Todd and Cathy discuss why focusing on simple allows other things to flow more easily, and why aligning with what feels right allows determination, grit, and curiosity to show up naturally. They discuss why Equifinality (the fact that there are many different pathways to the same outcome) is important to acknowledge when we are making choices f ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss the Superbowl and the most impactful commercials, specifically The Washington Post commercial titled Democracy Dies in Darkness. They discuss how the Justice Department minimized the description of domestic violence and why less information can create more problems. They process Lady Gaga’s deposition for Kesha, the Dirty ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss the shadow parts of themselves that they pretend aren’t there, and Todd shares an activity where he had to act out the parts he tries hardest to repress. They share why the people who annoy us tend to display traits in ourselves that we don’t want to look at, and why accepting all of our parts keeps us whole and develops ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss the new American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines for men and boys, and why a Gillette ad about healthy masculinity has drawn so much criticism. Time Stamps: 3:13 Clip from the Better podcast discussing vaping, jeweling, etc. Dr. John Duffy 8:44 APA guidelines regarding “traditional masculinity” 25:04 ImPACT Bas ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss why instead of looking for truth, we can begin to notice the lies that we consistently tell ourselves. They discuss failure, and why Cody Parkey’s kick during the Bears game became a teachable moment. They talk about extended family, noticing our ego, and what we can learn from the movie Cocktail. Time Stamps: 0:55 How to ...…

Cathy shares an essay by Mark Nepo about partners who are willing to take turns exploring the outer and the inner. They discuss why equality is like an unwinding onion with limitless new things to explore, while focusing on Glenn Close in The Wife and Amy Adams in Vice. They also talk about what “unlikability” means for female candidates, and w ...…

Team Zen- Enter coupon code “Jan” for free month of January Todd and Cathy share different questions asked by Team Zen members during Zen Talks. Team Zen was created based on feedback from listeners – they wished they could ask Cathy+Todd a question, get resources for a specific challenge, and find a supportive and interactive community. Team Z ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss why light and dark are part of the holidays, and why every season has a purpose. They discuss Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, and why embracing dark can make us more compassionate and integrated people. They discuss the challenges of spiritual bypassing and what Wayne Dyer meant when he said, “L ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book The Coddling of the American Mind, specifically focusing on the interview with Sam Harris on the Waking Up podcast. They discuss why universities struggle with controversial speakers, why safe spaces were created, and why some people have a hard time viewing emotional pain as valid pain. They process ...…

Cathy and Todd introduce four more speakers and four special organizations who will be at the 2019 Zen Parenting Conference. They discuss a podcast featuring Tony Robbins and the author of The Untethered Soul, Michael Singer, and they play a clip from Will Smith about why love is help. Time Stamps 2:05 Conference intro 4:47 Jahmal Cole 9:09 Dr. ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss Brandi Carlisle’s song The Joke, and why it was written for people who feel “under-represented, unloved or illegal”. They talk about the newest sexual assault allegations, and what needs to be done to create change. The discuss the dignity of George HW Bush, and why his agenda while in office was surprising.…

Our friend Josh St. Pierre returns to the show to give us an update on his recent kidney transplant (click here to listen to Josh’s first podcast where he shares his story). He shares what it felt like to get the phone call about the potential match, how he’s reflecting and recovering, and why he’s grateful for the people and lessons learned al ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss how we tell our story, and how we can frame it in a way that serves us rather than depletes us. They discuss why mindfulness and sharing our story are essential when dealing with trauma, and also when we are parenting and relating to our children. They discuss Mark Epstein’s books, Sharon Salzberg’s path to compassionate ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss Michelle Obama’s new book Becoming, focusing in on some of the best pieces of advice for parents and kids. They discuss why we are always evolving, why growth never ends, and why we should allow our kids (and ourselves) to fail, pivot, and change.

