Zen Pop

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...

Todd and Cathy discuss why teens and adults need buttons (or release valves) to manage their anxiety. They may rarely (if ever) use supports that are offered, but just knowing they are there decreases feelings of anxiousness. They talk about what it means to be “busy” and why busyness requires a sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility. They share a story about Canadians helping out wit...

Todd and Cathy talk about how we can “comfortably hold our paradoxes”, and use examples from Danielle LaPorte to explain why this acceptance leads to wisdom. They discuss how to share information about your kids without feeling like you’re listing a resume, why allowing kids to share their viewpoint results in less and anger and more connection, and why 13 Reasons Why has become the most talked ab...

Todd and Cathy talk with Charlie Rogers, 17, about what it means to be a vegan and a steward of the environment. They talk climate change, carbon footprints, minimalism, education, and why it’s important to make choices that align with our souls – in our teens, and as parents. Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book,  Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn  won the National Indie Excellence Award...

Cathy and Todd talk with Dr. Alexandra Solomon , author of Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want . They discuss why the past shows up in love relationships, the challenges of hookup culture, and how to listen with the “third ear”. They also discuss why self-awareness is essential, and why offering compassion to yourself and your partner are keys to connecti...

Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s important to speak up in a relationship instead of “kick the can down the road”. They discuss why intimacy is created when a couple is willing to communicate about what matters, and how both sexes have been conditioned to not share their true feelings. They talk about internalized misogyny, why our beliefs and actions are not always congruent, and share a clip from...

Cathy and Todd discuss internal vs external peace, and why internal peace is the key to contentment. They talk about “good enough parenting” and share why Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence , believes that being good enough, is good enough. They offer an opportunity to join their monthly Zen Talks , explain their 10,000 campaign goal, and talk more about being a force for good and fo...

Cathy and Todd discuss what it means to ride the waves of life, and why support can make our experiences more bearable. They talk about the Making Oprah podcast and why Oprah made Chicago and our lives so meaningful. They explain what E+R=O means, how we can all be forces for good, and why it’s necessary to update and expand our gratitude practice. Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book,  Living What Yo...

Todd and Cathy discuss the definition of zen, why acceptance keeps us from suffering, and how to let go when things don’t seem to be going our way. They explain what it means to be “sex positive” and explain why Teen Vogue and Rookie Magazine  offer smart and timely journalism for teens. They discuss why regret is “unskillful”, share perspective from  This American Life and 10% Happier with Dan Ha...

Todd and Cathy discuss the importance of balancing studentship and maintaining your own perspective. Teachers are necessary and helpful in guiding us through life, but it’s also important to ground ourselves in our own identity. They also discuss why it’s vital to focus on women’s equality and awareness around women’s rights (or lack of rights). Gender equality for men is just as vital, but they e...

Cathy and Todd discuss the difference between telling your kid to buck up and offering them consolation, and why it’s not one or the other, it’s both. They also explain why it’s importance to answer your kids questions and not assume that they already know what to do. They talk about the new State Farm commercial titled Following and Julia, the new character on Sesame Street . They discuss Beauty...

Cathy and Todd discuss  Megan Phelps Roper ’s TED talk titled, “I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church, here ’s why I left”. She explains how rational and considerate conversation allowed her to see things differently, and offers four healthy ways to communicate when we disagree or feel polarized. They also discuss Rob Bell ’s most recent podcast about “the lie of redemptive violence ” , a...