

Raising Good Humans
Dear Media, Aliza Pressman
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.
I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, parent educator, asst. clinical professor, and co-founder of both Mount Sinai Parenting Center and SeedlingsGroup. And I'm a mom... trying to raise two 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.
I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, parent educator, asst. clinical professor, and co-founder of both Mount Sinai Parenting Center and SeedlingsGroup. And I'm a mom... trying to raise two 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
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 53min
ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Erin Parks
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Erin Parks, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Equip, dives deep into the complexities of eating disorders like ARFID, anorexia, and bulimia. She clarifies early warning signs parents should observe, such as secretive eating and changes in eating patterns. Dr. Parks emphasizes the importance of how families discuss food and bodies at home, advocating for supportive approaches. She also touches on the potential risks of pediatrician advice centered on weight and offers guidance on when it's time to seek professional help.

46 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Picky Eating, Sleep Training & Potty Training: Parenting Myths Debunked w/ Professor Emily Oster
In this engaging discussion, economist and bestselling author Emily Oster reveals the truths behind common parenting myths. She debunks the notion that small interactions can ruin kids, reassures parents about picky eating and sleep training, and clarifies the benefits of appropriate praise. Emily also discusses the realities of potty training and shares insights on toddler behaviors like hitting. With her data-driven approach, she empowers parents to trust their instincts and make informed decisions for their families.

42 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Powerful Ways Siblings Influence Success w/ Susan Dominus
Susan Dominus, a journalist and author of The Family Dynamic, dives into the fascinating world of sibling influences on success. She shares how temperament can shape life paths and the limits of parenting in molding children's futures. Highlighting the Murguia family's intentional support network, Susan reveals the power of shared family mottos and values. The discussion touches on the balance of love versus achievement pressure and the importance of allowing children to face struggles. It’s a compelling exploration of connection, collaboration, and competition among siblings.

33 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 54min
School Gets the Best of Them, We Get the Rest of Them with Dr. Lisa Damour
Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author, joins to unpack the emotional dynamics between teens and parents. She discusses why teens often unload their frustrations at home, emphasizing the importance of normalizing stress while prioritizing recovery. Listeners learn how to recognize rumination and effectively respond to their teens' needs, whether they seek help or just a sympathetic ear. Lisa shares practical listening hacks and perspectives to foster resilience in teens, stressing the value of honest communication and empathy.

85 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
Your Questions, Answered: Tantrums, Bullying & Screen Time with Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting!
Caitlin Murray, the creator of Big Time Adulting and a witty voice in parenting, shares insightful answers to listener questions. She tackles the tough balance of encouraging kids to face challenges without overwhelming them. Caitlin offers practical strategies for managing tantrums and navigating bullying. They discuss the importance of adult intervention for children with special needs and explore flexible screen time rules. With humor and honesty, Caitlin emphasizes core values like kindness and autonomy, making parenting feel a bit more manageable.

16 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 34min
Ending the Feeding Stigma with Laura Modi, Founder & CEO of Bobbie
Laura Modi, founder and CEO of Bobbie and mother of four, shares her mission to transform the infant formula industry with higher standards and transparency. She discusses the emotional complexities of feeding choices and the societal pressures parents face. Laura reflects on her personal feeding journey and how her Irish upbringing shapes her approach. She emphasizes the importance of supporting all feeding methods and introduces Bobbie's holistic Feeding Room service to provide guidance for all parents, aiming to end the stigma around infant nourishment.

51 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 44min
Hope for Cynics: How to Cultivate Kindness w/ Dr. Jamil Zaki
Dr. Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford, delves into the transformative power of empathy and kindness. He discusses how storytelling can enhance empathy, especially for those we don’t know personally. Jamil warns of empathy overload among younger generations and explores the idea of helping locally to combat burnout. He highlights the importance of self-compassion and suggests family practices like 'positive gossip' to uplift everyone. Distinguishing between hope and cynicism, he champions a hopeful mindset for a more compassionate future.

91 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 58min
How to Actually Handle Feelings with Dr. Marc Brackett
Join Dr. Marc Brackett, Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author, as he delves into emotion regulation. He introduces his PRIME framework and the transformative Meta-Moment technique, which helps individuals pause and align with their values. The conversation highlights the importance of adult co-regulation, strategies for kids during high-stress situations, and the concept of 'positive empathy' to cherish joyful moments. Discover practical tools to foster emotional intelligence in both adults and children.

22 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 23min
My 101-Year-Old Grandfather, Papa Jack, Shares His Holocaust Survival Story with us
In this heart-touching conversation, Jack Waxow, a 101-year-old Holocaust survivor from Poland, shares his harrowing journey of survival and immense love. He reflects on his cherished childhood memories, the shattering rise of anti-Semitism, and the realities of life in ghettos and camps. Jack's story is a profound blend of loss, courage, and hope, emphasizing the importance of memory and resilience. As he recounts acts of kindness amidst despair, he urges the necessity of preserving these stories to prevent history's darkest chapters from repeating.

107 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
What Temperament Really Is—and Why It Matters for Parenting w/ Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar
Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, a developmental psychologist and expert in temperament, discusses the nuances of childhood temperament and its significance for parenting. She explains how different temperaments, like shyness and social anxiety, shape children's experiences and interactions. Highlighting the biological and environmental factors that influence temperament, she advocates for supportive parenting strategies tailored to each child's unique traits. The conversation also touches on the emotional synchrony between parents and children and its vital role in fostering resilience.


