Zen Parenting Radio

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.

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!