Zen Parenting Radio

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.

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 connection. If you are in a marriage or partnership, or if you are interested in having a healthy partnership, this is a must-listen episode.

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 Gone Girl about the myth of the “cool girl”. Todd shares some “quick takes”, they play a movie game, and they sing songs by Pat Benatar and Run DMC.

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 focusing on what matters.

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 Harris, and play movie quotes that start with B.

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 Harris, and play movie quotes that start with B.

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 emphasize bringing attention to the disparity. They answer a listener question about managing the tantrum of his son, they discuss Pear Jam’s Elderly woman behind the counter in a small town, and Todd shares some of his favorite movie quotes.

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 and the Beast, Pretty in Pink, chess, and why Todd wants to play catch his daughters.

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”, and why emotional leadership begins by listening instead of demanding. They share the wisdom of Stephen Covey, why being calm creates change, and why George Costanza ordered chicken salad instead of tuna.

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 and trees are Zen, and why pictures can be just as important as words.

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 Maya Angelou at the very end of the show.

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 your last chance!

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.

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.

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!

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.