From "Boring" to Viral: Karen Smithson's Overnight Instagram Surprise Success [Part 1]

From Wheel of Fortune to The Golden Bachelor: Sandra Mason’s Story [Part 1]

This week on Can I Talk to Your Grandma I’m joined by the vibrant and endlessly joyoful Sandra Mason — whom you may know from The Golden Bachelor! In this first part of our conversation, Sandra shares her journey from San Francisco to Atlanta, her passion for thrifting and running her store, and what it was like to grow up with parents who valued education and resilience. We also dive into her unforgettable appearances on The Newlywed Game and Wheel of Fortune — including how she became known as “the Wheel of Fortune Realtor.” Sandra’s warmth, humor, and fearless spirit shine through every story, and I can’t wait for you to hear this. Part 2 drops next week, so make sure to subscribe and stay tuned!I mentioned that Sandra has been a guest on a few other podcast episodes, which are wonderful listens! Hear much more about her Golden Bachelor experience on these shows! https://open.spotify.com/episode/16cWGSTNbzCAiGb4pzsPSh?si=6219d21ba446490e [https://open.spotify.com/episode/16cWGSTNbzCAiGb4pzsPSh?si=6219d21ba446490e] https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xXnk7ZpCoqq3kn0B9YXaF?si=EhjJOerhQuaW9nMsVb872A https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wDWDCQ7H6gz2bx1nHnEPa?si=c9JtsjHcSn-h58ftvpfVkg https://open.spotify.com/episode/2R3YioychWmEjEQStR8vfH?si=AHHASvDYTp6KuWWbgCszSw https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nbCBTPApZQeEV8htL3iX8?si=eflrq7_UR9uLd6dVDwHoWg https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qUyboN1YjRO3L78Q0feX8?si=BqWsuyCQQDyR5NQVbXoHNw [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qUyboN1YjRO3L78Q0feX8?si=BqWsuyCQQDyR5NQVbXoHNw]

Comfort Creators & Connection: Finding Community Online with Karen Smithson [Part 2]

In Part 2 of our conversation, Karen reflects on 42 years of marriage, what becoming a grandmother has taught her, and how “comfort creators” are reshaping social media. From red-haired grandchildren to fighting the loneliness epidemic, Karen reminds us that connection — online and off — is what keeps us going. Find Karen on instagram at @choosing_to_reset on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/canitalktoyourgrandmapodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/canitalktoyourgrandma https://www.youtube.com/@CanITalkToYourGrandmaPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@canitalktoyourgrandma https://grandmapodcast.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-i-talk-to-your-grandma/id1780229915 https://open.spotify.com/show/2yfmD3CNC6O2U4wlvEmEx3"

From "Boring" to Viral: Karen Smithson's Overnight Instagram Surprise Success [Part 1]

When retired educator Karen Smithson started posting her morning walks on Instagram, she never imagined one of her “boring” posts would go viral. In Part 1, she shares the story behind her sudden online following, her H.O.P.E. life philosophy, and her father’s journey from a sharecropper’s son to a college graduate. A story of persistence, optimism, and unexpected beginnings. Find Karen on instagram at @choosing_to_reset on Instagram, and follow the podcast @canitalktoyourgrandma on TikTok and Instagram

Meet Pat | Episode 10 | Can I Talk to your Grandma

Welcome BACK to Can I Talk to your Grandma! This week I interview the incredible Miss Pat! A living east Texas legend and trailblazer as Postmaster installed by President LPJ, Miss Pat was DELIGHT to get to know and I loved hearing her stories of her family, travels, and experiences as Postmaster in Karnack. Can I Talk to your Grandma is an interview podcast hosted by Sarah Baumann. Each week, Sarah asks senior citizens about their lives, stories, and favorite memories. Follow along on social media, we're so glad you're here! https://www.instagram.com/canitalktoyourgrandmapodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/canitalktoyourgrandma https://www.youtube.com/@CanITalkToYourGrandmaPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@canitalktoyourgrandma https://grandmapodcast.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-i-talk-to-your-grandma/id1780229915 https://open.spotify.com/show/2yfmD3CNC6O2U4wlvEmEx3"

Meet Hilary | Episode 8 | Can I Talk to your Grandma

Welcome BACK to Can I Talk to your Grandma! This week I interview the incredible Hilary Miller! Our conversation ranges from English as a second language to fitness to food to unexpected life events to DNA-based mystery novel ideas and lots in between. I absolutely LOVED getting to know her and learn more about her backstory, and I can't wait to introduce her to you!! Can I Talk to your Grandma is an interview podcast hosted by Sarah Baumann. Each week, Sarah asks senior citizens about their lives, stories, and favorite memories. Follow along on social media, we're so glad you're here! https://www.instagram.com/canitalktoyourgrandmapodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/canitalktoyourgrandma https://www.youtube.com/@CanITalkToYourGrandmaPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@canitalktoyourgrandma https://grandmapodcast.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-i-talk-to-your-grandma/id1780229915 https://open.spotify.com/show/2yfmD3CNC6O2U4wlvEmEx3"