Zen Parenting Radio

Cathy and Todd discuss why light and dark are part of the holidays, and why every season has a purpose. They discuss Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, and why embracing dark can make us more compassionate and integrated people. They discuss the challenges of spiritual bypassing and what Wayne Dyer meant when he said, “Learn to die while you are living”.

Todd and Cathy discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book The Coddling of the American Mind, specifically focusing on the interview with Sam Harris on the Waking Up podcast. They discuss why universities struggle with controversial speakers, why safe spaces were created, and why some people have a hard time viewing emotional pain as valid pain. They process why there are no simple answers, and how each situation carries unique challenges and dynamics that need to be considered.

Cathy and Todd introduce four more speakers and four special organizations who will be at the 2019 Zen Parenting Conference. They discuss a podcast featuring Tony Robbins and the author of The Untethered Soul, Michael Singer, and they play a clip from Will Smith about why love is help.

Cathy and Todd discuss Brandi Carlisle’s song The Joke, and why it was written for people who feel “under-represented, unloved or illegal”. They talk about the newest sexual assault allegations, and what needs to be done to create change. The discuss the dignity of George HW Bush, and why his agenda while in office was surprising.

Our friend Josh St. Pierre returns to the show to give us an update on his recent kidney transplant (click here to listen to Josh’s first podcast where he shares his story). He shares what it felt like to get the phone call about the potential match, how he’s reflecting and recovering, and why he’s grateful for the people and lessons learned along the way. Click here to learn more about organ donation.

Todd and Cathy discuss how we tell our story, and how we can frame it in a way that serves us rather than depletes us. They discuss why mindfulness and sharing our story are essential when dealing with trauma, and also when we are parenting and relating to our children. They discuss Mark Epstein’s books, Sharon Salzberg’s path to compassionate teaching, and why Michelle Obama says we need to own our story.

Cathy and Todd discuss Michelle Obama’s new book Becoming, focusing in on some of the best pieces of advice for parents and kids. They discuss why we are always evolving, why growth never ends, and why we should allow our kids (and ourselves) to fail, pivot, and change.

Cathy and Todd discuss anger and how it can be productive, but also be destructive if not monitored. They discuss Pete Davidson’s apology and Lt. Com. Dan Crenshaw’s willingness to accept it on SNL this weekend. They discuss how Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect allowed the women to be the complex characters, and why Bohemian Rhapsody is so fun to watch.

Cathy and Todd discuss how fear can be helpful if we are willing to listen and look at what’s it’s trying to say, but destructive if we live from constant state of fear by blaming and dehumanizing. They discuss Dr. Bessel van de Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps Score, and his interview with Krista Tippet on the Being Wise podcast, and how trauma becomes lodged in our bodies and what we can do to move it through. Cathy and Todd share examples of trauma and disconnection from Million Little Things, 8th Grade, The Haunting of Hill House, and the way our current administration is dehumanizing immigrants and people seeking asylum at the border. And if you are reading this on Tuesday, Nov 6th – GO VOTE.

Cathy and Todd discuss why blame and the belief that we are superior to another causes pain in our family, community and country. They discuss how dehumanization is a weapon to oppress and harm, and why we need to be thoughtful about words we say and write. They also discuss why intimacy coordinators are being used at HBO, why Todd can continue to express himself authentically, and Dax Shepard’s interview with Brenè Brown.

Cathy and Todd discuss some great quotes and wisdom gained from Cathy’s weekend with Glennon and Abby at Omega Institute. They discuss why being a “cool girl” is no longer necessary or healthy, why pleasing everyone will exhaust you, and how our wounds can become our greatest source of strength and inspiration. Glennon and Abby are the keynotes at the Zen Parenting Conference on March 8&9, 2019 – get your tickets at zenparentingradio.com.

Cathy and Todd discuss Brenè Brown’s new book, Daring to Lead, and apply her well-researched leadership principles to the family structure. They discuss why fear is inevitable, how courage can be practiced, and how we can teach and role model leadership in our homes, so our kids can take it into the world.

Cathy and Todd discuss power dynamics within relationships – specifically who has it, how to share it, and how to talk about it. They discuss why taking a measured approach to power – with our kids, in our partnerships, and even on-line - has the potential to teach compassion and deepen relationships. They discuss why stepping back is sometimes necessary, why stepping forward can be powerful, and why This Is Us leads to great family discussions.

Todd and Cathy discuss the history of not believing women, and why recognizing what we’ve missed and creating change can be messy and difficult. They share clips from a Hidden Brain podcast about how social proof and horizontal action play a role in the #metoo movement, the truth about Anita Hill’s testimony (click here to hear the “You’re Wrong About…” podcast), and why the Duke Lacrosse story became nationally known (click here to see the 30 for 30 documentary trailer). They share the history of “female hysteria”, and why recognizing our own biases and beliefs will allow us to be more compassionate toward ourselves and empathetic toward others.

Cathy and Todd discuss #WhyIDidntReport and why it’s important to listen, rather than assume we already understand, other people’s stories. They discuss the importance of hearing – women who talk about sexual assault, our spouses, our children – rather than assuming we already understand their experiences. They talk about questioning unconscious bias and share clips from a vulnerable and brave Charles Blow interview.

Todd and Cathy discuss how Todd wants to make his daughters watch the documentary "RBG" and how it's not working.  They also talk about a dad who wants to force his daughter to attend "optional" soccer practices. They talk about their own struggle of brand vs. mission for Zen Parenting Radio.  Lastly they play a clip from the "flu" episode. 

Cathy and Todd talk with Rea Frey about her new domestic suspense novel, Not Her Daughter. She shares the story behind the book, the conversation it has created, and why it makes the reader question the line between right and wrong. They also discuss modern-day parenting, the trauma of birth, and some real-life kidnapping scares. Not Her Daughter will be made into a major motion picture, and it’s made numerous top book lists for summer, including a shout-out in Us Weekly. Booklist proclaims, "Brings to mind Jodi Picoult...thought-provoking domestic drama."

Todd and Cathy discuss how kids can practice self-care and why a mental health day may reduce their anxiety and possibly decrease the odds of physical illness. They also discuss how couples can discuss balance and equity in the home, and how our society views female anger, specifically Serena Williams anger, during the U.S. Open.

Boundaries and Compassion Todd and Cathy discuss boundaries and compassion, and how they are threads that run through so many questions posed by parents, especially during Team Zen conversations. They also share why discussing controversial subjects doesn’t need to create more controversy, and why understanding how Fortnite makes kids feel will help explain why the game is so popular.

Cathy and Todd talk with Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise and 2019 Zen Parenting Conference speaker, about supporting/guiding a child through their first-phone experience. They also discuss recent movies such as 8th Grade, BlacKKKlansman, and the new documentary, America to Me, filmed at Oak Park River Forest High School.