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  • Don't Fear AI: How Grandparents Can Use It to Strengthen Family Relationships EP 6

    Don't Fear AI: How Grandparents Can Use It to Strengthen Family Relationships EP 6
    2026/08/29
    Artificial intelligence can feel intimidating, especially if you're a grandparent who didn't grow up with it. But what if grandparents don't need to fear AI? What if it's simply another tool that can help them learn, create, communicate, and connect with their grandchildren? In this episode of The Grand Tribe Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Larsen, founder of Grandparents Academy, to explore the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence and what it means for today's grandparents. Aaron founded Grandparents Academy in 2011 after living with his grandmother and recognizing the unique power of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Since then, Grandparents Academy has served thousands of grandparents with education and resources designed to help them build meaningful relationships and rich family legacies. (Grandparents Academy) Aaron also brings nearly two decades of experience in digital marketing and business consulting. Today, he helps small businesses understand and use AI more effectively. That combination gives Aaron a particularly interesting perspective: How can grandparents use AI without allowing technology to replace the human connection that makes grandparenting so special? In this episode, Aaron and I explore: Why AI is less "new" than many people realize. How grandparents can take their first steps with AI. Why learning AI with a grandchild can actually become a relationship-building experience. Simple ways grandparents can use AI to brainstorm activities and ideas. How to use AI as a "kickstarter" rather than allowing it to do all the thinking. What grandparents should know about privacy and personal information. Why grandparents should be particularly careful with grandchildren's photos. The idea of creating a "digital treasure chest" of family stories and memories. How AI might eventually function as a kind of executive assistant for grandparents. How grandparents can use AI to maintain consistency in their relationships with grandchildren. How grandparents can talk with grandchildren about AI, honesty, integrity, and responsible technology use. Aaron's most important message may also be his simplest: If you're curious about AI, start experimenting. You don't have to become an expert. Ask a question. Try a tool. Ask a grandchild to show you how it works. Create something together. And then decide whether AI is something you want to incorporate into your life. Grandparents Academy Aaron founded Grandparents Academy in 2011. Its mission is to help grandparents build meaningful relationships and rich legacies with their loved ones. (Grandparents Academy) Grandparents Academy Grandparents Week Aaron discusses Grandparents Week as a free educational celebration featuring experts and resources for grandparents. The Grandparents Academy website currently lists registration for Grandparents Week 2026. (Grandparents Academy) Grandparents Week ChatGPT Aaron mentions ChatGPT as one tool grandparents can experiment with. Try ChatGPT Google Gemini Gemini can help with brainstorming, planning, summarizing information, and creating first drafts. Google also cautions that Gemini can make mistakes and recommends checking its responses. (Google Support) Google Gemini Microsoft Copilot Aaron also mentions Microsoft's Copilot. Microsoft currently offers Copilot for general questions, writing, brainstorming, image creation, and other tasks. (Microsoft Support) Microsoft Copilot GRAND Magazine celebrates the grandparent-grandchild relationship and provides inspiration, information, and practical resources for today's grandparents. GRAND Magazine presents the Grand Tribe Podcast. Join the Tribe. Get the Vibe. GRAND Magazine
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    48 分
  • When Your Child Cuts You Off: How to Navigate Family Estrangement with Dr. Joshua Coleman

