Becoming a grandad changes you in ways you don’t always expect. In this episode, I take stock of my very first year in this role — the wins, the misses, and the surprising lessons that emerged along the way. Through play, presence, and purpose, I’ve discovered just how much difference simply showing up can make — and how being a grandad is about far more than toys or tradition.

What’s Inside This Episode

• Why presence is the best gift you can give your grandkids.

• How a $50 front carrier built a bond stronger than any toy.

• The joy (and backache) of graduating to e-bike adventures.

• Why rocks, sticks, and water taps often beat store-bought toys.

• How Duplo and busy boards set the bar higher — and kids rise to it.

• The simple practice of diary-keeping relieves parental guilt.

• How small rituals like “Quarter Turn Tuesday” deepen family purpose.

This podcast isn’t polished — it’s my curious, messy, heartfelt quest to be the best grandad I can be. If you’d like to walk this journey with me, stick around and let’s learn together.

👉 www.bestgrandad.com

🔑 Takeaways

• Presence builds stronger bonds than presents.

• Shared experiences outlast expensive toys.

• Set the bar higher — kids thrive when they reach for it.

• Small rituals create family connection and purpose.

• Starting messy beats waiting for permission.

Welcome back to the Best Grandad Podcast — my curious, messy, heartfelt quest to be the best grandad I can be.

In this episode, I share:

• Why play is about raising the bar, not lowering it (and why I built a toy my grandson can’t even use yet)

• How the Macadamia Nut Raceway proves the best toys often cost nothing

• Why presence is the most valuable gift a grandad can give — and why I’m happier off social media

• How an e-bike became a bridge to parents and The New Grandad Club

• Why I know this idea will work, even with just one sign-up

• My pocket-sized reset for tough times: the 3 Ups — Own Up, Wise Up, Step Up

This podcast isn’t polished. It’s me learning out loud — sharing experiments, stumbles, and small wins as I figure out how to show up for the next generation.

👉 Learn more at www.bestgrandad.com

✨ Quote from the Episode
“The best toy costs nothing. The best gift costs nothing. The best gift you can give your grandkids isn’t stuff — it’s you.”

🔑 Takeaways

• Play, presence, and purpose matter more than toys.

• Raising the bar helps kids (and adults) grow stronger.

• Presence beats presents every time.

• Grandads can fill the gap — and change who they are to change who kids become.

• Responsibility is the reset button: Own Up, Wise Up, Step Up.

🎙️ Week 1 – How Becoming a Grandad Changed My View of the Future

Welcome to the very first episode of the Best Grandad Podcast — my curious, messy, heartfelt quest to be the best grandad I can be.

Becoming a grandad has changed the way I see the future. In this episode, I share:

• The moment with my grandson Remy that triggered the Best Grandad Project

• Why I believe change isn’t a process — it’s a decision

• The challenges boys and young men face today — and why grandads matter more than ever

• How I see grandads filling the gap: connecting kids who need mentors with older men who need purpose

• The three pillars of showing up: Play, Presence, and Purpose

• Why I’m starting small with The New Grandad Club in Brisbane — and what I hope it will become

This podcast isn’t polished. It’s me learning out loud — sharing the stumbles as well as the steps forward. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to show up for the next generation, I invite you to follow along.

👉 Learn more at www.bestgrandad.com

✨ Quote from the Episode

"The best gift you can give your grandkids isn’t stuff — it’s you."

🔑 Takeaways

• Change starts with a decision, not a process.

• Kids need mentors. Older men need purpose. Grandads can be the bridge.

• Play, presence, and purpose are the tools that help generations grow together.

• Sometimes the bravest step is starting small — with what’s right in front of you.

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