Cathy 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 importance of capybaras, cats, interrogation videos and gorillas on Reels & TikTok. Join Team Zen to hear Cathy & Todd’s talk about bringing genuine romance back into your relationship (3/18, 7 pm).

Even Nothing is Something- Podcast #754

Cathy 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.

How Our Past Shapes Today – Episode #753

Cathy 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 OOTD (outfit of the day) and GRWM (get ready with me) on social media and how we can talk to our kids about comparison culture and self-worth.

Are We Over-Involved in Our Adult Children’s Lives? The Research Might Surprise You- Episode #752

Todd 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-assisted therapy, and meeting people who think differently, emphasizing the importance of being willing to have a conversation.

Staying Open in a Distracted World- A Conversation with “Open” Author Nate Klemp- Episode #751

Todd 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 the 2024 Grammys were a Gen X dream.

Talking to Kids About Online Sports Betting- Episode #750

Todd 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.

Two Types of Messy Conversations- Episode #749

In 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 3- Episode #748

Rescuing Our Sons- An Interview with Dr. John Duffy: Part 2- Episode #747

Cathy 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.

Rescuing Our Sons- An Interview with Dr. John Duffy: Part 1- Episode #746

Cathy 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.

What Does It Mean to Be Seen- Episode #745

Cathy 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.

Wisdom from our Friends- Episode #744

Todd 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.

How Did It Go?- Episode #743

Dr. 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.

Dr. Shefali & The Parenting Map- Episode #742

Cathy 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.

Find Your Next Favorite Holiday Movie- Episode 741

Todd 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.

Should I Let My Kid Fail? A Conversation with Michelle Icard- Episode 740

Todd 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.

Gender Norms- Truth or Fiction?- Episode #739

Cathy 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.

Support Systems for our Kids- Episode #738

Todd 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.

Developing a Grateful Mindset- Episode #737

Cathy 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 decrease the likelihood of street drug usage to alleviate their pain.

Fentanyl- What You Need to Know- A Conversation with Patrice Lenowitz -Episode #736

Cathy 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.

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