someone… and taking away the very experiences that shape them How endurance - not speed - becomes the thing that carries you There’s no formula here. Just a life that, over time, revealed something most people don’t realize until later: You were never really in control… but that doesn’t mean you were off track.

There are moments that don’t look like much from the outside. Two feet. A small shift. A single second. And then everything changes. Rebecca Critchfield was a full-time skydiver for over a decade, with more than 7,000 jumps. One unexpected moment in the air resulted in a spinal cord injury that completely altered her life. In this conversation, she shares what it actually looks like to rebuild — not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. We talk about: What people get wrong about disability and fragility Learning how to ask for and receive help Grief, identity, and becoming someone new The quiet strength required to keep showing up Why community matters more than independence There’s no performance here. Just honesty, humor, and a perspective that stays with you. If something in this episode lands, pass it along to someone who might need it.

What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you expected? In this conversation, Bob Cupitt reflects on the “sliding door” moments that shaped his life — from choosing his own path early on, to leaving teaching, building a global career, parenting through challenge, and learning that the journey matters more than the outcome. He talks about what it means to tell people what they need to hear, why respect matters more than being liked, and how some of life’s most meaningful lessons come through parenting, mentoring, and simply paying attention to people. This episode is about: making unpopular but necessary decisions learning to focus on the process, not just the result supporting children without trying to control their path embracing who people are, especially when life gets complicated remembering that people buy from people — and connection still matters most A grounded conversation about character, growth, and the relationships that shape a life.

What happens when you spend your early life avoiding hard things… and then life drops you into the deep end? In this Confessions from Rivers episode, Steve shares a story from his early days as a young missionary in Finland—cold, homesick, and completely out of his depth. Hoping to survive the brutal winter (and maybe look a little more impressive in the process), he sets out to buy a Russian fur hat. There’s just one problem. It doesn’t fit. What follows is a moment equal parts humbling and hilarious—complete with language barriers, blunt sales clerks, and a realization that sticks. Beneath the humor is something deeper: what happens when life forces you to do hard things how we respond when we’re uncomfortable, exposed, or out of place and why, sometimes, the only thing left to do… is laugh This is a story about resilience, humility, and learning to take yourself a little less seriously. 🎙️ Confessions from Rivers — short reflections and stories from a life well lived. 👉 Listen in and ask yourself: What did life teach you the hard way?

Thick Skin & a Quick Wit — Consumer Bob’s Hard-Earned Wisdom A mentor once looked at Bob Hansen and said something he never forgot: “I thought you were better than that.” Bob was 20 years old. The moment stung. But it became one of the most important lessons of his life. Bob went on to spend 40 years as a television consumer advocate known to many in Southern California as Consumer Bob, helping everyday people stand up to unfair business practices. But the wisdom he shares in this conversation didn’t come from television. It came from mistakes. From empathy. From faith. And from decades spent listening closely to other people’s stories. One lesson he still believes today? There are two things you need in life: a thick skin and a quick wit. In this episode • The harsh critique that shaped Bob’s work ethic • What visiting a maximum security prison taught him about human nature • The moment that changed how he understood empathy • What he hopes his grandchildren remember most about his life • Why asking good questions is one of life’s most important skills • The simple philosophy he’s passed down to his children and grandchildren About The Grandpa Channel The Grandpa Channel is a storytelling project dedicated to capturing the wisdom life teaches the hard way. Each episode explores the moments that shape us — failure, forgiveness, faith, endurance, humor, and perspective earned over time. Our goal is simple: to preserve these stories before they disappear. Because what a lifetime reveals can steady another. Explore more stories or share your own at: www.thegrandpachannel.com If this story steadied you, consider sharing it with someone who might need it today.

