Episodes

  • EP - 209 The Sweet Journey of Ricky Dickson

    EP - 209 The Sweet Journey of Ricky Dickson
    Nov 22 2024
    Cool Grandpa Ricky Dickson is joining me to discuss his experience as the CEO of Blue Bell Ice Cream and being a father and a very cool grandpa. Recently, Ricky published his book One Scoop At A Time, which is an excellent book about his time at Blue Bell, from writing a marketing paper for a school project to becoming CEO and guiding Blue Bell through one of its most challenging experiences. Ricky's book combines lessons of leadership, faith, and fun. We talk about how Ricky wrote this book to help tell his story and the story of Blue Bell and, maybe more importantly, as a legacy for his great-grandchildren. We discuss some of Ricky's personal stories, including a turning point in his career when he realized that God's purpose or role for Ricky was more important than a promotion. As a grandfather, Ricky also talks about the importance of one-on-one time with his grandchildren and the special moments they share. Some memorable moments involve ice cream and conversations about listening to God, prompting us about what he wants for us and our lives, and then listening to that prompting and following that message as best we can. As we wrap up our conversation, Ricky shares the 'go to' ice cream flavors that will make you the hit of any holiday or Christmas party you attend. Those flavors are , , and . Do yourself a favor and use one of the links below to check out Ricky's book, One Scoop At A Time. Even if you don't typically read business books, you will enjoy this one, as Ricky is open and honest about what was going on with his time at Blue Bell and with him personally. One of the cool things that you can do now if you live in an area that doesn't sell Blue Bell is order Blue Bell Ice Cream. I have put a direct link to their order page in the links below. Links Use this link to visit Ricky's website: You can check out One Scoop At A Time using this link: You can order Ricky's book from either of the links above, and you can also use this direct link to Amazon to order the book: If you would like to connect and follow Ricky on LinkedIn, you can use this link:
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    53 mins
  • EP - 208 Daddying: More Than Just Fatherhood

    EP - 208 Daddying: More Than Just Fatherhood
    Nov 15 2024
    Allan Shelin from DADvocacy Consulting Group (DCG) joins this week's conversation. We get to know Allan and his experience as both a father and grandfather. Allan also shares his work as a principal at an elementary school in New York City and as an advocate for education and now for Daddys everywhere. We discuss his philosophy on education, the creation of the National Elementary School Center, and the concept of 'daddy' as a nurturing process. We also discuss Allan's challenges in publishing his book on fatherhood. We talk about how great films can impact fostering father-child relationships. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with grandchildren. Allan outlines the qualities that children seek in their fathers and grandfathers. Our conversation concludes with insights on grandparenting's evolution and routine's significance in nurturing these relationships. We reflect on the evolution of fatherhood and the importance of relationships across generations. Allan discusses the role of grandfathers and the need for emotional presence. The conversation also highlights the Dadvocacy Consulting Group's mission to support fathers in becoming the dads they aspire to be, as well as insights gained from interviews with fathers about their experiences and challenges. Allan both encourages and challenges fathers to think about how they want to be perceived by their children and to take actionable steps toward that vision. Links Use this link to find out more about the DADvocay Consulting Group: If you would like to follow Allan and his group work on Facebook, Instagram, or X, you can use the links below: You can watch our conversation on YouTube by using this link:
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • EP - 207 Documenting Our Veteran's Stories

    EP - 207 Documenting Our Veteran's Stories
    Nov 8 2024
    Bob Abate is on a mission to listen to and capture the stories of WW II veterans from New York City and the surrounding area. We discuss Bob's memories of being a small boy when World War II ended and the celebrations that were going on around him that he didn't understand at the time but grew to appreciate as he grew older. Bob and I also talk about his early years going through the Naval Academy and his academic career after leaving the Navy. Bob started his passion for collecting veteran stories when he noticed that one individual who had been a heck of an athlete before going to Vietnam was not included in Manhattan University's Hall of Fame. That person is . Through the research and induction comments that Bob made, you are going to enjoy hearing the touching story of how Tyrone's daughter got to know her father, who died when she was just a baby. You will also enjoy hearing about Bob's effort and passion for getting the veterans to tell their stories without editing, polishing, or editorial comments. Their story is THEIR STORY, with all the good and the bad that come from raw memories and places in the heart that only they have known and experienced. Once you have listened to this conversation, I encourage you to share it with your friends and family who are interested in great stories and who might be interested in learning how to capture the memories of family and friends who have served this country. Links Here is Bob's email address should you wish to reach out to him: You can also use this link to hear another great conversation with Bob conducted by the Yonkers Public Library: . You can watch Bob's presentation at the Scarsdale Public Library using this link: .
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    52 mins
  • EP - 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection

    EP - 206 Grandparenting Wisdom: Tips for Connection
    Nov 1 2024
    This week's episode is our monthly one-on-one conversation. For our discussion, I have chosen to share a few questions and topics I recently had from grandparents. The first question concerns spoiling the grandchildren. Our second topic is the importance of knowing basic first aid and CPR, primarily pediatric CPR. The third topic is creating an enjoyable connection with the grandchildren as a Long-Distance Grandparent during Thanksgiving and the Holidays when you can not be there in person. I also share my thoughts about how we, as grandfathers, can help our grandchildren connect with the veterans in our families and honor veterans, both living and deceased, in our community. Links Here is the link to Dr. Kerry Byrne's The Long Distance Grandparent: Click on this link to investigate More Than Grand:
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    24 mins
  • EP - 205 Breaking Generational Cycles

