What the Brady Bunch & Modern Family Teach Us About Blending Families- Episode #822

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 these changes happen, but it’s important to normalize the ups and downs of friendships and offer support without letting our own fear or discomfort take over.Cathy and Todd discuss how two iconic shows—The Brady Bunch and Modern Family—reflect changing ideas about family across generations. They look at what made The Brady Bunch groundbreaking in the late ’60s and how Modern Family pushed those boundaries further by exploring race, sexuality, parenting, and identity. They compare how each show handles conflict, humor, and the realities of blending families, whether through remarriage, adoption, or shifting roles. They share personal stories, favorite episodes, and the moments that still resonate. They also highlight what holds up, what doesn’t, and what these shows teach us about belonging, repair, and the work it takes to stay connected.