Zen Pop

Cathy and Todd discuss self-acceptance, and Todd offers a new understanding of his difficult emotions (with the help of Jeff Foster ). They also discuss the vital distinction between fact and opinion, and process how life is full of paradox. They discuss Kathryn Schulz’s TED talk about the importance of being wrong, and why “to err is human”. Other Resources Our Kickstarter campaign has come to an...

Todd and Cathy discuss their workshop with Tony Robbins, specifically their inspiring moments and new life lessons. Tony is an advisor to leaders around the world, a recognized authority on the psychology of leadership, negotiations, organizational turnaround, and peak performance, and he has been honored consistently for his strategic intellect and humanitarian endeavors. They’ve never seen, know...

Cathy and Todd discuss speech patterns, specifically discussing the new documentary Do I Sound Gay? by filmmaker David Thorpe . They also discuss the phenomenon of “upspeak” and how those who use it may not be taken seriously, and why the Kardashian voice or “vocal fry” is not only challenging on the ears, but also the vocal cords. They highlight an NPR interview with Thorpe and Speech Pathologist...

Do you feel like you have been “working” on “healing” and that any sadness or discomfort means you are failing? Todd and Cathy discuss Jeff Foster and specifically his teaching that feelings and experiences will always be a part of us, and that the more we accept and understand this, the less challenging they will be. They also discuss Malala’s new documentary , share a passage from The Book of Aw...

When a spouse travels or works long hours, it’s hard to find a consistent family rhythm. And when an often-absent spouse is home for a day or two, it can throw off the daily rhythm and cause friction. How can we acknowledge and discuss this openly without offending each other? Cathy and Todd share their experience with this challenging topic, and demonstrate how this is relevant to all of our rela...

Cathy and Todd discuss an article titled “ Why mothers and teenage daughters fight ” and question why and how these fights occur. Can we be self-aware when we are talking with our teenagers, and can we create space between our emotional experiences and how we react? It’s not easy, but it’s a worthy practice to keep family relationships healthy. Todd shares an inspirational story and Cathy talks ab...

Cathy and Todd share a letter from a listener whose son discovers himself through dance, and how this discovery leads to self-aware parenting. It’s an inspirational and emotional story about how to create a connected relationship with your child – you don’t want to miss it. Steve is the father in this story has a part-time photography business which can be found  here .  Cathy an...

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 tw...

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  Kicks...

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? Li...

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 C...

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 conside...

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  imp...

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...

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 Kickstarte...

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 ho...

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...

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’...

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 groun...

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...

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/Daugh...

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! Oth...

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 c...

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 C CS .  This film do...

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 comprehens...