Podcasts · Kids & Family · Education

Raising Good Humans

Aliza Pressman

300 episodes

As a parent, do you ever wish someone could just whisper some realistic and trustworthy support in your ear? And not make you feel awful for not having all the answers? Well, that's what I'm here for.

More about the show

I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, NYT bestselling author of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans, Associate Clinical Professor, and Co-Founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center. And I'm a mom... trying to raise good humans myself, so I'm in this with you!

In each episode, we'll go deep (but brief) with both experts and parents to share the most effective approaches and tools and talk about the important bigger picture of raising good humans. My goal is to make your parenting journey less overwhelming and a lot more joyful!

Please join me every Friday for new episodes of Raising Good Humans.

Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. Practical Tools to Protect Your Kids in the Digital Age: Phones, AI Chatbots & Online Safety w/ Founder of Aura Hari Ravichandran

    · 45 min · Episode 118

    In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at how parents can protect their kids in a fast-moving digital world. After a recent conversation about AI left many listeners worried, I wanted to offer practical…

  2. Adolescence Isn’t What We Think: The Real Reason Your Teen Isn’t Listening to You, Why They Push Back, and More w/ New York Times Journalist Matt Richtel

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 117

    In this week’s episode, I talk with New York Times reporter Matt Richtel about what adolescence actually is—and why so much of what we think we know about teens is outdated. We discuss an entirely new framework for…

  3. Is Your Child "Sensitive"? Tools, Truths, and What the Research Really Shows w/ Renowned Temperament Researcher Professor Michael Pluess

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 116

    In this week’s episode, I speak with Professor Michael Pluess, renowned temperament researcher, to explore what it really means to have a "sensitive" child. We break down the science behind sensitivity as a key part of…

  4. The Dark Side of ChatGPT: What Parents Must Know Now w/ Imran Ahmed

    · 57 min · Episode 115

    In this week’s episode I engage in a critical discussion with Imran Ahmed, Head of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, about their alarming study on how teens are using AI chatbots like Chat GPT as companions. We…

  5. 10 Science-Backed Ways to Build a Closer Relationship with Your Child

    · 47 min · Episode 114

    In today's episode, I dive into the critical importance of close relationships and share 10 research-backed strategies to cultivate them. From practicing emotional co-regulation and engaging in 'serve and return'…

  6. ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Erin Parks

    · 53 min · Episode 113

    In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and Equip co-founder Dr. Erin Parks for a clear, compassionate guide to eating disorders. We sort through ARFID vs. picky eating, anorexia, bulimia, and binge…

  7. Picky Eating, Sleep Training & Potty Training: Parenting Myths Debunked w/ Professor Emily Oster

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 112

    In this episode, I’m joined by economist and bestselling author Emily Oster for a myth-busting conversation about the science (and sanity) of parenting. We unpack everything from picky eating and sleep training to…

  8. The Powerful Ways Siblings Influence Success w/ Susan Dominus

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 111

    In this episode, I’m joined by journalist and author Susan Dominus for a deep dive into the science of temperament, sibling relationships, and what high-achieving families can teach us about raising children. We talk…

  9. School Gets the Best of Them, We Get the Rest of Them with Dr. Lisa Damour

    · 54 min · Episode 110

    In this episode, I sit down with one of my favorite guests, Dr. Lisa Damour—psychologist, teen whisperer, and New York Times bestselling author—to talk about what’s really going on when your tween or teen turns you…

  10. Your Questions, Answered: Tantrums, Bullying & Screen Time with Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting!

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 109

    I’m joined this week by Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting for a special listener Q&A. We’re digging into your most common parenting questions—from knowing when to push kids to try hard things, to handling tantrums…

  11. Ending the Feeding Stigma with Laura Modi, Founder & CEO of Bobbie

    · 34 min · Episode 108

    In this episode of Raising Good Humans, I interview Laura Modi, founder and CEO of Bobbie. Laura shares her inspiring journey and mission to revolutionize the infant formula industry by setting higher nutritional…

  12. Hope for Cynics: How to Cultivate Kindness w/ Dr. Jamil Zaki

    · 44 min · Episode 107

    In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. We discuss the critical role of empathy and kindness in today's…

  13. How to Actually Handle Feelings with Dr. Marc Brackett

    · 58 min · Episode 106

    In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Marc Brackett, Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel and Dealing with Feeling, to get precise about what emotion regulation…

  14. My 101-Year-Old Grandfather, Papa Jack, Shares His Holocaust Survival Story with us

    · 1 h 23 min · Episode 105

    This week, I sit down with my 101-year-old grandfather, Papa Jack, to hear his extraordinary story of survival and love. Born in Poland in 1924, he describes the beauty of his childhood, the rise of antisemitism, and…

  15. What Temperament Really Is—and Why It Matters for Parenting w/ Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar

    · 1 h 24 min · Episode 104

    In today’s episode developmental psychologist and temperament expert Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar joins us to talk all about temperament. We dive into the science of temperament—how it develops in early childhood, how it…

  16. Navigating Tantrums: Concrete Tools For Parents w/ Alyssa Campbell

    · 38 min · S5 E104

    In today's episode I'm joined by Alyssa Campbell, co-author of 'Tiny Humans, Big Emotions' and author of the upcoming book 'Big Kids, Bigger Feelings to dive into practical strategies for responding to tantrums across…

  17. What I Wish I’d Known About Aging Stronger and Better w/ Dr. Vonda Wright

    · 1 h 09 min · S5 E104

    In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Vonda Wright, author of 'Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power.' We discuss the importance of bone health, muscle building, and lifelong mobility, particularly for…

  18. College Mental Health 101 w/ Dr. Christopher Willard

    · 1 h 03 min · S5 E104

    In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School and co-author of College Mental Health 101, to explore how parents can support college-bound teens through…

  19. The Huge Impact of Environmental Neuroscience: Effective Ways to Grow Attention and Cognition with Dr. Marc Berman

    · 50 min · Episode 103

    In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Marc Berman, the pioneer of environmental neuroscience, to explore the surprising science behind how nature enhances cognitive, physical, and social wellbeing. We dive into how…

  20. Is 'Gentle Parenting' Actually Good? Here's the Truth

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 102

    What is gentle parenting, really? And why is it annoying so many parents? I’m joined by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson to unpack the truth behind the trend, clear up major misconceptions, and explain why the real gold…

  21. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy At Home get home (CBT): Practical Tools for Families with Dr. David Anderson

    · 1 h 01 min · S5 E103

    In today's episode I sit down with Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute to discuss cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We delve into the misconceptions, tools, and techniques of CBT, and how parents and…

  22. The Neurobiology of the Parent-Child Relationship — and What It Teaches Us with Yale Professor Dr. Dylan Gee

    · 45 min · S5 E102

    In today’s episode I am joined by Yale neuroscientist Dr. Dylan Gee for a fascinating look at what’s actually happening in our children’s brains when we offer support, warmth, and connection. We delve into the…

  23. Igniting Your Inner Spark: Finding Purpose and Community with Activist Shannon Watts

    · 49 min · S5 E102

    In today's episode I speak with activist Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, about her new book 'Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age'. Shannon shares her journey from…

  24. Parenting Experts In The Wild: Our Mistakes And What We’d Do Differently w/ Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

    · 1 h 00 min · S5 E27

    In this episode, Tina and I discuss personal moments of our parenting missteps, explore instances where our reactions didn't align with my expertise and what we might have done differently. We discuss the benefits of…

  25. The Science of Revenge: Understanding and Overcoming Grievances to Raise More Forgiving Kids

    · 53 min · S5 E26

    In this episode, I’m joined by James Kimmel Jr. JD, a lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and author of The Science of Revenge, to explore what the latest neuroscience tells us about revenge,…

  26. 10 Ways to Respond to Backtalk Without Damaging Your Relationship

    · 37 min · S5 E25

    In today's episode I dive into one of the most triggering parenting challenges: backtalk. From eye rolls to attitude, I’m sharing 10 practical, research-backed ways to respond to backtalk without damaging your…

  27. The Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children

    · 1 h 07 min · S5 E24

    Today I sit down with Claire Lerner to discuss practical approaches for parents managing highly sensitive, highly reactive, or 'orchid' children. We address common struggles parents face, such as interpreting sensitive…

  28. Choosing The Best Baby Wipe and The Chemistry Behind Sensitive Skin Solutions w/ Chemist Confessions

    · 42 min · S5 E23 · Bonus

    In today’s episode, brought to you by WaterWipes, co-founders, authors and chemists, Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu of Chemist Confessions crack the case on hidden ingredients that may be found in a parent’s most used…

  29. Understanding Orchids and Dandelions: A Deeper Dive into Human Temperament with Dr. Thomas Boyce

    · 1 h 06 min · S5 E23

    In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Thomas Boyce, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at UCSF, about his 40 years of research on temperamental differences in children, specifically focusing on his concept of…

  30. Teen Drinking: What You Need to Know with Professor Rob Turrisi

    · 55 min · S5 E22

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Professor Rob Turrisi, a leading expert in behavioral decision-making and substance misuse prevention, to discuss teen drinking. With decades of research, Turrisi shares insights on…

  31. Terrifying Times, Terrific Kids: What Actually Helps with New York Times Bestselling Author Melinda Wenner Moyer

    · 44 min · S5 E21

    This week I sat down with New York Times bestselling author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book Hello, Cruel World. We explore the fear that drives so much of modern parenting, how to help kids build…

  32. The Science of Happiness with Professor Laurie Santos

    · 55 min · S5 E20

    In today’s episode Yale professor and The Happiness Lab host Dr. Laurie Santos breaks down the science of happiness, sharing what research actually shows boosts our wellbeing—and what doesn’t. We explore the difference…

