Zen Pop

Todd and Cathy discuss the definition of 10,000 Joys and 10,000 Sorrows, and explain why acceptance of both leads to a more balanced and calm life. They discuss Mark Nepo’s interpretation of what it means to “unlearn what we have unlearned”, and why life is a constant tension between acquiring new information and letting go of what we don’t need. They also talk about Stranger Things, why rabbits a...

Cathy and Todd share the highlights from their conference, including the messages of their speakers, Rob Bell, Rosalind Wiseman, and Ali Smith. They process their Friday night talk, specifically focusing on we are here, bring the light, love louder, if not you, then who?, just do right, generate peace, create meaning, and let’s take care of each other. They also share an important message from May...

Todd and Cathy discuss the top ten things that adults usually regret – why they regret them, and how to view these things differently. They answer two listener questions – one about lying to the school about vacations, and the other about how to support an emotional partner. They share Phish music, My Blue Heaven quotes, and discuss this weekend’s conference . Click here to get your ticket , it’s...

Todd and Cathy discuss Valentine’s Day and how we can find ways to love ourselves and others every day. They also discuss the importance of understanding another’s perspective, and how we can incorporate empathy into our everyday parenting. They talk about Adele and Beyonce, Anchorman and A League of their Own, and share the wisdom of Atticus Finch. The Zen Parenting Conference is only a few weeks...

Cathy and Todd discuss five truths, as explained by Neale Donald Walsh in his book Conversations with God, Vol 2.  They also discuss the variability of feelings, how to determine what you are feeling, and why shame can get in the way of our true emotions. They process the difference between wounds and wholeness and why responding is better than reacting. The Zen Parenting Conference is only a few...

Cathy and Todd share tens ways we can deal with the challenges our world is facing. Specifically focusing on how we can support ourselves and the ones we love, and how we can help and give back to others. They talk about daily action, a documentary that will inspire you, and why taking care of nature will create more peace. The Zen Parenting Conference is only a few weeks away! Click here to regis...

Cathy and Todd talk about the Chicago Women’s March – why it happened, who was there, and what comes next. They also discuss self-awareness and the “4 ways of being in the world” as described by the Conscious Leadership Group.  They talk REM, unification, and share an anthem by MILCK called “I can’t keep quiet.” Upcoming Events Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book,  Living What You Want Your Kids To L...

Cathy and Todd discuss The Five Essential Questions in Life , proposed by Dean James Ryan during a Harvard Graduate School of Education commencement speech. They also discuss the power of words and how word choice can empower or drain us. They talk about Dennis Miller, Hidden Figures, and answer a listener question about how marital separation effects kids. Upcoming Events Other Resources Cathy’s...

Cathy and Todd talk with Annmarie Chereso, founder of Bring It! Home , an organization that offers programs to increase wellbeing and conscious leadership in the home and school. They talk mindfulness, parenting, partnership, and share why self-awareness and connection are the keys to deeper contentment. Bring It! Home is based in Chicago and is a  Zen Parenting Conference  sponsor. Upcoming Event...

Cathy and Todd discuss how experiences can “rearrange” us, causing us to open our heart wider, or close ourselves tighter. They process how relationships are a back and forth, and how in the words of Mark Nepo , we “take turns being cloudy and clear”. They share Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey , wise words about compassion from George Lucas, and why certainty is elusive. Upcoming Events Other Resourc...

Cathy and Todd talk with Susan McConnell from Let It Be Us about foster care in Illinois and throughout the country. They also talk with Kyle Osterhues and his mom Carolyne about his experience in foster care and their experience with adoption. This touching show sheds light on the importance and impact of foster care, and how so many great kids are waiting for their forever family. Upcoming Event...

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of listening to others and being open to differing perspectives. They share quotes such as  Polish your mind with the minds of others and  Be an expert who is interested in everything,  and discuss why it’s important to not make our individual story everybody else’s story. They talk about Todd’s “man cold”, discuss the Newtown Documentary they are screening on...

Todd and Cathy share wisdom from Wayne Dyer and Tony Robbins about feeling good and why it increases our ability to parent as well. They also discuss Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and why this book prompted an important discussion. They talk about George Michael , different types of fear , and why we need to know what we are FOR rather than against. Upcoming Events The Tribe Men’s Adven...

