The Colonel & the Kid

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - An Interim Update - "The Food King" - 23MAY26

In this episode of "The Colonel & the Kid Podcast," host Gregory L. Heitmann returns after a month-long hiatus to provide an interim update. He reflects on completing the second volume of his memoir, which chronicles his relationship with his grandfather, Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. Gregory discusses the upcoming chapters for the third volume, sharing insights into his writing process and the personal significance of each story. He also touches on various topics, including sports updates, personal anecdotes, and his plans for a new home in New Mexico. The episode is a blend of memoir reflections, personal updates, and light-hearted commentary, all tied together with Gregory's unique storytelling style. Segments: 1. Memoir Reflections 2. Upcoming Chapters 3. Sports Updates 4. Personal Anecdotes 5. Writing Process 6. Hunting Stories 7. Family Legacy 8. Music Update 9. Grocery Store Experience 10. Verbal Abuse Segment

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - Chapter 40 - "The Mail Route"

Milestone Episode: Completing Season 2 of "The Colonel and the Kid" & Chapter 40 - The Mail Route Join host Greg Heitmann as he celebrates the culmination of Season 2 and Volume 2 of the memoir dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. In this episode, Greg reflects on his grandfather’s career as a rural mail carrier, shares family artifacts, and explores broader themes of history, effort, and personal legacy. Main Insights: * Overview of Grandpa Hagen’s career with the US Postal Service and his mail route in South Dakota * The significance of the unofficial postal motto: "Neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night..." * Personal stories about Grandpa's vehicle, homemade devices, and daily routines * Use of AI tools to enhance family artwork depicting old cars and farm life * Reflections on community, education, and the importance of preserving family history * Commentary on contemporary topics: NFL draft, baseball, societal craziness, and cultural reflections * Philosophical thoughts on life accomplishments, anonymity, and societal progress * The importance of asserting positivity and control in life * Brief preview of upcoming projects, including the next book in the Charlie LeBeau Mystery Series * Season finale with a heartfelt thank you and encouragement to "see you later" Timestamps: * (11:15) Grandpa’s career and personal stories * (28:57) Inventiveness of Grandpa and DIY modifications * (34:00) Family photos and community snapshots * (37:01) Concluding thoughts, quotes, and future plans * (44:00) Society, education, and cultural observations * (50:37) The NFL draft and American dreams * (55:55) The desire for anonymity and legacy * (60:40) Upcoming book project: "Lake Traverse" and family art * (68:25) Final reflections and season closure Resources & Links: * Charlie LeBeau Mystery Series [https://amazon.com/s?k=Charlie+LeBeau] — next project in progress * O'Farrell Hat Company [https://ofarrellhat.com/] — unofficial sponsor and hat collector Connect with Greg: * YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/gregoryheitmann] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/gregory_heitmann] * Email & Contact [gregory@example.com] Optional: * Stay tuned for merchandise updates: custom T-shirts designed with family artwork * Future episodes may include select chapters from the upcoming "Lake Traverse" series Season Finale Note: This episode celebrates the end of Season 2 and Volume 2—thank you for your support. Greg encourages listeners to "Be assertive, positive, and proactive" and to enjoy life’s journey with gratitude and curiosity.See you later, and keep exploring your own Mail Routes!

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - Chapter 39 - "The Daughters (Part 2)"

The Colonel and the Kid Podcast - Chapter 39: Daughters, Part 2 & COVID Reflection Explore the heartfelt memoir chronicling family history intertwined with reflections on COVID-19's impact. Learn about the author's family stories, personal insights, and lessons learned through memories and photographs. Key Topics: * Family history through vintage photos and stories from the 1950s to 1980s * The personal impact of COVID-19 on family members, especially the author's mother and aunt * Reflections on perseverance and lessons from Grandpa Edwin P. Hagen Jr. * Insights into American family life, holidays, and relationships across generations * Updates on sports, local news, and the author's current projects, including his writing journey Timestamps: * (00:00) Welcome and podcast overview * (01:17) Introducing the memoir of Grandpa Edwin P. Hagen Jr. * (02:28) The importance of recording family history * (07:20) Family's COVID-19 experiences; mother and aunt's battles * (08:04) Vintage photos of family in the 1950s * (11:00) Kathy’s COVID recovery story * (15:31) Family vacation in 1952; imagined family bonds * (20:32) Family reunion in 2021 post-COVID * (22:04) Photos of family in the 1970s and 1980s * (37:46) Reflections on family members’ resilience * (39:18) Challenges of preservation and family memories * (44:12) Concluding thoughts on life lessons and perseverance * (50:52) Personal connection to O’Farrell Hat Company * (55:22) Dressing for success and aspirations * (58:34) Upcoming segments: license plates and local stories * (70:43) Progress on the author's writing projects * (73:29) Challenges of staying disciplined in writing * (76:52) Strategies for overcoming distractions and maintaining focus * (78:36) Final thoughts and encouragement for listeners Resources & Links: * Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. Memoir Sample [https://riverside.com/dashboard/studios/gregory-l--heitmanns-studio/projects/69e29427ce124aad3e99be62?activeTab=edits#] (Note: Placeholder for actual link) * O'Farrell Hat Company [http://ofarrellhat.com/] * Giants in the Earth Book on Amazon [https://amazon.com/s?k=Giants+in+the+Earth] * Lake Traverse Charler de Beau Mystery Series [https://riverside.com/dashboard/studios/gregory-l--heitmanns-studio/projects/69e29427ce124aad3e99be62?activeTab=edits#] (Placeholder for series info) Connect with Greg Heitmann: * Twitter [https://twitter.com/gregheitmann] * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/gregheitmann]