At the world’s largest family history conference, RootsTech, we set up a small recording space and invited people to answer a simple but powerful question: What did life teach you the hard way? Three people stopped, sat down, and shared reflections from their lives. Angie Shumway shares how a devastating health crisis and a memory from her military service taught her the importance of taking the next step, even when the road feels impossible. Jeff Spencer reflects on growing up in poverty, learning resilience, and discovering that humility may be one of life’s greatest superpowers. Sharon Faith Welch shares a lesson about family, loss, and living intentionally so that we don’t carry regret for the moments we didn’t take. These are just a few of the voices we encountered on the RootsTech floor—reminders that wisdom often comes from the hardest experiences. In This Episode • Angie Shumway — Just take the next step • Jeff Spencer — Humility as a superpower • Sharon Faith Welch — Living without regret Share Your Story What did life teach you the hard way? You can record a short reflection for the Grandpa Channel archive here: Record Here Connect with Grandpa Channel Website Instagram Because what a lifetime reveals can steady another.  

In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers sits down with longtime family friend Tanya Martin — grandmother, former company president, watercolor beginner, and lifelong learner. Tanya shares what life taught her the hard way: “You made the best decision you could with what you knew.” Don’t ever back anyone into a corner — always give them a way out. Forgiveness is a choice. Be careful what you say about others — speak as if they could overhear. When life throws a wake at you, go slow and steady. From navigating divorce to leading 4,000 employees in human resources, Tanya learned how to handle conflict by asking better questions instead of reacting quickly. She opens up about colon cancer and chemotherapy, and how she survived it by focusing only on the next step — not the entire mountain. She shares moments of humor and humility: A sourdough cake disaster that turned into a lesson. Shoulder pads gone rogue. A staff meeting mishap she simply kept moving through. But at the heart of this episode is something deeper: Grace loosens the machinery of family life. Forgiveness frees the forgiver. And momentum — slow and steady — keeps the boat upright. If you’ve ever faced conflict, disappointment, illness, or just life’s unexpected wake, this episode is a reminder: You don’t have to eat the elephant all at once. Take the next bite. Keep going. Because what a lifetime reveals can steady another.  

The summer of 1972. A battered 1967 Oldsmobile station wagon. A teenage son who forgot to shift out of low gear. In this solo episode, Steve tells the story of the night he unknowingly destroyed the family car — and the way his father responded. No yelling. No shaming. No lifelong reminders. Just forgiveness. Through that moment, Steve began to understand something deeper about the nature of God — gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. In this episode: The story of the “thrown rods” and broken speedometer A father who modeled quiet restraint What it means to forgive quickly — and forget How we all “throw rods” in our own lives Why repentance and mercy matter The kind of God people see through us We all hope for a Father — earthly and Heavenly — who won’t blow sky high when we mess up. Pull up a chair.

In this moving and often hilarious conversation, Steve Harris (aka Rivers) welcomes Linda Childs, the local crossing guard who’s become a legend to the children (and parents!) she serves. Linda talks about how a “retirement job” turned into a calling—sharing powerful stories of kids who greet her, trust her, and even heal through her gentle presence. You'll hear about: The autistic boy who found his voice at her crosswalk Why she keeps a spreadsheet of every child’s name and birthday How she handles distracted drivers with grit and grace The emotional toll and incredible joy of being seen and showing up for others This is an episode about consistency, kindness, and what it really means to make a difference—without fanfare or filters. 👟 Whether you're a grandparent, a parent, or just someone who needs a reminder of the quiet heroes in our midst, don’t miss this one.

In this episode: – A trip to the ER becomes an unexpected spiritual moment – What “dropping dimes” really means—from sports to the sacred – Stories of Steve’s late father, and why he believes love lives on – How to recognize divine moments in everyday life – A reflection on faith, legacy, and the presence of God in hard times – A beautiful quote from Frederick Buechner on God's subtlety – Why Grandpa Steve believes in a God “in the thick of our day-to-day lives” 🔗 Mentioned in the episode: Planted Media – https://plantedmediaco.com (Use code “RIVERS” for a special discount) 📣 Share this with a friend, grandparent, or someone navigating loss and looking for meaning in the quiet moments.

