Episodes

Are you a grandparent dedicated to crafting a meaningful legacy for your grandchildren? Discover the profound impact of storytelling and the power of words in our latest episode. I'm Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' where we dive deep into utilizing narratives to nurture and inspire future generations. In "Crafting a Legacy Life- The Power of Words and Storytelling," we are joined by Carew Papritz, an extraordinary storyteller and author of...

Are you a grandparent navigating the unexpected journey of raising a grandchild with dyslexia? Are you overwhelmed by the challenges and eager to unlock your grandchild's full potential despite the obstacles? Are you seeking effective strategies and a supportive community to guide you through this nuanced path of kinship care? Join me, Laura Brazan, on 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: What Everyone Ought to Know About Dyslexia.' In this episode, Griselda Provencio, an expert in dyslexia dia...

A living trust for homeowners. Are you a grandparent wondering why every homeowner—especially those raising their grandchildren—needs a living trust? Are you concerned about ensuring your legacy is passed down without complications? Discover crucial insights into estate planning from the expert himself. I’m Laura Brazan, and in today's episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' we're joined by Oscar Vasquez, a seasoned real estate professional with over 28 y...

Are you battling the weight of mental health challenges while raising your grandchildren? Do you feel the complexity of navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis and its impact on your family, especially when relief seems out of reach? Are you searching for proven strategies to manage emotional turmoil and reclaim a sense of normalcy for your loved ones? Understanding and healing with bipolar disorder can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, filled with peaks of mania and valleys of depression....

Meet Mr. Whiskey! Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, facing a myriad of challenges and emotions? Do you find yourself seeking guidance and strength amidst the daily trials, longing to connect with others who understand your journey? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' and today you are in for an inspirational treat. Join us in this special episode, "Meet Mr. Whiskey—U.S. Navy Veteran, Author, Podcaster, Preac...

The survival guide for grandparents! Are you navigating the complex world of raising your grandchildren, seeking guidance and support in the midst of a whirlwind of challenges? Do you find yourself feeling alone, grappling with the weight of decisions and responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming? Are you striving to create a safe, nurturing environment while managing your personal growth and well-being? I’m Laura Brazan, and welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturi...

Unlocking the power of forgiveness. Are you a grandparent navigating the intricate path of raising your grandchildren and seeking a beacon of understanding and support? Do you battle the emotional turmoil of past grievances while striving to provide a nurturing environment for the younger generation in your care? Amid the overwhelming responsibility and grief, the quest for healing and peace can feel like an elusive dream. I’m Laura Brazan. In 2022, my life took an unexpected turn when my two...

Emotional needs that transform families. Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, grappling with the emotional turmoil of stepping into the parental role once again? Do you struggle with the challenges that come from caring for children who’ve experienced trauma, often feeling alone and overwhelmed? Are you searching for practical strategies to transform your family dynamic and foster a healthier, more connected household? I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, life threw me an ...

Are you a grandparent raising a teenager and finding it challenging to navigate the shifting dynamics of modern parenting? Do you struggle with communication, feeling like your conversations often lead to conflict instead of connection? Are you seeking practical strategies to foster cooperation, responsibility, and a better relationship with your teen? I’m Laura Brazan. In 2022, my peaceful retirement transformed unexpectedly when I became the primary caregiver for my two teenage grandchildre...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, while also managing modern-day tech challenges and social systems? Are you seeking innovative solutions to better support your family, amidst the complexities of kinship care? Navigating communication gaps between generations and finding accessible resources can feel like an uphill battle, isolating you in your journey. I’m Laura Brazan, and my life changed dramatically in 2022 when I became a grandparent raising grandchildren. The ...

4 effective tools for strong-willed children. Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising a strong-willed grandchild, navigating the complexities of intergenerational parenting? Do you often find yourself battling emotions and seeking tools to manage confrontations effectively? Are you striving to establish a harmonious household while nurturing the unique spirit of your headstrong grandchild? I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we dive into the world...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, navigating caregiver burnout recovery? Do you feel as if your identity has vanished in the shuffle of medical appointments and emotional strain? Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to recover from burnout without demanding endless hours you don’t have? The pressures of caregiving can overwhelm even the strongest among us, turning daily life into an uphill battle. I’m Laura Brazan, and alongside my guest, Carrie Severson, we de...

