038 Father, Judge, Stranger: Unpacking a Complicated Legacy with Mike Harding
The Grandpa Channel: Grandparent Stories, Family Legacy & Life Lessons · with Steve Harris – Real Talk, Real Laughs & the Real Grandparent Life
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Show Notes
Episode Title: “I Never Heard My Grandfather's Voice — Now I Know Why That Matters”
Guest: Mike Harding
Host: Steve Harris
Presented by: The Grandpa Channel
In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Steve sits down with his friend Mike Harding to explore what it means to be a son, a father—and one day, a grandfather.
Mike grew up never hearing the voices of his grandfathers. Raised in a large, devout, and disciplined family, Mike reflects on what was passed down, what was missing, and what he's determined not to repeat. He opens up about his father's toughness, the impact of emotional silence, and how recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous helped reshape his life and parenting style.
They discuss:
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Growing up as the 7th of 9 children
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The pain and silence of never knowing your grandparents
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A father's love expressed the wrong way
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The complexities of grief and legacy
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Parenting with compassion instead of fear
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Setting new patterns through vulnerability and conversation
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The lifelong impact of mentorship and friendship
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And what Mike would say if he could speak with his dad again
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that our stories matter—and that it's never too late to rewrite how the story ends. Whether you're a grandpa, a father, or simply trying to be better than the generation before, there's something here for you.
🎥 Mentioned in the intro:
Record your story with Planted Media — https://plantedmediaco.com (Tell them Rivers sent you for a Grandpa Channel discount.)