Episode Overview In a culture obsessed with achievement, titles, and appearances, obituaries quietly tell a different story. In this deeply moving and surprisingly joyful conversation, Steve Harris welcomes Mary McGreevey, the woman behind the viral project Tips From Dead People, to talk about what thousands of obituaries have taught her about life, legacy, empathy, and meaning. Rather than focusing on famous people or polished lives, Mary highlights everyday individuals — complicated, funny, flawed humans — and shows why those stories resonate most. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why the best obituaries make you wish you’d known the person What really matters at the end of life (hint: it’s not resumes or awards) How reading obituaries can increase empathy — for others and ourselves Why sharing imperfections may be the most loving legacy for kids and grandkids The surprising healing power of honest storytelling during grief How grandpas (and grandmas) can use stories to connect across generations Why “zig‑zag lives” are not failures — they’re often the richest stories Memorable Moments & Ideas “The little things are the big things.” Why we’re all likely forgotten in three generations — and why that’s freeing The power of love/hate lists as a storytelling tool Why honest obituaries can be healthier for grief than polished tributes How stories create empathy across political, cultural, and generational lines About the Guest Mary McGreevey is a writer, speaker, and creator behind Tips From Dead People, where she shares powerful lessons from everyday obituaries. Her work has been featured in Reader’s Digest and beyond, and she speaks to organizations about individuality, empathy, and storytelling. Follow Mary: Instagram / TikTok: @tipsfromdeadpeople Mary's Substack\ Intro Video about Tips From Dead People About The Grandpa Channel The Grandpa Channel is a podcast about capturing the good stuff — stories, wisdom, humor, and hard‑won lessons worth passing down. Hosted by a real grandpa, it’s for kids, parents, and grandkids who believe stories matter because people matter. 📘 Free Resource: Steal Our Best Plays — 10 legacy‑level ideas to help grandpas show up in ways that matter 👉 www.thegrandpachannel.com/playbook Closing Thought If this episode made you laugh, cry, or rethink what really matters — share it with someone who needs a reminder that their story counts.

In today’s episode, Steve Harris takes the mic solo to tell a tale that’s as tender as it is ridiculous. It starts with a beloved baseball cap and ends in a hospital parking lot with a whole lot of love (and a little bit of vomit). Along the way, he reflects on marriage, parenthood, and the wild ride of discovering you’re having triplets. Whether you’re a Red Sox fan or just a fan of good stories, this one’s got all the ingredients: – Unexpected plot twist – A long-suffering but amazing wife – Humor that sneaks in the back door – A reminder that love shows up in the messiest moments 💡 Mentioned in this episode: Planted Media – Tell your life story on video The iconic Fenway Park The quiet heroism of a woman navigating a brutal pregnancy A tribute to the hats we lose and the memories we gain 👴 Leave a review, share it with a friend, or better yet, tell your favorite grandpa.

Some family traditions are planned. Others just happen. Most don’t feel important while you’re living them. Until years later, when you realize they became the memories everyone still talks about. In this special episode of the Grandpa Channel, we’re sharing a collection of stories that highlight how everyday family rituals turn into lasting family memories. You’ll hear about: A hand-built motorhome and Saturday morning Burger King runs Fireworks, popcorn, and the legendary Cul-de-Sac of Fire Diaries written for grandchildren not yet grown Thanksgiving sleepovers with oil paints and blank canvases Steak Sundays, Gramp Camp, and learning to spot the hand of God Mountain Man breakfasts that turn into lifelong traditions And a reminder that laughter might be one of the most important rituals of all These stories aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, repeating what matters, and creating spaces where connection can grow. Listen in, reflect on the traditions you inherited, and maybe start one of your own. Because what we repeat with love becomes what our families remember. Listen to the FULL Episodes here:  Wayne Samuelson, 035 The Grandpa Who Taught Me Hard Things Are Holy — A Masterclass in Grandparenting Through Love + Work Wayne Samuelson Brad Harris, 007 Grandparent Stories: McFluffies, Fireworks & Life Lessons with Brad Harris Dan Gibbons, 012 Family Legacy, Journals & Grandfather Wisdom | Dan Gibbons on Faith & Stories Steve Newton, 004 From Hamster Vomit Popsicles to Russian Missions: Connection Built with Love with Steve Newton Mollie Diamond, 024 Poison Pillow, Duddo & Snow Removal: How Grandpas Create Joy in the Small Things with Mollie Diamond Steve Grigg, 030 The Man Behind the Tater Tot: Legacy, Invention, and Grandpa Wisdom with Steve Grigg Dennis Bledsoe, 025 Family Legacy & Faith: How Grandpas Pass Down Resilience, Pioneer Stories, and Listening Paired with Curiosity with Dennis Bledsoe Lee Ann Meads, 022 One-on-One Time, Funny Nicknames, and Finding the Hand of God with Lee Ann Meads Stanley Lear, 021 Keep Smiling: Life Stories, Family Jokes & 94 Years of Wisdom with Stanley Lear I worked with Planted Media to capture my life story, and they made the whole thing easy, meaningful, and actually fun. They’ll handle the setup—you just show up and tell your story. Mention The Grandpa Channel for a nice little discount. Want to Steal Our Best Plays: 10 Ways To Powerfully Connect with Your Grandkids, get the free guide here!

