Episodes

Todd and Cathy talk about how meaning relates to happiness and joy, and how this knowledge can make our holidays less stressful and our parenting more conscious. They also discuss the benefits of Forest Bathing and share why trees can be our best teachers. They discuss the benefits of being cold, the zen-ness of their rabbit, and the need for more optimistic TV shows and movies. Time Stamps 2:05 Forest Bath discussion 12:17 Without Your Permission 18:54 Meaning 26:00 Cathy’s tree conversatio...

Todd and Cathy talk with Mike Domitrz, Founder of The Date Safe Project and 2018 Zen Parenting Conference keynote speaker. They discuss they #metoo movement and what comes next – how does this change our behavior? How will this impact our relationships and society overall? How can it influence our parenting? Mike offers his expertise and support as we all navigate this ever-changing and uncertain time. Resources/Videos used on today’s show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLg1k4I9fqk https://ww...

Cathy and Todd share how we can take care of ourselves and say no during the holidays without feeling guilt. They discuss Shauna Niequist’s book Present Over Perfect and why our decision to be good to ourselves allows us to be more present for the ones we love. They also discuss why discomfort and confusion during this time of #metoo is normal and necessary for change, and how we can be more thoughtful and self-aware about our choices. It’s awards season again! Cathy shares the Golden Globe Best...

Todd and Cathy discuss how inequality can lead to challenging and often unconscious communication, and they share some civil statements that women can use to feel heard. They discuss common unconscious double standards in private life and the workplace, and explain why the skit “Welcome to Hell” from Saturday Night Live was so thought-provoking. They share a moment from A Very Brady Christmas, some wisdom from Zen Parenting Conference keynote Mike Domitrz from The Date Safe Project, and a powerf...

Todd and Cathy discuss how they experience the world differently, and why understanding and respecting these differences lead to better communication. They talk about why connection is like nourishment, and why not connecting can make us feel uncomfortable mentally and physically. They discuss Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies and share which tendency describes their underlying motivation. They talk about the movie Wonder, owning our stuff, and why sexual assault allegations are uncovering a deep...

Todd and Cathy discuss Jessica Lahey’s The Gift of Failure, and discuss why allowing our kids to make mistakes will help them succeed. They also discuss the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, why rewards and punishment don’t work, and why praising our kids for effort rather than outcome will lead to greater success and a healthier sense of self. They play a clip of a Hillary Clinton interview on the Dear Sugar podcast, a commercial about failure from Michael Jordan, and discu...

Cathy and Todd discuss The Five Invitations, a book that shows us how to wake up fully to our lives. As a compassionate teacher and cofounder of the Zen Hospice Project, author Frank Ostaseski supports the dying. His five invitations dive into the suffering, joy, and inevitability of death, and why embracing this wisdom will lead to a more mindful and compassionate life. Cathy and Todd use clips from Dead Poets Society and Star Wars to highlight his points, and discuss why this book empowered th...

Todd and Cathy discuss an article in Harpers Bazaar titled “Women aren’t nags, we’re just fed up” about emotional labor and the sensitivity surrounding this topic. They discuss how to have a productive conversation about what it really takes to manage a house, and why it’s not always true that men are “problem solvers” and women are “sensitive”. They discuss how they are challenged with this issue, how it’s easy to go on autopilot, and why this is an ongoing discussion and not a one-time convers...

Todd and Cathy discuss why it’s OK for kids to change their minds and try new things, and why it’s important for adults to do this, too. They discuss how self-awareness is essential, and how self-forgiveness and understanding are also essential because we will always be a mystery (the great paradox!). They discuss the offensive gesture during the world series, how they managed their daughter’s crying episode, Byron Katie’s “The Work”, cranial sacral holds, and some humor from Anchorman. Time St...

Cathy and Todd talk with Roksanna Taghizadeh, an immigrant who grew up in Iran, became a refugee in Germany, and eventually made it to the United States where she became an structural engineer. She shares her immigration story, explains what it’s like to live in a refugee camp, and shares why the current political environment has been surprising and emotionally challenging. Resources/Videos used on today’s show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf68LZ-yagM&t=3s JOIN US TEAM ZEN- VIRTUAL COMMUNIT...

Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s OK to be uncomfortable, and why focusing on what works and what we are grateful creates the foundation to deal with discomfort. They reference the Good Newspaper, and explain why good news can help us speak out about the uncomfortable news. Todd shares some wisdom from Simon Sinek about why cell phones shouldn’t be the classroom or the boardroom, and why will power sometimes isn’t enough. They discuss if it’s safe for Todd to drive with his knee, why we shouldn’t ...

Cathy and Todd discuss the power of #metoo (a hashtag for anyone who has been sexually harassed or assaulted) and why sharing stories and listening to each other paves the way for change. They also talk about the power of words and why inclusive language is not just about being politically correct, it’s about growth and understanding. They discuss software that allows parents to see how their children are doing throughout the school day, why children hold in painful secrets, and why Cathy won’t ...

