Zen Parenting Radio
797 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 620 ratingsZen Parenting is a weekly podcast discussion between a spiritual and emotional mom (Cathy Cassani Adams) and a logical and practical dad (Todd Adams). Every episode is a reminder to wake up to our lives; to be ever more mindful, self-aware, and compassionate in how we parent and how we treat ourselves and others.
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Episodes
The Two Secrets to Parenting – Episode #759
April 09, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBTodd and Cathy discuss two factors that make parenting feel more self-directed and understandable. While it will still be messy, unpredictable, and tiring, at least you will feel more in your integrity while doing it! They also talk about listening skills, anxiety, NCAA basketball, and Beyoncé's new album.
Curiosity Creates Connection- Episode #758
April 02, 2024 15:43 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBTodd and Cathy discuss about how genuine curiosity helps our kids really hear us and value what we're saying. The same goes for understanding each other in a partnership or empathizing with someone from a different gender perspective. When we're open about not having all the answers, it paves the way for learning and staying connected.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Emotional Conversations- Episode #757
March 26, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBCathy and Todd discuss the importance of emotional conversations with our kids and why we need to pay attention to how we experience and perceive what our children are telling us. They discuss what kids really need from us when they are emotional and how we can support them without absolving or absorbing their pain. They also discuss Friday Night Videos and commercials from the 80’s.
The Ordinary is the Extraordinary- Episode #756
March 19, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBTodd & Cathy discuss why it’s the ordinary moments that make us feel connected and content, and why what we end up missing are the simple things, not the big things. They also discuss the five things that make someone a Gen Xer, have a follow-up discussion about astrology and its usefulness, and Cathy talks about her new book RESTORING OUR GIRLS, coming in early 2025.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves- Podcast #755
March 12, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBTodd and Cathy discuss the stories we create about our lives and process whether or not we can reconsider our stories – not to deny reality, but to focus on what’s working rather than what’s lost. They also talk about role models for men, why it’s important to acknowledge every aspect of ourselves, what’s going on with Hall&Oates, and whether or not astrology is a science-based tool.
Even Nothing is Something- Podcast #754
March 05, 2024 11:00 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBCathy and Todd discuss why we struggle to show up as fully ourselves in groups, and how we can get better at noticing this behavior. Then Todd says, “I’m just not feeling it” so they move into a pop culture conversation that seems to be about nothing, or maybe it was about a lot of little somethings including Bon Jovi, the members of New Edition, why stuffed animals are important, how Cathy got their daughter to stop stealing her brush, why Cathy’s college friends are so funny, and the import...
How Our Past Shapes Today – Episode #753
February 27, 2024 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBCathy and Todd discuss how our upbringing shapes our current approach to parenting, share why some traditional parenting tricks fall short, and attempt to redefine romance—it's not just about grand gestures, but the heartfelt intentions behind them.
Are We Over-Involved in Our Adult Children’s Lives? The Research Might Surprise You- Episode #752
February 20, 2024 11:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBCathy and Todd discuss an article from The New York Times titled, 'Parents Are Highly Involved in Their Adult Children’s Lives, and Fine With It,' explaining that staying intimately connected to our older children has benefits, not just risks, and most young adults agree. They discuss the perspectives of previous generations and why things have changed, as well as why it’s easy to stay connected due to devices and the research around effective parenting. They also discuss the fascination with...
Staying Open in a Distracted World- A Conversation with “Open” Author Nate Klemp- Episode #751
February 13, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBTodd and Cathy talk with Author Nate Klemp about his new book, Open: Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World. They discuss why technology is addictive and so appealing, and how it’s not our fault that we are attracted to screens and scrolling. They also discuss how being closed leads to polarization and conspiracy theories, while staying open reconnects us and helps us see the world in a new and more optimistic way. Nate shares his experiences with screen bingeing, psychedelic-ass...