How can you help your grandchildren with Healing Your Inner Eater? Do you struggle with understanding how to manage dietary needs while promoting a healthy relationship with food in your household? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the desire to model positive eating behaviors without falling into the trap of food restriction? I’m Laura Brazan, your host for 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Like many of you, I've faced the unique challenges and joys of ra...

Are you a grandparent raising LGBTQ grandchildren and navigating the unique challenges and joys that come with it? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to support your grandchildren’s diverse identities while also managing personal fears and anxieties? Are you searching for a community that understands your journey and provides the tools you need to foster an inclusive and loving environment? I’m Laura Brazan, a grandmother of LGBTQ grandchildren, on a quest to deepen my understanding and su...

Are you a woman in midlife? In a world where midlife often brings unexpected twists and turns, are you finding yourself grappling with the realities of aging, embodying new family responsibilities, and adjusting your visions of happiness? Do you wonder how to navigate these transitions while retaining your sense of self and well-being? The journey of a grandparent raising grandchildren is filled with emotional and physical challenges that demand a compassionate, wise approach. I’m Laura Braza...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, seeking guidance through the maze of emotional and practical challenges? Do you find yourself wrestling with the past and longing to create a nurturing environment amidst the chaos? Are you dedicated to breaking down emotional walls while fostering healthier relationships within your family? I'm Laura Brazan, and in 2022, I found myself raising my grandchildren, an unexpected turn in life that has transformed my view of family and resilience. Ha...

Are you a grandparent navigating the intricate challenges of raising your grandchildren? Have you considered mentorship as a means to connect with the community amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' where we delve into stories and strategies to empower you and your family. I'm Laura Brazan, and in this week's episode, "Rethinking Aging – Mentoring a New Generation," we sit down with Dr. Deborah Heiser, founder of The Mentor Project. Dr. Heise...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with grief expert Victoria Volk, a compassionate guide for those navigating the complex landscape of exploring grief. With her unique background and extensive experience, Victoria sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren while grappling with the profound grief of losing a child. Join us as we unpack the universal experience of grief, exploring its impact on family dynamics and re...

In this enlightening episode of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren podcast, we welcome Cassandra Crawley Mayo, a renowned author, speaker, and mentor with over 25 years of experience in leadership and diversity initiatives. Cassandra shares her inspirational journey as one of the first African American women in corporate leadership, discussing the challenges she faced and how she overcame self-neglect, imposter syndrome, and burnout. Join us as we dive deep into the importance of authentici...

In this insightful episode, we delve into the often overlooked complexities of youth sports parenting with Michael Huber. Many of us can relate to the pressures of being a young athlete—either feeling the weight of expectations from parents to excel in every game or facing the sting of being sidelined and overlooked. Michael shares his mission to equip young athletes and their families with essential tools to navigate today’s increasingly challenging and often toxic sports environment. We explo...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising a transgender grandchild, facing unique challenges and navigating complex family dynamics? Do you struggle with ensuring a supportive environment for your grandchild amidst societal prejudice and emotional obstacles? Are you yearning to break down barriers and foster understanding, compassion, and acceptance while also maintaining your own mental and physical health? I’m Laura Brazan, and in this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' we dive...

Are you a grandparent or caregiver, finding yourself raising a child with unique and complex needs? Does navigating the landscape of neurodiversity, special education plans, and finding a balance with technology seem overwhelming? Are you grappling with both the joys and challenges of raising a child who transforms your understanding of care and family dynamics? I’m Laura Brazan, and today, we delve into the world of raising complex children with special guest Michelle Choairy, a mom turned adv...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your teenage grandchildren, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery? Do you worry about how to effectively guide them through their struggles, ensuring they develop the life skills needed to thrive? Are you seeking expert advice and real-life stories to better support your family during these trying times? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' a dedicated podcast to support grandparents li...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly faced with raising your grandchildren while dealing with the heartbreaking loss of your own child? Do you find yourself yearning for understanding and navigating through a maze of emotions, responsibilities, and societal expectations? Are you struggling to balance mental health, physical wellness, and spiritual growth while carrying the weight of grief? I’m Laura Brazan, and a decade after losing my son, I've become an advocate for grandparents like you, raisin...