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Podcast Archive
Todd and Cathy talked with Dr. Dan Peters, psychologist, author, and host of the Parent Footprint Podcast. They discussed the difference between anxiety, fear, and worry, how to identify “paper” tigers, and how to talk to our kids about real world threats and safety. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Time Stamp Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration. MenLiving – A virtual and ...
Todd & Cathy return to the topic of Stranger Things with two of their daughters (Camryn, 17 & Skylar, 14) to discuss unanswered questions from Season 4, Volume 2, and where they expect to go for Season 5. They also have some fun picking their favorite characters and testing their fandom cred with a little high-stakes Stranger Things trivia! ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the truth about suffering (or life is suffering) which is #1 of The Four Noble Truths. They discuss how this truth is so easily misinterpreted and how it actually offers deep wisdom and relief. They use several analogies and metaphors to make their point (some better than others…) and recognize the resilience and hope that lives at the heart of our experiences. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Time Stamp Avid ...
Cathy and Todd are joined by their kids Jacey (19), Camryn (17), Skylar (14) to discuss and explain their favorite Taylor Swift songs, the impact she has made on music and their lives, and how her lyrics are multilayered and filled with metaphors. Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. Her discography spans multiple genres, and her narrative songwriting—often inspired by her personal life—has received critical praise and widespread media coverage ...
Todd and Cathy discuss focusing on the little things to find joy, especially finding a sense of community and paying attention to nature. They discuss how to “do hard better”, how to take care of ourselves during difficult times, and the genuine and warm nature of Jeff Bridges Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Time Stamp Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration. MenLiving ...
Todd and Cathy discuss how to get in touch with our essential humanity to navigate difficult times. They talk about getting up again and again, specifically how to pay attention, make a difference, and focus on what matters most. They also discuss Tom Cruise movies, Stranger Things, Mythology, and finding joy in what inspires us. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Time Stamp Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the impact of the overturn of Roe V Wade, finding joy through the sadness, and how we can show up during difficult times. We also mention this blog by Adam Grant titled How to Argue about Abortion Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Time Stamp 28:17 Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration. 28:17 MenLiving – A virtual and in-person ...
Cathy & Todd discuss how paradoxical emotions are common and normal, and how we can accept rather than avoid our emotional experiences. They discuss why experiencing uncomfortable emotions are not a failure or an inability to keep our inner impulses in check, but rather the way we experience the normal ups and downs of life. They also debate whether the person grilling has the most power and how Chicago baseball is going. Subscribe to Cathy’s ...
Todd & Cathy are joined by two of their daughters (Camryn, 17 & Skylar, 14) to discuss Season 4, Volume 1 of Stranger Things. They discuss how the season was influenced by horror movies from the 80’s (Carrie, The Amityville Horror, A Nightmare on Elm Street to name a few….) plus other fan favorites from Generation X (Star Wars, War Games, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, etc). They each choose a song to help them ...
Todd & Cathy are joined by two of their daughters (Camryn, 17 & Skylar, 14) to discuss Season 4, Volume 1 of Stranger Things. They discuss how the season was influenced by horror movies from the 80’s (Carrie, The Amityville Horror, A Nightmare on Elm Street to name a few….) plus other fan favorites from Generation X (Star Wars, War Games, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, etc). They each choose a song to help them ...
Cathy and Todd talk with actor, comedian, and author Michael Ian Black (The State, Wet Hot American Summer, Inside Amy Schumer, The Baxter) about his book A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son. They discuss healthy masculinity, why language keeps us from understanding each other, and how communication and empathy can keep us connected to ourselves and our kids. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Watch this podcast on Vimeo here Time ...
Todd and Cathy discuss common sense gun laws that can make a difference, and discuss the work that Moms Demand Action and Founder Shannon Watts have done and are doing. They discuss how optimism is the recognition that something can be done, and also how taking care of yourself and taking breaks from the news are part of the process. They also discuss Cathy’s latest Zen Parenting Moment about Stranger Things and Kate Bush, and ...
Todd and Cathy talk with Ben Feller, former AP White House reporter under George W Bush and Barack Obama, and now author of Big Problems, Little Problems, a story of how a dad teaches his son to solve the daily challenges of life. They discuss priorities, lessons from our children, what it’s like to work in the White House, the state of journalism, and also debate their favorite journalism movies (Michael Keaton happens to be ...