Talking to Kids About Online Sports Betting- Episode #750
February 06, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBTodd and Cathy discuss the explosion of online sports betting and why kids and teens are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than adults. They discuss the reasons why teens use it, how AI is being used to market at them, and how, just like weed, alcohol, and porn, it necessitates an ongoing conversation to make sure our kids understand how it works (not in their favor) and the possible consequences. They also discuss why setting boundaries is essential to practice true empathy and how ...
Two Types of Messy Conversations- Episode #749
January 30, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBTodd and Cathy discuss the two types of messy conversations and explain why it's important to know the difference if you want to connect with your kid. They discuss the awesomeness of Zen Parenting, 2024 and share some of the most important lessons learned. They also highlight the significance of knowing less, listening more, and discovering what 'time well spent' means.
Rescuing Our Sons- An Interview with Dr. John Duffy: Part 3- Episode #748
January 25, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 37 MBIn Part Two of our three-part series with Dr. John Duffy, author of 'Rescuing Our Sons,' John shares why emotional intelligence is crucial for boys. He tells a story about one of his clients who took a gender studies class and explores the 'Taylor Swift effect,' emphasizing why boys need more of this kind of joy. Find Part One in the show notes and tune in tomorrow for Part Three.
Rescuing Our Sons- An Interview with Dr. John Duffy: Part 2- Episode #747
January 24, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBIn Part Two of our three-part series with Dr. John Duffy, author of 'Rescuing Our Sons,' John shares why emotional intelligence is crucial for boys. He tells a story about one of his clients who took a gender studies class and explores the 'Taylor Swift effect,' emphasizing why boys need more of this kind of joy. Find Part One in the show notes and tune in tomorrow for Part Three.
Rescuing Our Sons- An Interview with Dr. John Duffy: Part 1- Episode #746
January 23, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBCathy and Todd interview Dr. John Duffy, author of 'Rescuing Our Boys,' discussing his book and the state of boys in America. In the first part of a three-part series, they explore John's experiences while talking with boys during therapy, the reasons boys feel like they don’t belong, and the lack of male role models for boys today. Listen tomorrow for Part Two.
What Does It Mean to Be Seen- Episode #745
January 16, 2024 15:35 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBCathy and Todd discuss the power of words and how their significance is subjective to the person using them. They focus on the necessity of being seen, emphasizing how the quality of our partnerships and parenting is influenced by our ability to truly see others. The discuss what it means to have a healthy relationship and share why anecdotal evidence may not always be conclusive.
Wisdom from our Friends- Episode #744
January 09, 2024 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBCathy and Todd share the best clips from interviews with their friends Michelle Icard, Dr. Devorah Heitner, Dr. John Duffy, and Dr. Alexandra Solomon (they are all keynote speakers at Zen Parenting, 2024, Jan 26&27)! They also discuss the heightened skincare of teens, why we need so many sweatshirts, and why conflict is so common in our most important relationships.
How Did It Go?- Episode #743
January 02, 2024 15:44 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBTodd and Cathy discuss why it’s important to process how the holidays went before moving forward—what worked, what didn’t, and what can be repaired or celebrated. They also focus on school refusal after the holidays, emotional labor during the holidays, and answer a question about what’s most important when raising boys.
Dr. Shefali & The Parenting Map- Episode #742
December 26, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBDr. Shefali returns to ZPR to discuss her new book The Parenting Map: Step-by-Step Solutions to Consciously Create the Ultimate Parent-Child Relationship. They discuss how to check our own egos, recognize our children’s psyches, and make connection the cornerstone of our parenting experience.
Find Your Next Favorite Holiday Movie- Episode 741
December 19, 2023 11:00 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBCathy and Todd discuss their favorite holiday movies, what makes them great, and whether or not they are truly holiday movies. They share clips from the best movies and finish with the top 20 best holiday movies of all time.
