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 necessary, why stepping forward can be powerful, and why This Is Us leads to great family discussions.
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 Wrong About…” podcast), and why the Duke Lacrosse story became nationally known (click here to see the 30 for 30 documentary trailer). They share the history ...
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 unconscious bias and share clips from a vulnerable and brave Charles Blow interview.
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 Daughter will be made into a major motion picture, and it’s made numerous top book lists for summer, including a shout-out in Us Weekly. Booklist proclaims, "Br...
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 Compassion Todd 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 help explain why the game is so popular.
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 which can be found here. Cathy and Todd also discuss Pixar’s Inside Out. See Soren dance below…
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 the keys to an empowered life.
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 change how we see ourselves and our children.
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 ask for help and speak up for every person needing organ donation. If you're interested in being a living donor, please call 312-695-0828 and say you're in...
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 sports just “sports”.
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 why intention is an essential part of the process. Karen is also the creator/writer of Birth, a play about how low-risk, educated women are giving birth t...
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 to view experiences through a broader and more inclusive lense. They share how this can affect parenting and how it can shape our world view and make it e...
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 group (that supports the 2nd amendment) that is not just for moms. They discuss legislation, other groups and individuals that are making a difference...
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 bipartisan group (that supports the 2nd amendment) that is not just for moms. They discuss legislation, other groups and individuals that are making a diff...
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. Todd shares a clip from a highly emotionally-intelligent father who understands how to reach his daughter, even while she’s under duress.
