The Grand Balance: A Working Grandmas Podcast

Episode 48: The Grandparent Effect: What Kids Pick Up From Grandma

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

Episode 47: Grandma’s Guide when the Grandkids Lie

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 stories, real talk, and practical approaches, they emphasize calm responses, honest accountability, and alignment between parents and grandparents—especially when safety is involved. Plus: a Lent check-in (alcohol break, cursing jar for charity) and Sharon’s “fabulous find” kitchen gadget—the 4-in-1 rotating colander “magic bowl.” 
Episode notes:  Sharon's fabulous find
4-1 Magic Bowl

Episode 46: Child Safety Matters — Are You Up to Date?

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 child-safety guidance constantly evolving, Angela and Sharon discuss the need to relearn best practices, prepare your home, and stay current so grandkids are safe in your care. It’s practical, honest, and full of the real-life perspective only working grandmas can bring.

Episode 45: Season 3 Kickoff: Baby Watch, Toddler Chaos & Lessons Learned

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 for two grandkids solo and previews some upcoming episodes on keeping grandkids safe, when grandkids lie, and the good and bad habits grandkids absorb by watching us.

Episode 44: Grandmas Managing Double the Fun

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 seasonal break...whew!  

Episode 43: The Magic of Solo Travel for Grandmas-Tips from Expert Becky Livingston

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 starting solo travel (start small, set intentions, consider house‑sitting or group tours), Becky also explains the cognitive and emotional benefits of travel for women 55+, and offers encouragement for building confidence and meaningful connections on the road.
 
Episode Notes:  
Folllow Becky on Instagram
Becky's Website
Becky's Book - The Suitcase and the Jar

Episode 42: Two Under Two: A Grandma's Survival Guide

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 busy hands and hearts.

Episode 41: Grandmas Ask the Expert Part 2: Skincare Tips for Women

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

Episode 40: Grandmas Ask the Expert: Young Girls Skincare Tips and Trends

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 and grandparents can support kids’ self-esteem in a trend-driven world.
Episode Notes: 
Bobby Approved App
Yuka App

Episode 39: Discussing the Anxious Generation: Tips for Grandmas and Parents

Angela and Sharon kick off with a quick travel check-in before diving into a fresh “Don’t Get Me Started” .They spotlight an inspiring working grandma before diving into some book recommendations focusing on The Anxious Generation, which launches a candid discussion on kids, tech, and modern parenting. They summarize four foundational harms linked to digital life—social deprivation, sleep loss, attention fragmentation, and addiction—then connect the dots to new school phone rules and the importance of offline, free play for building resilience. A Taylor Swift quote sparks a reminder to treat personal energy like a luxury: invest it where it matters.
The conversation widens to a preview of some upcoming episodes on the sandwich generation and a skincare expert who will cover routines from tweens to grandmas.