Tag: Family Legacy
Staying Connected: Building Family Bonds and Legacy in Retirement with Dr. Sean Brotherson (Ep. 25)

Staying Connected: Building Family Bonds and Legacy in Retirement with Dr. Sean Brotherson (Ep. 25)

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Retirement isn’t just about finances. It’s about having the freedom to focus on what matters most: your family.

In this heartfelt episode, Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker are joined by Dr. Sean Brotherson, Professor and Extension Family Science Specialist at North Dakota State University, to explore how retirees can deepen family connections, pass down values, and create meaningful traditions across generations.

From Saturday morning donut runs to turning family stories into lessons for resilience, this episode is filled with real ideas for building stronger relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned grandparent or just beginning to think about the legacy you want to leave, you’ll walk away with practical inspiration.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How to create new family traditions without forcing them
  • The role of technology in staying connected with grandkids
  • How family stories can shape values and identity
  • Legacy-building activities that make memories last
  • And more

Resources:

Get your FREE B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint:

3 Ways to Respond:

  • Text BLUEPRINT to (435) 500-0665
  • Call: (800) 769-7550
  • or Click Here

Connect with Tyson Thacker: 

Connect with Ryan Thacker: 

Connect with Sean Brotherson:

About Sean Brotherson:

Sean Brotherson, Ph.D., is a professor and Family Life Specialist at North Dakota State University. With a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, he has been educating families nationwide since 1998. He and his wife of 34 years have eight children and three grandchildren, and they love spending time together, traveling, and building lasting family connections.

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Creating Unforgettable Moments with Grandchildren with Susan Yates

Creating Unforgettable Moments with Grandchildren with Susan Yates

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What does it really take to build lasting family memories with your kids and grandkids, especially when everyone’s busy and scattered across the country?

In this heartwarming and practical episode, Ryan Thacker sits down with Susan Alexander Yates, author of Cousins Camp: A Grandparent’s Guide to Creating Fun, Faith, and Memories That Last, to explore how small, intentional efforts can lead to meaningful family traditions that stand the test of time. Susan shares how she and her husband turned a simple idea into an annual “Cousins Camp” that now includes all 21 of their grandchildren, even a set of quadruplets. From budget-friendly activities to age-appropriate planning and spiritual connection, this conversation is packed with inspiration for grandparents and parents who want to leave a legacy of love.

You’ll learn how grandparents can become anchors of wisdom and joy, even if they don’t live nearby, and how your financial plan can support your desire to gather family without the stress of overspending. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own version of Cousins Camp or simply looking to strengthen your family bonds, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Susan discusses:

  • (00:01) How she created “Cousins Camp” for her 21 grandchildren (including quadruplets!)
  • (00:06) Creative, budget-friendly ideas to build family connection and start meaningful traditions
  • (00:13) Ways grandparents can become trusted listeners and mentors during life’s messy moments
  • (00:24) How to prioritize family gatherings in your retirement plan without breaking the bank
  • And more!

Resources:

Get your FREE B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint:

3 Ways to Respond:

  • Text BLUEPRINT to (435) 500-0665
  • Call: (800) 769-7550
  • or Click Here

Connect with Ryan Thacker: 

Connect with Susan Yates:

About Susan Yates:
Susan Alexander Yates is a wife of nearly 55 years, mother to five children (including a set of twins), and grandmother to 21—including a set of quadruplets. She and her husband John have hosted an annual “Cousin Camp” for their grandchildren for over a decade  in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. Susan is the author of 16 books, including the acclaimed Cousin Camp: A Grandparent’s Guide to Creating Fun, Faith, and Memories That Last. She shares practical wisdom and encouragement for families on her blog at susanalexanderyates.com.

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