Cathy and Todd process what “every day is a good day” actually means, and how to recognize the challenges of the world and also take care of ourselves in our day to day lives. They also discuss disenfranchised grief (when your grieving doesn’t fit in with your larger society’s attitude about dealing with death and loss) and how to recognize and process what hurts, even if others can’t relate. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio ...
Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Thursday, June 9th @ 7:30 Central MenLiving Tri-faith Panel Watch this podcast on Vimeo here Time Stamp 5:50 Defining the problem 16:40 Mental health crisis 23:40 Priorities as it relates the money 24:58 Women’s issues 39:02The happiness gap 42:20 three t’s- tuning in, talking more, taking turns 57:34 Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration. 1:01:48 MenLiving – ...
Cathy and Todd discuss why a wider perspective (instead of a personal narrative) is needed when we talk about the potential overturning of Roe v Wade and reproductive rights. They discuss why having proximity and understanding of other people’s experiences can develop our compassion and desire to support rather than harm. They process how in the end we all want the same things (love, family, wellness), but we tend to turn on each other instead ...
We talk with Debi Lewis, author of Kitchen Medicine: How I Fed My Daughter Out of Failure to Thrive about feeding her child who struggled to eat. Her memoir shares how she learned to love food, navigate a complex medical system, deal with diet culture, and advocate for her family. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Watch this podcast on Vimeo here Time Stamp Team Zen– First month free with coupon code “friend” Avid Co ...
Todd and Cathy discuss the meaning of nostalgia (as discussed in Atlas of the Heart) and share how it effects our parenting, politics, and perspective. They discuss Senator Mallory McMorrow’s speech from last week, and the difference between fitting in and true belonging. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Friday, May 6th Cathy’s Mother’s Day Virtual Event Thursday, June 9th @ 7:30 Central MenLiving Tri-faith Panel Watch this podcast on Vimeo here Time Stamp 4:00 ...
Cathy and Todd discuss Susan Cain’s new book, Bittersweet, and also Brenè Brown’s Atlas of the Heart TV series on HBO Max. They discuss what bittersweet looks and feels like, and why it can offer a more accurate depiction of reality. They discuss bittersweet experiences, music, and why sad songs make us happy. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Watch this podcast on Vimeo here Time Stamp 4:00 Zen Parenting Moment “Yeah, but” 7:12 Team ...
We talk with Kaley & Nate Klemp, authors of The 80/80 Marriage: A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Relationship. We discuss invisible labor, fairness, compassion, and what to do if one partner is reluctant to make a change. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting Radio Watch this podcast on Vimeo here Time Stamp 54:08 Team Zen– First month free with coupon code “friend” 54:18 Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, ...
Todd and Cathy discuss prioritizing mental and emotional well-being above all other things. School, sports, and other issues can still be expectations, but during this time of elevated teen anxiety and depression, we can focus on the most important thing which is their emotional health. They also discuss Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli’s Oscar moment, and Cathy’s Zen Mother’s Day Event, A Virtual and Free Discussion, on Friday, May 6 and the the MenLiving Special ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the cyclical nature of abuse and how to recognize red flags and help our kids recognize them, too. They discuss Evan Rachel Wood’s documentary, Phoenix Rising about her history with Marilyn Manson, and how other documentaries and even personal stories have similar patterns and experiences. They discuss how to notice and create a conversation around grooming, love bombing, gaslighting, and isolation so we can help our kids develop healthy boundaries and recognize when ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the cyclical nature of abuse and how to recognize red flags and help our kids recognize them, too. They discuss Evan Rachel Wood’s documentary, Phoenix Rising about her history with Marilyn Manson, and how other documentaries and even personal stories have similar patterns and experiences. They discuss how to notice and create a conversation around grooming, love bombing, gaslighting, and isolation so we can help our kids develop healthy boundaries and recognize when ...
Todd and Cathy discuss why it’s necessary to regroup (especially when we are hit with bad news most days) and how regrouping is just like the tide going in and out – sometimes we go all in, and then we recede – repeat. They discuss how to practice devotion, the work of Gabor Matè, and taking a wider view when it comes to Ukraine, “Don’t Say Gay”, and other challenging events. Buy Cathy’s Book Zen ...
