Raising Good Humans

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.

Tina Payne Bryson, a renowned psychotherapist and co-author of acclaimed parenting books, joins to explore the often comical and humbling world of parenting missteps. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfections and show that acknowledging mistakes can foster resilience. Emphasizing self-compassion, they reveal how authentic repairs after conflicts strengthen familial bonds. The conversation also tackles setting boundaries and the powerful lessons learned from navigating emotional challenges with humor and insight.

James Kimmel Jr., a Yale lecturer and author of The Science of Revenge, dives into the neuroscience behind revenge, exploring how our brains react to perceived grievances. He discusses how these impulses can start cycles of conflict, especially in childhood relationships. Kimmel emphasizes the necessity of teaching kids about forgiveness and emotional regulation to break free from revengeful mindsets. He also shares insights on fostering empathy and guiding children through their feelings of resentment, ultimately advocating for healthier emotional responses.

Discover practical ways to tackle backtalk without harming your relationship with your child. From toddlers to teens, learn how to respond thoughtfully while teaching respect and emotional regulation. Explore the emotional roots of backtalk and develop your child’s critical thinking skills. Gain insights into compassionate communication and set clear boundaries collaboratively. Also, unpack supportive feeding journeys and the importance of outdoor enjoyment to foster a well-rounded family environment.

In this insightful discussion, Claire Lerner, a childhood development expert and author of 'Big Reactors,' shares practical strategies for parenting highly sensitive children, or 'orchid kids.' She addresses common challenges like setting boundaries and handling tantrums, emphasizing the importance of 'positive discomfort' for growth. Claire offers tips for fostering emotional resilience while balancing kids' needs with family dynamics. Real-life case studies illustrate effective sensitive caregiving approaches, empowering parents to nurture their children's unique sensitivities.

Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, co-founders of Chemist Confessions and skincare experts, dive into the world of baby wipes. They uncover hidden ingredients and emphasize the importance of minimal formulations for protecting delicate baby skin. The duo shares insights on the dangers of residue from various wipes and the significance of pH balance in skincare. Through engaging demonstrations, they highlight the effectiveness of Water Wipes, advocating for gentler, residue-free options for infants with sensitive skin.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Thomas Boyce, a UCSF professor with four decades of expertise in child temperament, breaks down his groundbreaking 'orchid' and 'dandelion' concept. He reveals how sensitive 'orchid kids' react strongly to their surroundings compared to more resilient 'dandelions.' The conversation highlights the impact of early stress, the importance of empathic parenting, and how understanding these differences can shape effective caregiving. Dr. Boyce shares personal insights on nurturing unique temperaments for optimal growth.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Rob Turrisi, a seasoned expert in behavioral decision-making and youth substance misuse, shares his invaluable insights on teen drinking. He reveals the critical dangers of adolescent alcohol consumption, including alarming statistics on blackout drinking and its long-term risks. Turrisi emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teens, debunking myths about home drinking fostering responsibility. The conversation provides parents with practical strategies to guide their children toward safer choices and healthier decision-making.

Join Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times bestselling author of Hello, Cruel World, as she dives into the fears that modern parenting fosters. She discusses the importance of nurturing self-compassion in children and how a bit of discomfort can lead to growth. Moyer also sheds light on the challenges of communicating with teens about technology and substance use. Practical strategies abound for fostering emotional awareness and kindness, making this an insightful listen for navigating parenting’s complex landscape.

Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab, shares her expertise on the science of happiness. She discusses the importance of social connections and self-compassion, outlining how they can significantly enhance well-being. Santos highlights crucial insights for parents, explaining how overprotectiveness can hinder children's resilience. She emphasizes allowing kids to face challenges independently while fostering an environment of support, ultimately guiding them toward genuine happiness.