The Grandpa Channel: Grandparent Stories, Family Legacy & Life Lessons

014 Fatherhood and Grandparenting: Mark Hale on Legacy, Faith & Family & Sloppy Joe's

Fatherhood and grandparenting are more connected than we sometimes realize. In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve “Rivers” Harris sits down with his good friend and neighbor, Mark Hale, to reflect on the lessons passed down from fathers — and how they ripple forward into life as a grandparent.
Mark shares heartfelt memories of his dad, who started the iconic Hires Big H and built a life centered on family, integrity, and faith. From surprise gifts like a horse in junior high, to vacations where kids and grandkids were handed cash “just to enjoy,” his dad’s quiet acts of love became lasting lessons.
As a grandpa himself, Mark carries those values into his own family traditions: giving his grandkids “running hugs,” sharing comfort foods like homemade sloppy joes, and skipping alongside them — because as he says, “a skipping child is a happy child.”
This episode also digs into the role of faith and prayer in family life. Mark remembers his father as “the best pray-er in the family” — a man who could talk to God with sincerity and love. Now, Mark hopes to pass down not only stories, but also a legacy of belief, gratitude, and spiritual grounding.
Along the way, you’ll hear about the defining moments in life that changed Mark’s father’s path — and how Mark encourages his own kids and grandkids to recognize those moments when they come.
It’s a warm, funny, and moving conversation about legacy, memory, and love. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or simply someone reflecting on your own family roots, this episode will remind you what really matters: love, presence, and the joy of showing up.
👉 Pull up a chair, hit play, and let’s grandpa.

013 Mentorship & Coaching Through a Grandfather’s Eyes: Lessons from Junior Yagi

Mentorship and coaching don’t just shape athletes — they shape lives. In this heartfelt episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve Harris sits down with Ty Yagi to remember his grandfather, Junior Yagi — a legendary baseball coach, disciplined farmer, and wisdom-filled mentor who quietly impacted generations.
From dugout talks to life advice, Junior’s style of mentorship wasn’t about shouting orders — it was about showing up, listening, and letting lessons sink in. Ty shares intimate stories about discipline, showing up for others, and how a coach’s love can reach far beyond the game. Along the way, we explore what it means to live “special” every day — a motto that Junior left as a lifelong guide.
Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or coach, this conversation will inspire you to lead with heart and leave a legacy worth remembering.
🎧 Pull up a chair for stories that stick, laughter that lingers, and a little reminder of what matters most. Hit play — and let’s grandpa.

012 Family Legacy, Journals & Grandfather Wisdom | Dan Gibbons on Faith & Stories

Family history lives in more than photographs — it thrives in the journals, libraries, and stories we choose to preserve. In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve “Rivers” Harris sits down with Dan Gibbons — a lawyer, judge, poet, and grandfather of 15 — to explore the art of quiet influence and the legacy of storytelling.
Dan shares the fingerprints of two very different grandfathers: one a carpenter with calloused hands and relentless work ethic, the other a judge and poet whose words reached beyond the courtroom. Their impact still echoes through Dan’s life — from the library he built by hand, to the daily poetry practice inspired by his father’s final years.
We talk about the power of keeping a journal — not just for self-reflection, but as a living record that grandchildren can hold in their hands. Dan explains how even simple diary writing can become a priceless gift, and why recording stories may matter more than telling them off the cuff.
You’ll hear stories of faith rekindled, libraries that became sacred spaces, and the small, playful moments that bind grandchildren to their grandparents. You’ll also discover practical wisdom: why gathering your family matters, how to make sure no grandchild is lost in the shuffle, and how generosity and humor leave their own kind of legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep a journal, what the true benefits of diary writing are, or how grandparents can shape the future simply by being present and playful, this conversation is your blueprint.
Pull up a chair and join us for stories that stick, wisdom that lingers, and a gentle reminder that your words — written or spoken — can carry across generations. 🎧 Hit play, and let’s grandpa.

011 Step Grandparenting with Joy: Donald Wainwright on Integrity, Play & Presence

Step grandparenting is more than just a role — it’s a calling to love, listen, and show up with joy, even when the bond isn’t by blood. In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Donald Wainwright opens his heart about stepping into grandfatherhood with integrity, intention, and a basement full of toys.
Raised in Baltimore by teachers who taught him accountability and character, Donald shares how those lessons became the foundation for the kind of grandfather he wanted to be. From modeling what integrity and morals look like in everyday life to teaching grandkids that even “taking a hat back to the store” can be an act of responsibility, Donald shows us how small moments shape legacies.
He reminds us of the importance of play — the magic of Legos on the floor, basketball in the driveway, or simply listening with full attention. For Donald, these playful, present moments are just as vital as the big lessons. And while his journey into grandparenthood came through marriage, not biology, he reflects on how love and presence matter far more than titles or lineage.
Donald’s story is also one of listening and understanding — from volunteering in prisons to building bonds with 32 grandkids, he shares how truly seeing others transforms relationships. At its core, his wisdom is simple yet powerful: “Just be Donald.” Authenticity, presence, and joy are enough.
Whether you’re a step-grandparent navigating your role, a parent curious about how integrity and play intersect, or simply someone who loves a good grandpa story, this episode will leave you smiling, reflecting, and maybe even a little teary-eyed.
👉 Pull up a chair and join us for stories that stick, laughter that lingers, and a reminder that family is built on love, not titles. Hit play — and let’s grandpa.

