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.

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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

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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!

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