
Raising Good Humans
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.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Jun 7, 2024 • 47min
Finding the Beauty in Betrayal: Maggie Smith on Rebuilding Life after Divorce
Author and poet Maggie Smith shares insights on rebuilding life after divorce. Topics include rediscovery post-divorce, prioritizing well-being, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Embracing change, coping with emotional upheaval, and the importance of community support and self-compassion are highlighted.

May 31, 2024 • 1h 5min
Teens and Drinking: What you Need to Know and How Parents can Influence Behavior
Leading expert Professor Rob Turrisi discusses teen drinking, highlighting developmental factors, blackout drinking, and effective parenting strategies. Topics include positive communication, monitoring, setting rules, and debunking myths about underage drinking.

May 24, 2024 • 37min
Beyond ‘Just Try Your Best’: How to Foster Realistic Goals and Healthy Self-Worth in Kids
Dr. Joshua Sparrow, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, discusses the importance of fostering realistic goals and healthy self-worth in children. Topics include embracing mistakes for growth, hidden eating disorders, promoting healthy self-assessment, navigating unrealistic expectations, and balancing parental influence with life's unpredictability.

May 17, 2024 • 60min
The Four Tendencies Framework and How We Respond To Expectations with Gretchen Rubin
Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin discusses the Four Tendencies personality framework, highlighting how understanding response to expectations can enhance habits and relationships. The podcast explores the characteristics of each tendency and strategies for connecting with children based on their tendencies. Practical tips on navigating rebel personalities in relationships and fostering engagement with questioners are shared.

25 snips
May 10, 2024 • 57min
Beyond the Screen: Redefining Childhood in the Digital Era w/ Jon Haidt
Social psychologist and author Jon Haidt discusses reclaiming childhood joy amid screens, fostering resilience, encouraging free play, and building community for children to thrive in a tech-heavy world.

May 3, 2024 • 53min
Humility as a Pathway: Transforming Grievance into Dialogue w/ Frank Bruni
Frank Bruni discusses the transformative power of humility in society, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue over blame. He explores respectful disagreement, navigating cultural misunderstandings, and advocating for understanding in communication to foster social cohesion.

15 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Fights Worth Having with our Young People: Dr. Lisa Damour on the Expectable Challenges, the Bad Rap of Guilt, and Knowing When to Worry
Renowned adolescent mental health expert Dr. Lisa Damour discusses navigating adolescent mental health challenges, misconceptions surrounding mental health in teenagers, and the importance of recognizing when to seek help. The podcast also covers the evolution of discourse on mental health among the younger generation and provides valuable resources for parents to support their teenagers through common challenges.

15 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 40min
The Complete Guide to Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause w/ Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, OBGYN and menopause expert, shares tips on hormonal balance, diet, and lifestyle adjustments during menopause. Topics include estrogen deficiency impacts, hormone replacement therapy, proactive wellness approaches, and mental health benefits of hormone therapy. The podcast emphasizes empowering women through understanding menopause and navigating medical support for menopausal women.

11 snips
Apr 12, 2024 • 40min
A Disciplined Approach to Discipline
Explore effective discipline strategies for children, empowering them through collaboration and positive reinforcement. Learn to establish boundaries and expectations with children, creating consistent routines for positive behavior. Understand the evolution of moral development in children and adults, emphasizing the importance of a teaching-based approach to discipline.

29 snips
Apr 5, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Transformative Power of Play
Professor Peter Gray discusses the essence of play, emphasizing intrinsic enjoyment over rewards. He explores the evolving role of parents in play supervision and the benefits of structured play. The podcast also touches on skincare benefits, roughhousing, and the evolutionary significance of play in child development and adult life.