Buy Cathy’s Book Zen Parenting- Caring for Ourselves & our Children in an Unpredictable World Team Zen– Enter the coupon code “friend” for your first month free Women’s March Madness Tournament MenLiving Fundraiser Todd and Cathy discuss the lessons from the longest study about happiness from the Harvard Study on Adult Development. They discuss Steven Pinker’s data about the world getting better, and what Bill Gates and Warren Buffet both recommend for a happy life. Time Stamp 0:00 Buy ...
Todd and Cathy discuss managing so many difficult things at one, and how the grief process is a way to understand and manage pain. They discuss Ukraine, Dopesick and Michael Keaton’s acceptance speech, and the everyday experiences in our homes, lives, and abroad that force us to wake up to what’s important. Watch this show on Vimeo here Time Stamp 2:17 Zen Parenting Moment 7:58 Grief 34:48 Michael Keaton’s acceptance 12:45 Team Zen– First month ...
Cathy and Todd discuss how Zen Parenting Radio started and play a clip or two from their first podcast (11 years ago!). They discuss what they’ve learned, their most humbling experiences, and then share the prologue from Cathy’s audiobook (also titled Where It All Began). Time Stamp 1:05 Zen Parenting Moment 39:09 Audio Clip of Zen Parenting The Book as read by Cathy Cassani Adams 12:45 Team Zen– First month free with coupon code “friend” ...
Todd and Cathy discuss how to approach our children when they are struggling – do we give them space, keep showing up, or both? They discuss the importance of paying attention to our inner workings so we can role model what this looks like for our kids, and they offer guidance on how to develop our emotional literacy so we can pay closer attention to how we feel. Time Stamp 1:05 Zen Parenting Moment 10:11 ...
Todd and Cathy discuss conversational dynamics and how we can pay better attention when talking to our kids or partner. They also share why human behavior is similar to financial markets, and why bands have so many farewell tours. Time Stamp 4:42 The Who farewell tour 8:45 Why we do what we do 44:00 MenLiving – A virtual and in-person community of guys connecting deeply and living fully. No requirements, no creeds, no gurus, no judgements ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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 All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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 All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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 All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. Time Stamp 1:07 Zen Parenting Summit 5:10 Zen Moment 7:50 Female monkey now the ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. Time Stamp 0:00 Zen Parenting Summit 5:12 Zen Moment 11:30 An idea how to connect with ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. Time Stamp 0:00 Zen Parenting ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. Time Stamp 0:00 Zen Parenting Summit 2:00 Zen Moment 15:24 The Case For Optimism 21:03 Toxic positivity 51:37 Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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 ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. Time Stamp 3:20 Leaving parties 7:28 You & Hope Moment 23:40 Summit Announcement ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. 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. All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration ...
Register for the Zen Parenting Summit here. Cathy and Todd present their Zen Parenting Summit, 2022 and introduce their lineup of speakers. They discuss why and how it came to be, and how to register for FREE! All things ZPR can be found on our Resources Page This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Subscribe to Cathy’s Zen Parenting Moments– your inbox needs more helpful & hopeful moments Join Team Zen – 1st month free with coupon code “friend” ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Subscribe to Cathy’s Zen Parenting Moments– ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Click on Zen Parenting Moment- Not My Problem– your inbox needs more helpful & hopeful moments. Join Team Zen – 1st month free with coupon code “friend” ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Click on Zen Parenting Moment- Not My Problem– your inbox needs more helpful ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Click on Zen ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Click on Zen Parenting Moment- Not My Problem– your inbox ...
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. More from Cathy & Todd: Preorder Cathy’s Zen Parenting Book – coming 2/22! Subscribe to Cathy’s Zen Parenting Moment – your ...
Subscribe to Cathy’s 2X/week Zen Parenting Moment Join Team Zen– First Month is free with coupon code “friend” Cognisprings designs and sells children puzzles, activity kits, board games, books and many more intended to spark the love of learning, by tapping into children’s curiosity about the world around them. Learn more about MenLiving MENLIVING WORKSHOP-PSYCHEDELICS: EXPLORING THE MEDICINE 1 on 1 support for guys Todd Adams Coaching Subscribe to Pop Culturing Cathy and Todd discuss ...
