Zen POP Parenting: The Evolution of Zen Parenting Radio
Where Gen X Pop Culture Meets Real-Life Reflection
Many of you know that my husband and I have been hosting Zen Parenting Radio for the past 15 years. When we first started, the word podcast wasn’t even being used, we were called a “webcast” or an internet radio show. While cleaning out my office, I found a 2011 newspaper article that described us that way, offering a glimpse of how far the platform has come.
When we started the show, our girls were 7, 5, and 2. Now they’re 22, 20, and 17. Todd just figured out we’ve had 4.5 million downloads over the past 11 years alone, not including the first four years before we started tracking downloads. Over time, we’ve built a loyal, consistent audience with listeners around the world, and even after all these years, we’re still regularly featured on top ten and “best of” podcast lists. We’re so grateful for that, thank you!
Over the years, we’ve focused on our relationship and how to navigate the world with a grounded, optimistic perspective. The show was never really about our girls, though they occasionally joined us to share their stories. It was about us. As our longtime tagline says: the best predictor of a child’s well-being is a parent’s self-understanding, and with over 820 episodes, our past conversations are always available.
That said, we felt it was time for a shift. What originally brought Todd and me together was pop culture. Movies, music, and TV were our common language, long before we became parents. For a while, we assumed everyone had the same connection to Gen X pop culture that we did. But over the years, we’ve realized how deeply it’s woven into how we see the world and how we relate to each other. Pop culture isn’t just entertainment for us, it’s a foundational part of our relationship.
A few months ago, I was playing a game with my girls where we each shared what we’d do for a living if money and education weren’t factors. I already love most of what I do, but the one new thing I said was, “I’d work for The Ringer.” I listen to so many of their podcasts, especially The Rewatchables, where they break down the movies we’ve all seen a million times, along with others focused on TV and music.
We may not be joining The Ringer anytime soon, but Todd and I can evolve our own platform into a more current, creative version of ourselves. We want to talk about pop culture, the nostalgia, the iconic moments, but more than that, we want to explore why these stories matter and how they shaped who we are. Pop culture reflects what's happening in our society and shows us what we're struggling with or where we need to grow.
That’s why we decided to evolve Zen Parenting Radio into Zen POP Parenting. The platform stays the same, so if you’re already subscribed to us, there’s nothing you need to do. But if you’re not, subscribe on your favorite podcast app! It still says Zen Parenting Radio, but it will update to Zen POP Parenting on Tuesday.
Upcoming Episodes:
We've already recorded several episodes, and here’s what’s coming:
How MTV and “Video Killed the Radio Star” Shaped Our Generation — and Our Parenting
June 3How The Outsiders Changed Youth Culture and Launched a Generation of Icons
June 10The Bully of Our Generation: What William Zabka (Johnny from The Karate Kid) Taught Us
June 17Fell on Black Days: The Deaths of ’90s Lead Singers and the Insights They Offer About Mental Health and Addiction
June 24What The Brady Bunch and Modern Family Reveal About Blending Families
July 1Revenge of the Nerds & Weird Science: When the Nerds Grew Up and Took Over
July 8
What to Expect:
Each episode now includes categories to provide some structure:
Set the Scene – Cultural context
Remember When? – Personal storytelling
WTF – The unbelievable things that happened
Rolling in the Deep – Emotional impact: how these things shaped and taught us
The Parenting Lens – How it connects generations and helps us parent
Cringe or Classic? – What holds up and what definitely doesn’t
Music Game – Pick the song that matches the vibe
Todd’s Trivia – You already know
...and more.
For your specific needs, we’re still offering:
Team Zen Virtual Community
Our virtual parenting community with monthly Q&As, a women’s group, and events on meaningful topics (last month: menopause; this month: connecting before college). Plus, our custom app keeps everything—events, podcasts, and resources—in one place. $25/month (cancel anytime) for real-time parenting support and direct access to Todd and me.My Writing Here on Substack!
Subscribe for FREE to get Zen Parenting Moment every Friday. Upgrade to paid to receive Pebbling on Wednesdays—reflections on how to love our people and focus on what matters most. (Pebbling is inspired by the stones penguins offer each other to show connection.)My Books
Restoring Our Girls
A timely guide to supporting girls through connection and critical thinking, rooted in self-awareness, nuance, and curiosity. Co-created with my daughters and the many girls I’ve worked with. If you’re raising a daughter, this book is a must.Zen Parenting
Grounded in the idea that the best predictor of a child’s well-being is a parent’s self-understanding, this book helps parents meet the unpredictable nature of parenting with awareness and intention.Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn
A practical and honest look at parenting in alignment with your values—offering tools to lead with integrity and emotional awareness.
MenLiving
Todd is the co-founder and Executive Director of MenLiving, an international nonprofit that creates meaningful connection among men through weekly meetings, small groups, and community events.Follow us on Instagram
You can find everything we’re doing on social media, PLUS you’ll see photos of our new bunnies, Gus and Shawn. Here’s one now:
Coming next Tuesday:
Our brand-new website where you’ll find everything we offer: zenpopparenting.com.
You can help us spread the word by sharing the podcast or a post on social media, or by mentioning us on your platform (we’ll gladly return the shout-out!). Follow along and listen to the premiere episode of Zen POP Parenting next Tuesday!
I can’t wait to tune in!