The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - May 31, 2026 - Bonus Podcast

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - Chapter 41 - The Pheasant Hunting (Part 3)

Most of us overlook a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth: documenting your life stories. In this heartfelt episode, host, Greg Heitmann, shares how writing about his grandfather’s hunting adventures—and more unexpectedly—became a form of psychotherapy that transformed his perspective on life and loss. Greg's personal journey reveals a treasure trove of vivid memories from South Dakota's prairies to family connections that bridge generations. You'll discover how a single chapter of a memoir captures not just a hunting trip in 1997 but also unravels lessons about heritage, resilience, and the importance of preserving moments through audio, video, and writing. His detailed stories of pheasant hunts—complete with photos, anecdotes, and reflections—offer a rare glimpse into a rural American tradition that’s fading away, and why it matters more than ever to cherish those memories. [http://memories.You] You [http://memories.You]'ll break down: the significance of writing as therapy, how to turn everyday moments into lasting legacy, and the intertwining of personal passions like sports, history, and family heritage. Greg also shares insights into his favorite hunting shotguns, the stories behind sports legends like Bob Horner and Ted Turner, and the quiet reflections that come with aging and memory. If you've ever felt the urge to preserve your story—whether through podcasts, diaries, or family albums—this episode shows why capturing your experiences isn’t just sentimental; it’s vital. Neglecting this can mean losing the rich fabric of your history, but embracing it opens up opportunities for healing, understanding, and creating a legacy your loved ones will treasure. Perfect for hunters, history buffs, storytellers, or anyone seeking a meaningful way to connect with their roots, this episode encourages you to start your own ongoing journal—because your story deserves to be told. Tune in, get inspired to document your journey, and remember: the memories you create today become the treasures of tomorrow.

The Colonel & the Kid Podcast - May 31, 2026 - Bonus Podcast

Most people overlook the simple lessons in life, but this episode reveals how embracing unexpected moments — like reading Pop Tart microwave instructions at 57 for the first time — can teach us resilience, humor, and the importance of paying attention. If you're tired of the mundane and craving a dose of humor, nostalgia, and real-life insights, this one's for you. Gregory Heitmann takes us on a lively journey through everyday adventures — from dry-cleaning his vintage cavalry uniform to the surprising frustrations of buying and selling Western books, and even the chaos of canceled concerts. With a mix of humor and honesty, he shares how small, often overlooked details carry profound lessons: about responsibility, attention, and the American spirit of jumping in first and reading instructions second. [http://second.You] You [http://second.You]'ll discover: the story behind his vintage cavalry uniform's cleaning adventure, insights into his latest Western book trilogy, and why he thinks baseball, movies, and even microwave cooking are more meaningful than most realize. Want to learn how a simple Pop Tart wrapper can trigger childhood memories, or why Canada might secretly be a desert? This episode is packed with quirky stories, surprising data, and timeless lessons on navigating modern life with a smile. Of course, Greg dives into the latest sports updates — from the Twins' disappointing record to exciting NBA playoff drama — but his focus remains on how these stories reflect broader trends and lessons. Whether it's the rising Western genre, the frustrations of credit scores, or the mysterious cancellation of a country concert, he offers a humorous yet insightful perspective on what’s really going on out there.Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the mundane or needing a reminder to find joy in small moments. If you're curious about how everyday quirks can teach resilience, or just need a good laugh paired with life lessons, this episode is your perfect match. Get ready to laugh, learn, and see the world from a fresh, humorous angle. Ten Takeaways: 1. Novelty 2. Humor 3. Storytelling 4. Cultural References 5. Authenticity 6. Adaptation 7. Details 8. Trends 9. Playfulness 10. Mental Flexibility

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]