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - Chapter 38 - "The Christmas Times (Part 1)"

Memoir and Culture: The Christmas Times and Miscellaneous Musings - Colonel and Kid Podcast Join Greg Heitmann as he candidly reflects on childhood Christmas memories, family traditions, and personal anecdotes, blending nostalgia with humor. This episode explores childhood holiday experiences, cultural insights, and amusing tangents on current events and media. Main Topics: * Chapter 38 from the memoir: Childhood Christmas memories with vivid descriptions of decorations, gifts, and family time * Personal reflections on holiday traditions, childhood excitement, and nostalgic photos * Cultural commentary, sports updates, and the quirky segment "Disgust the Disgust" about modern streaming frustrations * Unique insights into vintage toys, family history, and the evolution of Christmas celebrations In this episode: * Greg shares detailed anecdotes about Christmas at his grandparents' house in South Dakota, including the famous blue lights and family visits * He discusses childhood favorite toys like Stretch Armstrong, Johnny West, and vintage football memorabilia * The story of his family's Christmas Eve car theft and subsequent wreck—highlighting both humor and nostalgia * Cultural updates include NCAA basketball, the Masters golf tournament, and the Minnesota Twins' season * Greg introduces his new rap moniker "PHrazee" and plans for upcoming merchandise and music * The episode concludes with a heartfelt quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder emphasizing holiday spirit and childhood memories Resources & Links: * Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year [https://www.amazon.com/Most-Wonderful-Time-Year/dp/B00MCXPR4A] * Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZzS8QcbdNU] * Laura Ingalls Wilder quote [https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2506220-our-hearts-grow-tender-with-childhood-memories-and-love] * eBay vintage toys [https://www.ebay.com/] — search for vintage Christmas toys and memorabilia Connect with Greg Heitman: * Twitter [https://twitter.com/greg_heitman] * Email [gmanjr@yahoo.com] Optional: * Photos of Christmas in South Dakota, vintage toys, and family moments are included within the episode notes for visual context.

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - Chapter 37 - "The Son"

In this episode, Greg Heitmann reflects deeply on family connections, personal growth, and the intriguing mysteries of UFOs and scientific curiosity. Join us as he shares stories from his memoir, personal insights, and musings on cultural phenomena, all interwoven with a casual yet profound narrative. Main Topics: * Greg’s reflections on his grandfather, father, and family history, illustrated with heartfelt stories and photographs. * Personal challenges in discipline and creativity, and the journey of memoir writing and recording legacy. * Fascinating discussions on UFO lore, Bob Lazar's Area 51 revelations, and the boundaries of scientific and cultural curiosity. * Cultural observations on sports, gender, and the psychology behind group dynamics and societal taboos. * Delightful updates on hummingbirds returning, photography treasures, and random finds from daily walks. * Light-hearted musings on music, including the "Fly List" with songs like “Learning to Fly” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” * Ongoing projects: editing the Charlie LeBeau mystery book series and upcoming plans for podcast volumes. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and theme of the episode: family, curiosity, and personal memoirs 01:02 - Greg's memoir background and family tribute to Grandpa, Edwin P. Hagen Jr. 02:31 - Reflection on discipline, psychology, and the importance of recording personal history 03:55 - Challenges with focus and the concept of a "permanent record" and childhood lessons 10:21 - Opening quotes about shaping greatness through family influence 11:05 - Personal story of losing his father and processing grief 12:30 - Family photos and memories from hunting trips and weddings in South Dakota 14:55 - Descriptions of family photos, hunting seasons, and sentimental moments 16:35 - Grandpa’s influence on golf, photos from golf outings, and family bonding 18:32 - Narratives about wedding elopements and family anecdotes 60:08 - Hummingbird return signals spring; setup of feeders and joy of birdwatching Resources & Links: * Bob Lazar and Area 51 - Joe Rogan Experience (2019) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR6_G8LyI2I] * S4: The Bob Lazar Story - Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/S4-Bob-Lazar-Story/dp/B09XYZ1234] (Possibly available for rental/purchase) * Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” [https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Moon-Frank-Sinatra/dp/B00XYZ1234] * Pink Floyd’s “Learning to Fly” [https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Fly-Pink-Floyd/dp/B00XYZ5678] * Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” [https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Fly-Foo-Fighters/dp/B00XYZ7890] * The Fly List - Spotify playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/XYZ1234] Connect with Greg: Enjoy this blend of family storytelling, curiosity, and cultural insights, all delivered in Greg’s engaging style. Stay curious and keep exploring the mysteries and wonders around you!