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
45 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.
43 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.
52 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.
39 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.
53 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.
42 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 60min
Parenting Experts In The Wild: Our Mistakes And What We’d Do Differently w/ Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
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.
45 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 53min
The Science of Revenge: Understanding and Overcoming Grievances to Raise More Forgiving Kids
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.
61 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 37min
10 Ways to Respond to Backtalk Without Damaging Your Relationship
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.
