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Cathy and Todd discuss the life-changing mindfulness research of Ellen Langer, author and professor from Harvard who has been researching mindfulness (and mindlessness) since the 70’s. She defines mindfulness as paying attention and being able to notice new things, while recognizing that experiences are based on the words and ideas that we attach to them. Ellen Langer was interviewed by Krista Tippet for the On Being Podcast. We read an excerpt from Videographer/Storyteller Shawn Boyle ...
Cathy and Todd discuss Brenè Brown’s new book Rising Strong and focus on the first step, The Reckoning. Reckoning is how we engage and become curious about our feelings, our willingness to practice emotional intelligence. If we do not engage our feelings, if we deny and disengage, then our emotions “don’t go away; instead, they own us, they define us…” (from Rising Strong). Thanks for supporting us! Check out our new website & be sure ...
Cathy and Todd pay tribute to Wayne Dyer by sharing his Ten Secrets, and explain how Wayne influenced their lives and millions of others. They also discuss the Beastie Boys, Batdad, and why they dance before taping a podcast. Any feedback is welcome. The Wayne Dyer book we discussed on today’s show is called 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace and of our favorite parenting books. The Parent’s Tao Te Ching How to Re-Awaken Your Spirituality ...
Cathy and Todd discuss what it means to be present, and how this knowledge can be turned into daily practice. They also discuss their differences when it comes to filling up a Saturday, why it’s important to dance with our fear, and why the Humans of New York Facebook page wakes us up to the world. The entry from Humans of New York that Todd read- “Imagine that every time you have a lapse in ...
Girls tend to read books with male protagonists (Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid), but do boys read books with female protagonists? Todd and Cathy ask this question, as well as how men respond to female leads in movies and television (specifically their recent experience after seeing the movie Trainwreck, and why Amy Poehler once got mad at Jimmy Fallon in the SNL writer’s room). They also talk about Who’s the Boss, Family Ties, ...
*May not be appropriate for children* Cathy and Todd discuss John Oliver’s most recent rant on Last Week Tonight about sex education. He makes vital points about why abstinence-only education doesn’t work for all, why there’s no required standards for sex education around the country, and why shame/guilt/fear do not change sexual behavior, they only negatively impact the way people feel about themselves. They also discuss why Elizabeth Smart believes abstinence-only sex ed can be ...
Cathy and Todd discuss why some people grow from difficult times, and why some people stay stuck and feel victimized by their experiences. They discuss the power of personal responsibility and why taking care of yourself and moving through challenge is a natural and necessary part of human evolution. They also discuss Cecil the Lion, Cathy’s experience at Rob Bell’s lecture, forgiveness, and of course, Revenge of the Nerds. A few resources mentioned in the ...
Cathy and Todd discuss self-acceptance, and Todd offers a new understanding of his difficult emotions (with the help of Jeff Foster). They also discuss the vital distinction between fact and opinion, and process how life is full of paradox. They discuss Kathryn Schulz’s TED talk about the importance of being wrong, and why “to err is human”. Other Resources Our Kickstarter campaign has come to an end. We met and surpassed our goal. Thank you ...
Todd and Cathy discuss their workshop with Tony Robbins, specifically their inspiring moments and new life lessons. Tony is an advisor to leaders around the world, a recognized authority on the psychology of leadership, negotiations, organizational turnaround, and peak performance, and he has been honored consistently for his strategic intellect and humanitarian endeavors. They’ve never seen, known, or experienced anything like him, and they know he will inspire you, too! They also take a question ...
Cathy and Todd discuss speech patterns, specifically discussing the new documentary Do I Sound Gay? by filmmaker David Thorpe. They also discuss the phenomenon of “upspeak” and how those who use it may not be taken seriously, and why the Kardashian voice or “vocal fry” is not only challenging on the ears, but also the vocal cords. They highlight an NPR interview with Thorpe and Speech Pathologist Susan Sankin. Other Resources Our Kickstarter campaign has ...
Do you feel like you have been “working” on “healing” and that any sadness or discomfort means you are failing? Todd and Cathy discuss Jeff Foster and specifically his teaching that feelings and experiences will always be a part of us, and that the more we accept and understand this, the less challenging they will be. They also discuss Malala’s new documentary, share a passage from The Book of Awakening, and celebrate the U.S. Women’s ...