    When Your Child Cuts You Off: How to Navigate Family Estrangement with Dr. Joshua Coleman
    2026/08/16
    When Your Child Cuts You Off: Finding Hope Through Family Estrangement Family relationships have changed dramatically across generations. For today's parents and grandparents, disagreements that previous generations might have considered ordinary family conflict can sometimes lead to prolonged distance—or complete estrangement. Dr. Joshua Coleman has spent decades studying and working with families experiencing these painful divisions. His perspective is informed not only by his professional experience but also by his own experience with estrangement and reconciliation. In this episode of The Grand Tribe Podcast, Greg Payne and Dr. Coleman focus particularly on what estrangement means for grandparents—and what grandparents can actually do when a relationship with an adult child begins to deteriorate. Recognizing the warning signs Coleman says estrangement needs to be taken seriously much earlier than many older parents and grandparents realize. A child becoming less available, withdrawing, failing to return calls or texts, or creating increasing distance can be signals that something needs attention. His advice isn't to defend yourself immediately. Instead, ask whether something has happened that caused the other person to need more space—and communicate that you're willing to listen, receive feedback, and work on yourself. The rules have changed. One of Coleman's central observations is that today's family relationships operate under different cultural expectations than those many Baby Boomers and Gen Xers experienced. Older generations may think: "We argued. So what?" But younger generations may interpret those same conflicts very differently. Coleman argues that parents and grandparents need to understand the language and expectations of the generation they're trying to remain connected to—including concepts such as boundaries, emotional safety, and mental health. Don't defend. Get curious. One of Coleman's most important pieces of advice is for parents to look for the "kernel, not the bushel of truth" in their adult child's complaints. Rather than explaining why the child is wrong, blaming a spouse or therapist, or listing everything the parent did correctly, Coleman recommends listening for what may actually be true in the child's experience. That doesn't require agreeing with every accusation. It requires curiosity, empathy, responsibility, and a willingness to change. What if you don't know why you're estranged? This is one of the most useful portions of the conversation for grandparents. Coleman describes what he calls the "flush them out of the bushes" letter—a letter that essentially says: I know you wouldn't have cut off contact unless you felt it was the healthiest thing for you. I don't completely understand what happened, but I recognize I may have blind spots. I'd like to understand what I've done or said that contributed to this distance. The goal isn't to win an argument. The goal is to make it safer for the other person to tell you the truth. When grandchildren are part of the estrangement For grandparents, losing an adult child can be devastating. Losing access to grandchildren can feel like a different kind of loss. Coleman explains that grandparents may be cut off from grandchildren even when the grandchildren themselves did not cause the conflict. He also discusses whether grandparents should continue sending birthday cards and gifts—and suggests that, if they have not been told to stop, continuing those expressions of love can sometimes be meaningful. He even suggests that some grandparents might keep a "treasure chest" of cards and gifts for grandchildren they may not be able to see, in case reconciliation eventually occurs—or as something the grandchildren can receive later. The hardest part: the waiting What happens when you've reached out, apologized, offered therapy, and respected boundaries—and then nothing happens? Coleman's answer is particularly important: Radical acceptance and hope are not opposites. He recommends keeping "one foot in radical acceptance and one foot in hope." Hope can remain. But life cannot be put on hold while you wait for reconciliation. Don't let estrangement become your entire identity Coleman recommends a 360-degree approach to emotional health during estrangement. Therapy can help, but so can exercise, meaningful activities, social relationships, work, hobbies, and other sources of identity and connection. Estrangement can attack a person's sense of who they are. That's why rebuilding the rest of life matters. Finding the right therapist Coleman makes an important distinction between finding a good therapist and finding a therapist who understands estrangement. He says the therapist needs to understand the unique power dynamics of an estranged parent-adult child relationship. In his view, traditional marriage-therapy models don't necessarily translate to estrangement ...
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    32 分
  • What Will Your Grandchildren Remember?