Cathy and Todd discuss anger and how it can be productive, but also be destructive if not monitored. They discuss Pete Davidson’s apology and Lt. Com. Dan Crenshaw’s willingness to accept it on SNL this weekend. They discuss how Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect allowed the women to be the complex characters, and why Bohemian Rhapsody is so fun to ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss how fear can be helpful if we are willing to listen and look at what’s it’s trying to say, but destructive if we live from constant state of fear by blaming and dehumanizing. They discuss Dr. Bessel van de Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps Score, and his interview with Krista Tippet on the Being Wise podcast, and how trauma bec ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss why blame and the belief that we are superior to another causes pain in our family, community and country. They discuss how dehumanization is a weapon to oppress and harm, and why we need to be thoughtful about words we say and write. They also discuss why intimacy coordinators are being used at HBO, why Todd can continue ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss some great quotes and wisdom gained from Cathy’s weekend with Glennon and Abby at Omega Institute. They discuss why being a “cool girl” is no longer necessary or healthy, why pleasing everyone will exhaust you, and how our wounds can become our greatest source of strength and inspiration. Glennon and Abby are the keynotes ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss Brenè Brown’s new book, Daring to Lead, and apply her well-researched leadership principles to the family structure. They discuss why fear is inevitable, how courage can be practiced, and how we can teach and role model leadership in our homes, so our kids can take it into the world.…

Cathy and Todd discuss power dynamics within relationships – specifically who has it, how to share it, and how to talk about it. They discuss why taking a measured approach to power – with our kids, in our partnerships, and even on-line - has the potential to teach compassion and deepen relationships. They discuss why stepping back is sometimes ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss the history of not believing women, and why recognizing what we’ve missed and creating change can be messy and difficult. They share clips from a Hidden Brain podcast about how social proof and horizontal action play a role in the #metoo movement, the truth about Anita Hill’s testimony (click here to hear the “You’re Wron ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss #WhyIDidntReport and why it’s important to listen, rather than assume we already understand, other people’s stories. They discuss the importance of hearing – women who talk about sexual assault, our spouses, our children – rather than assuming we already understand their experiences. They talk about questioning unconsciou ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss how Todd wants to make his daughters watch the documentary "RBG" and how it's not working. They also talk about a dad who wants to force his daughter to attend "optional" soccer practices. They talk about their own struggle of brand vs. mission for Zen Parenting Radio. Lastly they play a clip from the "flu" episode.…

Cathy and Todd talk with Rea Frey about her new domestic suspense novel, Not Her Daughter. She shares the story behind the book, the conversation it has created, and why it makes the reader question the line between right and wrong. They also discuss modern-day parenting, the trauma of birth, and some real-life kidnapping scares. Not Her Daught ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss how kids can practice self-care and why a mental health day may reduce their anxiety and possibly decrease the odds of physical illness. They also discuss how couples can discuss balance and equity in the home, and how our society views female anger, specifically Serena Williams anger, during the U.S. Open.…

Boundaries and CompassionTodd and Cathy discuss boundaries and compassion, and how they are threads that run through so many questions posed by parents, especially during Team Zen conversations. They also share why discussing controversial subjects doesn’t need to create more controversy, and why understanding how Fortnite makes kids feel will ...…

Cathy and Todd talk with Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise and 2019 Zen Parenting Conference speaker, about supporting/guiding a child through their first-phone experience. They also discuss recent movies such as 8th Grade, BlacKKKlansman, and the new documentary, America to Me, filmed at Oak Park River Forest High School.…

Todd and Cathy discuss the rituals and habits the set the tone for our days and nights, and why recognizing and understanding our power is the great success determiner.

Cathy and Todd announce their 2019 Zen Parenting Conference speakers. They share why you MUST get to know these amazing women, read their books, and get your early-bird tickets to the conference. They discuss the difference between FOMO and JOMO and why JOMO can help us lead healthier and more peaceful lives.…

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 ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss Episode 4 of the series We Are Man Enough that discusses the #metoo movement.

Todd and Cathy discuss Brady Bunch, Serena Williams Wimbeldon interview, how to deal with conflict, empathy, and finding out who you ca count on for honest, yet compassionate feedback.

Todd and Cathy discuss one of Toby’s quotes from This is Us, and explain why his wisdom could strengthen any relationship. They discuss how to love our inner child without letting it take control, and why there are always only two options, love or fear. They share wisdom from Richard Rohr and Gary Zukov and some humor from Friends.…

Todd and Cathy speak with Co-Founder of Threads Worldwide. An organization that creates life-changing work with women around the world through the fair trade of artisan jewelry. In 2011 they founded Threads Worldwide to weave together the collaboration and collective power of women everywhere.