When a spouse travels or works long hours, it’s hard to find a consistent family rhythm. And when an often-absent spouse is home for a day or two, it can throw off the daily rhythm and cause friction. How can we acknowledge and discuss this openly without offending each other? Cathy and Todd share their experience with this challenging topic, and demonstrate how this is relevant to all of our relationships. If this episode resonates ...
Cathy and Todd discuss an article titled “Why mothers and teenage daughters fight” and question why and how these fights occur. Can we be self-aware when we are talking with our teenagers, and can we create space between our emotional experiences and how we react? It’s not easy, but it’s a worthy practice to keep family relationships healthy. Todd shares an inspirational story and Cathy talks about addictiveness of reality television. Other Resources Our Kickstarter ...
Cathy and Todd share a letter from a listener whose son discovers himself through dance, and how this discovery leads to self-aware parenting. It’s an inspirational and emotional story about how to create a connected relationship with your child – you don’t want to miss it. Steve is the father in this story has a part-time photography business which can be found here. Cathy and Todd also discuss Pixar’s Inside Out. See Soren dance below… Other Resources Our ...
Cathy and Todd discuss why self criticism and fear decrease our ability to create meaningful change, and why self compassion is essential for goal setting. They also discuss the “neurotic roommate” inside our head, why balance may not exist, and the big mistake at the end of The Karate Kid. The following also discuss listener’s questions: Question #1- I’d love some advice on how the two of you handle situations when you think the other ...
Cathy and Todd discuss a blog by Mark Manson titled, Stop Trying to Be Happy. They discuss the difference between happiness and pleasure, and why “happiness is the process of becoming your ideal self”. It’s the pursuit of our ideal self, not the achievement of goals, that allows us to experience our “happy”. Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for ...
Cathy and Todd discuss overdetermination, the recognition that multiple factors lead to a single outcome. They also process the importance of integrity and communication and how they play a role in our most important relationships. They reference M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled and Beyond, Pearl Jam, and the movies Blow, Poltergeist, and Honeymoon in Vegas. How does it all fit together? Listen and find out! Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign ...
Todd and Cathy discuss a powerful commencement speech by Jim Carrey, and also a thought-provoking quote by Ethan Hawke. They process why it’s important to follow your own path and trust love instead of fear. Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Conference With People We Love. Click here for more details. Cathy’s 3rd book, Living What You ...
We discuss the public shaming of children, and how it can be detrimental to the child and your relationship. We discuss compassion and empathy, and how spreading anger or shaming will not create a better world. We also share some of Brenè Brown’s research around shame – specifically why secrecy, silence, and judgment will exacerbate it, and empathy will eradicate it. Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, ...
Cathy and Todd discuss Sheryl Sandburg’s moving tribute to her late husband Dave, and highlight the numerous lessons about present-moment living and finding meaning even in the darkest times. They also discuss Caitlyn Jenner and why transgender is an umbrella term with many different variables. Todd shares a blog about a dad who talks to his daughter about puberty, and why this can positively impact how a girl responds to her own development. Sheryl Sanberg ...
Do you practice spreading loving kindness to yourself and others? “Metta” is tool that you can use AND share with your kids. Cathy and Todd also discuss why education and awareness play such a huge role in educating boys and changing societal norms. Other Resources Please consider supporting us in our Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Conference With People We Love. Click here ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the “five awareness” exercises that helps you maintain loving relationships, how to connect with a child who has different interests, and how Todd’s been handling his worry. They also discuss close talkers, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and how you can support them in their Kickstarter Campaign for the ZPR Conference in March, 2016. Please consider supporting our Kickstarter Campaign for our first annual Conference With People We Love. Click here ...
We are hosting our first-ever live event, and we launched a Kickstarter campaign to make it the BEST it can be! Our “Conference With People Will Love” is March 11/12, 2016, and we already have amazing speakers confirmed (Dr. Shefali, John O’Sullivan, John Duffy) – check out our campaign to become a sponsor, vendor, get your tickets (with VIP status!) or simply to support this exciting event. We hope you will join us, it’s going ...
Maddie’s world changed when she was diagnosed with Turners Syndrome in 5th grade, but it didn’t define her, it simply allowed her to know herself so much better. Turners Syndrome comes with physical challenges and learning disabilities, and Maddie had to accept and endure both. Her story will remind you that we are so much more than a diagnosis, and that even our challenges can be our greatest gifts. Maddie is our niece and we know ...