This episode is a little different—and a little sacred. We’re launching The Hotline—a new way to capture the grit, glory, and heart of real-life grandpa stories. Each month, we’ll drop a prompt. You record your voice. We amplify it. To kick things off, Steve shares a recovered recording of his dad, Grandpa Lou, telling his own origin story: How he bribed a sergeant to get married Why Mormon boys made the best bartenders What $78 a month bought in 1950 And why food, faith, and family always fed more than just hunger This is what The Hotline is for—preserving the voices we love before they slip away. 🎤 Want to be part of it? Leave your story here! 🧡 Your story matters. And now, there’s a mic waiting.

In this raw and riveting episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve Harris sits down with longtime friend and honorary "Urban Huck Finn"—Mike Deraedt. Born and raised on the hard-edged Lower East Side of Detroit, Mike shares powerful stories of survival, loss, resilience, and unexpected transformation. From stealing hubcaps to studying calculus, bouncing at biker bars to teaching science, and surviving Vietnam to raising bright, capable kids—Mike’s life is a study in contrast. He opens up about trauma, redemption, and what it really means to take responsibility, no matter where you come from. Topics include: Growing up fast in Detroit’s toughest neighborhoods Losing his father at age 7 and navigating life solo Military service, trauma, and unexpected academic success How storytelling, honesty, and hard-won empathy shaped his legacy Advice for anyone navigating pain, parenthood, or prejudice 🔗 Want to record your own grandpa story or get featured? Visit plantedmediaco.com and tell them Rivers sent you.   Want to Steal our Best Plays? Get our Free Guide for 10 Ways to Connect Deeply with Your Grandkids here! 

What if the most meaningful stories at Christmastime came not from gift wrap, but from the raw honesty of children sitting on Santa’s lap? In this powerful and unexpected episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers (aka Steve Harris) welcomes a real-life Santa who shares the funny, spiritual, and deeply moving stories behind the red suit. From silly sibling rivalries to tear-stained notes from kids asking for peace at home instead of presents, Santa reflects on what he’s learned after decades of listening — really listening — to the hearts of children. We also explore: The surprising #1 thing kids ask for A haunting Christmas wish from an 11-year-old girl Santa’s journey from air traffic controller to spiritual mentor in red velvet What grandpas (and all of us) can do to bring magic and meaning back to modern life Why grandparenting isn’t just for family — and how to “grandpa where you’re planted” Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of what it means to see, hear, and lift each other. Let this episode fill you with wonder — and maybe change the way you think about Santa forever. 🎄 Merry Christmas — and may it last all year long.   Steal Our Best Plays: Get the Free Grandpa Channel Guide on How To Connect WIth Your Grandkids here!

What if your most meaningful Christmas gift came from a convicted felon? In this deeply personal episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve "Rivers" Harris recounts the unraveling of his life during the 2009 holiday season: financial collapse, family stress, deep spiritual discouragement—and the surprising moment of peace that arrived through a tattooed, soulful, gospel-loving inmate named Moses. This story is a powerful reminder that God sees us, loves us, and often sends help through the most unexpected people. You’ll hear about: The triplet car crash that triggered a shame spiral What volunteering in maximum security jail taught Steve about grace The most profound prayer he’s ever heard (and why he cried through the whole thing) The mysterious power of peace, even when it seems God is silent A special message of hope for this Christmas season PLUS: A shoutout to Planted Media for helping grandpas record their life stories on video — check them out at plantedmediaco.com and mention “Rivers” for a Grandpa Channel discount! STEAL OUR BEST PLAYS: 10 Ways to Powerfully Connect With Your Grandkids, Free guide here!

