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
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.
91 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.
53 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 38min
Navigating Tantrums: Concrete Tools For Parents w/ Alyssa Campbell
In this engaging discussion, Alyssa Campbell, an early childhood educator and co-author of 'Tiny Humans, Big Emotions', shares invaluable insights into managing tantrums for children aged 18 months to school age. She delves into the emotional responses of young kids, explaining how different temperaments influence behavior. Alyssa introduces practical strategies, such as using the FACTS framework, and highlights the importance of validation and secure attachments. Her real-life examples make it relatable, offering parents actionable tools to foster emotional well-being in their little ones.
59 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 9min
What I Wish I’d Known About Aging Stronger and Better w/ Dr. Vonda Wright
In this episode, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright, author of 'Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power', shares valuable insights on aging stronger and better. She highlights the critical importance of bone health and muscle strength for women in their thirties and forties, emphasizing early intervention. Dr. Wright discusses practical ways to incorporate strength training and adequate protein into daily life. She also explores how hormonal changes impact health during menopause and empowers listeners to adopt a proactive approach to aging.
27 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
College Mental Health 101 w/ Dr. Christopher Willard
Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist from Harvard Medical School, offers insights on supporting college-bound teens. He discusses the mental health challenges of transitioning to college, the dual role of social media, and how parents can foster independence while staying connected. Practical tips cover sleep, wellness routines, and recognizing when challenges escalate to crises. Willard shares advice on emotional preparation, promoting self-care, and navigating college friendships, empowering parents and students alike to thrive during this significant life change.
60 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 50min
The Huge Impact of Environmental Neuroscience: Effective Ways to Grow Attention and Cognition with Dr. Marc Berman
Dr. Mark Berman, a pioneer in environmental neuroscience, discusses the profound effects of nature on cognitive and emotional well-being. He reveals how even brief interactions with natural environments can significantly enhance attention and memory. Practical tips are shared for integrating nature into daily life, promoting cognitive benefits for kids and adults alike. Berman emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature to improve mental health, especially in urban settings, and advocates for nature-centric approaches to boost well-being.
51 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
Is 'Gentle Parenting' Actually Good? Here's the Truth
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a child development expert and co-author of popular parenting books, joins the discussion to dive into the nuances of gentle parenting. She clarifies misconceptions and highlights the value of authoritative parenting as a gold standard. The conversation emphasizes the need for balancing emotional awareness with boundaries, daily humor, and authentic connections. Bryson also addresses the unrealistic expectations often set by parents, encouraging them to embrace imperfection and adapt their strategies to support their children's unique needs.
35 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy At Home get home (CBT): Practical Tools for Families with Dr. David Anderson
Dr. David Anderson from the Child Mind Institute, a specialist in ADHD and anxiety, shares insights on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for families. He breaks down common misconceptions about CBT and discusses its vital role in helping children manage emotions. Listeners will find practical tools for integrating mindfulness and emotional self-awareness into daily life. Additionally, Dr. Anderson offers strategies for parents to navigate their children's emotional challenges and emphasizes the significance of pausing before reacting.
40 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 45min
The Neurobiology of the Parent-Child Relationship — and What It Teaches Us with Yale Professor Dr. Dylan Gee
In this engaging discussion, Yale neuroscientist Dr. Dylan Gee shares her expertise on the neurobiological aspects of parent-child interactions. She explains how parental warmth and support shape children's emotional development, highlighting the importance of 'safety signals.' Dr. Gee delves into the delicate balance between fostering independence and providing necessary guidance, using relatable anecdotes. She also addresses how a child's temperament influences their emotional experiences and the role of parental support in alleviating anxiety.
17 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 49min
Igniting Your Inner Spark: Finding Purpose and Community with Activist Shannon Watts
Shannon Watts, activist and founder of Moms Demand Action, shares her inspiring journey from corporate PR to leading a grassroots movement against gun violence. She discusses the importance of identifying core values to ignite personal and professional transformations. The conversation highlights the distinction between genuine fulfillment and societal pressures, the challenges of women in defining their identities, and the power of female friendships in midlife. Through uplifting stories, Shannon encourages listeners to embrace personal growth, redefine purpose, and create supportive communities.
