Zen Pop

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 chil...

On their 400 th 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...

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,...

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...

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. Tod...

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...

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 stepp...

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 th...

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 11 th , 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...

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...

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 wh...

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 chall...

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 propo...

Todd and Cathy discuss why humans are like porcupines, and why it’s important to stay open and use “relational ethics”, when communicating with our loved ones. They discuss Andy Murray’s subtle equality comment after Wimbledon , they share a quote about compassion from Pema Chodron , and explain what Tim Ferriss means when he says, “Hard Choices/Easy Life”. They also discuss a bill that could affe...

Todd and Cathy discuss how to have honest communication with friends and why it can be helpful to be “called out” by the people we love. They also discuss why our understanding of healing is oversimplified, and how it’s a daily action rather than a destination . They share a quote from Brad Pitt about toxic masculinity , explain the difference between shame and guilt, and discuss how marriage is h...

Cathy and Todd discuss how to embrace a challenging past by accepting it as a given rather than viewing it as a “gift” (which can sometimes feel inauthentic). This concept is taken from Sharon Salzberg’s book, Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection, and it allows us to acknowledge our experience and move forward as a force for good. They also discuss how kids can be sensitive to clothing and why...

Cathy and Todd share a quote from Gutsy Girl author Caroline Paul about how we can use “micro-bravery” to handle our fear. They discuss why bravery can mean different things to men and women, and why it’s hard to differentiate between fear, excitement, and other strong feelings. They talk about ball players who get the “yips”, the movie Get Out , and explain why The Babadook represents repressed g...

Todd and Cathy discuss gender inequality and why Todd gets frustrated talking to men about this issue. They discuss why it’s difficult to understand inequality, how we can be better listeners, and why the impact can negatively affect women and men. They reference an article from the New York Times titled Talking to Boys the Way We Talk to Girls by Andrew Reiner and discuss how we can make changes...

Cathy and Todd discuss Mary Oliver’s poem Wild Geese , specifically this line – you only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. They discuss that the things we love may not be cool or trendy, but sometimes embracing this uncoolness is the first step toward creating a more joyful home. They discuss Hamilton , the Backstreet Boys , and the most important scene from Revenge of t...

Todd and Cathy discuss how money contributes to happiness and how our relationship with money affects our feelings of success. They reference an episode of The Good Life Project called The Truth About Money and Happiness and discuss documentaries such as Happy , Born Rich , and the 1%. They also discuss how to talk with our girls about body image and why it’s important to find a new and true defin...

Cathy’s dad recently passed away so Cathy and Todd share how he lived and what he taught them. Most importantly why culture literacy leads to a bigger heart and mind, why willingness is the key to a deep and meaningful life, and why we are all simply “walking each other home”. Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book,  Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn  won the National Indie Excellence Award !   Go...

Cathy and Todd discuss how to approach who’s busier in a partnership, and how to talk to a friend who thinks she’s busier than you. They discuss why “turning toward” is the key to a long-lasting marriage, and share some tips from author and relationship expert Esther Perel . Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book,  Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn  won the National Indie Excellence Award !   Go ...

Todd and Cathy discuss why “figuring out” our partner will cause frustration, but why staying present with every new experience will create intimacy. They use a post from fellow coach Jayson Gaddis They discuss why it’s important to ride the waves with your partner rather than trying to control their emotional expression, and why unpredictability can be just as connecting as predictability. They s...

Cathy and Todd discuss why freeing ourselves from needing to be right can shift the dynamics of a conversation, and ultimately, a relationship. They share a clip of Glenn Beck from the On Being Podcast where he explains why using fear divides, and why it’s time to come together and listen. They also share an interview from Tim Ferriss’ podcast about why treating all people with dignity is essentia...

Cathy and Todd talk with Jodi Bondi Norgaard, founder of Dream Big Toy Company and the creator of the award-winning Go! Go! Sports Girls line of dolls and books for girls encouraging healthy and active play over fashion and body image. Jodi is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, activist, consultant, and founding member of The Brave Girl Alliance , a think tank of girl empowerment experts. Other Reso...