Why was the Violence Against Women Act, initially passed in 1994, allowed to expire?  Todd and Cathy discuss this, women’s safety, and how India is peacefully protesting violence against women.  They also discuss the key to keeping a relationship alive and healthy, and they reference the movie Hope Springs.

Are you ready to shine this year? Are you ready to help your kids shine this year?  Todd and Cathy discuss three simple ways to make this a possibility.  They also discuss an article in The New York Times by David Brooks about a dad who tells his kids he’s ashamed and disappointed in them so they change – does he think shame and guilt will work and does  he understand his role in their challenges?  Cathy and Todd discuss this and how to support your children when you aren’t happy with their decisions.  Listen to Cathy this Saturday on WGN Radio at 10:15 a.m. as she discusses 3 ways to help your kids shine.

Cathy and  Todd discuss this quote they found on Dr. Christiane Northrup’s Facebook page.  Sounds  harsh, but is it true? Does your family tend to tip-toe around one person during the holidays? Does one person’s difficulties become everybody’s difficulties? They discuss setting appropriate boundaries with a bah humbug relative so you can hold on to your Christmas Spirit.  They also discuss personal responsibility and how your attitude is always your decision.  How do you view the world? Do you notice what is missing or do you notice what is working?

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of personal responsibility in the wake of a tragedy. You can do something, you can make a change. Focus on what you are doing, giving, saying on an everyday basis – what kind of ripples are you putting out into the world? Are you focused on love or anger? Giving or taking? Being “right” or making a connection? They also discuss the importance of grieving, stigmas around mental illness, gun control, and the importance of celebrating life.

How do we teach our sons to respect women?  It starts with women loving themselves.  Todd and Cathy discuss Jada Pinkett Smith’s Facebook post and how degrading women hurts men just as much.  They also discuss Cathy’s latest blog about self love, how to talk to our kids about death, and how much they love the original Karate Kid.

Einstein said the most important question we can ask ourselves is whether the universe is kind.  What do you think?  Cathy and Todd discuss universal principles, faith, miracles, and how these belief systems effect our parenting.  They also discuss Debbie Downers, why negative thinking can be harmful, and Marianne Williamson’s new book.

The battle you have all been waiting for- ZPR vs Parenting Unplugged.  This is a “no holds barred” cage match to decide who is the better show… and the better parents for that matter.  This is one that you won’t want to miss.

Cathy and Todd had the honor of talking with Rev Ed Bacon, author of the 8 Habits of Love and host of Oprah’s Soul Series on XM Radio.  They discuss everything from forgiveness, to self awareness, and why choosing love over fear is an essential decision when it comes to your partner, your kids, or even yourself.  In true ZP style, they even talk about the best movie, the best candy bar, and who Rev Ed would love to work with.  This one-hour podcast is one special show.

Cathy has been emailing Todd articles about being “too busy” and today they talk about it.  Why is this the social norm and why are we so comfortable with busyness? (Best two articles Article- Are you as busy as you think by Dr. Laura Vanderkam and Simple Yet Astounding Ways to Calm Down by Norman Fisher).  They also discuss Ed Bacon’s 8 Habits of Love (Ed will be a guest on ZP next week!) and which habit they love the most.  They also discuss Cathy’s holiday retreat (sign up today!), favorite movies, and why Todd is frustrated with hash browns, bacon, and pizza.

Do you talk about politics in front of your kids? Of course you share your perspective, but do you also say the other side is bad, evil, or whatever negative word you can find?  We discuss Dr. Peggy Drexler’s blog titled “Talking to Kids about Politics” – Talking to our kids about our viewpoint is great, but showing compassion for the other side is even better.  Cathy and Todd also talk about Annie Burnside’s latest blog about why men are often challenged to support their partners personal growth.  Todd also shares a story about calling Skylar out on a lie, and then realizing she didn’t lie after all…