Raising Good Humans
Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist and author, hosts this podcast offering realistic and trustworthy parenting advice. Each episode features conversations with experts and parents, providing effective tools and perspectives to make parenting less overwhelming and more joyful. New episodes are released every Friday.
Episodes
Here's the Talk to Have Before Your Teen's First Party
Sending your teen to their first party?
In this solo episode, developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman walks parents through exactly how to talk to teenagers about parties before the car ride there. From the alcohol and drug conversation to setting a code word and exit plan, this episode is a practical guide for parenting teenagers through one of the most anxiety-provoking adolescent m
Picky Eating & Food Guilt with Jennifer Anderson
Is your child's relationship with food already shaped by guilt, fear, or "good food/bad food" rules — even before they can talk?
Registered dietitian Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to unpack "embodied independence" — the idea that raising confident eaters means combining a healthy relationship with food and the practical skills to take care of one's body
How to Disagree With Your Kids Without Fighting
Do you know how to disagree with your kid without a fight breaking out?
Most of us have been told that the fix for a bad disagreement is more empathy — really try to see it from their side. But Julia Minson, negotiation researcher at Harvard's Kennedy School, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to share what her experimental research actually shows: telling someone to "try harder to empathize" barely change
How to Raise an Imaginative Child — and Why Imagination Matters More Than You Think
Do you use your imagination enough?
Most parents think of imagination as something for playtime — a "nice to have" that fades once kids get older and life gets "serious." But Dr. Cassandra Vieten, director of science programs at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination at UC San Diego, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to make the case that imagination is a trainable skill with real developmental
Hard Parenting Questions Answered: 'I Hate You,' Porn Talks, Vapes, and School Pickup Meltdowns
Dr. Aliza Pressman answers your hardest parenting questions: toddler tantrums, screen time guilt, porn talks, vaping teens & social media limits.
Real parenting questions don't come with a manual — so Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, is answering yours. In this listener Q&A episode, Dr. Pressman offers practical, shame-free parenting strategies
Your Brain Isn't Declining — It's Waiting for You to Do These Five Things
Can you actually grow your brain? Johns Hopkins neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi reveals 5 science-backed ways to build brain volume — even in the chaos of parenthood.
In this episode of Raising Good Humans Podcast, Dr. Fotuhi breaks down the research on neuroplasticity and brain health, and helps us all understand how measurable brain growth is possible in as little as 12 weeks.
What You’ll Learn:
What a Neuropsychological Evaluation Actually Reveals About Your Child
Should your child get a neuropsychological evaluation? Neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Jacobs explains what it reveals, who needs one, and why it's not scary.
If you've ever been told your child might need a neuropsychological evaluation and felt your stomach drop, this episode is for you. Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Jacobs to demystify what a neuro psych evaluatio
Why Your Kid Needs More Chores, More Boredom, and More Frustration (Yes, Really)
Why do constraints help kids thrive? Dr. Aliza Pressman & David Epstein reveal the counterintuitive science of raising resilient, confident children.
If you've ever wondered whether making things easier for your kids is actually holding them back, this episode will stop you in your tracks. Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with bestselling science writer David Epstein, author of Inside the Box, to unp
Dating After Divorce: What to Tell Your Kids and When
What if the hardest part of dating after divorce isn't whether you're ready, but whether your kids are?
This solo episode tackles one of the most-asked, least-discussed questions in the inbox: how to start dating again after divorce in a way that honors your own life and your children's emotional reality. It's a topic carrying guilt, grief, longing, worry, and the very real truth that you are sti
The Science of Dad Brain: How Fatherhood Changes Men Forever
Postpartum depression isn't just for moms. Dr. Darby Saxbe explores why new dads struggle, identifies the often unrecognized signs, and demystifies the science of paternal mental health.
Did you know that "dad brain" is a scientifically proven biological shift? Recent brain science shows that fatherhood literally changes and rewires men's brains--but unlike maternal shifts, a father's brain ada
Adam Grant + Dr. Aliza: The Real Science of Effective Parenting
What does it actually mean to be a good parent and why does knowing the research make it harder, not easier?
This week I'm sharing an interview I did with Adam Grant on his show, ReThinking, where we got into the framework I come back to constantly: all feelings are welcome, but all behaviors are not. We talked about gentle parenting, why asking your child to do something nine times is no better
Why Are All the Young People So Insecure?
What if raising secure kids has less to do with what you do wrong as a parent — and more to do with teaching them to build the right relationships from the start?
My guest this week is Dr. Amir Levine, molecular neuroscientist, child psychiatrist, and associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. His new book, Secure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure Life, offers
Your Kids Are Wired to Flourish — Here's How to Get Out of Their Way
What if the most powerful thing you could do for your child's brain development has nothing to do with them at all?
