Zen Parenting Radio

Cathy and Todd discuss how self-awareness, vulnerability, and a willingness to listen upfront lead to authentic and connected conversations later. They discuss how this applies to race discussions, partnership, and parenting, and how cognitive dissonance and whataboutism get in the way of meaningful and productive communication. They reference So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, Brene Brown’s podcast with the Duplass brothers, and White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.

Cathy and Todd discuss how spiritual bypassing (the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing with our painful feelings) can run counter to being a listener and learner when it comes to race. They discuss how spiritual bypassing has become normalized and separates us from the issues we need to work through when it comes to social justice, partnerships, parenting, or our own growth and development.

Todd and Cathy discuss the protests and why self-awareness and being a student are essential when talking about race. They share who they learn from, why we need to speak up, and why dismantling racism in ourselves is necessary, difficult, and uncomfortable.

Todd and Cathy discuss some of the questions from this New York Times article titled The 36 Questions That Lead to Love

Todd and Cathy discuss the highlights of a Freakonomics podcast titled Reasons to Be Cheerful as well as The Goop Podcast titled The Culture of Busyness.  Some of the topics discussed were the negativity bias, loss aversion, and getting out of the way so our kids can become the people they are supposed to be.  

Todd and Cathy interview Jim Dethmer from the Conscious Leadership Group.  They discuss the difference between the content (what is happening) of our lives and the context (from what energy are we dealing with what is happening.  They also talk about the universe, death, toddlers, weed, and body intelligence in this real world example when Cathy and Todd's 12 year old daughter interrupts the interview. 

Todd and Cathy discuss what it means to experience messy and how messy, but necessary, conversations can cause discomfort and uncertainty. They discuss why others are not always bad or wrong, and how we can see the nuance and grey in every situation. They discuss how enlightening or self-aware moments can look different for everybody, and how a Good Will Hunting moment isn’t the only example of catharsis.

Cathy and Todd discuss why hitting a wall is to be expected, and why it’s not a failure, it’s a recalibration. They discuss what walls can teach us and why adaptation and pivoting are important now, and after, the pandemic. They discuss why all feelings are acceptable, and why if we can be specific about what we are feeling, we will have an easier time moving through it.

Cathy+Todd discuss Walt Whitman’s poem This is what you shall do and discuss how his wisdom is relevant today. The discuss what it means to “dismiss whatever insults your soul”, and why this relates to us globally and in our own families. They also share lessons from The Little Rascals and Dead Poets Society.

Cathy and Todd discuss how we judge our own feelings and then instead of self-regulating, we get lost in a cycle of emotions. They discuss Mark Brackett’s book Permission to Feel, and his interview on Brenè Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast. They also share some ways we can monitor our emotions and show up for our kids, partners, and world in a more compassionate way.

Cathy and Todd discuss vivid dreaming and why you might be feeling old griefs during this pandemic. They discuss why talking about your feelings and appreciating humor and joy are stabilizing. They share why Lin Manuel Miranda, John Krasinski, the Cuomo Brothers and Matthew McConaughey have been helpful over the last couple of days.

Cathy and Todd discuss creating new habits during the pandemic – for some this can add structure, and for others this can feel too overwhelming. They share the difference between people who are enjoying this time of shelter-in-place, and those who are working harder and taking risks so we all can feel safe and cared for. They also discuss the show Alone and why we need to take care of those who are by themselves, and why relationships are the things that matter most.

Cathy and Todd discuss an article in the Harvard Law Review titled The Discomfort You Are Feeling is Grief. Grief expert David Kessler explains how we are all feeling anticipatory grief during this pandemic and how to find hope and meaning in our daily experiences. They also discuss how to pull inspiration from Caroline Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie) and the movie Castaway.

Todd and Cathy discuss a few ways to cope with uncertainty and why self-care and emotional well-being is the most important thing right now.

Todd and Cathy discuss how to talk to kids about the uncertainty of these times, and why it’s important to focus on the whole rather than the individual. They discuss why it’s ok to let kids sleep and loosen up on your typical structure, and ways to help other people in need.

Todd and Cathy discuss the impact of the corona virus, emotional labor, & Kramer's attitude towards the gas gauge.

Todd and Cathy discuss how negative news cycles and uncertainty can leave us feeling tired and overwhelmed. They discuss how to take care of ourselves (it’s a practice!), and how to talk to our kids about their feelings and coping tools.  

Cathy & Todd discuss the highlights and takeaways to the 5th annual Zen Parenting Conference.  

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Todd and Cathy discuss Elizabeth Gilbert’s Valentine’s Day post titled TEN ACTUAL THINGS THAT LOVE HAS SAID TO ME WHEN I WAS ALONE AND AFRAID (FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT NEED IT TODAY). They discuss each one and how they can rewire the way we experience ourselves and the way we see the world.