    EP - 205 Breaking Generational Cycles
    Oct 25 2024
    Doug Morneau joins us for an engaging conversation. Doug shares his experiences and insights as a grandfather, discussing the importance of family relationships, the impact of technology, and the value of spending quality time with grandchildren. He reflects on his upbringing, the lessons learned, and how he aims to create a nurturing environment for his grandkids. Doug emphasizes the significance of community support and the role of faith in family life and offers practical advice for new grandfathers. Once you have listened to this conversation, be sure to share it with a friend who would enjoy this conversation and learning about building meaningful solid relationships with grandchildren. Links Use this link to check out Doug's website and business: . You can also use this link to get Doug's social media information. If you would like to reach out to Doug directly, you can use his email, which is: You can watch this episode on YouTube by using this link: Here is the link for the episode with Jim Padilla that we mentioned in this week's conversation:
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    51 mins
  • EP - 204 Cars and Grandpas

    EP - 204 Cars and Grandpas
    Oct 11 2024
    Michael Platt from Platt Motors sits down with us to share the remarkable story of his grandfather and the car business he started. You will enjoy hearing how Michael's grandfather started one of the earliest used car dealerships in New Jersey. Michael shares his earliest memories of going to auctions and seeing his father and grandfather work as direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale brokers. Michael and I talk about the nostalgic pull that cars can have with grandchildren remembering their grandparent's vehicles and how that nostalgia can contribute to people buying cars that remind them of their parents and grandparents. We also discussed which classic cars might be a little impractical with us older guys who want to use them for road trips. If you haven't already done so, please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast and YouTube channel. Also, remember to check out the Bookstore for cool merchandise that would make any cool grandpa happy. Links Use this link to check out Platt Motors: If you would like to reach out to Michale via LinkedIn, you can use this link:
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    44 mins
  • EP - 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa

    EP - 203 Being an Engaged Grandpa
    Oct 11 2024
    Andre Renna shares his experience as a grandfather with us. We learn about Andre's reaction to learning that he would become a grandpa for the first time and how he was very excited to meet his grandchildren. I ask Andre about being a grandfather in the same community as his children and grandchildren. Andre shares with us how being close to his grandchildren is a blessing, but at times, it can also be difficult. We learn about Andre's background growing up in Brooklyn, NY, with his extended family very close by and having that shared experience of living and growing up next to his grandparents. Andre and I also discussed his wonderful experience co-writing a book with his granddaughter. He shares with us the experience of his granddaughter creating the story while he was pushing her on a swing out in the park. You will also be inspired by Andre's involvement as a volunteer at his grandchildren's school. Andre actively acts as a role model and mentor to the children in the school's reading program. The boys in the school also connect with Andre when he assists in the school's cafeteria. He shares that his ability to build connections with the boys through sports and other activities they are interested in helps them and their teachers have better lines of communication and areas of interest outside of the classroom. You will enjoy hearing how Andre builds meaningful and lasting connections with his grandchildren. Once you have listened to this episode, remember to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. Remember to check out my Bookstore page for fun gifts for yourself or the Cool Grandpa in your life. Links Here is the email address to connect with Andre and order the book The Surprise Birthday Party: The Adventures of Aria and Ducky: awrenna@comcast.net You can check out the book at Amazon as well using this link: (if you order the book through Andre, using his email address, he can have the book signed for you)
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    49 mins
  • EP - 202 How We Can Support Moms

    EP - 202 How We Can Support Moms
    Oct 4 2024
    This is our second panel or round table discussion on The Cool Grandpa Podcast. I like to call these activities Cracker Barrels. I think I like that term because it is what we used in Scouts and because it is a fun nostalgic term for people getting together informally and sharing important and sometimes not-so-important information. We have four wonderful guests joining me to give their thoughts on how fathers and fathers-in-law can support moms. After all, the old adage that if mom isn't happy, no one is happy is more true than we might like to admit. This event's participants are Dr. Kerry Byrne, Lori Wynne, DeeDee More, and Amanda Weishar. I have known these awesome women for some time and have worked with Kerry and DeeDee on some grandparenting projects in the past. You will enjoy this fun conversation, and I encourage you to share it with other people who may be unsure about how to support their adult daughters and daughters-in-law. Links Use this link to access the More Than Grand website. DeeDee More's contact information is available on her website located at: You can learn more about Dr. Kerry Byrne's work on behalf of grandparents at The Long Distance Grandparent and join me in The Long Distance Grandparent Society (LDGS). You might also like to sign up for the Ideas Club. Regardless, the way to connect with Kerry is to start with this link: To connect with Lori and possibly grab a gift card for your wife, daughter, or daughter-in-law, check out Lori's website at You can check out this episode on YouTube by clicking on this link: One of the great books mentioned in our conversation is The Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations, . Amanda mentioned this excellent parenting book, Parenting: A House United: Changing Children's Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self-Government. You can check out Lori's father-in-law's YouTube channel by clicking on this link: (Be sure to 'Like and Subscribe' to the channel)
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    59 mins