010 Recording Life Stories: Family Memories & Storytelling Magic with Ashtyn Salazar

Life stories are more than dates and events — they’re the laughter in the kitchen, the quiet resilience of grandparents, and the simple memories that root us. In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve Harris (aka Rivers) sits down with Ashtyn Salazar, founder of Planted Media, to talk about the beauty and urgency of recording stories before they’re lost.
Ashtyn’s journey began after the loss of her grandmother, when she realized that journals and photos couldn’t fully capture her voice, her laughter, or her storytelling spirit. Out of that regret, she launched Planted Media — a company devoted to helping families preserve their own “life story book” through the art of storytelling with video.
Steve and Ashtyn dive into powerful themes:
Why so many grandparents believe they “don’t have stories” (and why they’re wrong).
The hidden treasures in “boring” memories — like supplements for breakfast or flower crowns in the garden.
How curiosity unlocks connection and keeps family history alive.
Why your voice is more than sound — it’s an heirloom.
Together, they remind us that every story matters — not just the grand, life-changing moments, but the little details that reveal who we are and how we love. This conversation is part tender reflection, part rallying cry for families everywhere to hit record, ask questions, and celebrate their stories.
✨ Pull up a chair and join us for stories that stick, laughter that lingers, and a reminder that family history lives in the everyday. Hit play, and let’s grandpa.

004 From Hamster Vomit Popsicles to Russian Missions: Connection Built with Love with Steve Newton

Family connection is more than a phrase — it’s the heartbeat of legacy. In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Rivers (Steve Harris) sits down with longtime friend Steve Newton for a conversation that is as hilarious as it is heartfelt.
Steve shares unforgettable grandparent stories, starting with a 70-year-old beginner golfer grandpa who ended up shooting par at 86, and a WWII grandfather who swam miles at night but rarely spoke of his service. From overpaid lawn mowing jobs to handwritten war journals, these moments reveal how love and presence shape family traditions more than perfection ever could.
The episode also dives into the remarkable fathers who came before: a pediatrician with a photographic memory, an artist who turned Thanksgiving into oil-painting sleepovers, and a CIA-connected father-in-law who built armies in Europe and taught Steve plumbing and drywall after retirement. Each story proves that the power of storytelling is the real inheritance grandparents leave behind.
But Steve’s wisdom as a grandpa himself is what makes this episode sing: Nerf-gun birthday parties, snow cones, hamster-vomit popsicles, and the quiet truth that a grandpa who plays with you builds self-worth like you can’t believe.
If you’ve ever wondered how to deepen your family connection, this conversation is a reminder: it’s never too late to start, and the stories that make us laugh are often the ones that keep us closest.
✨ Pull up a chair and join us for stories that stick, laughter that lingers, and a little reminder of what matters most.
🎧 Listen now on The Grandpa Channel.

009 Jewish Family Traditions, Shabbat Dinners & A Grandfather’s Legacy | Gary Lapin on The Grandpa Channel

Show Notes: From Tailor Shops to Shofars — A Grandfather’s Legacy of Faith, Family & Friday Nights with Gary Lapin
What do tailor shops, Friday night Shabbat dinners, and shofar-blowing have in common? They all live at the heart of Gary Lapin’s story — a longtime neighbor, father of three sons, grandfather of seven, and someone who carries forward the deep traditions of Jewish family life.
In this heartfelt conversation on The Grandpa Channel, host Steve “Rivers” Harris sits down with Gary to explore the legacy of immigrant grandparents, the sacred rituals that shaped him, and the small but powerful ways love gets passed down across generations.
Gary grew up in Denver, Colorado, the youngest of three boys. His grandfather “Jake the Tailor” — an immigrant from Poland — was a WWI veteran, storyteller, and well-known community figure who sewed custom suits for Denver’s wealthier families. Friday nights meant something special: gathering around the table for traditional Sabbath dinners of challah, chicken, and homemade chopped liver. Those meals were more than food — they were rituals of belonging, consistency, and faith.
Alongside those traditions came quiet resilience. Gary recalls that his grandparents weren’t huggy or verbally affectionate. They didn’t say “I love you,” but they lived it through presence and provision. That style shifted with each generation. Gary himself has embraced the opposite — warm hugs, bedtime prayers, and goodnight kisses with his grandchildren. He sees affection as a natural outflow of love, and proof that fatherhood and grandfathering evolve over time.
This episode touches on:
Immigrant grit & legacy: from Russia and Poland to the furniture shops and tailor shops of Denver
Shabbat rituals: why Friday night dinners were sacred ground
Kosher kitchens & faith practices: how traditions shape daily life (and yes, even cheeseburger workarounds)
The evolution of affection: how three generations of fathers expressed love differently
Travel as a love language: why Gary believes summer trips and one-on-one time with grandkids matter more than toys
Shofar-blowing & Jewish holidays: keeping traditions alive for the next generation
Holocaust remembrance & immigrant silence: why many grandparents avoided “the old country” stories, and why telling them now matters
Gary’s reflections remind us that the most powerful heirlooms aren’t material things — they’re stories, rituals, and the time we choose to spend with the people we love.
Whether you grew up with Shabbat candles or Sunday suppers, you’ll find yourself nodding along to Gary’s memories of faith, food, and family. His legacy is one of presence: showing up for dinners, board games, bedtime prayers, and life’s everyday moments.