This episode is for any parent who has worried about screen time, big emotions, or whether they're doing enough — and hasn't realized that the most direct path to a flourishing child runs straight through their own mind. I'm joined by Dr. Richard Davidson, neuroscientist, founder of
Deodorant, Porn, and Nudes: How to Actually Talk to Your Tween About the Hard Stuff
What if the reason the hardest conversations with your middle schooler keep going badly isn't the topic — it's that we keep starting them like a lecture?
This episode is for any parent who has braced themselves to "have the talk" about porn, dating, nudes, or consent and watched their kid mentally exit the room before the second sentence. I'm joined by Michele Icard, parenting expert and author o
Perfectionism Isn't High Standards. It's Hurting Your Kid
What if what we call high standards in our kids, and quietly admire in ourselves, is actually something much more painful underneath?
This episode takes on a question that hits closer to home than most parents want to admit: have I been confusing high standards with something more punishing, in my kids and in myself? I'm joined by Professor Thomas Curran, social psychologist at the London School
Perimenopause Starts Earlier Than You Think — What Every Mom Needs to Know Now
What if the years where you feel less rested, less resilient, less yourself aren't burnout or bad parenting — but a hormonal transition no one prepared you for?
This episode tackles a question every woman asks herself: am I losing my edge, or is something actually happening to me? I'm joined by Dr. Mary Claire Haver — the OB-GYN whose work has reshaped how an entire generation of women, docto
The 3 Tools That Actually Work When Your Kid Won't Listen
What if your child's most "defiant" behavior at home isn't a discipline problem — but a sign of how safe you've made them feel?
This solo episode tackles one of the most common questions we all have: what to do when your kid digs in, pushes back, and you can feel yourself slipping toward the version of bedtime you swore you'd never have. It comes on the heels of a Today Show segment with Hoda and
Are You Oversharing With Your Kids — or Not Sharing Enough?
What if oversharing isn't the real problem — and the quieter habit of holding back is what's keeping us, and our kids, from the connection we're looking for?
Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Harvard Business School behavioral scientist and author Professor Leslie John to challenge one of the most widespread assumptions in modern parenting and culture: that the path to healthy relationships is le
Is Anxiety Your Secret Weapon?
What if anxiety isn't the enemy but the edge you've been missing?
Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with clinical psychologist, professor, and author Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary to challenge one of the most widespread misconceptions in modern parenting: that anxiety is something to be eliminated. It isn't. And understanding why could change how you show up for yourself and your kids.
Dr. Dennis-Tiwary un
Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child's Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Food w/ Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to unpack what dopamine actually is—and how understanding it can completely shift the way we approach screens, food, and motivation in our kids’ lives. We talk about why dopamine isn’t about pleasure but about desire, and how that “do it again” loop can pull kids toward things that don’t actually make them feel good in the long run. We di
The Family as a Team: Why It Matters & How to Build It at Home
In today’s episode, brought to you by Skylight, I walk through how shifting from being the “family manager” to a team leader can dramatically reduce the invisible load so many of us carry. We talk about why predictability and visual structure are so regulating for developing brains, how simple systems can support autonomy and executive functioning across ages, and why nagging tends to backfire. I
Understanding Status: The Science Behind Respect and Influence (And What It Means for Parenting) w/ Professor Alison Fragale
In today’s episode, I sit down with psychologist and professor Alison Fragale to explore the concept of status—what it really means, why the need to be respected is such a fundamental human drive, and how it shapes the way our kids navigate friendships, school, and their broader social world. We talk about how status often shows up differently for girls, the balance between being likable and being
Real Ways to Stay Regulated When Parenting Feels Overwhelming w/ Dr. Elisha Goldstein
In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Elisha Goldstein to explore how small, practical shifts can help us break out of the constant overwhelm so many parents are living in. We talk about why knowing what to do isn’t the same as actually doing it, how chronic low-grade stress impacts the way we show up with our kids, and why self-regulation is one of the most important skills we can model. We disc
How to Reduce Mealtime Tension
Join me for a solo episode this week, and a look into alleviating mealtime tension and how to deal with body image baggage. I give six helpful tips to make mealtime easier, and discuss the acronym BALANCE, which you can use to ease mealtime stress. I also discuss the three principles for kids to grow up with a positive body image, and the importance of doing the work to shift how we see our bodies
The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness w/ Professor Arthur Brooks
In today’s episode I sit down with professor Arthur Brooks to explore what actually makes a life feel meaningful in a culture obsessed with achievement, optimization, and measurable success. We talk about why happiness is more than a feeling, the difference between pain and suffering, how meaning is built through coherence, purpose, and significance, and why so many high achievers still feel empty
Resilience: What It Really Means & The “Ordinary Magic” It Takes to Build It w/ Professor Ann Masten
