Zen Parenting Radio

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.

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of listening to others and being open to differing perspectives. They share quotes such as Polish your mind with the minds of others and Be an expert who is interested in everything, and discuss why it’s important to not make our individual story everybody else’s story. They talk about Todd’s “man cold”, discuss the Newtown Documentary they are screening on 1/18, and contemplate this quote from Mark Nepo - “just because you feel broken, doesn’t mean the world is broken.” They introduce their new partner Healthy Habits Healthy Moms

Todd and Cathy share wisdom from Wayne Dyer and Tony Robbins about feeling good and why it increases our ability to parent well. They also discuss Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and why this book prompted an important discussion. They talk about George Michael, different types of fear, and why we need to know what we are FOR rather than against.

Cathy and Todd process why paradox allows us to become more self-aware and open-minded. They also discuss why it’s important to be an “emotional leader” and find meaning in our decisions. They share wisdom from Growing Pain’s Jason Seaver, a great line from Don Henley, and why Madonna and the elderly woman behind the counter in a small town are similar.

Cathy and Todd discuss why kindness is empowering and why practicing kindness makes you healthier and much less stressed. They also discuss why self-awareness is essential in monitoring our own reactivity, and why being mindful is the first step toward choosing kindness. They share a clip from an interview with Life-Vest Inside’s Orly Wahba on The Good Life Project podcast. She explains how kindness offers us the tools to create change, and how we can transform inspiration into action.

Taking care of our parents: A discussion with Deborah Shouse, author of Connecting in the Land of Dementia Todd and Cathy talk with Deborah Shouse and her brother Dan about what it means to be a “care partner” for parents or loved ones with dementia. They offer how we can bring greater understanding and hope to an undeniably challenging time. They share the power of being present, why appreciation and going with the flow are essential, and how creativity and music can offer a brand new perspective.

Todd and Cathy discuss fake news and where to find trustworthy information (as explained on Planet Money). They also discuss lessons from former NBA player Chris Herren, and why this coach thinks society is hurting kids by giving them all trophies. They distinguish between Stephen Covey’s circle of concern and circle of influence, and explain why our willingness to do good creates more good.

There are so many questions about relationships, sexual intimacy, consent, bystander intervention and supporting survivors, it can be feel overwhelming. Confusion is widespread in schools, college campuses, and the military, and as parents it can be difficult to approach these conversations with our own kids. Mike Domitrz from the Date Safe Project offers a refreshing perspective on sexuality, respect, consent, and why it’s all about communication and caring for each other as human beings.

[powerpress] Cathy reads ten hints from her grandmother’s notebook, a “here and now” list (what we would call mindfulness) that her grandmother transcribed in the 70’s. Cathy and Todd discuss the message of It’s a Wonderful Life, why John Hughes spoke for kids and teens, and why hope is such a valuable thing.

Todd and Cathy welcome back Dr. John Duffy and his wife Julie to discuss why so many people are dealing with undue anxiety. They process why it’s difficult to discuss, where it’s coming from, and why we need to talk to our kids about it. They discuss Dr. Duffy’s new podcast called Undue Anxiety, Bruce Springsteen, and why communication and connection are the keys to feeling less alone.

Cathy and Todd discuss why “some things in life cannot be fixed, they can only be carried”, a quote taken from Megan Devine, therapist and grief teacher. She shares that most of what passes for grief support is not very useful, and that humans have the capacity to handle feelings and the feelings of others with compassion and understanding. Not by blaming, judging, or compartmentalizing, but by practicing presence, honesty, and the ability to show up and accept what is. They share clips from The Good Life Project, a podcast hosted by Jonathan Fields.

We talk with Alexa James, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Chicago. She explains the importance of sharing our stories to de-stigmatize mental health, and how language and perspective can shift our thinking. We discuss the myths and challenges around mental health for adults and children, and how we can shift our focus to care, recovery, and hope. NAMI Chicago’s mission is to provide hope and improve the quality of life for those whose lives are affected by mental illness, providing information and referrals, education, support, advocacy, and active community outreach.

Cathy and Todd explore how art, creativity, and imagination have the power to create change (highlighting Cathy’s blog about The Beatles bringing the country together). They also discuss the difference between pro and against and why focusing on what you DO want (rather than what you don’t) leads to a desired outcome. They offer steps to stay focused on what you desire, answer a listener question about an emotional toddler, and explain why Sammy’s Van Halen songs are more meaningful than Dave’s.

Cathy and Todd process why the election felt shocking and how we can take care of ourselves. They discuss how nature always find a way, how we can organize in our homes and in our communities to create change, and how we can embrace our value and use our power for good. They talk about how we can be better listeners to those who think differently, how we can practice empathy and find commonality, and how we can allow this wake up call to keep us awake and engaged in our lives. They share grief, fear, hope, serenity, optimism, and some wise words from Andy Dufresne.

Cathy and Todd talk about how living in the black and white keeps us from listening to each other, but if we live in the grey, we remain open, curious, and empathetic. They talk politics, parenting, Anne Lamott, Dave Matthews, poetry, and the most effective way to hold space for each other.