The Grandpa Channel: What Life Taught The Hard Way

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!