Episodes

Cathy and Todd discuss why self criticism and fear decrease our ability to create meaningful change, and why self compassion is essential for goal setting. They also discuss the “neurotic roommate” inside our head, why balance may not exist, and the big mistake at the end of The Karate Kid. The following also discuss listener’s questions: Question #1- I’d love some advice on how the two of you handle situations when you think the other person is doing it WRONG. Whether it’s with each other, yo...

Cathy and Todd discuss a blog by Mark Manson titled, Stop Trying to Be Happy. They discuss the difference between happiness and pleasure, and why “happiness is the process of becoming your ideal self”. It’s the pursuit of our ideal self, not the achievement of goals, that allows us to experience our “happy”. Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Co...

Cathy and Todd discuss overdetermination, the recognition that multiple factors lead to a single outcome. They also process the importance of integrity and communication and how they play a role in our most important relationships. They reference M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled and Beyond, Pearl Jam, and the movies Blow, Poltergeist, and Honeymoon in Vegas. How does it all fit together? Listen and find out! Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the...

Todd and Cathy discuss a powerful commencement speech by Jim Carrey, and also a thought-provoking quote by Ethan Hawke. They process why it’s important to follow your own path and trust love instead of fear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=710&v=V80-gPkpH6M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSyHWMdH9gk Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Conferen...

We discuss the public shaming of children, and how it can be detrimental to the child and your relationship. We discuss compassion and empathy, and how spreading anger or shaming will not create a better world. We also share some of Brenè Brown’s research around shame – specifically why secrecy, silence, and judgment will exacerbate it, and empathy will eradicate it. Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider...

Cathy and Todd discuss Sheryl Sandburg’s moving tribute to her late husband Dave, and highlight the numerous lessons about present-moment living and finding meaning even in the darkest times. They also discuss Caitlyn Jenner and why transgender is an umbrella term with many different variables. Todd shares a blog about a dad who talks to his daughter about puberty, and why this can positively impact how a girl responds to her own development. Sheryl Sanberg Tribute What Happened When a Daughter...

Do you practice spreading loving kindness to yourself and others? “Metta” is tool that you can use AND share with your kids. Cathy and Todd also discuss why education and awareness play such a huge role in educating boys and changing societal norms. Other Resources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D05ej8u-gU Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Conference With P...

Cathy and Todd discuss the “five awareness” exercises that helps you maintain loving relationships, how to connect with a child who has different interests, and how Todd’s been handling his worry. They also discuss close talkers, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and how you can support them in their Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Conference With People We Love. Click here for more details. Other ...

We are hosting our first-ever live event, and we launched a Kickstarter campaign to make it the BEST it can be! Our “Conference With People Will Love” is March 11/12, 2016, and we already have amazing speakers confirmed (Dr. Shefali, John O’Sullivan, John Duffy) – check out our campaign to become a sponsor, vendor, get your tickets (with VIP status!) or simply to support this exciting event. We hope you will join us, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend! We also discuss Todd’s issues with worry ...

Maddie’s world changed when she was diagnosed with Turners Syndrome in 5th grade, but it didn’t define her, it simply allowed her to know herself so much better. Turners Syndrome comes with physical challenges and learning disabilities, and Maddie had to accept and endure both. Her story will remind you that we are so much more than a diagnosis, and that even our challenges can be our greatest gifts. Maddie is our niece and we know you will be inspired by her story – her motto is Be Fearless, an...

Cathy and Todd discuss what it means to “runaway” from our problems. It’s a lot more common then we realize, and when we do it, our children learn to do the same. They also discuss how to communicate with kids when they break the rules, why we should think before we judge other parents, and why David Letterman will be missed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9I9zafXQkk Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book, Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn- The POWER of Self-Aware Parenting, is now on sale! ...

Todd and Cathy discuss partnership and how slowly and incrementally we take on certain roles and get stuck in patterns. They process how to communicate what feels fair and balanced, and why communication is not one big talk, but rather many talks that lead to greater trust and stability. Effective communication with a partner leads to a more intimate relationship, and it serves as a training ground for how we communicate with others. Listen to this episode with your partner! Other Resources Par...