In this heartwarming and wisdom-packed episode, Rivers (Steve Harris) chats with Dr. Katherine Schlaerth—a  geriatrician& family physician, author, and grandmother of 21—about what it means to show up for your family across generations. Together they explore: How to stay healthy and active so your grandkids can climb all over you (literally) Why grandpas are powerful culture-keepers The surprising impact of rituals, letters, and language How faith, storytelling, and showing up build unshakeable legacies You’ll hear about Bones the skeleton, cousins camp, why letters still matter, and how grandpas transfer joy and lifelong passions through example. This one’s full of heart, humor, and helpful takeaways. Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Schlaerth’s book: The Way Our Bodies Age Planted Media video legacy services (use code RIVERS for a Grandpa Channel discount) Grab our free guide: Steal Our Best Plays- 10 Ways to Powerfully Connect with Your Grandkids  🎧 Listen, laugh, and leave a review!

What does it mean to be a joyful disciple as a grandpa? In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Rivers (aka Steve Harris) sits down with his longtime friend Brent Nielsen, a father of six, grandfather to 26, and world traveler with stories and wisdom to spare. Brent shares how he and his wife Marcia have stayed deeply connected to their growing family — even while living halfway across the world. From weekly mission calls from New Zealand to car ride storytelling marathons, you'll hear powerful insights on intentional grandparenting, legacy, and faith. They discuss: Building one-on-one relationships with 26 grandkids Grandparenting from abroad (and how Zoom became sacred ground) What he learned from family-centered cultures around the world How storytelling becomes a legacy Teaching faith through joy (and campfire songs) The advice he’d give his grandkids... and his own father If you're looking for real connection, spiritual grounding, and a few good laughs — this one’s for you.   Show Notes (with SEO & Keywords): Episode Highlights: [00:34] Rivers’ call to action to record your life story — and why your grandkids want your corny jokes and rugged voice on video [01:26] Meet Brent Nielsen: Grandpa to 26, friend for 50 years, and servant-leader in global church service Why “joyful discipleship” is the ultimate goal for family life and faith Parenting and grandparenting while living in New Zealand and the Philippines Maintaining relationships with grandkids across continents — and how a simple Monday ritual made all the difference The surprising impact of storytelling on long road trips (and how grandkids remember every detail) Why funny + faithful is Brent’s grandfathering sweet spot — and how campfire songs play a starring role Advice for grandpas: Follow grandma’s lead, stay joyful, and stay present What to say to a worried teen granddaughter in a chaotic world The power of missionary letters, personal traditions, and being a fountain of peace for the rising generation Key Takeaways: Grandfathers have unmatched influence through intentional connection Stories are your superpower — use them early and often Faith doesn’t have to be formal — let joy and fun lead the way Grandparenting is legacy-building in real time

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!

Bill Mansell — longtime neighbor, father, and grandfather — joins Steve (“Rivers”) on The Grandpa Channel for a beautiful conversation about what it truly means to be a grandparent in today’s world. From growing up knowing all four of his grandparents to now becoming the “older generation” himself, Bill shares stories full of humor, heart, and hope. He talks about the value of multi-generational homes, why being a peaceful grandparent matters, and how the real gift we give grandkids is simply showing up with love and presence. 💡 You'll hear: Why mundane moments with grandparents become magical The surprising thing Bill’s dad did every morning for him The lesson behind a “snowball fight” that destroyed a backyard Thoughts on sharing faith with grandkids — gently and authentically What he’d tell his 32-year-old self about parenthood, grandkids, and life Whether you're a grandparent, parent, or someone navigating family relationships — this one will leave you feeling seen, softened, and inspired. Steal Our Best Plays: 10 Powerful Ways to Connect With Your Grandkids

