Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s important to speak up in a relationship instead of “kick the can down the road”. They discuss why intimacy is created when a couple is willing to communicate about what matters, and how both sexes have been conditioned to not share their true feelings. They talk about internalized misogyny, why our beliefs and actions are not always congruent, and share a clip from Gone Girl about the myth of the “cool girl”. Todd shares some “quick takes”, they play a movie game,...
Apr 25, 2017•1 hr 4 min
Cathy and Todd discuss internal vs external peace, and why internal peace is the key to contentment. They talk about “good enough parenting” and share why Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, believes that being good enough, is good enough. They offer an opportunity to join their monthly Zen Talks, explain their 10,000 campaign goal, and talk more about being a force for good and focusing on what matters.
Apr 18, 2017•53 min
Todd and Cathy discuss the definition of zen, why acceptance keeps us from suffering, and how to let go when things don’t seem to be going our way. They explain what it means to be “sex positive” and explain why Teen Vogue and Rookie Magazine offer smart and timely journalism for teens. They discuss why regret is “unskillful”, share perspective from This American Life and 10% Happier with Dan Harris, and play movie quotes that start with B.
Apr 11, 2017•53 min
Todd and Cathy discuss the definition of zen, why acceptance keeps us from suffering, and how to let go when things don’t seem to be going our way. They explain what it means to be “sex positive” and explain why Teen Vogue and Rookie Magazine offer smart and timely journalism for teens. They discuss why regret is “unskillful”, share perspective from This American Life and 10% Happier with Dan Harris, and play movie quotes that start with B.
Apr 04, 2017•1 hr 6 min
Todd and Cathy discuss the importance of balancing studentship and maintaining your own perspective. Teachers are necessary and helpful in guiding us through life, but it’s also important to ground ourselves in our own identity. They also discuss why it’s vital to focus on women’s equality and awareness around women’s rights (or lack of rights). Gender equality for men is just as vital, but they emphasize bringing attention to the disparity. They answer a listener question about managing the tan...
Mar 28, 2017•57 min
Cathy and Todd discuss the difference between telling your kid to buck up and offering them consolation, and why it’s not one or the other, it’s both. They also explain why it’s importance to answer your kids questions and not assume that they already know what to do. They talk about the new State Farm commercial titled Following and Julia, the new character on Sesame Street. They discuss Beauty and the Beast, Pretty in Pink, chess, and why Todd wants to play catch his daughters.
Mar 21, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Cathy and Todd discuss Megan Phelps Roper’s TED talk titled, "I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church, here’s why I left”. She explains how rational and considerate conversation allowed her to see things differently, and offers four healthy ways to communicate when we disagree or feel polarized. They also discuss Rob Bell’s most recent podcast about “the lie of redemptive violence”, and why emotional leadership begins by listening instead of demanding. They share the wisdom of Stephen Covey, wh...
Mar 14, 2017•47 min
Todd and Cathy discuss the definition of 10,000 Joys and 10,000 Sorrows, and explain why acceptance of both leads to a more balanced and calm life. They discuss Mark Nepo’s interpretation of what it means to “unlearn what we have unlearned”, and why life is a constant tension between acquiring new information and letting go of what we don’t need. They also talk about Stranger Things, why rabbits and trees are Zen, and why pictures can be just as important as words.
Mar 07, 2017•52 min
Cathy and Todd share the highlights from their conference, including the messages of their speakers, Rob Bell, Rosalind Wiseman, and Ali Smith. They process their Friday night talk, specifically focusing on we are here, bring the light, love louder, if not you, then who?, just do right, generate peace, create meaning, and let’s take care of each other. They also share an important message from Maya Angelou at the very end of the show.
Feb 28, 2017•57 min
Todd and Cathy discuss the top ten things that adults usually regret – why they regret them, and how to view these things differently. They answer two listener questions – one about lying to the school about vacations, and the other about how to support an emotional partner. They share Phish music, My Blue Heaven quotes, and discuss this weekend’s conference. Click here to get your ticket, it’s your last chance!
Feb 21, 2017•1 hr
Todd and Cathy discuss Valentine’s Day and how we can find ways to love ourselves and others every day. They also discuss the importance of understanding another’s perspective, and how we can incorporate empathy into our everyday parenting. They talk about Adele and Beyonce, Anchorman and A League of their Own, and share the wisdom of Atticus Finch.
Feb 14, 2017•48 min
Cathy and Todd discuss five truths, as explained by Neale Donald Walsh in his book Conversations with God, Vol 2. They also discuss the variability of feelings, how to determine what you are feeling, and why shame can get in the way of our true emotions. They process the difference between wounds and wholeness and why responding is better than reacting.
Feb 07, 2017•48 min
Cathy and Todd share tens ways we can deal with the challenges our world is facing. Specifically focusing on how we can support ourselves and the ones we love, and how we can help and give back to others. They talk about daily action, a documentary that will inspire you, and why taking care of nature will create more peace. The Zen Parenting Conference is only a few weeks away!
Jan 31, 2017•54 min
Cathy and Todd talk about the Chicago Women’s March – why it happened, who was there, and what comes next. They also discuss self-awareness and the “4 ways of being in the world” as described by the Conscious Leadership Group. They talk REM, unification, and share an anthem by MILCK called “I can’t keep quiet.”
Jan 24, 2017•1 hr 4 min
Cathy and Todd discuss The Five Essential Questions in Life, proposed by Dean James Ryan during a Harvard Graduate School of Education commencement speech. They also discuss the power of words and how word choice can empower or drain us. They talk about Dennis Miller, Hidden Figures, and answer a listener question about how marital separation effects kids.