Cathy and Todd process why paradox allows us to become more self-aware and open-minded. They also discuss why it’s important to be an “emotional leader” and find meaning in our decisions. They share wisdom from Growing Pain’s Jason Seaver, a great line from Don Henley, and why Madonna and the elderly woman behind the counter in a small town are similar. Upcoming Events The Tribe Men’s Advent...

Cathy and Todd discuss why kindness is empowering and why practicing kindness makes you healthier and much less stressed. They also discuss why self-awareness is essential in monitoring our own reactivity, and why being mindful is the first step toward choosing kindness. They share a clip from an interview with Life-Vest Inside’s Orly Wahba on The Good Life Project podcast . She explains how kindn...

Taking care of our parents: A discussion with Deborah Shouse, author of Connecting in the Land of Dementia Todd and Cathy talk with Deborah Shouse and her brother Dan about  what it means to be a “care partner” for parents or loved ones with dementia. They offer how we can bring greater understanding and hope to an undeniably challenging time. They share the power of being present, why appreciatio...

Todd and Cathy discuss fake news and where to find trustworthy information (as explained on Planet Money ). They also discuss lessons from former NBA player Chris Herren , and why this coach thinks society is hurting kids by giving them all trophies . They distinguish between Stephen Covey’s circle of concern and circle of influence, and explain why our willingness to do good creates more good. Up...

There are so many questions about relationships, sexual intimacy, consent, bystander intervention and supporting survivors, it can be feel overwhelming. Confusion is widespread in schools, college campuses, and the military, and as parents it can be difficult to approach these conversations with our own kids. Mike Domitrz from the Date Safe Project offers a refreshing perspective on sexuality, res...

Cathy reads ten hints from her grandmother’s notebook, a “here and now” list (what we would call mindfulness) that her grandmother transcribed in the 70’s. Cathy and Todd discuss the message of It’s a Wonderful Life, why John Hughes spoke for kids and teens, and why hope is such a valuable thing. Upcoming Events The Tribe Men’s Adventure Retreat Shoot Todd an email @ comments@zenparentingrad...

Todd and Cathy welcome back Dr. John Duffy and his wife Julie to discuss why so many people are dealing with undue anxiety. They process why it’s difficult to discuss, where it’s coming from, and why we need to talk to our kids about it. They discuss Dr. Duffy’s new podcast called Undue Anxiety, Bruce Springsteen, and why communication and connection are the keys to feeling less alone. Upcoming Ev...

Cathy and Todd discuss why “some things in life cannot be fixed, they can only be carried”, a quote taken from Megan Devine, therapist and grief teacher. She shares that most of what passes for grief support is not very useful, and that humans have the capacity to handle feelings and the feelings of others with compassion and understanding. Not by blaming, judging, or compartmentalizing, but by pr...

We talk with Alexa James, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Chicago. She explains the importance of sharing our stories to de-stigmatize mental health, and how language and perspective can shift our thinking. We discuss the myths and challenges around mental health for adults and children, and how we can shift our focus to care, recovery, and hope. NAMI Chicago’...

Cathy and Todd explore how art, creativity, and imagination have the power to create change (highlighting Cathy’s blog about The Beatles bringing the country together). They also discuss the difference between pro and against and why focusing on what you DO want (rather than what you don’t) leads to a desired outcome. They offer steps to stay focused on what you desire, answer a listener question...

Cathy and Todd process why the election felt shocking and how we can take care of ourselves. They discuss how nature always find a way, how we can organize in our homes and in our communities to create change, and how we can embrace our value and use our power for good. They talk about how we can be better listeners to those who think differently, how we can practice empathy and find commonality,...

  Cathy and Todd talk about how living in the black and white keeps us from listening to each other, but if we live in the grey, we remain open, curious, and empathetic. They talk politics, parenting, Anne Lamott, Dave Matthews, poetry, and the most effective way to hold space for each other. Upcoming Events The Tribe Men’s Adventure Retreat Shoot Todd an email @ comments@zenparentingra...