Flashdance Episode #859

Flashdance Episode #859

Author: Todd and Cathy Adams March 10, 2026 Duration: 1:07:34

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!

Some Ways to Support Us

    1. Sign up for Cathy’s Substack
    2. Order Restoring our Girls
    3. Join Team Zen

Links shared in this episode:

For the full show notes, visit zenpopparenting.com.

This week’s sponsor(s):

Other Ways to Support Us


Think of a song that instantly transports you back to a specific moment, or a movie line that perfectly captures a feeling you couldn't name. That's the territory explored in Zen Pop. Hosted by Todd and Cathy Adams, this podcast isn't just a review show; it's a conversation that uses the shared language of pop culture-from classic films and TV to the soundtrack of a generation-as a starting point for something more personal. Each discussion begins with a familiar piece of music, a film, or a cultural moment, then gently unfolds into a deeper look at our own emotional blueprints, relationships, and the ways our past informs our present. The tone is grounded, often humorous, and carries a distinctly Gen X perspective, treating the artifacts of our collective memory not as mere entertainment, but as mirrors reflecting our patterns, blind spots, and ongoing growth. Listening to this podcast feels like having a thoughtful, nostalgic, and surprisingly insightful chat with old friends who believe that the movies we quote and the songs we replay have a lot more to teach us about who we are and how we connect. It’s about finding the quiet wisdom hidden in the noise of popular culture.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Zen Pop
Podcast Episodes
Raising Kids Who Enjoy Learning- Episode# 808 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Todd and Cathy discussed the importance of raising kids who enjoy learning, emphasizing the need for a play-based learning environment and the importance of not overburdening children with academic tasks too early. They…
“Adolescence” Episode 3- #807 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:36
Todd and Cathy discussed their personal experiences and a Netflix miniseries called “Adolescence,”, focusing on issues such as gender dynamics, male rage, and online influences on young men. They explored the manosphere,…
Not Tuning Out—Just Engaging Differently Episode #806 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:33
Todd and Cathy shared strategies for staying informed without burning out from the world, and the need for personal well-being for continued engagement and making a difference. Some Ways to Support Us Order Restoring our…
Holding It Together- Episode #805 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:29
We discuss Women’s History Month, emphasizing the importance of understanding women’s experiences and challenges in society. They explore various aspects of women’s safety, cultural norms, and the need for men to engage…
End of Discussion- Episode #804 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:21
Todd and Cathy discussed the importance of critical thinking, the avoidance of thought terminating cliches, and the need for clear roles and expectations within their team. They also expressed concerns about the current…
This Is So Awkward, Modern Puberty Explained- Episode #803 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:42
Todd and Cathy talk with Cara Natterson MD and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, authors of This Is So Awkward, Modern Puberty Explained. We share experiences and motivations for focusing on puberty and sex education. They also dis…
How an Open Mind Strengthens Our Relationships- Episode #802 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:14
Todd and Cathy reminisced about the evolution of telephones and shared their experiences with prank calls and shared phone lines. They also discussed the importance of open-mindedness, empathy, and understanding in human…
Flood the Zone: Staying Calm When Things Get Loud- Episode #801 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:36
Todd and Cathy discussed the concept of “flooding the zone” in family dynamics and personal peace of mind, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, discernment, and effective communication. They explored various…
The Ten Best Moments- Episode #800 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:53
Todd and Cathy discussed highlights from their recent Zen Parenting Conference, including various topics such as generational slang, societal challenges for boys and girls, and the importance of open communication with c…