Jan 17, 2017•1 hr 5 min
Cathy and Todd talk with Annmarie Chereso, founder of Bring It! Home, an organization that offers programs to increase wellbeing and conscious leadership in the home and school. They talk mindfulness, parenting, partnership, and share why self-awareness and connection are the keys to deeper contentment. Bring It! Home is based in Chicago and is a Zen Parenting Conference sponsor.
Jan 13, 2017•1 hr 15 min
Cathy and Todd discuss how experiences can “rearrange” us, causing us to open our heart wider, or close ourselves tighter. They process how relationships are a back and forth, and how in the words of Mark Nepo, we “take turns being cloudy and clear”. They share Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey, wise words about compassion from George Lucas, and why certainty is elusive.
Jan 10, 2017•56 min
Cathy and Todd talk with Susan McConnell from Let It Be Us about foster care in Illinois and throughout the country. They also talk with Kyle Osterhues and his mom Carolyne about his experience in foster care and their experience with adoption. This touching show sheds light on the importance and impact of foster care, and how so many great kids are waiting for their forever family.
Jan 06, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of listening to others and being open to differing perspectives. They share quotes such as Polish your mind with the minds of others and Be an expert who is interested in everything, and discuss why it’s important to not make our individual story everybody else’s story. They talk about Todd’s “man cold”, discuss the Newtown Documentary they are screening on 1/18, and contemplate this quote from Mark Nepo - “just because you feel broken, doesn’t mean the worl...
Jan 03, 2017•55 min
Todd and Cathy share wisdom from Wayne Dyer and Tony Robbins about feeling good and why it increases our ability to parent well. They also discuss Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and why this book prompted an important discussion. They talk about George Michael, different types of fear, and why we need to know what we are FOR rather than against.
Dec 27, 2016•1 hr
Cathy and Todd process why paradox allows us to become more self-aware and open-minded. They also discuss why it’s important to be an “emotional leader” and find meaning in our decisions. They share wisdom from Growing Pain’s Jason Seaver, a great line from Don Henley, and why Madonna and the elderly woman behind the counter in a small town are similar.
Dec 20, 2016•1 hr 3 min
Cathy and Todd discuss why kindness is empowering and why practicing kindness makes you healthier and much less stressed. They also discuss why self-awareness is essential in monitoring our own reactivity, and why being mindful is the first step toward choosing kindness. They share a clip from an interview with Life-Vest Inside’s Orly Wahba on The Good Life Project podcast. She explains how kindness offers us the tools to create change, and how we can transform inspiration into action.
Dec 13, 2016•45 min
Taking care of our parents: A discussion with Deborah Shouse, author of Connecting in the Land of Dementia Todd and Cathy talk with Deborah Shouse and her brother Dan about what it means to be a “care partner” for parents or loved ones with dementia. They offer how we can bring greater understanding and hope to an undeniably challenging time. They share the power of being present, why appreciation and going with the flow are essential, and how creativity and music can offer a brand new perspecti...
Dec 09, 2016•41 min
Todd and Cathy discuss fake news and where to find trustworthy information (as explained on Planet Money). They also discuss lessons from former NBA player Chris Herren, and why this coach thinks society is hurting kids by giving them all trophies. They distinguish between Stephen Covey’s circle of concern and circle of influence, and explain why our willingness to do good creates more good.
Dec 06, 2016•1 hr 7 min
There are so many questions about relationships, sexual intimacy, consent, bystander intervention and supporting survivors, it can be feel overwhelming. Confusion is widespread in schools, college campuses, and the military, and as parents it can be difficult to approach these conversations with our own kids. Mike Domitrz from the Date Safe Project offers a refreshing perspective on sexuality, respect, consent, and why it’s all about communication and caring for each other as human beings.
Dec 02, 2016•1 hr 3 min
[powerpress] Cathy reads ten hints from her grandmother’s notebook, a “here and now” list (what we would call mindfulness) that her grandmother transcribed in the 70’s. Cathy and Todd discuss the message of It’s a Wonderful Life, why John Hughes spoke for kids and teens, and why hope is such a valuable thing.
Nov 29, 2016•50 min
Todd and Cathy welcome back Dr. John Duffy and his wife Julie to discuss why so many people are dealing with undue anxiety. They process why it’s difficult to discuss, where it’s coming from, and why we need to talk to our kids about it. They discuss Dr. Duffy’s new podcast called Undue Anxiety, Bruce Springsteen, and why communication and connection are the keys to feeling less alone.
Nov 25, 2016•1 hr 1 min
Cathy and Todd discuss why “some things in life cannot be fixed, they can only be carried”, a quote taken from Megan Devine, therapist and grief teacher. She shares that most of what passes for grief support is not very useful, and that humans have the capacity to handle feelings and the feelings of others with compassion and understanding. Not by blaming, judging, or compartmentalizing, but by practicing presence, honesty, and the ability to show up and accept what is. They share clips from The...
Nov 22, 2016•47 min
We talk with Alexa James, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Chicago. She explains the importance of sharing our stories to de-stigmatize mental health, and how language and perspective can shift our thinking. We discuss the myths and challenges around mental health for adults and children, and how we can shift our focus to care, recovery, and hope. NAMI Chicago’s mission is to provide hope and improve the quality of life for those whose lives are affected by m...
Nov 18, 2016•54 min
Cathy and Todd explore how art, creativity, and imagination have the power to create change (highlighting Cathy’s blog about The Beatles bringing the country together). They also discuss the difference between pro and against and why focusing on what you DO want (rather than what you don’t) leads to a desired outcome. They offer steps to stay focused on what you desire, answer a listener question about an emotional toddler, and explain why Sammy’s Van Halen songs are more meaningful than Dave’s.
Nov 15, 2016•1 hr 4 min