Should I Let My Kid Fail? A Conversation with Michelle Icard- Episode 740
December 12, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBTodd and Cathy talk with Michelle Icard, the author of '14 Talks by Age 14' and her new book, '8 Setbacks that Can Make a Child a Success.' They discuss why we try to manage everyone's emotions, the challenges of letting our kids experience failure, and how embracing these challenges can contribute to building their character and enabling them to navigate their own lives.
Gender Norms- Truth or Fiction?- Episode #739
December 05, 2023 10:30 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBTodd and Cathy discuss gender norms and explore ways to validate, acknowledge, and challenge them. They also dive into the comedy of Nate Bargatze, highlighting its observational nature that prompts thought and reflection.
Support Systems for our Kids- Episode #738
November 28, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBCathy and Todd discuss how to create strong support systems for our kids, allowing them to have new and unique experiences and build relationships that contribute to their self-understanding. Teaching them about boundaries, encouraging them to ask for help, and making sure they know it's totally okay to speak up if something feels off give them the confidence to trust themselves, even when you're not right there with them.
Developing a Grateful Mindset- Episode #737
November 21, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBTodd and Cathy dive deep into some quotes about gratitude and explore how to incorporate gratitude into our everyday and ordinary lives. They also answer some listener’s questions and play clips from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (the best Thanksgiving movie!) and Nate Bargatze’s stand-up.
Fentanyl- What You Need to Know- A Conversation with Patrice Lenowitz -Episode #736
November 14, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBCathy and Todd talk with Patrice Lenowitz, Executive Director of The Nurtured Parent, domestic abuse survivor, victims’ rights advocate, activist, and mother of Max, who tragically died of fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Patrice is now on a mission to raise awareness around Fentanyl Poisoning through legislation and education and to help parents understand why and how kids are exposed. She also talks about the importance of supporting our youth when it comes to trauma, anxiety, and depression, to...
Raising Non-Entitled Children-Episode #735
November 07, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBCathy and Todd discuss entitlement and how to better relate and understand our kids. They talk about the importance of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, why it takes kids time to change their behavior, and how to avoid using shame when communicating family values.
The One About Anxiety and FRIENDS-Episode #734
October 31, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBCathy and Todd discuss the loss of Matthew Perry and the significance of Chandler and the TV show "FRIENDS" for our generation. They also share strategies for addressing anxiety with children, focusing on normalizing, accepting, and preventing emotions from becoming overwhelming.
Listen Listen Learn Learn-Episode #733
October 24, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBTodd and Cathy discuss empathic listening and how to respond with curiosity and non-judgment when our kids ask difficult questions. Whether it pertains to conflicts abroad or everyday challenges, the capacity to listen to our children is something we can continuously improve over time. Additionally, our ability to understand our partner's communication style and needs can help us avoid conflicts.
Our Favorite Quotes & Mantras- Podcast #732
October 17, 2023 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBCathy and Todd exchange quotes and mantras that remind them to stay in the moment, alleviate their anxiety, and prompt them to center their thoughts on gratitude. They discuss how they use these phrases and explore why our brains tend to fixate on what's wrong rather than what's already working. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction and the podcast's motto. (00:00:37) Discussing Cathy's meditation area, post-it notes, and the importance of...
Love Every Day- A Conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon- Podcast #731
October 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBIn this episode of Zen Parenting Radio, Todd and Cathy have a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert and clinical psychologist. They discuss Dr. Solomon's upcoming book, "Love Every Day," providing listeners with helpful insights into love, relationships, and self-discovery.
Revisiting The 7 Habits- Podcast #730
October 03, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBCathy and Todd revisit Stephen Covey's “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (1989) and discuss how each habit can help us improve our relationships with ourselves and our loved ones. They also explore why a paradigm shift is the key to reducing anxiety and enhancing our understanding of others. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com.
Never Enough- A Conversation About Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace- Podcast #729
September 26, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBCathy and Todd talk with Jennifer Wallace about her New York Times Bestseller Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It. They discuss the definition of happiness and why parents feel so pressured to help their kids “succeed”. They also process the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivators, why interdependence changes our perspective, and why “mattering” is the key to family wellbeing.
