Zen Parenting Radio

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 this decision too much or just right? They discuss their upcoming self-compassion class, their upcoming screening of Angst, and why it’s important for each of us to speak our truth.T

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 11th, 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+, and it’s highly recommended for all parents and teens. They share the wisdom of Michael Singer from his book The Untethered Soul, and what it means to have a “voice in our head”. They also discuss Hurricane Harvey, how to give, and why we need to stay focused on hope. Click here to get tickets to the screening of Angst at York Theater on Sept 11th. T

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 zenparentingradio.com to find all the podcasts, events, books, and resources that you’ve been asking for - all in one place! And get your early-bird 2018 Zen Parenting Conference tickets, a spot in Cathy’s How to Be Brave pre-conference workshop, and become a Zen Friend to support our conference scholarship program.

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 why this experience led to more authentic communication and connection.

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 challenges with participation trophies or awards and offer new insight into why these are only a symptom rather than the problem. They discuss why giving our kids space to find their own grit is essential, and why humility, community, and confidence are essential in keeping our goals healthy and manageable.

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 proposed military transgender ban, and why proximity to people different than us will decrease fear, increase compassion, and create unity.

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 affect teens who are caught sexting - teen expert Rosalind Wiseman explains, “We understand why adults don’t want young people sending these kinds of pictures but it’s dangerous and unethical for lawmakers to write and pass laws that can’t tell the difference between a sexual predator and a young person who is going through adolescence.”

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 handled on Friday Night Lights.

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 it’s important to find ways to keep them comfortable. They share why joy+sadness are a team, why trying to defend our emotional state can cause conflict, and explain why The Soupdragons I’m Free is Todd’s empowerment song.

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 grief and anger.

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 in our own home that will impact the world. They answer a listener question about a challenging four-year-old, talk about their vacation and the Backstreet Boys, and share some movie clips.

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 the Nerds.

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 definition of beauty.

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”.

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.

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 share a recent miscommunication, explain why labeling family members is detrimental, and practice saying toy boat really fast without messing up.

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 essential, and why we want all people to be just like us. This episode will free your mind (and as En Vogue says), and the rest will follow…

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.

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 with the National Anthem, play some of Kristin Wiig’s best SNL characters, and explain why allowing someone else to explain something can feel freeing and empowering.

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 about show for teens.