The Power of Family

Creating Families and Communities Where People Feel Safe to Become | Ep 18

In this episode of The Power of Family, Terry Willis speaks with Roland Thompson about creating families and communities where people feel safe, heard, and accepted. They explore how listening without judgment, leading by example, and allowing young people to grow into who they are can strengthen relationships across generations. Guest Bio After high school, Roland joined the US Navy for 4 years during the Vietnam War and served 3 tours in Vietnam as a combat veteran. He then received two AA degrees from Green River College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Central Washington University. He spent 40 years in the Financial Services field as a Financial Advisor primarily helping baby boomers in planning for their retirement and estate planning. Roland is the Co-Creator and author of Grand Connect- A Guide for Grandparents and future Grandparents. Currently he and his wife, Teri, have 45 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. KEY INSIGHTS/TAKEAWAYS * You cannot force another person to change; you can change how you show up. * Young people need guidance without judgment or control. * Trust grows when adults listen and take interest in a young person's world. * Children and grandchildren learn more from what adults model than from what they say. * Grandparents can shape future generations through love, presence, and example. Chapters 00:00 – Why Failure Is Part of Growth 00:58 – Welcome and Meet Roland Thompson 01:49 – Reconnecting Generations Through Family and Faith 04:20 – Grand Connect and "Fishing in Their Pond" 07:04 – Building Stronger Families and Communities 12:27 – Legacy, Ego, and Leading by Example 17:39 – The Power of Listening Without Judgment 22:44 – Meeting Grandchildren in Their World 29:11 – Changing Yourself Instead of Trying to Change Them 39:14 – Letting Young People Learn, Fail, and Grow 44:48 – The Unique Calling of Grandparents 45:45 – Grand Tracker, Grand Connect, and Practical Tools 48:29 – Creating Families Where Young People Feel Safe 50:01 – Final Reflections on Connection and Legacy Connect with Roland Thompson Website: https://www.grandconnect.com/ [https://www.grandconnect.com/] Explore the GrandTracker App: https://www.grandconnect.com/grandtracker [https://www.grandconnect.com/grandtracker] If this conversation made you think of a father, grandfather, parent, or loved one, share it with them. Sometimes one conversation can open the door to a deeper connection. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ [https://thepoweroffamilyus.com/] Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Leave us a review: Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294] Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG [https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG]

Grandpa Wisdom: Legacy, Love, and Family Connection | Ep 17

What happens when becoming a grandfather changes not only your role in the family, but your understanding of leadership, legacy, and love? In this episode of The Power of Family, Terry Willis sits down with Greg Payne, host of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about grandfatherhood, emotional connection, and the quiet influence grandfathers can have across generations. Together, Terry and Greg explore what it means for grandparents to show up as coaches instead of managers, how to respect adult children even when parenting styles differ, and why legacy is about more than money or material things. Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a father, grandfather, parent, or loved one who may need this conversation. KEY INSIGHTS/TAKEAWAYS 1. Grandfathers can build legacy through emotional connection, unconditional love, support, and presence, not just through money or possessions. 2. Grandparents are most helpful when they act as coaches, not managers, especially when adult children or grandchildren are working through challenges. 3. Respect between grandparents and parents often means giving space, staying quiet when needed, and supporting parents as they find their own way. 4. Traditions do not have to be big or expensive; simple moments like sharing a joke, reading together, playing online, or creating regular touchpoints can build lasting memories. 5. Encouragement matters. Young parents need to hear that grandparents see the good they are doing and understand how hard parenting can be. Guest Bio Greg Payne is the host of the popular The Cool Grandpa Podcast, where he explores the evolving role of grandfathers in modern families through conversations with grandparents, authors, educators, and family experts. Through hundreds of interviews and solo episodes, Greg has become a respected voice in the movement to strengthen multigenerational relationships and encourage intentional grandfatherhood. A first-time grandfather at age 48, Greg turned his personal journey into a mission to help men embrace grandfatherhood with purpose, humor, wisdom, and emotional connection. His work focuses on the influence grandfathers can have on family culture, mentoring, resilience, and legacy-building. In addition to podcasting and writing, he has appeared in interviews and collaborations across digital media platforms, including JLJ Media, GRAND Magazine, Caring Grandparents, and other family-focused programs. He is the author of the award-winning children's book My Grandpa's Grandpa and frequently speaks and writes about family relationships, emotional legacy, and the importance of strong multigenerational families. Greg lives in the Atlanta area with his wife Karen and proudly embraces his favorite title of all: Cool Grandpa. Connect with Greg Payne Website: http://www.cool-grandpa.com [http://www.cool-grandpa.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-payne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-payne] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolGrampaGreg [https://www.facebook.com/CoolGrampaGreg] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thecoolgrandpapodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Thecoolgrandpapodcast] Chapters 00:00 Precap 00:46 Welcome to The Power of Family 01:58 Meet Greg Payne, The Cool Grandpa 04:11 Grandfatherhood, Leadership, and Legacy 07:18 What Emotionally Engaged Grandfathering Looks Like 10:20 Respecting Adult Children and Parenting Differences 13:11 Creating Traditions and Memories Across Generations 16:48 Values Gen X Grandparents Can Pass Down 20:44 The Mindset Shift Every Grandfather Needs 23:55 Mistakes Grandparents Make When Staying Connected 26:24 Using Technology to Deepen Relationships 29:21 Tools and Practices for Stronger Grandparent Relationships 32:27 How to Connect with Greg Payne 33:50 Final Reflection on Legacy and Family Connection If this conversation made you think of a father, grandfather, parent, or loved one, share it with them. Sometimes one conversation can open the door to a deeper connection. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ [https://thepoweroffamilyus.com/] Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Leave us a review: Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294] Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG [https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG]