In today's episode I sit down with professor Ann Masten to unpack what resilience actually means—and why it’s so often misunderstood. We explore her powerful definition of resilience as the capacity of a system to adapt to serious challenges, not just a personality trait or inner toughness. From everyday stress to real adversity, we discuss the difference between harmful trauma and growth-building
Behavioral Genetics 101: How Genes Shape Mental Health w/ Professor Kathryn Paige Harden
In this episode, I sit down with behavioral geneticist and professor Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden to talk about what behavioral genetics can actually tell us about our kids—and what it can’t. We unpack the reality of psychiatric risk, family history, and the limits of control, and why genes are not destiny. We discuss how thousands of tiny genetic differences shape mental health, why diagnoses are mes
The Nature of Nurture with Professor Jay Belsky
In today’s episode I sit down with developmental psychologist Dr. Jay Belsky to explore a question so many parents wrestle with: is temperament destiny? We talk about why children differ in how deeply they’re shaped by their environments, what “developmental plasticity” really means, and why the same parenting can land so differently depending on the child. We discuss the difference between sensit
The Power of Real Optimism: What It Actually Means (and How to Practice It) w/ Dr. Deepika Chopra
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deepika Chopra to talk about what real optimism actually means — and why it’s so different from toxic positivity. We unpack the science behind resilience, curiosity, and staying open when life is hard, and we get practical about how to grow your “optimism muscle” in everyday moments. We talk about language shifts (like the power of “never” and “always”), parent
10 Practical Ways to Boost Cooperation and Listening in Kids
In this solo episode, I’m diving into 10 practical tips to help make listening and cooperation with your kids easier. I’ll walk you through straightforward strategies for strengthening connection and communication, plus I’ll share a quick mindfulness exercise to keep you feeling centered, even on the toughest days.
I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your E
How to Parent When the News and World Feel Really Heavy
In this solo episode, I talk directly to parents about how to show up for our kids when the world feels heavy and unsettling—without turning the conversation into politics. I share what research tells us about stress, co-regulation, and why our kids absorb our emotional state even when we think we’re hiding it. I also offer practical guidance for talking to children at different ages, setting heal
The 7 Conversations to Have with Your Kid Before They Get a Device w/ Dr. Jean Twenge
In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Jean Twenge to talk about the seven essential conversations to have with kids before they get a device. We break down what kids need to understand about privacy, posting, and why nothing online is ever truly private. We also discuss the tech rules that matter most—like no devices in bedrooms at night—and how to set limits without panic, gu
Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose w/ Jennifer Wallace
In this episode, I sit down with award winning journalist and author Jennifer Wallace, to talk about her new work on mattering—the need to feel seen, valued, and needed. We explore how mattering emerged as a powerful protective factor for kids growing up in high-pressure, achievement-driven environments, and why so many adults today feel lonely, disengaged, or untethered. Jennifer shares the SAID
Listener Q&A: Biting, Potty Training, Separation Anxiety & Early Lying
I answer four listener questions—toddler biting, potty training pressure, emotional daycare drop-offs, and early “lying” in preschoolers—breaking down what’s developmentally normal, what to do in the moment, and the practical, compassionate strategies that actually help (without shame, power struggles, or panic).
I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Ess
Independent Play, Play Pockets, and What to Do When Your Child Says “I’m Bored” with Lizzie Assa
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by education expert Lizzie Assa to talk about independent play—why it matters, what it actually builds in kids, and how to make it work in real life. We break down the difference between independent play and ignoring your child, how to respond when kids say “I’m bored,” and simple ways to set up your home so play can happen more naturally. Lizzie shares practical
The Tell: A Conversation About Healing and Re-Parenting Oneself with Amy Griffin
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Amy Griffin for a deeply personal conversation about what it means to re-parent yourself—and how that inner work quietly transforms your parenting. We talk about the pressure to be perfect, the role of control and trust in family relationships, and how healing your own story can create more safety for your kids. Amy shares how telling the truth, setting bounda
What Happens to Your Brain When You Become a Parent (Including Dads) w/ Dr. Darby Saxbe
In this week’s episode I am joined by Dr. Darby Saxby, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Southern California as we delve into the transition to parenthood, particularly focusing on fathers and the concept of the 'dad brain.' We discuss how fathers experience physiological and psychological changes despite not giving birth, the vulnerability and opportunities for growth the
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More with Professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
In this week’s episode, I sit down with professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek to rethink what learning actually looks like—and why play is at the center of it. We break down the science behind playful learning, the Six Cs kids need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and why pressure, perfectionism, and early achievement often get in the way. Kathy and I talk about how play builds resilience, creativity,