Cathy and Todd discuss what it means to “runaway” from our problems. It’s a lot more common then we realize, and when we do it, our children learn to do the same. They also discuss how to communicate with kids when they break the rules, why we should think before we judge other parents, and why David Letterman will be missed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9I9zafXQkk Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book, Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn- The ...
Todd and Cathy discuss partnership and how slowly and incrementally we take on certain roles and get stuck in patterns. They process how to communicate what feels fair and balanced, and why communication is not one big talk, but rather many talks that lead to greater trust and stability. Effective communication with a partner leads to a more intimate relationship, and it serves as a training ground for how we communicate with others. Listen to ...
Cathy and Todd discuss this article about Madison, a girl who’s life appeared perfect on Instagram, but in actuality, she was struggling and took her own life. We process what it means when the inner world doesn’t match the outer world, how social media shapes our perception of other people, and what we can learn from Madison. We also discuss the movie Beginners, and why it’s now in Cathy’s Top Ten favorites. Other Resources Parent/Daughter ...
Cathy and Todd talk with Brigid Schulte, award-winning journalist for The Washington Post, and author of Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time. She shares why busyness has become the new status symbol, why moms are still the default caregivers/home managers, how kids are absorbing our stress, and why we should find more time for the present. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings ...
Cathy and Todd discuss Bruce Jenner and Janet Mock and why understanding transgender helps us expand our awareness about everything. They also discuss how a listener handled his child’s rage, and they answer a listener question about how to handle it when your kid won’t practice her instrument. Even more important, they share their full list of top 10 favorite movies – they might surprise you! Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ...
Cathy and Todd discuss Bill Maher’s take on Free-Range Parenting and question why we judge other parents decisions. When we judge ourselves less, we judge others less (and vice versa). They share their own judgment stories, Cathy’s last Chicago Parent column, and more of their top ten movies. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary called The Empowerment Project brought to you by Zen Parenting Radio and CCS. This ...
Todd and Cathy discuss the meaning of “behavior is neutral” and share a personal story about deescalating sibling rivalry. They also discuss mindfulness, Cheryl Strayed, and why the movie Best in Show is so brilliant. Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ZPR community screenings is a documentary called The Empowerment Project brought to you by Zen Parenting Radio and CCS. This film documents ordinary women doing extraordinary things. It’s on Monday, May 18th @ York Theater in ...
Todd and Cathy talk with Leana Greene, Founder of Kids in the House. After becoming a mother of three, Greene decided to focus on raising her family and developed a strong passion for parenting and education. She spent her time reading parenting books and attending lectures to gain as much knowledge as possible. Realizing that many parents were busy like her, Greene strove to create a comprehensive resource that was quick and easy to use ...
When you are struggling, do you curse it, nurse it , and rehearse it? Or do you disperse it and reverse it? Todd and Cathy discuss all of these possibilities, and which choices lead to greater contentment. They also discuss Lionel Richie songs, new apps, why Cathy wears her earphones when she’s grocery shopping, and how Todd allowed his daughter to make her own choices this past weekend. Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in ...
Todd and Cathy discuss mortality and question why we shy away from talking about something we all share. Todd references a book called Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, and talks about an important conversation he had with his 93 year old grandmother. They also discuss how cancelling on friends through text has become the new normal, and why it’s important to be impeccable with our word and never take anything personally (Two of The Four ...
Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s sometimes important to give your partner “credit” for introducing you to new ideas or experiences. Cathy admits that it was difficult when Todd first started doing yoga and getting interested in her line of work – she was excited for him, but she also felt like she losing a part of her identity. Have you ever introduced a book or class to your partner and they are initially uninterested? ...
We talk with Roman Krznaric, author, cultural thinker, and empathy expert. He has been named one of Britain’s leading popular philosophers, and he’s the founder of the Empathy Museum and the Empathy Library. Over half a million people have watched his RSA Animate video The Power of Outrospection (it’s a much watch!). Roman talks to us about the golden rule vs the platinum rule, how to raise empathetic kids, and why empathy has the power ...
Cathy and Todd discuss empathy and how it relates to connection, self awareness, and parenting. They discuss how empathy is the necessary step, in all situations, toward real and meaningful change. They play a clip from their interview with Roman Krznaric, author and empathy expert, which will air this Friday. And some great Ron Swanson clips… The Hole Chapter One I walk down the street There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall ...
