Zen Parenting Radio

Todd and Cathy discuss chapter 5 "The Right to Speak and Hear Truth" of Cathy's new book : Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and our Children in an Unpredictable world.  Topics covered: self expression, the art of communication, words are things, heard and understood, learning differences

Todd and Cathy discuss chapter 4 "The Right to Love and Be Loved" of Cathy's new book : Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and our Children in an Unpredictable world.  Topics covered: Open heartedness, empathy, self-compassion, breathing, grief

Todd and Cathy discuss chapter 3 "The Right To Act" of Cathy's new book : Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and our Children in an Unpredictable world.  Topics covered: Autonomy and the hero’s journey, Individuation, Self-care, Energy, True and false self

Todd and Cathy discuss chapter 2 "The Right to Feel" of Cathy's new book: Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and our Children in an Unpredictable world.  Topics covered: Pleasure, emotional intelligence, creativity and play, and sexuality.

Todd and Cathy discuss chapter 1 "The Right to Be" Topics include: Body foundation, root to rise, physical and emotional safety, survival and connection, and reestablishing our roots.

Cathy and Todd take a deep dive into Thich Nhat Hanh quotes (the Zen Buddhist monk/teacher who died last week at 95), and also discuss human archetypes and why we show up the way we do. They also discuss the importance of children’s individuation and why female monkeys are ready to lead their barrel.

Todd and Cathy discuss some quotes from Adam Grant, Author of Think Again, and why rethinking our beliefs leads to a wider perspective and a more compassionate viewpoint. They also discuss why allowing our kids to have different beliefs and perspectives allows them to “individuate” or find their own sense of self.

Todd and Cathy discuss how we ask our kids to be responsible for themselves, but we also encourage them to ask for help. They process how to help our kids discern between the two requests, and how we can be more clear about our expectations. They also share some clips from the upcoming Zen Parenting Summit and how mindfulness and meditation are related.

Cathy and Todd offer the case for optimism (but don’t worry, it’s not toxic positivity…). They share some actual good news and why we are stronger and more resilient than we think.

Cathy and Todd discuss the road to wellness and why shame, judgment, anxiety, and hope all play a role. They also discuss why asking for help is so essential, and why asking for help is an act of bravery and strength. They discuss what it means to be a strength-based parent and play a clip from Lea Waters, author of The Strength Switch. Todd plays a clip from the TED Talk podcast about how people with less money actually give more to those in need, and how exposure and empathy are the keys to greater giving.

Cathy and Todd discuss hypervigilance, or the elevated state of constantly assessing potential threats. They discuss how our uncertain and ever-changing world can create this, or how some of us learned it in childhood. They also discuss the mental wellness of our kids and how we can talk to them about self-care and staying hopeful.

Todd+Cathy talk with coach and author Annmarie Chereso about recovering from infidelity, the process of self-awareness, and the importance of forgiveness. They discuss how we can notice our attachments and live with more presence and compassion.

Todd and Cathy discuss being flexible with how we see ourselves, our interactions, and our past experiences. They share how we can be realistic and optimistic, and how we can reframe challenges to benefit our future selves.

Todd and Cathy discuss being flexible with how we see ourselves, our interactions, and our past experiences. They share how we can be realistic and optimistic, and how we can reframe challenges to benefit our future selves.

Todd and Cathy discuss dysregulation and how it relates to self-awareness, social awareness, and our relationships overall. They discuss how when we yell, storm out, or lash out during a meeting, conversation, or even online it’s an indicator of dysregulation. They process how to become more aware, find calm, and act in congruence with our values.

Cathy and Todd discuss how feelings are physical body-based sensations and how thoughts are mental constructs like beliefs, opinions, and judgements. They discuss the definition of trauma and how to recognize and respect our shadow.

Cathy and Todd discuss the paradox of suffering, how it can be viewed as negative, important, as a path to awareness, and also as a way of staying stuck. They discuss why people run marathons, why and how we grieve, and how make exhaustion and productivity a status symbol.

Todd and Cathy discuss why we sometimes need to disappoint others so we don’t disappoint ourselves, and how we need to stay curious and open when it comes to connecting with our children. They discuss the writing of Thomas Merton, Anne Lamott, and Mary Oliver, and share why doing enough and doing more is always a work in progress.

Todd and Cathy discuss cognitive distortions, or habitual ways of thinking that are often inaccurate and negatively biased. They discuss how addressing these distortions are at the heart of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They also share their favorite scary shows for spooky season and why it’s best to not work through other people’s problems.

Cathy and Todd discuss how “loading the language” and using jargon can be purposeful in building community, but can also veer toward excluding and feeling more “special” than others. They discuss how certain wellness communities, organizations, and workout facilities can feel “cult-ish” and how personal agency and individual integrity are essential in staying grounded.