    What Will Your Grandchildren Remember?
    2026/08/07
    What Will You Leave in Your Grandchildren? Linda Eyre on Love, Legacy & Lasting Memories What if the greatest legacy you can leave your grandchildren isn't money, property, or possessions—but something they carry with them for the rest of their lives? In this episode of The Grand Tribe Podcast, Greg Payne sits down with renowned author and grandmother Linda Eyre for a warm, personal conversation about what it really means to build deep, lasting relationships with grandchildren. Linda and her husband, Richard Eyre, have raised nine children and now have 34 grandchildren. Their approach to grandparenting is anything but passive. Linda has spent decades intentionally creating experiences, traditions, stories, and relationships that help her grandchildren know where they came from—and know that they are deeply loved. From her famous Grammie Camps to multi-day adventures with small groups of grandchildren, Linda believes that the best way to build a relationship is to spend meaningful time together. And sometimes, that means taking four teenage granddaughters on a cruise. In this episode, Linda shares: Why she divides her grandchildren into small groups to give them focused, one-on-one attention. How a three-night cruise with four teenage granddaughters allowed her to really get to know them. What Grammie Camps are and why they've become such an important family tradition. How Linda uses music and art to introduce grandchildren to things she loves. Why family history can become a powerful source of identity and resilience. How she created a family tree that connects grandchildren to four generations of ancestors. Why stories about grandparents and great-grandparents can help children face their own difficult moments. How she and Richard approach their relationships with grandsons and granddaughters. Why she sees herself as the "land person" while Richard is the "lake person." How grandparents can support adult children when grandchildren have additional challenges. Why grandparents should keep loving grandchildren—even when they're going through difficult phases. How Linda approaches gifts and money without creating entitlement. Why she believes grandchildren should have "skin in the game." How grandparents can maintain meaningful relationships when grandchildren live across the country—or across the world. Why technology such as WhatsApp can actually strengthen long-distance grandparenting. The Legacy That Lives in Us One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Linda talks about the legacy she wants to leave her grandchildren. Rather than focusing primarily on what they will inherit financially, Linda wants them to inherit the things that mattered most to her: family stories, values, resilience, love, music, art, and a sense of connection to the people who came before them. She shares a story from her mother's life with a simple lesson: When you accomplish the impossible, it makes the next impossible thing easier. Richard's father had another family message that has become part of the Eyre family vocabulary: Love more. Linda says those messages become part of the grandchildren's "fiber." Grammie Camp: More Than an Activity Linda's Grammie Camps aren't really about keeping grandchildren entertained. They're about creating shared experiences that become part of family identity. She introduces grandchildren to classical music and great works of art, shares family stories, teaches them about their ancestors, and gives them opportunities to work together. The experiences don't have to be elaborate. The principle is simple: Spend enough meaningful time together that your grandchildren get to know you and you get to know them. Grandparents as a Different Kind of Adult Linda also talks about the unique role grandparents can play. Grandparents aren't parents. They don't have to manage every behavior or solve every problem. But they can be a safe place. Linda describes herself as someone grandchildren can come to when they're troubled. Her role isn't necessarily to fix everything. Sometimes it's simply to keep loving them. That becomes particularly important when grandchildren have challenges. Linda shares the story of a granddaughter with a rare genetic syndrome who has significant vision loss and other challenges. Her message to that granddaughter is simple: We're proud of you. We're thinking about you. We love you. Love More Perhaps the most fitting message to close this conversation is one Linda borrowed from Richard's father: Love more. When grandchildren struggle. When they disappoint us. When they are going through a difficult phase. When the relationship isn't easy. Love more. Because, as Linda puts it, that love can help a child's "little soul blossom." Resources & Further Reading Linda and Richard Eyre ValuesParenting — Linda & Richard Eyre Their work encompasses parenting, family relationships, and intentional grandparenting. Their books include Teaching Your ...
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    41 分
  • Preparing Grandchildren for a Changing World: Why Adaptation Is the New Legacy with: Harry R. Moody EP 3

    Preparing Grandchildren for a Changing World: Why Adaptation Is the New Legacy with: Harry R. Moody EP 3
    2026/07/25
    Preparing Grandchildren for a Changing World: Why Adaptation Is the New Legacy What if the greatest gift grandparents can leave isn't an inheritance—but the ability to adapt? In this inspiring episode of The Grand Tribe Podcast, Greg Payne welcomes renowned gerontologist, educator, and climate advocate Harry R. ("Rick") Moody for a conversation that goes far beyond climate change. Rather than focusing on fear, Rick offers something far more valuable: hope rooted in preparation. Throughout the conversation, one word keeps emerging: Adaptation. Rick believes today's grandchildren are growing up in a world that will change more rapidly than any previous generation has experienced. Whether those changes involve climate, technology, careers, health, or society itself, grandchildren won't need grandparents who can predict the future—they'll need grandparents who can teach them how to adapt to it. Together, Greg and Rick explore how grandparents can become some of the most important resilience-builders in a child's life. In this episode, you'll discover: Why adaptation may be the single most important life skill of the next generationThe difference between climate and weather—and why it mattersThe "Four Horsemen" that communities increasingly face: Fire Flood Heat Drought Why grandparents should model resilience instead of fearHow outdoor experiences teach flexibility and confidence Lessons from Scouting that every family can still apply todayWhy children need stories of hope—not constant headlines of despairThe surprising difference between information, knowledge, and wisdomWhy sharing our mistakes often teaches grandchildren more than sharing our successes Simple ways every grandparent can begin preparing grandchildren for an uncertain future One of the most powerful moments comes when Rick explains that wisdom isn't about having all the answers. It's about recognizing what we don't know—and helping younger generations develop the confidence to face whatever comes next. Whether the challenge is climate change, technological change, career changes, or unexpected life events, Rick reminds us that resilience can be learned. And grandparents are uniquely positioned to teach it. His final challenge to every member of the Grand Tribe couldn't be simpler: "You can do it." This conversation isn't really about climate. It's about preparing grandchildren to thrive—no matter what the future holds. Key Takeaways ✓ Adaptability is becoming the defining life skill of the twenty-first century. ✓ Grandparents teach resilience best through their actions. ✓ Nature remains one of the greatest classrooms for developing confidence. ✓ Wisdom comes from mistakes, not perfection. ✓ Hope grows when people believe they can take meaningful action. ✓ Every grandparent has the opportunity to leave a legacy of resilience. Links: Rick Moody's Substack: https://harrymoody.substack.com/ Sign up for GRAND Magazine and join the Grand Tribe: https://www.grandmagazine.com/ Check out the Grand Tribe YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@THEGRANDTRIBE Climate & Aging Project https://climateandaging.org/ Climate Change in an Aging Society Newsletter https://climateandaging.org/ American Society on Aging https://www.asaging.org/ Girl Scouts USA https://www.girlscouts.org/ Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) https://www.scouting.org/ Yosemite National Park https://www.nps.gov/yose/ Learn About Emergency Preparedness https://www.ready.gov/ Learn More About Climate Adaptation https://www.climate.gov/
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    45 分
  • The Science of Living Longer—and Better—with Dr. Roberta Shapiro