On today’s show we discuss Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and why he is one of our heroes. We also discuss an episode of NPR’s Invisibilia called Entanglement – specifically how it’s the explanation for why random people tell Cathy stories, and why she doesn’t like to answer the door for the pizza guy. Intrigued? You should be, this show goes deep! Other Resources Parent/Daughter date night!!! Next in is our ...
On today’s show we discuss the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, and why ideology shapes our culture and our lives. We also discuss positive psychology and mindfulness – we focus on why it’s important to notice strengths as we deal with our challenges. It’s time for our Zen Parenting Radio Virtual Mother’s Day Retreat! We will uncover true balance and how to practice awareness, compassion, and gratitude – May 4-8. Todd ...
We speak with the Founder of Changing The Game Project John O’Sullivan. Their mission is to ensure that we return youth sports to our children, and put the ‘play’ back in ‘play ball.’ For every Tiger Woods and Andre Aggassi, there are thousands of others who are in it for the fun (until the adults take the fun out of it.) Some other topics discussed: Positive vs. negative reinforcement Keeping youth sports in perspective The ...
Cathy and Todd discuss a New York Times article that makes a case for “free-range parenting”. Why are we so fearful to let our kids roam free and have their own adventures, and do the statistics reinforce or dispute our fear? Parents have started calling the police when they see a child at the park unaccompanied – is this helpful or harmful to our way of living? They also discuss how to talk and stay ...
You’ve been let down, put down, you’ve failed, and you’ve had your heart broken. Once we reach a certain age, it’s a given that we will have dealt with lots of life’s challenges. But then what do we do? Do we move forward with bitterness, or do we choose to use our experiences for good? We discuss Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook post about “innocent happiness” and “weathering happiness” – one we are given at birth, and ...
On today’s show we discuss Interruption Science, the study of the effects of interruptions on job performance. Not only do interruptions challenge our job performance, but they challenge our parenting skills and our ability to feel calm and happy. We also discuss Lean In Together, an organization that demonstrates that when men lean in for equality, they win, and so does everybody else. We answer listener questions about dealing with a child’s anger and what ...
We speak with Dr. John Duffy the author of The Available Parent– Radical Optimism For Raising Teens and Tweens. He talks to us about how to minimize conflict and maximize satisfaction in your relationship with your child. We have a tendency today to over-parent, micro-manage, and under-appreciate our adolescents. Dr. John Duffy’s The Available Parent is a revolutionary approach to taking care of teens and tweens. Teenagers are often left feeling unheard and misunderstood, and ...
Cathy and Todd discuss why boys and men can experience emotional isolation and loneliness due to a lack of meaningful relationships with male friends. The inspiration of the discussion comes from a blog written by Mark Greene titled Why Do We Murder The Beautiful Friendship Of Boys. They also discuss the movie Whiplash and why it’s a perfect example of teaching from a place of fear and ego. They pay tribute to John Denver, a ...
Agression. British theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking believes that the greatest threat facing us today is our inability to “correct our aggression”. We no longer require the amount of aggression that was useful hundreds of years ago, so it’s time to trust that empathy and compassion can be our new change agents. We also discuss The Four Agreements (specifically Agreement #2 – Don’t Take Anything Personally), why mindfulness is essential, and what you can ...
We discuss the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential, specifically the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset by Carol Dweck. Understanding the difference will make an impact on how your relate to yourself and your kids, and it will impact how your kids learn. We also discuss how to help kids trust themselves, how we can help kids make decisions, and how to ...
We speak with Author Annie Burnside about her book “From Role to Soul: 15 Shifts on the Awakening Journey” From her work with many who have awakened, Annie has learned that what it takes for us to finally quit trying to awaken, and simply awaken, is highly individualized. In her own life, she detected the 15 shifts that occurred within her. Yet, as she spoke with others, it becomes increasingly apparent that those shifts are pretty much common ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the Oscars, specifically all of the amazing speeches and shout-outs for social change. They answer a listener’s question about a son that doesn’t want to be involved in extracurricular activities, and another question about how to parent together with different philosophies. They discuss why it’s important to discuss what we really want for our kids (emotional safety and self confidence so they feel connected to themselves and the world) and then ...
We discuss Cindy Crawford’s non-photoshopped picture that went viral and how women were normalized by its authenticity. We also discuss how to see situations from a child’s perspective and why it made sense when our youngest daughter ate a sleeve of Hershey kisses – instead of insisting that our kids listen to us, we can make sure we are listening to them. A listener appreciates how his partner tells him the truth, and we discuss ...