In this heartfelt and history-rich episode, Rivers (Steve Harris) interviews Kathy Nunn, a retired educator and author living in Melbourne, Australia. Kathy shares her journey from Wales to Papua New Guinea to Australia — and the beautiful creative project she completed with her grandson: co-authoring a book inspired by Welsh legends. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Kathy and her grandson co-wrote The Welsh Warrior’s Wonder Why everyday stories from your past matter more than you think A fascinating legend about Welsh explorers arriving in America before Columbus How to pass down ancestral heritage through story and imagination The emotional ripple effect of engaged grandparenting Why “boring” memories are actually gold to your grandkids Whether you're a grandparent, a parent, or someone who values legacy, this episode is a warm invitation to capture and share the stories that connect us across generations. 👀 Mentioned in this episode: Kathy’s pen name: Ariane Wen Nunn The Mandan Tribe and Welsh coracles Kathy’s upcoming plan to write a book with her granddaughter, too And a whole lot of Grandpa Channel heart. Link to Kathy's Book she wrote with her grandson 📥 Want more ideas to connect with your grandkids? Download our free guide: “Steal Our Best Plays: 10 Ways to Connect with Your Grandkids” —  🎧 Listen now and be inspired to tell (or write!) your story.

This episode is your audio companion to our most popular resource: 👉 “Steal Our Best Plays: Top 10 Ways to Connect with Your Grandkids.” These aren’t made-up theories — they’re field-tested, story-backed plays from real grandpas (and grandmas!) who’ve shared their secrets on the show. Each “play” includes: A clip from a real Grandpa Channel guest A simple, repeatable action you can take A few twists to make it your own 🧠 Whether you're a brand-new grandpa or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away with fresh ideas, deeper purpose — and probably a few good laughs. 🛠 Download the full companion PDF here (You’ll get all 10 plays, step-by-step instructions, and a few hidden gems we didn’t have time to share.) Guests Included in today's episode: Mollie Diamond EP: 024, Brent Dial EP: 002, Wayne Samuelson EP: 035, Ken Walters EP: 034, Steve Newton EP: 004, Brian Golding EP: 018, LeeAnn Meads EP:022, Lee Crayk EP: 026, Ty Yagi EP: 013, & Dan Gibbons EP: 012

Welcome back to the Grandpa Channel — where grandpas share stories, grandkids get curious, and legacy lives on. In this special Thanksgiving episode, Rivers (Steve Harris) shares a deeply personal story — one that’s equal parts vulnerable, redemptive, and quietly powerful. Born with a cleft lip in 1955, Steve spent years undergoing surgeries and orthodontic work. But it wasn’t until a chance encounter during his mission in Finland — with a little girl on a cold October day — that all of his mother’s teachings about gratitude came flooding in. This episode isn’t just a story about scars or surgeries. It’s about emotional breakthroughs. The kind that reshape how we see the world — and our place in it. In this episode: How Steve’s mom taught him gratitude with relentless kindness His fear of learning a foreign language — and how he overcame it The exact moment he “melted into a pool of gratitude” A gentle challenge to reflect on your life’s turning points Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or simply someone reflecting on your own path — this story will stick with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, we’re joined by Russ Miller — master storyteller, retired accountant, cowboy at heart, and proud grandpa. Russ shares: What it was like growing up as a “feral child” in rural Utah His father’s incredible life as a world-renowned saddle maker (with clients like Robert Redford and Willie Nelson!) What it meant to grow up around rodeos, leatherwork, and cowboy values The legacy of “Wild Bill” Miller — his infamous saloon ride-in and connections to Butch Cassidy’s gang The difference between real grandpa stories and “cardboard cutouts” How trauma shaped generations — and why Russ never drank or smoked Life lessons he’d give to his 30-year-old self (and his grandkids today) His superpower as a grandpa — and his kryptonite too What to say when grandkids ask, “Is there still hope in the world?” A rich, tender, and often hilarious conversation about what it means to live, learn, and leave something behind.

