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Latest Episodes:

The Gift Of Failure- Podcast #407 Nov 21, 2017

Show notes

Todd and Cathy discuss Jessica Lahey’s The Gift of Failure, and discuss why allowing our kids to make mistakes will help them succeed. They also discuss the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, why rewards and punishment don’t work, and why praising our kids for effort rather than outcome will lead to greater success and a healthier sense of self. They play a clip of a Hillary Clinton interview on the Dear Sugar podcast, a commercial about failure from Michael Jordan, and discuss Carol Dweck’s book Mindset.

The Five Invitations- Podcast #406 Nov 14, 2017

Show notes

Cathy and Todd discuss The Five Invitations, a book that shows us how to wake up fully to our lives. As a compassionate teacher and cofounder of the Zen Hospice Project, author Frank Ostaseski supports the dying. His five invitations dive into the suffering, joy, and inevitability of death, and why embracing this wisdom will lead to a more mindful and compassionate life. Cathy and Todd use clips from Dead Poets Society and Star Wars to highlight his points, and discuss why this book empowered them to live with greater intention and meaning.

Emotional Labor is an Unpaid Job- Podcast #405 Nov 07, 2017

Show notes

Todd and Cathy discuss an article in Harpers Bazaar titled “Women aren’t nags, we’re just fed up” about emotional labor and the sensitivity surrounding this topic. They discuss how to have a productive conversation about what it really takes to manage a house, and why it’s not always true that men are “problem solvers” and women are “sensitive”. They discuss how they are challenged with this issue, how it’s easy to go on autopilot, and why this is an ongoing discussion and not a one-time conversation. They explain how this relates to gender issues overall and what we are all currently modeling for both our daughters and sons. If you find this discussion interesting, join Cathy+Todd for a one-time virtual class about civility and compassion (in the home and for the holidays), and why the way we talk to our loved ones extends into the world. Click here to register.

It’s OK To Let Go – Podcast #404 Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

Todd and Cathy discuss why it’s OK for kids to change their minds and try new things, and why it’s important for adults to do this, too. They discuss how self-awareness is essential, and how self-forgiveness and understanding are also essential because we will always be a mystery (the great paradox!). They discuss the offensive gesture during the world series, how they managed their daughter’s crying episode, Byron Katie’s “The Work”, cranial sacral holds, and some humor from Anchorman.

From Refugee Camp To An Engineer- Podcast #403 Oct 27, 2017

Show notes

Cathy and Todd talk with Roksanna Taghizadeh, an immigrant who grew up in Iran, became a refugee in Germany, and eventually made it to the United States where she became an structural engineer. She shares her immigration story, explains what it’s like to live in a refugee camp, and shares why the current political environment has been surprising and emotionally challenging.

Cell Phones & Getting Uncomfortable- Podcast #402 Oct 24, 2017

Show notes

Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s OK to be uncomfortable, and why focusing on what works and what we are grateful creates the foundation to deal with discomfort. They reference the Good Newspaper, and explain why good news can help us speak out about the uncomfortable news. Todd shares some wisdom from Simon Sinek about why cell phones shouldn’t be the classroom or the boardroom, and why will power sometimes isn’t enough. They discuss if it’s safe for Todd to drive with his knee, why we shouldn’t answer the phone in a movie theater, and a wise observation from Martin Luther King.

#MeToo Podcast #401 Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

Cathy and Todd discuss the power of #metoo (a hashtag for anyone who has been sexually harassed or assaulted) and why sharing stories and listening to each other paves the way for change. They also talk about the power of words and why inclusive language is not just about being politically correct, it’s about growth and understanding. They discuss software that allows parents to see how their children are doing throughout the school day, why children hold in painful secrets, and why Cathy won’t share her water bottle.

Equality Connects Us- Podcast #400 Oct 10, 2017

Show notes

On their 400th episode, Cathy and Todd discuss why they started Zen Parenting, how it’s changed, and why equality, compassion, and connection motivate them to keep going. They share their favorite Tom Petty songs, discuss why difficult conversations are essential, and explain how if we work together, we will soar.

Brain Trusts, Civility, & Compassion- Podcast #399 Oct 03, 2017

Show notes

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of civility when we have different opinions or viewpoints, and offer some definitions and research from Brenè Browns book, Braving the Wilderness. They also discuss the Las Vegas tragedy – how we can make the unbearable bearable, and how we can give of ourselves to help others. They share who resides in their “brain trust”, offer some wisdom from Cory Booker, and discuss why we have dehumanized in the past and why rehumanization is essential for the future.

Peer Health Exchange: Improving the mental and physical lives of young people- Podcast #398 Sep 29, 2017

Show notes

Cathy and Todd talk with Danya Rosen, Executive Director of the Chicago Peer Health Exchange, an organization that empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make healthy decisions. They train college students to teach a skill-based health curriculum (focusing on mental health, sexual education, and overall wellness) in under-resourced high schools across the country. They aim to reduce unplanned pregnancy and substance abuse by offering knowledge, support, and access to resources. The Peer Health Exchange has had a statistically significant positive effect on sexual and mental knowledge, skills, and help-seeking behavior. They are also located in the Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York.

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