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.

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