Zen POP Parenting blends Gen X sensibility with mindful living, emotional awareness, and the music, movies, and moments that shaped us. Parenting is the thread that runs through it all—because whether our kids are little or grown, how we connect, communicate, and make sense of ourselves and our history matters.
…
continue reading
Todd And Cathy Adams Podcasts
1
Fell on Black Days: The Deaths of 90s Lead Singers and What It Teaches Us About Mental Health and Addiction- Episode #821
1:21:10
1:21:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:10
Cathy and Todd explore the rise of 90s grunge and the tragic stories of its most iconic frontmen — Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, Scott Weiland, and others — whose music reshaped rock while exposing the industry’s deep neglect of mental health and addiction. From the breakthroughs of Nevermind and Ten to the cultural shift away from glam…
…
continue reading
1
The Bully of Our Generation: What William Zabka Taught Us (yes, the OG Johnny from The Karate Kid) Episode # 820
1:15:31
1:15:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:31
Cathy and Todd dive into how 80s pop culture—especially the roles played by William Zabka—shaped Gen X’s early ideas about bullying, power, and masculinity. From The Karate Kid’s Johnny Lawrence to Just One of the Guys’ Greg Tolan, Zabka’s characters weren’t just villains—they were cultural blueprints. In this episode, they explore how these archet…
…
continue reading
1
How The Outsiders Changed Youth Culture and Created Our Biggest Stars- Episode # 819
1:14:28
1:14:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:28
Cathy and Todd explore how The Outsiders became a defining moment for Gen X identity—and launched a generation of future stars who dominated Teen & Tiger Beat. They break down how the movie came together, what it taught us, and why its themes still resonate today, for us and our kids. Plus, all the WTF moments, random facts, unforgettable quotes, a…
…
continue reading
1
How MTV and ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ Shaped Our Generation—and Our Parenting- Episode # 818
1:21:14
1:21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:14
Welcome to the very first episode of Zen POP Parenting with Cathy and Todd! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into MTV and the iconic song Video Killed the Radio Star. We’ll explore how MTV shaped our culture, influenced our parenting, and impacted our sense of self. As Gen Xers who grew up with the rise of music videos and 24-hour cable TV…
…
continue reading
Todd and Cathy share the upcoming changes to their podcast, Zen Parenting Radio, which will be renamed Zen POP Parenting starting June 1st! Cathy and Todd share the story behind Zen Parenting Radio’s evolution into Zen Pop Parenting—a podcast where mindful living, emotional awareness, and Gen X pop culture come together. From the music, movies, and…
…
continue reading
1
What Brings You Peace & Fire? Episode # 816
52:13
52:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:13
Todd and Cathy share the upcoming changes to their podcast, Zen Parenting Radio, which will be renamed Zen POP Parenting starting June 1st! Cathy and Todd discuss what brings you both peace and fire and why your somatic experience (what you feel in your body) is a more authentic guide than overthinking. They unpack what the word miracle really mean…
…
continue reading
Todd and Cathy share the upcoming changes to their podcast, Zen Parenting Radio, which will be renamed Zen POP Parenting starting June 1st! Empathy drives connection, but some claim it’s dangerous because it disrupts the status quo they want to maintain. We explore why empathy is being framed as a flaw, and how history, research, and pop culture re…
…
continue reading
Todd and Cathy share the upcoming changes to their podcast, Zen Parenting Radio, which will be renamed Zen POP Parenting starting June 1st! They also discuss the normal shifts in kids’ friendships, highlighting the importance of loyalty, boundaries, and the reality that friendships evolve. As parents, we can feel more overwhelmed than our kids when…
…
continue reading
1
What Do You Think About When You Wake Up? Episode # 813
51:50
51:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:50
We dig into the gender differences in why we show up the way we do, how we’re conditioned, why women so often carry the weight of everyone’s well-being, and why emotional presence is still seen as optional for a lot of men. We talk about why these conversations are essential in our own homes, and what sometimes keeps us from having them. We also ex…
…
continue reading
1
Leave Things Better Than We Found Them- Episode # 812
26:53
26:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:53
We talk about our oddly soothing obsession with rug-cleaning and lawn care TikToks—and what they reveal about care, restoration, and using your energy to make things better. We also get into the difference between seeking positive vs. negative attention, and why people sometimes act out when what they really want is to be seen and to belong. From A…
…
continue reading
Cathy and Todd talk about the collective anxiety so many of us are carrying right now, whether it’s our daily responsibilities or the heaviness of what we’re witnessing on a national or global scale. They discuss Cathy’s three personal guideposts—integrity, humility, and compassion—how these words help her navigate parenting, conflict, relationship…
…
continue reading
1
The Unseen Work of Regulating Others- Episode # 810
39:53
39:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:53
Cathy and Todd talk about the double standard of managing other people’s emotions—how it’s both expected and criticized—and why this kind of emotional regulation is often misunderstood and overlooked. They also discuss menopause and why emotions can shift or intensify, and how learning what’s really going on can help the whole family better underst…
…
continue reading
1
Strong Enough to Connect: Masculinity, Humility, and Responsibility Episode# 809
56:20
56:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:20
Todd and Cathy discuss a recent episode of survivor, Cathy’s frustration at Todd’s double parking, as well as humility, masculinity, responsibility, and emotional support in relationships.By Todd and Cathy Adams
…
continue reading
1
Raising Kids Who Enjoy Learning- Episode# 808
46:18
46:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:18
Todd and Cathy discussed the importance of raising kids who enjoy learning, emphasizing the need for a play-based learning environment and the importance of not overburdening children with academic tasks too early. They also highlighted the challenges faced by educators, including pressure from parents and curriculum requirements, and advocated for…
…
continue reading
Todd and Cathy discussed their personal experiences and a Netflix miniseries called "Adolescence,", focusing on issues such as gender dynamics, male rage, and online influences on young men. They explored the manosphere, its impact on society, and the importance of addressing digital sexism and male supremacy, while also examining family dynamics a…
…
continue reading
1
Not Tuning Out—Just Engaging Differently Episode #806
51:33
51:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:33
Todd and Cathy shared strategies for staying informed without burning out from the world, and the need for personal well-being for continued engagement and making a difference.By Todd and Cathy Adams
…
continue reading
We discuss Women's History Month, emphasizing the importance of understanding women's experiences and challenges in society. They explore various aspects of women's safety, cultural norms, and the need for men to engage with and support women's issues. We also highlight the significance of nurturing relationships, adaptability, and women's role in …
…
continue reading
Todd and Cathy discussed the importance of critical thinking, the avoidance of thought terminating cliches, and the need for clear roles and expectations within their team. They also expressed concerns about the current state of the administration and its impact on society, and highlighted the importance of adapting to changing cultural norms and s…
…
continue reading
1
This Is So Awkward, Modern Puberty Explained- Episode #803
55:42
55:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:42
Todd and Cathy talk with Cara Natterson MD and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, authors of This Is So Awkward, Modern Puberty Explained. We share experiences and motivations for focusing on puberty and sex education. They also discussed the differences between traditional and progressive education systems, the influence of pornography on societal attitudes t…
…
continue reading
1
How an Open Mind Strengthens Our Relationships- Episode #802
1:04:14
1:04:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:14
Todd and Cathy reminisced about the evolution of telephones and shared their experiences with prank calls and shared phone lines. They also discussed the importance of open-mindedness, empathy, and understanding in human interactions, emphasizing the need to trust oneself and not rely solely on personal experiences or opinions. The conversation con…
…
continue reading
1
Flood the Zone: Staying Calm When Things Get Loud- Episode #801
1:01:36
1:01:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:36
Todd and Cathy discussed the concept of "flooding the zone" in family dynamics and personal peace of mind, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, discernment, and effective communication. They explored various strategies to manage the effects of flooding the zone, including being clear about core values, prioritizing and filtering informa…
…
continue reading
Todd and Cathy discussed highlights from their recent Zen Parenting Conference, including various topics such as generational slang, societal challenges for boys and girls, and the importance of open communication with children. They reflected on the conference's success, emphasizing the interactive nature of the event, the impact of guest speakers…
…
continue reading
1
5 Things to be Optimistic About- Episode # 799
54:10
54:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:10
Todd and Cathy discussed the importance of optimism, perseverance, and emotional intelligence in personal and professional development, using examples from their experiences and current events. They also highlighted the impact of independent filmmakers and digital platforms on the entertainment industry, and expressed optimism about the growing und…
…
continue reading
1
The Nuance of “Let Them” The Importance and Pitfalls of Self-Help- Episode #798
56:35
56:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:35
Todd and Cathy discuss Mel Robbins book “Let Them”, the importance of nuance in self-help concepts. They also touched on the importance of trust and communication in relationships, and the concept of "letting go" in personal relationships. Lastly, they shared their thoughts on various TV shows and movies, and emphasized the importance of self-aware…
…
continue reading
1
10 Quotes to Change Your Life- Episode#797
51:20
51:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:20
Todd and Cathy discussed Cathy's most recent Substack which were 10 quotes that impacted Cathy. The conversation covered a range of subjects including the balance between joy and sadness, the value of kindness and compassion, and the significance of critical thinking and role modeling in conversations.…
…
continue reading