ADHD By Gender- Podcast #728
September 19, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBCathy and Todd discuss the differences between ADHD in men and women and the reasons why so many adult women are getting diagnosed today. They do a follow up about highly sensitive people (HSP), discuss the #GRWM craze, and share an 80’s commercial that will get stuck in your brain.
Growing Up in Public-A Conversation with Dr. Devorah Heitner #727
September 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 67.3 MBTodd and Cathy talk with Dr. Devorah Heitner, the author of "Screenwise" and her NEW book "Growing Up in Public." They discuss the downsides and benefits of tracking your kids, whether it's a good idea to read your kids' texts, how to address the topic of sexting, and whether colleges are scrutinizing your kids' posts. Her book is now available as of September 12th, and it's a must-read!
Tantrums & Perfectionism- Podcast #726
September 05, 2023 10:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBTodd and Cathy discuss the three different types of perfectionism and why trying to perfect actually backfires and leads to fragility. They discuss why our culture has overvalued the idea of being perfect, the importance of humanizing over humiliating, and they answer a follow-up question about highly sensitive children.
Highly Sensitive People- Podcast #725
August 29, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBCathy and Todd discuss the concept of being a highly sensitive person, and they explore how it feels to be a highly sensitive kid. They also address "ASK US ANYTHING" questions from listeners, offering guidance on how to talk to your kids about behavior modification charts in school (when they're not used at home) and providing advice on how to relate to an irritable and uncooperative child. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com.
6 Steps to Reduce Anxiety Podcast #724
August 22, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 68 MBCathy and Todd discuss Jack Kornfield’s advice for reducing anxiety, and how fear, history, and programming can make it more difficult. They process why back-to-school is particularly challenging for parents, and the simultaneous presence of joy and grief as children grow and transition. They are joined by Millie Hsi, a friend and member of their Team Zen virtual community, who shares her personal experiences and insights on coping with anxiety.
Difficult Conversations between Women & Men #723
August 15, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBTodd and Cathy welcome Shaun Emerson and Chris Lozier, hosts of the If You’ve Come This Far podcast. They discuss why it can be difficult to discuss men and women’s issues without getting defensive, and why statistics may point toward progress, but reality still feels imbalanced. They debate the effectiveness of frameworks and personality tests in personal growth, and how labels can be freeing but also stunting. They process how knowledge is vital, but transforming our knowledge into practice...
What is Barbie Really About?- Podcast #722
August 08, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBCathy and Todd discuss the many layers of Barbie and why it has become such a phenomenon and lightning rod when it comes to discussing gender differences. They share candidly about seeing each other’s perspectives, how to think critically, and how to bring our 'whole' selves into the viewing experience. They discuss why the movie is an existential crisis, a representation of girlhood and womanhood, and an absolute paradox all at the same time. This is a good podcast to listen to with your par...
Raising Good Humans Every Day- A Conversation with Hunter Clarke-Fields- Podcast #721
August 01, 2023 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBTodd & Cathy talk with Hunter Clarke-Fields, Author of Raising Good Humans Every Day- 50 Simple Ways to Press Pause, Stay Present, and Connect with Your Kids. They discuss Beginning Anew, find a thread, playing your own music, mindfulness, the messy, and not parentifying our kids. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com.
Shifting Life Patterns- Podcast #720
July 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBCathy & Todd discuss how our early experiences dictate our life patterns, and how we can recognize these patterns and decide what helps and what hurts. It's all about honoring the memories and traditions that mean something to us, while also letting go of what no longer serves us. They also discuss the legacy of Madonna and how she shifted the musical landscape for women, and Todd’s hot take on the best baseball player of all time.