Cathy and Todd discuss a productive definition of hope based on insight from Parker Palmer and Howard Thurman. They discuss Hannah Gadsby’s Netflix Comedy Special and share why her bravery and willingness to speak up is leading the way.

Todd and Cathy talk with Jayson Gaddis & Ellen Boeder, partners and cofounders of The Relationship School. Jayson also hosts the Smart Couple Podcast, and Ellen is a therapist with a private practice. They discuss how couples grow and thrive, why men have a harder time focusing on personal growth, and why connection and self-understanding are t ...…

Todd and Cathy talk with Patty Monahan, founder of Our Whole Village, a company that specializes in family vacations and adventures. They discuss why travel is so important at every age, why we should teach our children to be global citizens, and why travel creates confident parents and strong families.…

Cathy and Todd talk with Debbie Reber, author of Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World. They discuss why this book is rally cry for all parents raising exceptional children, and why it benefits every parent to listen and understand differences. Debbie also shares 18 powerful “tilts” or paradigm shifts that can ...…

Todd and Cathy talk with Josh St. Pierre, a 42 year old full-time soccer coach who is need of a kidney. Josh explains why live liver and kidney donation is essential and how to figure out if you are a match with someone on the registry. He also shares his story, starting with being diagnosed with kidney failure at 30, and why he is willing to a ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss a recent emotional labor issue and why it created an important discussion about invisible work. They also discuss the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, and discuss why allowing our darkness and discussing mental wellness is essential. They offer a recipe for fulfillment and share why we need to call women’s sport ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss Abby Wambach’s graduation speech at Barnard and why it made such an impact. They share wisdom from Franciscan friar Richard Rohr about why it’s so easy to remember the negative, but so difficult to absorb the positive.

Cathy and Todd talk with Karen Brody, author of Daring to Rest: Reclaim Your Power with Yoga Nidra Rest Meditation. They discuss why women feel so much pressure to be productive, and why we need to redefine what rest really means. They discuss the power of yoga nidra, why it makes such a difference physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss Dr. Robin Berman’s book, Permission to Parent, and also her interview on the goop podcast. They discuss how our brain grows on love, why group-think starts in childhood, and why continuing to seek the approval of your parents can be detrimental to your present-day relationships.…

Cathy and Todd talk with International Best-Selling Author Charlie Donlea. They talk about each of his three books including his latest and greatest "Don't Believe It" They also talk pop culture, Serial, The Making Of A Murderer, baseball, and Dungeons & Dragons. Won't want to miss this one!!!!

Cathy and Todd discuss intersectionality, a way of describing how multiple threats of discrimination exist when an individual’s identities overlap with several minority classes — such as race, gender, age, ethnicity, health and other characteristics. They discuss why we need to recognize our differences and listen to each other so we can begin ...…

In this two-part interview, Todd and Cathy talk with Sara Knizhnik, Campaign Organizer at Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, & Diane Lans-Kautz, Leader of the Moms Demand Action Chapter in Elmhurst. They discuss how Moms Demand Action started, how members are making a difference at the state and federal level, and why it’s a bipartisan ...…

In part 1 of this 2 part interview- Todd and Cathy talk with Sara Knizhnik, Campaign Organizer at Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, and Diane Lans-Kautz, Leader of the Moms Demand Action Chapter in Elmhurst. They discuss how Moms Demand Action started, how members are making a difference at the state and federal level, and why it’s a b ...…

Todd and Cathy continue discussing Julie Lythcott-Haims’ book, How to Raise an Adult, specifically focusing on what our kids should know before they venture out on their own. They share a clip from Luvvie Ajayi’s TED Talk about the importance of speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and why “keeping the peace” can keep us stuck in time. To ...…

Todd and Cathy discuss a practical checklist of what kids need before they go to college written by Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult. The checklist offers intention and clarity, and recognizes that skills develop over time in a child-developmentally appropriate way. They also discuss why Todd wanted to play Cashflow for his ...…

Cathy and Todd discuss the Super Soul Podcast conversation between Amy Schumer and Oprah about her new movie, I Feel Pretty. They talk about trusting your intention, why emotional labor is vital to the health of the family, and why accepting yourself leads to real confidence and a deeper connection with others.…