On their 400th episode, Cathy and Todd discuss why they started Zen Parenting, how it’s changed, and why equality, compassion, and connection motivate them to keep going. They share their favorite Tom Petty songs, discuss why difficult conversations are essential, and explain how if we work together, we will soar. Show Notes/Time Stamps 2:50 Todd’s basketball story 9:16 Todd’s public service announcement regarding Equifax 11:40 Emerging Women Conference- Masculine/Feminine equality discussion...

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of civility when we have different opinions or viewpoints, and offer some definitions and research from Brenè Browns book, Braving the Wilderness. They also discuss the Las Vegas tragedy – how we can make the unbearable bearable, and how we can give of ourselves to help others. They share who resides in their “brain trust”, offer some wisdom from Cory Booker, and discuss why we have dehumanized in the past and why rehumanization is essential for the future. ...

Cathy and Todd talk with Danya Rosen, Executive Director of the Chicago Peer Health Exchange, an organization that empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make healthy decisions. They train college students to teach a skill-based health curriculum (focusing on mental health, sexual education, and overall wellness) in under-resourced high schools across the country. They aim to reduce unplanned pregnancy and substance abuse by offering knowledge, support, and access to ...

Cathy and Todd discuss Brenè Brown’s book, Braving the Wilderness, specifically the difference between “fitting in” and “true belonging”, and why listening and civility are our ways back to each other (this book discussion will continue next week). They also discuss a blog titled The Keeper and how it created an argument in one home, and why it’s an important discussion piece for any marriage. Todd shares a great Chicago story about how one person’s sacrifice lead to another person’s extreme act...

Todd and Cathy discuss Simon Sinek’s definition of success and why momentum is the key. They talk about the best predictor of whether or not we will view our lives as successful (and it has nothing to do with money). They discuss why a man can be perceived as assertive and a woman is perceived as bossy, how the 2017 Emmy Award winners made some history, and why Oreos and seeing the movie IT are not great self-care choices for Cathy. Show Notes/Time Stamps 1:08 Reflections on Robert Waldinger’s ...

Cathy and Todd discuss The Smartphone Generation vs. Free Speech by Jean M. Twenge about the millennial generation (otherwise known as iGen) and why they are different. They discuss how they were raised, how they think, and why they understand emotional risk more than physical risk. They also discuss They also discuss Brene Brown’s new release, Braving the Wilderness, and how it focuses on stepping out and speaking up, and how we can answer questions with civility rather than mistrust and disdai...

Cathy and Todd offer ways to practice and recognize self-compassion, and explain why our ego tends to argue against too much self-love (but why we don’t have to listen…). They discuss lovingkindness meditation, why it’s important to accept compliments, and how we can get to know ourselves like a friend. They also discuss Keyshawn Johnson’s decision to pull his son out of Nebraska football – was this decision too much or just right? They discuss their upcoming self-compassion class, their upcomin...

Cathy and Todd discuss anxiety, how and why it shows up, and why it’s important topic of conversation in every home. They discuss their documentary screening of Angst: Normalizing the Conversation Around Anxiety on Monday, September 11th, 7pm, at York Theater. This movie is a perfect opportunity to open an important conversation and normalize what’s been stigmatized. It’s appropriate for kids 10+, and it’s highly recommended for all parents and teens. They share the wisdom of Michael Singer from...

Todd and Cathy reveal their three speakers for the 2018 Zen Parenting Conference, and explain why each of them is a force for good. They discuss candor, wisdom, kindness, and responsibility, and offer new resources that will help each of us live with greater clarity and intention. They answer a listener questions, and also discuss their NEW+IMPROVED website! Go to zenpopparenting.com to find all the podcasts, events, books, and resources that you’ve been asking for – all in one place! And get yo...

Cathy and Todd discuss fear-based thinking, what happened in Charlottesville, and how an abundance mindset can shift the way we relate to each other. They answer listener questions about a husband who doesn’t understand the challenges of busy motherhood, and how to manage, and hopefully reduce, an anxious home environment. Todd talks about his trip to New England with his daughter, and explains why this experience led to more authentic communication and connection. Time stamps for the show… 1:3...

Cathy and Todd discuss Caroline Adams Miller’s book Getting Grit, about what grit really means, and why we need to be thoughtful about the kind of grit we are using and promoting. They share some clips from her interview with Jonathan Field’s on The Good Life Project, and explain why self-awareness, compassion, and connection are essential in becoming a force for good. They also discuss the challenges with participation trophies or awards and offer new insight into why these are only a symptom r...

Cathy and Todd discuss what a hell yes feels like, and why saying no is so important. They share an interview with Oprah on the Dear Sugar podcast where she explains how she learned to say no, and why a no can be the best decision for all involved. They also share why letting go can be just as important as holding on, and what it really means to be impeccable with your word. They discuss the proposed military transgender ban, and why proximity to people different than us will decrease fear, incr...