Why Youth Stay Silent: Breaking Through Parent-Child Communication Barriers | Ep 16

Why do teens and young people sometimes shut down in family conversations? In this episode, Terry Willis talks with Coach D Williams about the emotional stakes behind youth silence, parent-child communication barriers, and the pressure young people may feel when opening up to adults. Learn how parents and grandparents can respond with curiosity, reduce judgment, and build the kind of trust and connection that helps young people feel safe enough to talk. Takeaways: 1. Young people often open up where they feel nonjudgment and emotional safety. 2. Adults can build trust by listening, observing, and staying curious before correcting. 3. A parent or grandparent's title does not automatically create connection; emotional work does. 4. Breathing before responding helps adults model regulation in difficult moments. 5. Mental hygiene can become a daily family practice through stillness, affirmation, breathing, and intentional action. Guest Bio: Dominique Williams, better known as "Coach D," is an author, coach, business owner, and speaker. A Brooklyn native, Coach D began her career in youth development as a youth counselor and basketball coach. Her early work led her to rebrand her company Get Fit Fly Right from a basketball program into an education company providing mental health resources and programming to youth organizations. GFFR's focus evolved from athletic development to emotional development for youth and their leaders. The TAP Method for mental hygiene has been featured at Jr. NBA and NBA stages, in NYC schools, and continues to impact youth athletic programs across the US. Connect with Coach D www.getfitflyright.com [https://www.getfitflyright.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitflyright [https://www.instagram.com/getfitflyright] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetFitFlyRight/ [https://www.facebook.com/GetFitFlyRight/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdgetfitflyright/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdgetfitflyright/] Chapters 00:00 Precap: The Power of Connection 00:24 Introduction: Welcome to The Power of Family 01:44 Coach D's Journey into Youth Mental Health 05:29 Why Youth Stay Silent with Parents 10:02 Connection Before Guidance 14:36 Why Young People Open Up to Trusted Adults 21:58 Creating Safety Before Influence 27:46 How to Respond Without Reacting 32:20 What Youth Silence Really Means 35:43 Mental Hygiene for Families 42:13 Repairing Pressure and Building Trust 52:10 How to Connect with Coach D 55:18 Closing Reflection This week, try asking one gentle question, then pause, breathe, and really listen before offering advice. If you're ready to deepen connection in your family or community, hit subscribe and leave us a review, it helps others join the conversation. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ [https://thepoweroffamilyus.com/] Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Leave us a review: Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294] Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG [https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG]