In this special episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers (Steve Harris) is joined by bestselling author and grandmother of 39 (!) Bracha Goetz to talk about a topic that changes everything: gratitude. You’ll hear stories about: How Rivers’ own mom instilled an “attitude of gratitude” Bracha’s teenage search for meaning and how gratitude saved her from addiction The surprising Jewish root of the word “gratitude” Easy ways grandparents can nurture thankful, joyful kids (without preaching) Plus: 📚 The children’s book that helps eliminate entitlement — without a single “lesson.” 🧠 Why rewiring gratitude can start with one sticky-note, bedtime ritual, or Friday night question. This one’s tender, timeless, and full of ideas you’ll want to steal. Bracha's website: https://www.growingimpactpublications.com/ Books Mentioned: The Mother Who Always Said Yes & The Happiness Box

Episode Title: “I Never Heard My Grandfather's Voice — Now I Know Why That Matters” Guest: Mike Harding Host: Steve Harris Presented by: The Grandpa Channel In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Steve sits down with his friend Mike Harding to explore what it means to be a son, a father—and one day, a grandfather. Mike grew up never hearing the voices of his grandfathers. Raised in a large, devout, and disciplined family, Mike reflects on what was passed down, what was missing, and what he's determined not to repeat. He opens up about his father's toughness, the impact of emotional silence, and how recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous helped reshape his life and parenting style. They discuss: Growing up as the 7th of 9 children The pain and silence of never knowing your grandparents A father's love expressed the wrong way The complexities of grief and legacy Parenting with compassion instead of fear Setting new patterns through vulnerability and conversation The lifelong impact of mentorship and friendship And what Mike would say if he could speak with his dad again This episode is a heartfelt reminder that our stories matter—and that it's never too late to rewrite how the story ends. Whether you're a grandpa, a father, or simply trying to be better than the generation before, there's something here for you. 🎥 Mentioned in the intro: Record your story with Planted Media — https://plantedmediaco.com (Tell them Rivers sent you for a Grandpa Channel discount.)  

Guest: Doug Wadsworth — Utah native, Navy officer, devoted grandpa/great-grandpa. The early roots: Growing up near both sets of grandparents; linotype-operator grandpa at the Deseret News; hard-work DNA and Depression-era frugality. Service threads: Dad’s WWII Pacific stories; Doug’s own path through OCS and commissioning; what service taught him about people, truth, and leadership. The day everything changed: Doug’s son Dan falls through a garage ceiling—skull fractures, broken neck/back, becomes a paraplegic. The family response: immediate presence, hope, and practical faith. Resilience in motion: Dan’s adaptive three-wheel ascent to Delicate Arch—hundreds cheer as he raises his arms under the arch. Independence, pain management, and still teaching his kids how to wrench on cars. Grandpa plays that work: Show up ritual: Be at the games, the recitals, the rough days—and let them see you keep showing up. Cousins as a team: Monthly dinner tradition for married grandkids + spouses to keep the web strong. Model faith quietly, daily: Prayer in the home, consistent language of hope, and lived patterns that kids can copy under stress. Savor > sprint: “Slow down” and laugh more—don’t let repairs and busywork steal the moments. Superpowers & kryptonite: Superpower: Getting along while getting things done—truth with compassion. Kryptonite: Thinking you’re right too often (ask Joan!). Advice to 30-somethings: Make memories on purpose (camping, trips, projects). Invest in marriage and family—everything else fades. Sponsor shout: Recording your story is easier than you think—Doug-approved. Mention “Rivers” at Planted Media Co. for the Grandpa Channel discount. CTA: If this helped you, share it with one grandpa who needs a reminder to show up—and hit follow so we can bring one million grandpas into the huddle.

In today’s episode, Rivers sits down with the unstoppable + deeply devoted Kathy Healey — a grandma who made connection her superpower. Kathy reveals: how being able to show up (literally) became her legacy the insane story of holding her granddaughter’s hand through the NICU from hour one why most grandkids aren’t asking for lectures…they’re asking to be heard how to connect even when you live in different states why tiny consistent gestures (like a 60¢ stamp + a handwritten card) become magic later the #1 line Kathy wants every grandpa to tattoo on their brain: Shut. Up. And. Listen. This episode is funny, bold, and surprisingly tender. It will make you want to try harder — gently — without pressure. Key Takeaway: Grandkids don’t need a perfect grandpa. They need a present one. And the doorway to their heart opens when you quiet down long enough to hear theirs.   Link to Kathy's book: Nan's Alpahbet by Maryjane Spillane Record your life story with Planted Media Co