008 Grandfather Wisdom on Work, Family, and Faith with Curt Dahl from C Minuses & Smoke Rings

Grandfather wisdom is at the heart of this week’s episode of The Grandpa Channel. Curt Dahl joins Steve Harris (“Rivers”) to reflect on the quiet strength, faith, and work ethic that shaped his grandfather’s remarkable legacy.
Curt shares how his grandfather taught lessons not through lectures, but through presence: showing up for his family, working with discipline, and weaving faith into the everyday. These weren’t just values for his generation — they became a compass for children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren who still feel the ripple effect of his choices.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
✨ How a strong work ethic built not only a career but a family foundation.
🙏 Why faith and discipline were his grandfather’s guiding lights.
💬 The simple but profound ways he made his grandchildren feel loved.
🎉 Why laughter and lightheartedness are just as much a legacy as hard work.
This episode is both a tribute and an invitation: a reminder that our grandparent stories matter — that the way we show up every day becomes the inheritance our families carry forward.
Pull up a chair and listen in for laughter, heart, and a little perspective on what it means to live a life worth passing down.
🎧 Hit play, share it with your family, and let’s grandpa.

007 Grandparent Stories: McFluffies, Fireworks & Life Lessons with Brad Harris

Grandparent stories are more than just tales from the past — they’re threads that weave families together. In this episode of The Grandpa Channel, Steve “Rivers” Harris invites his oldest son, Brad, to the mic for a journey through laughter, lessons, and legacy.
You’ll meet two grandfathers who couldn’t be more different — yet both left unforgettable marks. Grandpa Lou, the charismatic former bank executive, had a knack for turning even a McFlurry run into comedy gold (“It’s a McFluffy, you clown!”). He loved 4th of July fireworks so much that his “Cul-de-Sac of Fire” tradition still lights up the neighborhood years later.
Then there’s Grandpa Hank — a WWII survivor who grew up in Amsterdam under harsh conditions, emigrated to the U.S., and built a life defined by hard work, integrity, and quiet strength. His lessons came not through lectures but through example, showing what it means to show up for family.
From building backyard basketball hoops to discovering the secret stash in the locked treat closet, Brad shares moments that reveal how both men played to their strengths — proving there’s no one “right” way to be a great grandparent.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the humor, or the heartfelt fatherhood lessons, this episode delivers. It’s a reminder that curiosity, presence, and a little quirkiness can create memories your family will talk about for generations.
Pull up a chair and join us for stories that stick, laughter that lingers, and a reminder of what matters most. Hit play, and let’s grandpa.

006 From Miles Apart to Heartfelt Moments: How Stephen Webster Shows Up Across Continents

In this heartwarming episode of The Grandpa Channel, host Steve Harris (aka “Ritters”) welcomes his first international guest, Stephen Webster, for an inspiring conversation on long-distance grandparenting and the art of staying close when family is scattered across the globe.
Stephen shares how he and his wife bridge the miles between loved ones in Australia, New Zealand, and New York City — proving that physical distance doesn’t have to mean emotional distance. With stories that range from tech-savvy family connections to unforgettable holiday adventures, Stephen offers practical insights on how to connect with grandkids, maintain cross-generational connections, and create meaningful family traditions that stand the test of time.
From digital photo frames and group chats to in-person school events and spontaneous memory-making, this episode is filled with tips for grandparents who want to stay relevant, visible, and loved in their grandchildren’s lives. You’ll hear about:
Creative ways to use technology to keep in touch with far-flung family members.
The importance of building memories and making every moment count.
Why recognizing each grandchild’s personality and communication style matters.
How international travel and shared adventures strengthen grandparent-grandchild bonds.
The lessons Stephen learned while serving in Ghana — and how they shaped his view on gratitude and family.
Whether you’re a grandparent living across continents or just a few towns away, you’ll walk away from this episode with a basket of strategies to keep your relationships thriving — plus a renewed appreciation for the stories, traditions, and small moments that bind families together.