    The Science of Living Longer—and Better—with Dr. Roberta Shapiro
    2026/07/22
    Living Better, Not Just Longer

    What if the goal of longevity medicine isn't simply adding years to your life—but adding life to your years?

    On this episode of The Grand Tribe Podcast, Greg Payne welcomes Dr. Roberta Shapiro, Professor at Columbia University Medical Center, regenerative medicine specialist, and Chief Medical Officer of Crescel.

    Dr. Shapiro explains how regenerative medicine is changing the conversation around aging—from simply treating disease to improving mobility, independence, and quality of life. Together, they discuss stem cells, exosomes, biobotanical therapies, the future of wound healing, and why healthy aging begins with movement, nutrition, and meaningful relationships.

    Whether you're hoping to keep up with your grandchildren, remain independent as you age, or understand where medical science is heading, this conversation offers an encouraging look at what may be possible.

    In This Episode
    • Why longevity isn't just about living longer
    • The difference between lifespan and healthspan
    • How chronic inflammation accelerates aging
    • What regenerative medicine actually is
    • Clearing up common misconceptions about stem cell therapies
    • Why mobility is one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging
    • How exercise, nutrition, and social connection improve longevity
    • The promise of exosomes and regenerative treatments
    • Why China is investing heavily in longevity medicine
    • How innovative treatments could eventually reduce healthcare costs
    • The future of wound healing through biobotanical medicine
    • Why grandparents should never stop getting on the floor to play with their grandchildren
    Memorable Quote

    "You cannot separate quality of life from longevity. When we improve the quality of someone's life, we often add years to it as well."

    — Dr. Roberta Shapiro

    Resources

    • Dr. Roberta Shapiro
      https://www.robertashapiromd.com/

      Crescel
      https://crescel.com/

      Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine
      https://www.columbiadoctors.org/specialties/rehabilitation-regenerative-medicine

      Business Insider – Longevity Rising Stars
      https://www.businessinsider.com/

      TED
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkTERUQUvpA

    (Include direct links when publishing.)

    Connect with GRAND

    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Grand Tribe Podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who wants to stay active, healthy, and engaged with the people they love.

    Because healthy aging isn't about adding years to life—it's about adding life to every year.
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    49 分
  • Growing Older Isn't What It Used to Be: with Maddy Dychtwald

    Growing Older Isn't What It Used to Be: with Maddy Dychtwald
    2026/07/11

    Show Notes

    For generations, people believed getting older meant slowing down.

    Today's science tells a very different story.

    In this inspiring conversation, I welcome bestselling author and longevity researcher Maddy Dychtwald to discuss how our understanding of aging has changed dramatically over the past four decades.

    Together they explore why lifestyle matters more than genetics for most of our lives, the difference between lifespan and healthspan, and why maintaining our brain, purpose, and joy may be just as important as caring for our bodies.

    The conversation also takes a personal turn as Maddy shares what she's learning as a brand-new grandmother whose grandson lives halfway around the world in China. Despite the distance, she explains how technology, intentionality, and purpose help keep those precious family bonds strong.

    Whether you're a new grandparent or have been one for years, this episode offers practical encouragement that it's never too late to invest in your future and your family's.

    In This Episode
    • Why aging is becoming more opportunity than decline
    • The surprising role lifestyle plays in longevity
    • Understanding lifespan vs. healthspan
    • Why brain health deserves as much attention as physical health
    • The importance of "Joyspan"
    • How purpose improves both health and happiness
    • Grandchildren as motivation for healthier living
    • Technology that helps grandparents stay connected
    • What the next decade of longevity research may bring
    • Practical first steps anyone can begin today

    Links

    GRAND Magazine: https://www.grandmagazine.com/

    Maddy Dychtwald: https://maddydychtwald.com/
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    45 分