  33. Leakage, Painful Sex, Pelvic Floor Health and How to teach your Daughter to Insert her First Tampon with Dr. Sara Reardon aka The Vagina Whisperer

    · 50 min · S5 E19

    Pelvic health is often ignored until something goes wrong—but it’s essential at every stage of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina Whisperer, breaks down what every woman needs…

  34. Why Play is so Crucial for Development & The Science Behind it with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

    · 1 h 02 min · S5 E18

    In this powerful and refreshingly playful conversation, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson returns to talk about The Way of Play—her newest book and a much-needed reminder that play isn't just fun, it's foundational. We dive into…

  35. What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre

    · 1 h 01 min · S5 E17

    In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and…

  36. How to Prevent Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating w/ Dr. Tom Hildebrandt

    · 1 h 03 min · S5 E16

    In today’s episode I sit down with with Dr. Tom Hildebrandt, clinical psychologist and director at Mount Sinai’s Center for Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders, to unpack the difference between disordered eating…

  37. How to Help Kids (And Ourselves) Tame the Inner Voice and Clear the Chatter w/ Dr. Ethan Kross

    · 46 min · S5 E15

    I’m so excited to welcome back Dr. Ethan Kross, psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Chatter, for a fascinating conversation about the inner voice we all live with—and how it can help or hurt us. We talk about…

  38. Your Brain on Art: Why Creativity Is Essential for Kids (And for You!)

    · 47 min · S5 E14

    How can doodling and daydreaming - when your child might otherwise be paying attention - be a good thing? How does art support our child's health? What skills do our kids acquire in art class that help them later in…

  39. How to Raise Self-Driven Children with Dr. William Stixrud

    · 51 min · S5 E13

    In this week’s episode, I’m joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr. William Stixrud, co-author of The Self-Driven Child and the brand new Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child workbook. We talk about how to…

  40. The Secrets of Adulthood & How to Teach Them to Our Children w/ Gretchen Rubin

    · 45 min · S5 E12

    In today's episode I sit down with bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to talk about her new book, The Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives. We dive into the power of short, impactful wisdom, how to…

  41. The Unambiguous Science of How to Use the Language of Emotion to Bolster Emotion Regulation with Professor Kristen Lindquist

    · 41 min · S5 E11

    How do children learn to understand and regulate the emotions? In this episode, I sit down with professor and psychologist Kristen Lindquist to explore how kids develop the ability to recognize, label, and regulate…

  42. 10 Ways to Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork

    · 36 min · S5 E10

    In this solo episode, I’m diving into the different ways you can help your child develop collaboration and teamwork skills. I break down ten actionable strategies that encourage kids to work together, navigate group…

  43. Validation: The Skill That Changes Everything with Dr. Caroline Fleck

    · 1 h 03 min · S5 E9

    In this episode we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck to talk about the power of validation—what it really means, why it’s so important, and how we can use it to strengthen our relationships with…

  44. The Foundations for Discipline

    · 36 min · S5 E8

    In this special episode, we feature a chapter of "The 5 Principles of Parenting," focusing on the foundational aspects of discipline. Tune in to learn the keys to discipline that respect both the child’s feelings and…

  45. 10 Ways to Encourage Adaptability and Flexibility

    · 34 min · S5 E7

    In this solo episode I discuss the different ways you can cultivate adaptability and flexibility in children. I break down ten actionable strategies for parents to encourage these skills, such as modeling adaptability,…

  46. Are Stay-at-Home Moms Giving Up? Are Working Moms Selfish? Let’s Talk w/ Neha Ruch

    · 39 min · S5 E6

    In today’s episode I am joined by Neha Ruch, author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break after Kids and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, to unpack the long-standing tension between stay-at-home and working moms.…

  47. Managing Your Emotions So They Don't Manage You w/ Ethan Kross

    · 1 h 00 min · S5 E5

    Emotions are a fundamental part of being human—but how do we help kids navigate them without rushing to fix or suppress their feelings? This week, we sit down with emotion regulation expert Ethan Kross, author of…

  48. How to Show Up for Others When They Need You Most

    · 43 min · S5 E4

    In today’s joint episode with Kelly Corrigan, NYT bestselling author and host of the podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders, we explore how we can best support loved ones during times of crisis, inspired by the devastating LA…

  49. The Disengagement Crisis: Why Kids Are Falling Out of Love With Learning—and How to Change That

    · 55 min · S5 E3

    In this episode award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson joins us to discuss the alarming disengagement crisis among today’s students. Together, we explore why so many kids are checking out of learning, the…

  50. Understanding Suicide and Self-Injury: What Parents Need to Know

    · 55 min · S5 E2

    In this important episode, Harvard professor Dr. Matt Nock joins us to tackle the difficult yet crucial topic of suicide and self-harm. Drawing from decades of groundbreaking research, Dr. Nock shares actionable…

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