Cathy and Todd discuss this article about Madison, a girl who’s life appeared perfect on Instagram, but in actuality, she was struggling and took her own life. We process what it means when the inner world doesn’t match the outer world, how social media shapes our perception of other people, and what we can learn from Madison. We also discuss the movie Beginners, and why it’s now in Cathy’s Top Ten favorites. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings ...

Cathy and Todd talk with Brigid Schulte, award-winning journalist for The Washington Post, and author of Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time. She shares why busyness has become the new status symbol, why moms are still the default caregivers/home managers, how kids are absorbing our stress, and why we should find more time for the present. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary called The Empowerment P...

Cathy and Todd discuss Bruce Jenner and Janet Mock and why understanding transgender helps us expand our awareness about everything. They also discuss how a listener handled his child’s rage, and they answer a listener question about how to handle it when your kid won’t practice her instrument. Even more important, they share their full list of top 10 favorite movies – they might surprise you! Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary...

Cathy and Todd discuss Bill Maher’s take on Free-Range Parenting and question why we judge other parents decisions. When we judge ourselves less, we judge others less (and vice versa). They share their own judgment stories, Cathy’s last Chicago Parent column, and more of their top ten movies. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary called The Empowerment Project brought to you by Zen Parenting Radio and CCS. This film documents ordi...

Todd and Cathy discuss the meaning of “behavior is neutral” and share a personal story about deescalating sibling rivalry. They also discuss mindfulness, Cheryl Strayed, and why the movie Best in Show is so brilliant. Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary called The Empowerment Project brought to you by Zen Parenting Radio and CCS. This film documents ordinary women doing extraordinary things. It’s on Monday, May 18th @ York Theater in Elmhurst. ...

Todd and Cathy talk with Leana Greene, Founder of Kids in the House. After becoming a mother of three, Greene decided to focus on raising her family and developed a strong passion for parenting and education. She spent her time reading parenting books and attending lectures to gain as much knowledge as possible. Realizing that many parents were busy like her, Greene strove to create a comprehensive resource that was quick and easy to use. In 2013, after spending years doing research and filming ...

When you are struggling, do you curse it, nurse it , and rehearse it? Or do you disperse it and reverse it? Todd and Cathy discuss all of these possibilities, and which choices lead to greater contentment. They also discuss Lionel Richie songs, new apps, why Cathy wears her earphones when she’s grocery shopping, and how Todd allowed his daughter to make her own choices this past weekend. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary calle...

Todd and Cathy discuss mortality and question why we shy away from talking about something we all share. Todd references a book called Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, and talks about an important conversation he had with his 93 year old grandmother. They also discuss how cancelling on friends through text has become the new normal, and why it’s important to be impeccable with our word and never take anything personally (Two of The Four Agreements). Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Ne...

Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s sometimes important to give your partner “credit” for introducing you to new ideas or experiences. Cathy admits that it was difficult when Todd first started doing yoga and getting interested in her line of work – she was excited for him, but she also felt like she losing a part of her identity. Have you ever introduced a book or class to your partner and they are initially uninterested? But then they hear about it from somebody else and forget that you ever sugge...

We talk with Roman Krznaric, author, cultural thinker, and empathy expert. He has been named one of Britain’s leading popular philosophers, and he’s the founder of the Empathy Museum and the Empathy Library. Over half a million people have watched his RSA Animate video The Power of Outrospection (it’s a much watch!). Roman talks to us about the golden rule vs the platinum rule, how to raise empathetic kids, and why empathy has the power to change the world. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date ...

Cathy and Todd discuss empathy and how it relates to connection, self awareness, and parenting. They discuss how empathy is the necessary step, in all situations, toward real and meaningful change. They play a clip from their interview with Roman Krznaric, author and empathy expert, which will air this Friday. And some great Ron Swanson clips… The Hole Chapter One I walk down the street There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in I am lost…….I am helpless It isn’t my fault. It takes for...

On today’s show we discuss Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and why he is one of our heroes. We also discuss an episode of NPR’s Invisibilia called Entanglement – specifically how it’s the explanation for why random people tell Cathy stories, and why she doesn’t like to answer the door for the pizza guy. Intrigued? You should be, this show goes deep! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tOp7OxyQ8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKeR0U9t4y8 Other Resources Pare...