Zen Pop
Zen Pop

Zen Pop

Todd and Cathy Adams

Overview
Episodes

Details

Zen POP is a podcast about understanding ourselves through the music, movies, and moments that shaped us. With a distinctly Gen X sensibility, we use pop culture as a mirror, reflecting our emotional patterns, relationships, blind spots, and where we’re still learning. Each episode starts with something we all know and love, then uses humor, memory, and shared reference points to go deeper into what we watch and listen to, what it reveals about us, and how those stories shape our relationships and our sense of self. We organize conversations into categories, themes, and “best of” lists because remembering together helps us understand ourselves more clearly. Listeners can also access Zen Parenting LIVE!, our premium podcast focused entirely on parenting and self-awareness, along with exclusive episodes and deeper connection with other Team Zen members. https://zenpopparenting.com/#team-zen

Recent Episodes

Billy Elliot- Episode #860
MAR 17, 2026
Billy Elliot- Episode #860
<p>Cathy and Todd discuss <em>Billy Elliot</em> (2000), the British film set during the 1984–85 miners’ strike about a working-class boy who secretly pursues ballet while his community expects him to box and follow the rigid rules of masculinity. Using the film as a lens, they also discuss the documentary<em>Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere</em>, exploring how ideas about what boys “should” be, tough, unemotional, traditionally masculine, continue to shape conversations about gender today. They discuss the cultural impact of Billy Elliot, from its eventual transformation into the hit Elton John stage musical to the way the story challenges assumptions about masculinity through Billy’s passion for dance and his friendship with Michael. They also reflect on the powerful <em>Swan Lake</em> finale, where Billy’s final leap onstage becomes a symbol of freedom, an image of a boy stepping beyond the expectations of his community to become fully himself.</p> </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&#38;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&#38;dib_tag=se&#38;keywords=restoring+our+girls&#38;qid=1727709542&#38;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&#38;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/860-billy-elliot/">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 &#38; 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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70 MIN
Flashdance Episode #859
MAR 10, 2026
Flashdance Episode #859
<p>Dance month continues as Cathy and Todd discuss the 1983 film Flashdance, directed by Adrian Lyne and written by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, a movie that helped define the early-1980s MTV-style of filmmaking with its fast cuts, dance scenes, and unforgettable soundtrack. Starring Jennifer Beals as Alex, a young steel mill welder who dances at night while dreaming of becoming a professional dancer, the film blends working-class ambition and romance. They discuss why the movie became such a cultural moment, from its Oscar-winning song “Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara to its iconic fashion and dance scenes, while also focusing on some of the film’s contradictions around female ambition, performance, and power. Last week was Footloose, next week, Billy Elliott!</p> </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&#38;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&#38;dib_tag=se&#38;keywords=restoring+our+girls&#38;qid=1727709542&#38;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&#38;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/859-flashdance/">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 &#38; 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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67 MIN
Footloose- Episode #858
MAR 3, 2026
Footloose- Episode #858
</p> <p>Jump back! Cathy and Todd discuss Footloose to kick off Dance Month! Directed by Herbert Ross and released in 1984, Footloose made Kevin Bacon a star and helped define the MTV-era teen movie. But beneath the music this $8 million film (that grossed over $80 million worldwide) is really about grief, fear, father-daughter tension, and a town trying to outrun tragedy. Cathy and Todd discuss the culture clash between Ren and Reverend Moore (John Lithgow), Ariel’s push for independence, and the wisdom of Vi Moore (Dianne Wiest). They talk hot takes and WTF moments, the real Oklahoma town that inspired the ban, and why the final prom isn’t just a dance, it’s a community loosening its grip on fear.</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&#38;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&#38;dib_tag=se&#38;keywords=restoring+our+girls&#38;qid=1727709542&#38;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&#38;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/858-footloose/">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 &#38; 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
The Wedding Singer- Episode #857
FEB 24, 2026
The Wedding Singer- Episode #857
<p>Cathy and Todd discuss The Wedding Singer and why this Adam Sandler–Drew Barrymore rom-com lived fully inside the 80’s, the music, the clothes, and all that emotional earnestness. They talk about the chemistry that made it work and the unexpectedly sharp stuff underneath, and what happens when genuinely open-hearted people fall in love with each other. They get into Steve Buscemi’s awesome chaotic presence and why the soundtrack sold so many copies. The Wedding Singer helped reframe the ’80s as emotionally formative and it’s remained one of the most loved rom-coms of its era.</p> </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&#38;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&#38;dib_tag=se&#38;keywords=restoring+our+girls&#38;qid=1727709542&#38;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&#38;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/857-the-wedding-singer/">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 &#38; 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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55 MIN
Misery- Episode #856
FEB 17, 2026
Misery- Episode #856
</p> <p>In this episode of Zen Pop Parenting, Cathy and Todd dive into the psychological thriller <em>Misery</em> and explore what makes it so deeply unsettling decades later. Through the intense dynamic between Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes, they unpack themes of control, obsession, entitlement, and the dangerous illusion of “love” without boundaries. Using the film as a lens, they examine how fear, power, and identity shape relationships—and what this story reveals about emotional captivity in both subtle and extreme forms.</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&#38;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VBeeu7d3zb6S8WeBFYFRGryAZH8eLlDqw9zwFm6Djfty5WSDo93DgjNMTI-_3WGmqDq1tgTnFDtk0KaC1q8dS9HsotofBzq-v9w-1ZlttP0pgUnmhndrvkTduj_rBlaNj25icgY85S2se3topRU8ekDqEqHiOkW-BUkmUfph2xOFr0CGYJx78ZHp_9lBiCY6dL6bCS9VtVWruFr1betMZGrs_CwNm-P7ubUhtT0f4A.KTnE-Q5NA8JO7ow9aWTKfiMntLn4Iif4M9I3vUDGPik&#38;dib_tag=se&#38;keywords=restoring+our+girls&#38;qid=1727709542&#38;sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&#38;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/856-misery/">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 &#38; 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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61 MIN