Cathy and Todd discussed the viral “man or bear” debate, addressing why many women felt compelled to pick “bear” and why some men felt hurt or angry. They discussed the importance of listening and empathy when it comes to other people’s experiences and how being defensive might be our initial reaction, but we can choose compassion and understanding. They also discussed why opting out of something we don’t want to do makes room for the things we do want to do. Todd and Cathy are hosting a live discussion about the “man or bear” debate on Monday, May 20th at 7pm CT through the MenLiving platform ..read more

Todd and Cathy discuss how to talk to kids in the morning without being too annoying. They also discuss when to use Gen Z slang and when not to, and why not “needing” too much from our kids makes us easier to talk to. They also discuss Taylor’s new album, the movie Swingers, and why pop culture makes for great conversation with our kids. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Donate to MenLiving Join Team Zen Jeremy Kraft from Avid Painting and Remodeling 630-956-1800 Time Stamps (00:00:41) Swingers- movie and lifestyle (00:01:56) Risky Business (00:04:20) Join Team Ze ..read more

Cathy and Todd discuss the distinction between weaponized incompetence and regular incompetence, exploring how gender norms and societal expectations shape these ideas. They engage in real-time reflection on how they navigate these dynamics within their partnership and parenting, and they stress the need for communication and flexibility depending on the situation. This is a good episode to listen to with your partner or friends! Lots of issues to discuss and process. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Donate to MenLiving Join Team Zen Jeremy Kraft from Avid Painti ..read more

Cathy and Todd discuss the distinction between weaponized incompetence and regular incompetence, exploring how gender norms and societal expectations shape these ideas. They engage in real-time reflection on how they navigate these dynamics within their partnership and parenting, and they stress the need for communication and flexibility depending on the situation. This is a good episode to listen to with your partner or friends! Lots of issues to discuss and process. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Donate to MenLiving Join Team Zen Jeremy Kraft from Avid Painti ..read more

Todd 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. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Donate to MenLiving Join Team Zen MenLiving Eastern Advance Jeremy Kraft from Avid Painting and Remodeling 630-956-1800 Time Stamps (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:34) Tournament of Bad (00:10:24) 5 regrets of dying (00:15:30) The diffe ..read more

Todd 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. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Donate to MenLiving Join Team Zen MenLiving Eastern Advance Jeremy Kraft from Avid Painting and Remodeling 630-956-1800 Time Stamps (00:00:00) Intro (00:19:31) Team Zen (00:21:27) Can’t throw water ..read more

Cathy 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. For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Join Team Zen MenLiving Eastern Advance Jeremy Kraft from Avid Painting and Remodeling 630-956-1800 Time Stamps (00:00:00) Intro (00:12:54)  The ..read more

Todd & 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. Join Team Zen to hear Cathy & Todd’s talk about bringing genuine romance back into your relationship (3/18, 7 pm). For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources Join Team Zen MenLiving Eastern Advance Je ..read more

Todd 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. Join Team Zen to hear Cathy & Todd’s talk about bringing genuine romance back into your relationship (3/18, 7 pm). For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com. Resources David Serrano Personal Fin ..read more

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 ..read more