Zen Parenting Radio

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 perspective.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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 Good Life Project, a podcast hosted by Jonathan Fields.

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 mental illness, providing information and referrals, education, support, advocacy, and active community outreach.

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.

Cathy and Todd process why the election felt shocking and how we can take care of ourselves. They discuss how nature always find a way, how we can organize in our homes and in our communities to create change, and how we can embrace our value and use our power for good. They talk about how we can be better listeners to those who think differently, how we can practice empathy and find commonality, and how we can allow this wake up call to keep us awake and engaged in our lives. They share grief, fear, hope, serenity, optimism, and some wise words from Andy Dufresne.

Cathy and Todd talk about how living in the black and white keeps us from listening to each other, but if we live in the grey, we remain open, curious, and empathetic. They talk politics, parenting, Anne Lamott, Dave Matthews, poetry, and the most effective way to hold space for each other.

Todd and Cathy talk CUBS, connection, emotions, and history. They also talk Bull Durham, City Slickers, and Field of Dreams. Enjoy the joy Chicago, we love you.

The following is the second half of a 2 part interview we did with our friends Doug and Susan McConnell.  Doug is a marathon swimmer.  If you haven’t heard it yet, I recommend you go back and listen to podcast #337.  We left off with Doug and his team led by Susan who just swam the English Channel.  Doug now turns to Hawaii's Ka'iwi Channel which has only been completed by 35 swimmers.  The swim itself is 32+ miles and started on the west end of the almost deserted Island of Molokai.  Things do not go as planned as Doug & Susan explains. To learn more about the MCconnell’s effort to raise awareness about ALS, please visit http://www.alongswim.com/ Upcoming Events The Tribe Men's Adventure Retreat Shoot Todd an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com for more information Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book, Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn won the National Indie Excellence Award!Go here to order your book. Click the following links to purchase Cathy’s books The Self-Aware Parent Part 1 & and Part 2   Tree of Life Chiropractic Care have some interesting workshops planned. If you shop Amazon by going through our website first (there is an amazon link on the bottom right hand of our home page), a portion of your sale will help fund future Zen Parenting programming. How important is a good smile?  Just ask our new partner John J Kelly DDS.  They are located on the northwest side of Chicago and will meet all of your family’s dental needs. Painting or remodeling?  Don’t forget about our parnter Avid Co. Looking for a Vitamix blender?  Don’t forget to use our coupon code 06-007296 for free shipping.         [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

There are 7 billion people walking the earth right now. There have been 5,000 people who have successfully summited Mount Everest. Just over 1600 human beings have swam the English channel- Today’s guests are Doug and Susan McConnell. Doug is only the 48th person over the age of 50 to successfully swim the English Channel. But he could not have done it without his team led by his wife Susan. In this two part interview- Doug shares with us how the idea came up as a gag over a few glasses of wine to a commitment that changed the direction of his life. He tells us about the obstacles namely sharks, hypothermia and how he navigated past each one of them and he sets the record straight of the old wives tale of whether or not it helps to pee on a jelly fish stings. To learn more about the MCconnell’s effort to raise awareness about ALS, please visit http://www.alongswim.com/

Cathy and Todd discuss the book On Living by Hospice Chaplain Kerry Egan, and focus in on the three things we can do with pain: accept it, be kind to it, and let it be kind to you. They also share three great takeaways from Dr. Shefali’s Evolve Conference, process why negotiating with our kids is not always the best answer, and share some wisdom from Austin Powers. Upcoming Events MON, SEP 26 AT 7:00 PM, ELMHURST, IL Zen Parenting Presents Screenagers Click here for tickets By: Zen Parenting Radio Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQx2X0BXgZg New Warrior Training Adventure- October 28th-October 30th www.getyourweekend.com The Tribe Men's Adventure Retreat Shoot Todd an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com for more information Other Resources Cathy’s 3rd book, Living What You Want Your Kids To Learn won the National Indie Excellence Award!Go here to order your book. Click the following links to purchase Cathy’s books The Self-Aware Parent Part 1 & and Part 2   Tree of Life Chiropractic Care have some interesting workshops planned. If you shop Amazon by going through our website first (there is an amazon link on the bottom right hand of our home page), a portion of your sale will help fund future Zen Parenting programming. How important is a good smile?  Just ask our new partner John J Kelly DDS.  They are located on the northwest side of Chicago and will meet all of your family’s dental needs. Painting or remodeling?  Don’t forget about our parnter Avid Co. Looking for a Vitamix blender?  Don’t forget to use our coupon code 06-007296 for free shipping.         [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Cathy and Todd discuss unconscious bias and how our “brain shortcuts” can cause us to deviate from our true values. They also discuss why people get triggered and how we can differentiate between political correctness and considerate language. They share their experience of the Sia concert, how girls and boys are raised differently, and Cathy’s awesome experience at the Emerging Women Conference. They also answer a listener's question when their daughter seeks out a definition of beauty.