Beyond "How Was School?": 5 Questions to Truly Connect With Your Teen | Ep. 15

Asking "How was school?" often feels natural, but it can lead to the same one-word answers: "fine," "good," or "nothing." In this episode, Terry Willis talks with Dr. Amber Johnson about better questions parents, grandparents, and caregivers can ask to help teens open up, build trust, and feel truly heard. Together, they explore how thoughtful family conversations can strengthen parent-teen relationships, support deeper communication, and build connection across generations. Key Takeaways * Teens pulling away can be part of normal development, but better communication still matters. * Predictable questions often lead to predictable answers. * Questions asked with judgment can shut teens down quickly. * Grandparents can build connection through shared activities, not just conversations. * When teens open up, adults should listen, validate, and avoid rushing to fix. Guest Bio Dr. Amber Johnson is the founder of Bright Threads Leadership Group [https://www.brightthreadsleadership.com/], and a leadership and communications expert. Her passion is helping people strengthen relationships and work with more meaning and productivity, through better communication and especially better questions. Subscribe to Amber's free weekly Substack newsletter, Better than Fine, to be a better leader, partner, and parent in under five minutes a week. https://amberajohnson.substack.com/ [https://amberajohnson.substack.com/] Find Amber's TEDx talk on YouTube or at https://www.brightthreadsleadership.com/better-than-fine [https://www.brightthreadsleadership.com/better-than-fine] Follow Amber on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberajohnson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberajohnson/] Chapters 00:00 — Precap00:35 — Welcome to The Power of Family 01:25 — Meet Dr. Amber Johnson 02:27 — Why teen communication changes as kids grow 04:10 — Questions that shut teens down vs. open them up 05:41 — Better questions parents can ask right away 06:34 — Highs, lows, and daily conversation rituals 07:24 — Creative ways to stay connected with older teens 08:30 — Asking questions without judgment 10:04 — How grandparents can help teens feel safe and heard 12:40 — Building connection through doing things together 14:51 — "Where were you?" and the importance of time spent 16:43 — The role of grandparents: support, delight, and wisdom 21:07 — What to do when thoughtful questions get little response 23:21 — How parents should respond when teens open up 25:09 — Active listening and the "last three words" technique 26:20 — Teen estrangement, belonging, and uniqueness 28:45 — How better questions build trust and healing 31:28 — A powerful question families can start using 33:34 — Tools for better communication with your child 35:10 — How to connect with Dr. Amber Johnson 36:13 — Final encouragement and closing reflections If this conversation reminded you of a teen in your life, take a moment this week to ask one better question and listen without rushing to fix. And if this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who may need the reminder. If you're ready to deepen connection in your family or community, hit subscribe and leave us a review, it helps others join the conversation. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ [https://thepoweroffamilyus.com/] Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294] Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG [https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG]

The Invisible Weight Mothers Carry Raising Sons | Ep. 14

In this Mother's Day special episode of The Power of Family podcast, Terry Willis sits down with Nijaah Howard, also known as The Single Mom's Coach, for a heartfelt conversation about the emotional labor many mothers and solo parents carry while raising sons. Together, they explore the quiet weight of worry, sacrifice, protection, and pressure that often goes unseen as mothers work to raise boys into healthy, respectful, purpose-driven men. Listen in for an encouraging, honest, and deeply human conversation about motherhood, manhood, family healing, and why community still matters. If this episode speaks to you, subscribe, share it with another parent, and leave a review to help more families find these conversations. Key Takeaways * Mothers are not just raising boys, they are helping shape future men, fathers, leaders, and community members. * Boys need direction, structure, emotional safety, accountability, and space to use their voice. * Communication between mothers and sons grows stronger when parents listen more than they lecture. * Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for parents who want to pour healthy energy into their children. * Community is an extension of parenting, and families need support systems that uplift rather than replace a parent's role. Guest Bio Nijaah Howard, also known as "The Single Moms' Coach" is a mental health practitioner, author, community leader, and the Founder & CEO of Young Men Strong, a nonprofit dedicated to educating, empowering, and engaging young and adult men through mentorship, emotional wellness, workforce development, and community-based programming. With more than 20 years of experience in human services, counseling, youth development, and family support, Nijaah uses both her professional background and lived experience as a mother to help families build stronger communication, accountability, and emotional connection. Her work is rooted in the belief that "when we strengthen our boys and men, we stabilize our girls and women." Chapters 00:00 — Precap: The Emotional Labor of Raising Boys 00:00 — Introduction to The Power of Family Podcast01:45 — Meet Nijah Howard, The Single Moms Coach 03:08 — Raising Sons as a Solo Parent 06:03 — Bringing Back the Village 11:35 — What Mothers Carry Unseen 17:04 — Helping Boys Grow Without Pressure 28:03 — Building Communication Between Mothers and Sons 31:24 — Encouragement for Mothers 32:36 — Tools for Mothers to Celebrate Themselves 36:05 — How to Connect with Nijah and Young Men Strong 37:54 — Closing Reflection: Keep Showing Up Connect with Nijaah Howard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nijaah.howard/ [https://www.facebook.com/nijaah.howard/] IG: https://www.instagram.com/nijaah.howard/ [https://www.instagram.com/nijaah.howard/] Tiktok: Mone' Luv If you're ready to deepen connection in your family or community, hit subscribe and leave us a review, it helps others join the conversation. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ [https://thepoweroffamilyus.com] Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus [https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus] Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294] Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG [https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG]