Zen Pop Parenting
Zen Pop Parenting

Zen Pop Parenting

Todd and Cathy Adams

Overview
Episodes

Details

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. Get access to our premium podcast, Zen Parenting LIVE!, and join other TeamZen members for exclusive episodes and deeper connection-https://zenpopparenting.com/#team-zen

Recent Episodes

Die Hard: The Great Christmas-Movie Debate- Episode #845
DEC 2, 2025
Die Hard: The Great Christmas-Movie Debate- Episode #845
<p>Cathy and Todd discuss <em>Die Hard</em>, the 1988 action classic that redefined the genre, covering everything from its Christmas Eve plot and iconic Nakatomi Plaza setting to the film’s surprisingly heartfelt themes of family, reconciliation, and love. They discuss why so many (including Cathy) consider it a Christmas movie, break down the characters and casting surprises, highlight the film’s legacy and genre-shaping influence, and share the behind-the-scenes stories that made Bruce Willis’s hero an unexpected cultural icon. From Hans Gruber’s unforgettable villainy to the film’s “Die Hard in a ____” effect across decades of action films, it’s a nostalgic and big-hearted look at why this movie endures and why so many of us return to it every holiday season.</p> <p><strong>Some Ways to Support Us</strong></p> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li><a href="https://cathycassaniadams.substack.com/">Sign up for Cathy’s Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Girls-Conversations-Challenges/dp/1684816831/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13TEXAZWS743M&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restoring+our+girls&amp;qid=1727709542&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-1">Order Restoring our Girls</a></li> <li><a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/product/teamzen-membership/">Join Team Zen</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Links shared in this episode:</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">For the full show notes, visit </span><a style="font-size: revert;" href="https://zenpopparenting.com/podcasts/845-die-hard/">zenpopparenting.com</a><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">.</span></p> <p><u>This week’s sponsor(s):</u></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.avidco.net/">Avid Co</a> DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration.</li> <li><a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/david.serrano/">David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780</a></li> <li><a href="https://menliving.org/">MenLiving </a>&#8211; A virtual and in-person community of guys connecting deeply and living fully. No requirements, no creeds, no gurus, no judgements</li> <li><a href="https://toddadamscoaching.com/">Todd Adams Life &amp; Leadership Coaching for Guys</a></li> </ul> <p><u>Other Ways to Support Us</u></p> <ul> <li>Follow us on social media <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zenparentingradio/">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@zenparenting">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting/">Facebook</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Buy and leave a review for <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/zen-parenting-book/">Cathy&#8217;s Book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World</a></li> <li>Find everything ZPR on our <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/resources/">Resources Page</a></li> <li>Guys- Complete a <a href="https://menliving.org/connect/">MenLiving Connect profile</a></li> </ul>
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71 MIN
Toy Story — The Psychology and Nostalgia That Made It a Classic- Episode #844
NOV 25, 2025
Toy Story — The Psychology and Nostalgia That Made It a Classic- Episode #844
<p>Cathy and Todd discuss the making of <em>Toy Story</em>, the 1995 film that changed animation forever. They explore the film’s massive cultural impact and the introduction of emotionally complex heroes like Woody and Buzz, who grew up alongside their audience. They also look at the creative forces behind the movie, including John Lasseter’s rise and fall and the way Pixar rebuilt its culture in the wake of industry reckonings. They dive into the random facts, hidden jokes, emotional details, and psychological layers that make the movie endlessly rewatchable, from Randy Newman’s music to Sid’s misunderstood chaos.</p> <p><strong>Some Ways to Support Us</strong></p> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li><a href="https://cathycassaniadams.substack.com/">Sign up for Cathy’s Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Girls-Conversations-Challenges/dp/1684816831/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13TEXAZWS743M&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restoring+our+girls&amp;qid=1727709542&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-1">Order Restoring our Girls</a></li> <li><a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/product/teamzen-membership/">Join Team Zen</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Links shared in this episode:</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">For the full show notes, visit </span><a style="font-size: revert;" href="https://zenpopparenting.com/podcasts/844-toy-story/">zenpopparenting.com</a><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">.</span></p> <p><u>This week’s sponsor(s):</u></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.avidco.net/">Avid Co</a> DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration.</li> <li><a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/david.serrano/">David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780</a></li> <li><a href="https://menliving.org/">MenLiving </a>&#8211; A virtual and in-person community of guys connecting deeply and living fully. No requirements, no creeds, no gurus, no judgements</li> <li><a href="https://toddadamscoaching.com/">Todd Adams Life &amp; Leadership Coaching for Guys</a></li> </ul> <p><u>Other Ways to Support Us</u></p> <ul> <li>Follow us on social media <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zenparentingradio/">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@zenparenting">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting/">Facebook</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Buy and leave a review for <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/zen-parenting-book/">Cathy&#8217;s Book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World</a></li> <li>Find everything ZPR on our <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/resources/">Resources Page</a></li> <li>Guys- Complete a <a href="https://menliving.org/connect/">MenLiving Connect profile</a></li> </ul>
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64 MIN
Forrest Gump: A Paradoxical Parable- Episode #843
NOV 18, 2025
Forrest Gump: A Paradoxical Parable- Episode #843
<p>Cathy and Todd discuss <em>Forrest Gump</em>, &nbsp;a movie they’ve loved for years, one they even saw together when it first came out. They explore how this emotional epic serves as both parable and modern American myth, following Forrest’s innocence through some of the country’s most turbulent moments while Jenny’s life reflects a very different America marked by trauma, rebellion, and survival. They dig into the ongoing debate over whether <em>Forrest Gump</em> deserved to win Best Picture over <em>Pulp Fiction</em> and <em>The Shawshank Redemption</em>, and laugh about how many lines from the movie have become part of their everyday conversations. This is the third film in our Tom Hanks month &#8211; we’ve already covered <em>Big</em> and <em>Cast Away</em>, and next week we’ll wrap up with <em>Toy Story</em>.</p> <p><strong>Some Ways to Support Us</strong></p> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li><a href="https://cathycassaniadams.substack.com/">Sign up for Cathy’s Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Girls-Conversations-Challenges/dp/1684816831/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13TEXAZWS743M&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restoring+our+girls&amp;qid=1727709542&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-1">Order Restoring our Girls</a></li> <li><a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/product/teamzen-membership/">Join Team Zen</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Links shared in this episode:</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">For the full show notes, visit </span><a style="font-size: revert;" href="https://zenpopparenting.com/podcasts/843-forrest-gump-a-paradoxical-parable/">zenpopparenting.com</a><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">.</span></p> <p><u>This week’s sponsor(s):</u></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.avidco.net/">Avid Co</a> DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration.</li> <li><a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/david.serrano/">David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780</a></li> <li><a href="https://menliving.org/">MenLiving </a>&#8211; A virtual and in-person community of guys connecting deeply and living fully. No requirements, no creeds, no gurus, no judgements</li> <li><a href="https://toddadamscoaching.com/">Todd Adams Life &amp; Leadership Coaching for Guys</a></li> </ul> <p><u>Other Ways to Support Us</u></p> <ul> <li>Follow us on social media <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zenparentingradio/">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@zenparenting">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting/">Facebook</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Buy and leave a review for <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/zen-parenting-book/">Cathy&#8217;s Book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World</a></li> <li>Find everything ZPR on our <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/resources/">Resources Page</a></li> <li>Guys- Complete a <a href="https://menliving.org/connect/">MenLiving Connect profile</a></li> </ul>
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76 MIN
Cast Away: A Movie About Time, Control, and Surrender- Episode #842
NOV 11, 2025
Cast Away: A Movie About Time, Control, and Surrender- Episode #842
<p>Cathy and Todd continue Tom Hanks Month with <em>Cast Away</em>, the 2000 classic that came out just as the world was speeding up with email, cell phones, and the dot-com boom. They talk about how this quiet, lonely movie made such an impact and why it hit so differently in an era obsessed with productivity and control. They go through their categories and favorite scenes to share what makes the movie so memorable, and then “roll in the deep” about what makes it so meaningful &#8211; from Chuck’s relationship with Wilson to his final crossroads, and what the story says about time, survival, and what it means to really be alive.</p> <p><strong>Some Ways to Support Us</strong></p> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li><a href="https://cathycassaniadams.substack.com/">Sign up for Cathy’s Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Girls-Conversations-Challenges/dp/1684816831/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13TEXAZWS743M&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restoring+our+girls&amp;qid=1727709542&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-1">Order Restoring our Girls</a></li> <li><a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/product/teamzen-membership/">Join Team Zen</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Links shared in this episode:</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">For the full show notes, visit </span><a style="font-size: revert;" href="https://zenpopparenting.com/podcasts/842-cast-away/">zenpopparenting.com</a><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">.</span></p> <p><u>This week’s sponsor(s):</u></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.avidco.net/">Avid Co</a> DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration.</li> <li><a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/david.serrano/">David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780</a></li> <li><a href="https://menliving.org/">MenLiving </a>&#8211; A virtual and in-person community of guys connecting deeply and living fully. No requirements, no creeds, no gurus, no judgements</li> <li><a href="https://toddadamscoaching.com/">Todd Adams Life &amp; Leadership Coaching for Guys</a></li> </ul> <p><u>Other Ways to Support Us</u></p> <ul> <li>Follow us on social media <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zenparentingradio/">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@zenparenting">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting/">Facebook</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Buy and leave a review for <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/zen-parenting-book/">Cathy&#8217;s Book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World</a></li> <li>Find everything ZPR on our <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/resources/">Resources Page</a></li> <li>Guys- Complete a <a href="https://menliving.org/connect/">MenLiving Connect profile</a></li> </ul>
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83 MIN
BIG and the Wisdom of Staying Young & Playful- Episode #840
NOV 4, 2025
BIG and the Wisdom of Staying Young & Playful- Episode #840
<p>To kick off Tom Hanks month, Cathy and Todd revisit <em>Big</em>, the 1988 classic that made him a star and reminded us what it means to grow up too fast. The movie blends humor, heart, and magic (and a somewhat inappropriate romance), letting us laugh at the absurdity of adult life while remembering what it felt like to be young. They talk about why <em>Big</em> still matters, why friendship is at the core of the story, and how Penny Marshall’s direction brought depth to a wild premise. They also discuss what the story reveals about growing up, parenting, and the pressure to “perform” adulthood.</p> <p><strong>Some Ways to Support Us</strong></p> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li><a href="https://cathycassaniadams.substack.com/">Sign up for Cathy’s Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Girls-Conversations-Challenges/dp/1684816831/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13TEXAZWS743M&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=restoring+our+girls&amp;qid=1727709542&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-1">Order Restoring our Girls</a></li> <li><a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/product/teamzen-membership/">Join Team Zen</a></li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Links shared in this episode:</strong></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">For the full show notes, visit </span><a style="font-size: revert;" href="https://zenpopparenting.com/podcasts/840-big-and-the-wisdom-of-staying-young-playful/">zenpopparenting.com</a><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">.</span></p> <p><u>This week’s sponsor(s):</u></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.avidco.net/">Avid Co</a> DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration.</li> <li><a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/david.serrano/">David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780</a></li> <li><a href="https://menliving.org/">MenLiving </a>&#8211; A virtual and in-person community of guys connecting deeply and living fully. No requirements, no creeds, no gurus, no judgements</li> <li><a href="https://toddadamscoaching.com/">Todd Adams Life &amp; Leadership Coaching for Guys</a></li> </ul> <p><u>Other Ways to Support Us</u></p> <ul> <li>Follow us on social media <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zenparentingradio/">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@zenparenting">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting/">Facebook</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Buy and leave a review for <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/zen-parenting-book/">Cathy&#8217;s Book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World</a></li> <li>Find everything ZPR on our <a href="https://zenpopparenting.com/resources/">Resources Page</a></li> <li>Guys- Complete a <a href="https://menliving.org/connect/">MenLiving Connect profile</a></li> </ul>
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79 MIN