What starts as a habit often becomes a memory. And sometimes, it becomes a legacy. In this episode, we revisit stories of family traditions and rituals that shaped generations. From Burger King runs and backyard fireworks to oil painting at 80 and breakfast traditions that bring everyone to the table, these moments remind us that the small things, done with love, are what last.

In our 51st episode, we’re handing you the mic. Introducing The Hotline—your place to record and share the stories that shouldn’t be lost. And to kick it off, we’re airing something deeply personal: the once-forgotten voice of Grandpa Lou. War, weddings, and whiskey-free bartending—this is legacy in its rawest form.

From Detroit’s rough streets to river runs with his grandkids, Mike Deraedt’s life is anything but boring. He’s a former Army demolition expert, teacher, aerospace engineer, and financial advisor—with street cred and soft wisdom in equal measure. This episode is a gritty, hilarious, and ultimately heartwarming journey through a life well-fought and well-lived.

He’s jolly, wise, and a little worn out from decades of Nerf gun requests — but this Santa also carries letters that break your heart and stories that will move you to tears. In this heartfelt Christmas special, Santa joins The Grandpa Channel to share what kids really want for Christmas — and why he’s still full of hope.

What happens when your life unravels during the holidays — and the person who brings you peace is an inmate in maximum security? In this special Christmas message, Grandpa Rivers shares a true story from 2009 about faith, foreclosure, failure... and the unexpected angel who prayed for him at the lowest point of his life.

Dr. Katherine Schlaerth is a physician, author, and grandmother to 21 (!) grandkids—and in this episode, she sits down with Rivers to talk about what really makes a grandpa unforgettable. From health habits to holiday rituals, family letters to faith, she shares insights from a life of service, wisdom, and story. You’ll laugh. You’ll reflect. And you’ll probably want to call your grandpa (or be a better one yourself).

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.

Historian and grandfather Richard L. Bushman joins Steve Harris for a heartfelt conversation about legacy, storytelling, and the evolving role of grandfathers. With wisdom from 94 years of life and love, Bushman shares how connection, presence, and family shape the generations that follow.

In this heartfelt episode, Bill Mansell shares what it means to be a present, intentional grandfather. From sleepovers with his own grandparents to raising a multigenerational family under one roof, Bill reflects on the lasting power of connection, service, and unconditional love. With stories both funny and deeply meaningful, this conversation is a reminder that being a grandparent is one of life’s greatest privileges — and opportunities.

When Kathy Nunn’s grandson asked her to write a book with him for his seventh birthday — she said yes. What followed was a transcontinental collaboration between a curious boy and his storytelling Nana that brought Welsh legends, dragons, and ancestry to life. In this episode, Kathy shares how grandparents can build meaningful connections through stories, even from afar.

You don’t have to start from scratch. In this special episode, we’ve stitched together our favorite real-life strategies from Grandpa Channel guests — 10 tried-and-true ways to connect with your grandkids that you can steal, adapt, and make your o

A powerful Thanksgiving message from Rivers (Steve Harris) about the moment his life changed forever — sparked by a little girl in Finland and a lesson decades in the making. This is a tender reminder about legacy, empathy, and the deep, humbling power of gratitude.

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Grandpa Rivers (aka Steve) sits down with longtime neighbor and dear friend, Russ Miller, to talk cowboy roots, legendary saddles, wild family tales, and the real lessons grandpas pass down. From slingshots to sheep camps, legacy to laughter — this one’s a keeper.

Can kids really learn gratitude? Bracha Goetz says yes — and shows how. This heart-filled episode unpacks how gratitude rewires identity, joy, and even addiction.

Mike Harding never heard the voice of either of his grandfathers — and his relationship with his own father, a respected judge and bishop, was layered with silence, intensity, and unspoken expectations. In this candid conversation, Mike opens up about breaking generational cycles, navigating fatherhood with compassion, and how recovery, grief, and grace have shaped the man—and future grandpa—he’s becoming.

Grandpa Doug Wadsworth packs a lifetime of wisdom—WWII family stories, Navy service, and a son’s life-altering accident—into a masterclass on how grandpas lead with love, faith, and relentless show-up energy. From monthly cousin dinners to an adaptive climb to Delicate Arch, this one will stick with you.

Grandpas — this one is going to stretch you in the best way. Kathy Healey may not be a grandpa…but she just might be the new patron saint of connection. From flying standby across the country just to show up, to holding a preemie baby for 16 hours straight, to learning to text at 70 — her secret is simple, blunt, unforgettable: shut up and listen. This is how you become the grandparent they remember.

What if the hard things in life were actually holy things? In this episode, retired physician Wayne Samuelson shares the legacy his Depression-era grandpa handed him — and how that shaped the way he now shows up as a grandpa. A quiet masterclass in faith, resilience, craftsmanship, and love… and the power of just showing up.

Think you have to live close to your grandkids to make an impact? Think again. In this episode, Rivers sits down with endurance athlete + grandpa of 12, Ken Walters, to talk about being a remote grandparent, using FaceTime & spontaneous travel to stay close, why endurance sports became a metaphor for life, and how he intentionally shows up — even from states away. This conversation is warm, hopeful, and full of “slow down & love them” wisdom every grandpa needs.

Singer-songwriter Jen Blosil joins The Grandpa Channel to talk faith, family, and what it really means to connect across generations. From awkward grandpa hugs to heartfelt advice for rekindling relationships, Jen reminds us that love often looks like showing up — even when you don’t know what to say.