In today’s episode, Rivers sits down with longtime friend + retired pulmonologist Dr. Wayne Samuelson — to talk about the grandpas who shaped him, the lessons he learned while building a house side-by-side with his grandfather, and how he now shows up for his own eight grandkids. Inside this episode: how a Depression-era craftsman grandpa framed hard work as evidence of God’s love why grandkids don’t need “perfection” — they need presence the power of storytelling + shared projects what Wayne’s dad did that made his grandkids feel deeply seen how to hold legacy lightly (without pressure, guilt, or regret) the surprising thing Wayne would say to his younger self about career, life, and faith Key Takeaway: Legacy isn’t loud. Legacy is consistent. And the things you do with your grandkids now are the stories they’ll repeat for decades. Interested in recording your life story, but you don't want to deal with all the "techy stuff". Reach out to Planted Media Co & tell them Rivers sent you for a nice little Grandpa Channel Discount. 

In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers talks with guest Ken Walters — a 61-year-old grandpa with 12 grandkids spread across the country. Ken shares how endurance events (Ironman, ultras, biking) taught him the power of persistence, how to stay connected with grandkids you don’t live near, and why small check-ins & little moments will always beat big gestures. You’ll hear stories about recording messages mid-race, surprising his kids with last-minute flights, how he partners with his wife to grandparent as a team, and why he wants to be a fountain of peace in a world that feels heavy to kids today. In this episode: What endurance races teach you about grandparenting Tools for long-distance grandparent connection (FaceTime + tiny consistent touch points) Why presence > perfection for grandkids How tradition builds generational glue Why relationships have to come first — always The advice he’d give to his 31-year-old self Looking to record your life story on video without the hassel? Reach out to Planted Media Co & mention The Grandpa Channel for a nice little discount

In this warm, laughter-filled episode, Rivers (Steve Harris) sits down with Jen Blosil — musician, thinker, and self-proclaimed “lover of people” — to explore what makes relationships between grandparents and grandkids truly meaningful. Jen shares stories about her three very different grandfathers: a quiet priest, a gruff smoker with a soft spot, and a good man who didn’t always show it. Through humor and honesty, she reveals the truth that love is often spelled T-I-M-E. Together, Steve and Jen dive into: 🌿 The sacred power of presence and why showing up awkwardly is still showing up. 💛 How faith and family legacy shape who we become — even generations later. 🎶 What American Idol taught Jen about kindness, connection, and resilience. 🙏 How a simple prayer (“Who needs me here?”) can transform any conversation. 💬 The best questions a grandpa can ask — and how to follow up with heart. 💡 Practical ways grandpas can reconnect and make up for lost time (and why “take her to lunch” might be the best advice you’ll hear today). This conversation is funny, faith-filled, and surprisingly moving — a reminder that no matter your age, it’s never too late to connect, ask better questions, and love bigger. Check out Jen's music here! Check out Planted Media here!

What does it really mean to show up as a grandparent to an autistic grandchild? In this deeply thoughtful and practical episode, Steve Harris (aka “Rivers”) talks with Jennifer Kaufman, author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum and longtime principal of an autism-focused school. Jennifer shares insights from both her professional life and her personal experience as the grandmother of a child on the spectrum. This conversation is full of heart, wisdom, and practical tips for any grandparent—or anyone—wanting to love better. In this episode: How autism shaped Jennifer’s personal and professional world The importance of adjusting expectations as a grandparent How Jennifer’s husband built connection by simply showing up and staying present Common pitfalls (like going in “guns blazing”) and how to avoid them Why asking the parent is your best starting point Long-distance grandparenting ideas: Zoom, books, and just being available The #1 gift every autistic child should receive (you may be surprised!) What to do when traditions don’t match neurodivergent needs Why autism is not something to fix—but something we can grow to understand Bonus Mentions: Jennifer’s Book: Grandparenting on the Spectrum – available on Amazon Her website: grandparentingonthespectrum.com PSA: 93% of accidental deaths in children with autism involve water — consider giving autism-friendly swimming lessons.