Zen Parenting Radio

Cathy and Todd discuss autonomous growth and relational growth and process why they are both essential. They also discuss the impact and passing of David Bowie, answer a listener question, and explain how to meet your goals through “temptation bundling”.

Cathy and Todd talk with Kenji Oyasu, Executive Medical Director of the Brightside, a clinic dedicated to the treatment of prescription drugs and heroin addiction. He offers new insight to why this addiction is so deadly, why it can be a challenge to treat, and the new model of recovery that is offering hope and changing lives.

Cathy and Todd discuss the things that can impress us this year versus the things that typically impress us (money, labels, “likes”). They also share how they handled their daughter’s desire to watch a scary movie, and they answer a listener’s question about what to do when a teenager is making poor choices.

Cathy and Todd discuss how we can stay connected and curious about our kids lives. They also share a new perspective on being busy, and why contemplation is more important that “doing”. They reference the following books, blogs and quotes: Anna Quindlen’s book Loud and Clear. A blog titled Busy Is A Sickness by Scott Dannemiller The Victor Hugo quote – “To contemplate is to toil, to think is to do”. Randy Pauch’s book The Last Lecture

Cathy and Todd discuss four gifts you can give yourself for the holidays and throughout 2016, and the mindfulness wisdom of Bill Murray and Billy Corgan.

Cathy and Todd discuss the difference between the circle of influence and the circle of concern, and which one can actually change the world. They also discuss why worry isn’t necessary, how to make your newsfeeds more enjoyable, and how we can turn despair into hope.

Todd and Cathy talk to Jay Smith, creator of the MacGill First Aid Kit. While planning for an upcoming vacation, Jay has trouble finding a kit with all of the essential emergency supplies – so he MADE one. It’s an ideal holiday gift, and you can use coupon code zencode for a discount (Cathy and Todd have already bought three!). Jay also asks a question about his daughter’s recent jealously of her stepmom, and Cathy and Todd offer some support. If you're interested in ordering a family first aid kit, don't forget to enter the coupon code ($5.00 off and free shipping), by entering "ZENCODE" upon checkout.

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of character and reference David Brooks’ new book The Road to Character. They also discuss suffering, getting your “loves” in order, and why their house felt like a scene from European Vacation this weekend.

Todd and Cathy discuss the pressure children feel around homework and how we can support them rather than increase their anxiety. They process the meaning of inner disarmerment and why this individual practice will lead to a change in our immediate surroundings and world (outer disarmerment). They also discuss Mr. Mom, the Rocky movies, and Todds new coaching education.

Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s important to stay expand when we are in fear or crisis rather than contract and shut down. We have the capacity to function and make heart-centered choices even when we are afraid. They also discuss Mockingjay Part 2, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and a great question from a listener regarding the many different paths to “success”.

Cathy and Todd discuss talking to kids about tragic events such as the recent terrorist attack. They also discuss 10 things every middle schooler should know, and answer a few listener questions about sensitivity and technology. Click here to read Cathy’s blog about what to do after Paris.

Cathy and Todd discuss why children like to have something of their own to feel “special", and why it helps to normalize these feelings rather than shame them into thinking differently. They also discuss why normalizing feelings is reliant on the parent’s self understanding, and why it’s important to frame the world, experiences, and opportunities as abundant rather than limited.

In the 2nd half of this interview with Dr. Duffy, we talk about issues specific to teen-agers and our the topics covered includes empowering our sons, Brene Brown, and how to "manage" the boys who come to take out your teenage daughter. HINT- It does not include a shotgun over the fireplace and other difficulties of being a teenager in this day and age.

Todd and Cathy discuss criticism, why it hurts so much and why it’s an inevitable part of life. They discuss why it’s important to speak up, even in the face of criticism, and how to offer constructive criticism rather than blame and guilt. They share personal stories about how they talk to each other about their pain, and why most of the pain stems from childhood. They discuss the wisdom of Elizabeth Gilbert and cartoonist Lynda Barry and how they deal with criticism in their creative lives.

That is a quote from Dr. Duffy who visits us again in this two-part interview. We talk about issues specific to teen-agers and our the topics covered includes suicide, drugs and alcohol, technology, depression, and the difficulties of being a teenager in this day and age.

Cathy and Todd share some reactions to their kids behavior, why it’s important to recognize how you feel before your respond, and why understanding your response will keep you self-aware. They also discuss privilege, their upcoming interview with Dr. John Duffy, and why Todd thinks he’s being duped by strawberry companies.

Cathy and Todd discuss what it means to live above and below the line, a consciousness tool taught by Jim Dethmer from the Conscious Leadership Group. Above the line means you think from a place of abundance, creativity, and openness, while below the line means you think defensively and rigidly and with a constant need to be right. This understanding affects our understanding of the workplace, our parenting, and most importantly ourselves.

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of grieving, the value of “keening”, and a listener asks a question steming from Susan Stiffelman’s book, Parenting with Presence. Todd shares his favorite quote about personal responsibility, Cathy tells a serendipitous story about the conference she attended, and they somehow work in Six Feet Under and Terminator 2.

Cathy and Todd discuss why it can be challenging for families when kids are involved in youth team sports or travel leagues. They also discuss why valuing relationship above all else will make decision making so much easier, and why leaders who value relationship are the most successful.

Cathy and Todd discuss the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and why it’s more powerful than just focusing on behavior. They also discuss Tara Mohr’s five new takeaways about mindfulness and lovingkindness, and why Elizabeth Gilbert thinks fear is “boring”.