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From Hamster Vomit Popsicles to Russian Missions: Connection Built with Love with Steve Newton
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This week’s episode is a masterclass in legacy—not perfection. Steve Newton joins Steve Harris for a rich, laugh-out-loud conversation about grandfathers, fatherhood, and how to build memories that matter.
Episode Highlights
Lessons from Grandpas past
Taught his 70-year-old grandpa to golf—by 86, the man shot par with one ball and a 7-iron.
His WWI grandfather swam through the night, documented wartime journeys in a journal… but rarely spoke of them.
Lawn-cutting turned life lessons: the railroad-working grandpa who overpaid his grandkids and overdelivered on love.
The fathers who came. before:
A pediatrician dad with a near-photographic memory, who scored #1 in the nation on the MCAT.
Thanksgiving traditions that included oil painting sleepovers.
A “hotel mayor” in assisted living—known for hosting more dinner guests than anyone else.
The quiet CIA Hero
Steve’s father-in-law: part-time general, full-time CIA, builder of a Polish rebel army during WWII, and post-retirement master grandpa.
Taught Steve plumbing, dry-walling, and legacy-building from the ground up.
Steve Newton: Grandpa in real time
Hosts over-the-top birthday parties (Nerf biathlons, snow cones, bounce houses).
Teaches grandkids “important skills” like clean whipped cream can usage.
Made “hamster vomit” popsicles with his oldest grandson and built unforgettable one-on-one bonds.
Now parenting a crowd: 11 grandkids that all live within 20 minutes of him.
Grandpa Redemption & the long game:
Think it’s too late to start? Steve says: No way.
Pro-tip: Vulnerable, funny stories that don’t preach are often the most powerful.
Key Takeaways:
It's never too late to connect: A 100-year-old grandpa built new bonds with distant grandkids.
Stories= emotional glue. Even goofy ones build identity and belonging.
Interaction > instruction. Playtime, teasing, and curiosity go further than advice.
Every grandkid is different: One-on-one memories matter—so does group presence.
Faith and heritage aren’t boring, if told right they're irresitable.
Favorite Quote:
“A grandpa that’ll play with you builds self-worth like you can’t believe.” — Steve Newton
Who should listen:
Perfect for grandparents, adult children, or memory-makers who want to:
Connect with family even after missed time
Transform everyday chaos into cherished tradition
Discover how to teach lessons without a lecture
Find purpose, joy, and comedy in modern grandparenthood
Next steps:
Try telling a “doofus” story this week—one where you messed up and made it out okay.
Ask your grandkids about their favorite holiday memory—and see where it leads.
Plan one simple, silly tradition just for them. (Snow cones count.)
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