The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast
Tune into ”The Grand Balance,” a podcast about modern grandparentting, where two working grandmas share their heartfelt journeys of merging career ambitions with deep family commitments as active working grandparents. In each episode, we dive into hot topics and valuable lessons learned, related to helping parents raise successful, happy, responsible children from a grandparenting perspective, while focusing on work-life integration, healthy aging, self-care & mindfulness, managing stress and prioritizing mental health, fitness, family relationships, and staying tech-savvy in today's multigenerational world. We occasionally are joined by inspirational guests who enrich our understanding of balancing demanding careers with modern grandparenting. This podcast celebrates the triumphs and trials of modern, active, working grandmothers, providing encouragement and insights that uplift and connect our grandparenting community.
Episodes
How can grandparents help their adult children without overstepping? In this episode, Angela and Sharon share practical ways grandparents can support busy adult children and grandchildren beyond babysitting—from meal prep, errands and household tasks to research, appointments and emotional support.
They also discuss healthy grandparent boundaries, the difference between helping versus rescuing or enabling, and ways grandparen...
In this casual catch-up episode, Sharon and Angela share what's been happening in their lives before diving into conversations every parent and grandparent should hear. From enjoying precious one-on-one time with adult children to navigating the ever-changing world of raising young families, the discussion is full of relatable stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way.
One ...
Water safety is about much more than swim lessons. In this episode, Angela and Sharon are joined by aquatic supervisor and water safety expert Carolyn Lechner-Uribe to share practical tips every parent and grandparent should know before spending time around pools, lakes, and beaches. They discuss the best age to start swim lessons, why a designated "Water Watcher" can save lives, the truth about floaties versus Coast Guard-approved...
In this edition of Ask the Grandmas, Angela and Sharon dive into a variety of real-life grandparenting topics submitted by listeners. They discuss affordable summer activities for grandchildren, navigating family dynamics with other grandparents, approaching sensitive safety concerns, balancing spouse time with grandchildren time, and finding the right role as a grandparent when it comes to discipline.
As a...
In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon take a closer look at the often-complicated relationship between grandparents and teenagers. Inspired by the book Feeding the Mouth That Bites You by Dr. Kenneth Wilgus, they explore the concept of Planned Emancipation—a parenting approach that encourages gradually giving teens more independence as they prepare for adulthood.
Can grandparents truly shape a child's future? In this episode, Angela and Sharon explore research on the powerful impact grandparents have on their grandchildren's emotional development, language skills, confidence, and decision-making. They discuss the unique role grandparents play in providing unconditional love, creating a sense of security, and strengthening family connections across generations.
The conversation also examines...
In this episode of The Grand Balance, working grandmas Angela and Sharon discuss toddler tantrums, emotional regulation, attention-seeking behavior, and expert-backed strategies for handling meltdowns calmly. Plus, real-life stories about balancing family, caregiving, travel, health, and the chaos of modern grandparenting.
Episode Notes:
Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming—especially for those in the sandwich generation balancing careers, kids/grandkids, and elder care. In this episode, Angela and Sharon talk with Kim Brant-Lucich, one of the authors of Survival Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, about how to navigate elder care planning, including assisted living options, in-home care, financial realities, legal documents (power of attorney),...
In this episode, Angela and Sharon cover the realities of family travel with young grandchildren—from navigating flights and vacation logistics to finding ways for everyone (including parents and grandparents) to actually enjoy the trip. They kick things off with an honest conversation about grandparent boundaries after a new baby arrives and how family dynamics can shape those expectations. Along the way, they share a few pr...
In this milestone 50th episode, Angela and Sharon reflect on their journey as working grandmas—sharing heartfelt stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way.
They look back on standout guest interviews and the impact of topics like screen-free childhoods, skincare, and long-distance grandparenting. The conversation turns more personal as they explore what’s been most rewarding—and most challengi...
Angela and Sharon welcome special guest Kim, a high-energy grandma who turned monthly visits into a non-negotiable line in the budget so she can be the doting "Mimi" her granddaughters adore.
From late-night flights and FaceTimes that feel like playdates, she shares how she balances work, travel, and unforgettable weekend snuggles — and why it’s totally worth it.
Grandkids learn more from what we do than what we say. In this episode, Angela and Sharon talk about the funny, surprising, and meaningful ways grandchildren copy the adults around them. From accidental bad habits to lifelong values and family traditions, they explore how grandparents influence the next generation—often without even realizing it.
Episode notes: Sharon's Fabulous Find: Cold Brew Bottle
In this episode of The Grand Balance, Sharon and Angela share life updates and their words of the year—positivity and intentional—before diving into a relatable parenting challenge: kids lying. They unpack why children lie at different ages (from toddler “obvious lies” to pre-teen social pressure), how punitive reactions can backfire, and why labeling kids as “liars” can do harm. With funny stori...
In this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon open with a heartfelt story about restoring a family baptism gown and why preserving traditions still matters. Then they jump into their relatable “Don’t Get Me Started” segment — from frustrating customer service bots to everyday mishaps no one warns you about.
The heart of the episode focuses on an important refresh for grandparents: safety. With chil...
Angela and Sharon kick off the new year and Season 3 by recapping the holiday chaos: a New Year’s Eve C-section and grandparenting a toddler (plus dogs!) during hospital time. They grade last year’s goals—sleep wins, water fails, and “why did I buy so many gifts?”, and share a big takeaway about toddlers meeting new siblings: timing matters. Angela also previews what it’s really like caring...
Hosts Sharon and Angela share laughter and real-life chaos as Sharon prepares for a second grandbaby.
Angela brings her experience with two under two, and her continued preparation for managing multiple grandbabies, including bringing nanny-tested advice on routines, flexible planning, gentle discipline vs. boundaries, syncing naps, and carving out one-on-one time — all tied together with holiday plans and a brief seaso...
On this episode of The Grand Balance, Angela and Sharon interview Becky Livingston — certified travel and life coach, author of The Suitcase and the Jar, and founder of Vital Journeys at Any Age.
Becky shares her personal story how in 2010 a brain tumor took the life of her daughter, Rachel. Twenty-three years old and an avid traveller, it was her dying wish to keep traveling. Providing practical, gentle tips for starti...
Hosts Angela and Sharon catch up on life — a lemon-themed baby sprinkle, a house full of energetic grandkids, and another "Don't Get Me Started" segment.
They share practical tips for caring for two young grandchildren: safety first, routines, and potty-training strategies to simplify outings.
The episode closes with encouragement for working grandmas, celebrating the community of active grandparents and the love that fills b...
On this episode of The Grand Balance, aesthetician Sharon joins hosts Sharon and Angela to discuss skincare for women 50 and up along with younger mothers. The conversation explores at-home tools versus professional treatments, supplements, face, body and hand care, and practical tips for busy moms and women going through menopause or other hormonal changes to keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Episode Notes: SkincareByShar Instagram
On this episode of The Grand Balance, aesthetician and skin wellness expert Sharon joins the hosts to discuss the rise of social media-driven skincare trends and how grandparents and parents can guide tweens and teens toward healthy, age-appropriate routines.
The conversation covers practical tips for handling breakouts, safe product choices, the role of hygiene and diet, useful apps for checking ingredients, and ways parents...
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