Zen Parenting Radio

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 world is broken.” They introduce their new partner Healthy Habits Healthy Moms

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.

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.

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.