The Champion Teammate- A Conversation with John O’Sullivan- Podcast #719
July 18, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBTodd & Cathy talk with John O’Sullivan, Founder of the Changing the Game Project and host of the Way of Champions Podcast about his new book, The Champion Teammate: Timeless Lessons to Connect, Compete and Lead in Sports and Life. They discuss how to be a valued teammate, what it means to be a champion, and what it takes to connect, compete, and thrive in sports and life. What’s shared is applicable way beyond sports so it’s an important conversation for all parents, but it’s especially enlig...
Love is Not Control- Podcast #718
July 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBTodd and Cathy discuss how co-opted therapy speak can make “love” more like control. They specifically discuss Jonah Hill’s ex-girlfriend sharing texts where he says he is enforcing his “boundaries” when he is actually giving her rules and ultimatums. They discuss how life is messy and everything is nuanced, and how Maya Angelou taught that love liberates, it doesn’t hold.
Better, Not Perfect- Podcast #717
July 04, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBTodd and Cathy discuss the difficult, but also transformational quality of change and how it teaches us to grow and trust life’s patterns. They answer a listener question about how to view their daughter’s outbursts and challenging behavior, and they share and process three quotes from Season 2 of The Bear – starting with Richie’s thought-provoking quote, “I'm not like this because I'm in Van Halen. I'm in Van Halen because I'm like this…
The Outcome is Not the Outcome- Podcast #716
June 27, 2023 10:30 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBCathy and Todd discuss how to experience parenting challenges as part of the story rather than the entire story. They discuss how to zoom out and see the big picture, but also how to zoom in and experience compassion and connection with your kids. They process how to not take things personally, and how to recognize that we are all just watching our own movie.
Nurturing our Kids Spiritual Growth & Self-Understanding- Podcast #715
June 20, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBTodd and Cathy discuss how we can talk to our kids about spirituality and self-trust, and why role modeling and patience can be the most effective tools. They discuss how to deal with anger, how to talk to our kids about anger, and how to utilize difficult emotions for deeper self awareness.
Field of Dreams- Podcast#714
June 13, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 76.8 MBTodd and Cathy Adams explore the themes of wonder, father-son relationships, vulnerability in parenting, and the enduring appeal of baseball in their heartfelt analysis of the movie "Field of Dreams," emphasizing the importance of understanding and empathizing with parental figures and embracing the wonders of life. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Connect with us! Join Team Zen Ask Us Anything! Subscribe to Cathy's weekly Zen Parenting Moment Follow us on socia...
Ask Us Anything- Podcast#713
June 06, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBCathy & Todd answer listener questions (about the practice of self-awareness, highly sensitive kids, and how to talk to our kids about every important thing before they graduate…) and they also discuss Taylor Swift, her popularity, and how she is connected to Full Catastrophe Living.
What Succession Teaches Us About Family Systems- Podcast#712
May 30, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBCathy and Todd discuss how codependency, enmeshment, narcissism, and lack of boundaries are weaved into Succession and the Logan family, and how we can be more self-aware about what we are role modeling and teaching our children. They also discuss the importance of internal and external validation and why no matter what happens to the Logan children, they will never be satisfied.
Do Your Kids Understand You?–Podcast #711
May 23, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBCathy and Todd discuss how it’s not our kids’ job to support us, but we can encourage them to understand us. They also discuss the importance of self-compassion when parenting, why our boys need more male role models, and how to deal with change as our kids grow and graduate.
Part 2- Porn, Consent, and Sexual Assault- A Conversation with Mike Domitrz, Founder of The Center for Respect–Podcast #710
May 16, 2023 11:55 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBIn the Part 2 of our conversation with Mike Domitrz, Founder of the Center for Respect, returns to discuss how to talk to our kids about porn, consent, and sexual assault. He shares how to simplify difficult topics and how to offer our kids a “lens” when it comes to porn and sex on television. He also shares why talking about sex becomes even more important as we age, why he doesn’t use statistics when talking to groups, and how the bottom line for every discussion is about respect and valuin...