Zen Parenting Radio

Cathy and Todd discuss the “messages and arrows” of our emotions, specifically that they give us the information we need to understand ourselves and teach our kids. Every feeling has an underlying reason, and the more we understand our emotional messages the easier we will see the arrows that point to what matters most. They share that February is “Empathy Volume” Month (Turning empathy up to stay connected, turning empathy down to avoid burnout). Listen to this month’s Zen Parenting Radio podcasts and join Team Zen for an in-depth discussion around empathy volume filled with resources, practices, and community (use coupon code Team Zen for one free month).

Cathy and Todd discuss how accountability leads to unity, and how impunity or justifying something deeply harmful leads to more divisiveness, not healing. They discuss how this is true with our government and the insurrection, and also when we have challenges in our partnerships, parenting, and friendships. Forgiveness is what we do for ourselves, not others, and comes after a process and practice of realizing that we can’t change what happened (it often takes a great deal of time). Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation, condoning a person’s behavior, justifying the offense, or denying or forgetting the impact on our lives. It means cutting the cord and taking back the energy that is rightfully ours while never forgetting the wisdom we gained.

Todd and Cathy continue their discussion about how and why we grow and share specific colors that represent our stages of development (often referred to as spiral dynamics). They discuss how this effects politics, values, “fake news”, sports, leadership, and our need to belong.

Cathy and Todd discuss the question that they hear the most – “How can I get my partner to….” – they discuss why this question is multi-layered, messy, and not easily answered. They discuss why wanting to change others feels easier than changing ourselves, why true wisdom comes from quiet, and the life-changing advice Oprah has for all people.

Cathy and Todd focus on Me, We, and Everybody, a teaching of moral development (or Spiral Dynamics) taken from The Robcast. They share why this personal growth model (similar to understanding the chakras or the Enneagram) helps us see ourselves, relate to others, and understand how we all evolve (and regress) in different ways.

Todd and Cathy discuss 1964’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and why the adults dropped the ball in helping Hermy and Rudolph understand their specialness – BUT, it’s still a great holiday rewatch filled with joy, learning, and nostalgia.

Cathy and Todd reference a recent post by Dr. Alexandra Solomon about how we are doing a better job raising our girls to be leaders than raising our sons to be caregivers. They discuss how to raise whole sons who respect every aspect of their humanity, and how failing to do this hurts our boys and society. They also discuss the opinion writer who wants Dr. Jill Biden to drop “Dr.”, what Shawn Mendes can teach us, and how to talk about invisible labor in the home.

Todd and Cathy discuss the difference between a “bottler” or “brooder” when it comes to negative feelings, and why being curious about feelings allows us to be less reactive and more compassionate. They discuss why darkness is not always bad, and why there is wisdom inside all of our emotions.

Cathy and Todd discuss Susan David’s book and TED Talk about emotional agility and why the ability to be agile leads to healthy human beings. They discuss why we need the skills to deal with the world as it is, and why sharing our emotions allows us to pay attention to our values and notice what’s working in our lives and families.

Todd and Cathy discuss the double bind of “do no harm”, in that all decisions, even educated and well-thought out choices, may impact some negatively. They discuss the positive impact of empathy and the danger of gaslighting, and share Anne Lamott’s theories around hatred and self-understanding.

Cathy interviews Todd, Frank Naugo, & Shaun Emerson discussing the relaunch from the Tribe Men's Group over to Men Living.  They discuss the resources available that will help men step up to make a more harmonious world.  

Cathy and Todd discuss how the election has provided a more sturdy foundation to rebuild trust, beauty, and a sense of self and community. They discuss how we can continue to do small acts of kindness, continue our activism, and remember to “sing while filled with our dreams and troubles”.

Todd and Cathy discuss getting through difficult and vulnerable moments (like election day) and how self-compassion and mindfulness are key. They discuss coping mechanisms versus escapism, how to effectively breathe, and why we should check-in on our strong friends.

Cathy and Todd discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how Ezra Klein’s article in Vox used Maslow’s work to explain the importance of next week’s election. They discuss the importance of the election, what’s at stake, and why we need to remember our dignity, humanity, and interconnectedness as we move through this week and into 2021.

Cathy and Todd discuss Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book Burnout, and how we can better process and release the stress we experience. They discuss their interview on the Unlocking Us podcast with Brene Brown, and the seven things we can do to make a difference in our overall well-being. They also discuss why women experience stress differently than men, and why rest, human connection, and befriending your inner critic are tools for healthier living. 1:11:35 Avid Co.- Painting & Remodeling Resources  Tribe Men's Group Events Team Zen- 0 Pressure, 100% support Enter coupon code "Jan" for 1 free month Pop Culturing Todd Adams Coaching For Guys Painting or remodeling needs?  Check out Avid Co. Upcoming Events CLICK HERE for a list of all upcoming events Videos  

Cathy+Todd discuss Cathy’s recent Zen Parenting Moment about how to guide our children with humility, and why spiritual narcissism can lead us to believe we have all of the answers. They discuss the HBO documentary The Vow and why in all situations we need to stay connected to our own inner knowing.

Relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon join Cathy and Todd to discuss why dominance isn’t strength when it comes to politics, partnership, and parenting, and why last week’s debate was so difficult to watch. They discuss the necessary breakthroughs for a successful marriage, and what it means to hold space for someone we love.

Cathy and Todd talk with Rosalind Wiseman (Founder of Cultures of Dignity and author of Queen Bees and Wannabees) about her new book The Distance Learning Playbook for Parents and her “Tiny Guides” to help you quickly comprehend core social and emotional concepts.

Cathy and Todd discuss losing RBG and why we have to practice what she taught us rather than decide all is lost. They discuss how we can grieve and also be strong, be afraid but also find joy. They discuss the importance of mindfulness and share Author Michael Singer’s description of a strong heart.

Todd and Cathy discuss NFL player Dak Prescott’s willingness to discuss depression and why there was backlash. They process the yin and yang of emotions and why challenge makes us stronger, not weaker. They also discuss whether vulnerable pictures of our kids should be posted on social networking, and how the Japanese art of Kintsugi is a visual representation of falling apart and piecing ourselves back together more beautifully.