The Stories We Tell Ourselves and How To Let Go Of The Ones That Don’t Serve Us w/ Elise Loehnen
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by NY Times bestselling author and host of Pulling The Thread Podcast Elise Loehnen for a conversation about the stories women absorb—about being good, selfless, agreeable—and how those narratives shape our lives in ways we rarely notice. We talk about the difference between feelings and facts, why so many of us default to over-functioning, and how these inherite
10 Tips to Decrease Entitlement and Increase Gratitude
In this solo episode, I’m sharing 10 science-backed, practical ways to foster gratitude and prevent entitlement in kids. As the season of giving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can help our children appreciate what they have while staying grounded. I’ll cover everything from modeling gratitude in everyday moments to teaching kids the value of chores, delayed gratification, a
Practical Tools to Protect Your Kids in the Digital Age: Phones, AI Chatbots & Online Safety w/ Founder of Aura Hari Ravichandran
In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at how parents can protect their kids in a fast-moving digital world. After a recent conversation about AI left many listeners worried, I wanted to offer practical guidance—not panic. I’m joined by Hari Ravichandran, founder of a leading digital safety platform Aura, to talk about what kids are actually doing on their devices, how AI chatbots are being us
Adolescence Isn’t What We Think: The Real Reason Your Teen Isn’t Listening to You, Why They Push Back, and More w/ New York Times Journalist Matt Richtel
In this week’s episode, I talk with New York Times reporter Matt Richtel about what adolescence actually is—and why so much of what we think we know about teens is outdated. We discuss an entirely new framework for understanding the adolescent brain: a period designed for intense information processing, where kids are constantly reconciling what they’ve been taught with a fast-changing world. We u
Is Your Child "Sensitive"? Tools, Truths, and What the Research Really Shows w/ Renowned Temperament Researcher Professor Michael Pluess
In this week’s episode, I speak with Professor Michael Pluess, renowned temperament researcher, to explore what it really means to have a "sensitive" child. We break down the science behind sensitivity as a key part of temperament, why some kids are more reactive to both positive and negative experiences, and how parenting can shape their outcomes. We discuss the genetic and environmental roots of
The Dark Side of ChatGPT: What Parents Must Know Now w/ Imran Ahmed
In this week’s episode I engage in a critical discussion with Imran Ahmed, Head of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, about their alarming study on how teens are using AI chatbots like Chat GPT as companions. We discuss the staggering statistics revealing that over 70% of adolescents use Chat GPT for companionship, with over 50% doing so regularly. We go into the details of the potential dang
10 Science-Backed Ways to Build a Closer Relationship with Your Child
In today's episode, I dive into the critical importance of close relationships and share 10 research-backed strategies to cultivate them. From practicing emotional co-regulation and engaging in 'serve and return' interactions to fostering shared joy and laughter, I discuss practical ways you can improve your connections with your children, partners, and others. You'll learn how predictable routine
ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Erin Parks
In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and Equip co-founder Dr. Erin Parks for a clear, compassionate guide to eating disorders. We sort through ARFID vs. picky eating, anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating; early signs to watch for (and what’s normal); how to talk about food and bodies at home; and when to step in and get help—so you know what to worry about, what to let go, and exact
Picky Eating, Sleep Training & Potty Training: Parenting Myths Debunked w/ Professor Emily Oster
In this episode, I’m joined by economist and bestselling author Emily Oster for a myth-busting conversation about the science (and sanity) of parenting. We unpack everything from picky eating and sleep training to praise, rewards, and toddler tantrums—exploring what the data actually says and what parents can finally stop worrying about. We also talk about co-sleeping, potty training, and the myth
The Powerful Ways Siblings Influence Success w/ Susan Dominus
In this episode, I’m joined by journalist and author Susan Dominus for a deep dive into the science of temperament, sibling relationships, and what high-achieving families can teach us about raising children. We talk about how two kids raised in the same home can turn out completely different, the limits of parenting, and why temperament may be more hardwired than we think. We also explore how pur
School Gets the Best of Them, We Get the Rest of Them with Dr. Lisa Damour
In this episode, I sit down with one of my favorite guests, Dr. Lisa Damour—psychologist, teen whisperer, and New York Times bestselling author—to talk about what’s really going on when your tween or teen turns you into their emotional dumping ground. We break down what’s typical versus when to worry, how to respond without absorbing it all, and simple scripts that actually help. We also explore D
Your Questions, Answered: Tantrums, Bullying & Screen Time with Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting!
I’m joined this week by Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting for a special listener Q&A. We’re digging into your most common parenting questions—from knowing when to push kids to try hard things, to handling tantrums without losing it, to navigating bullying and screen time. Caitlin brings her humor and honesty, and I bring the developmental psychologist’s lens, so you’ll walk away with strategies
Ending the Feeding Stigma with Laura Modi, Founder & CEO of Bobbie
In this episode of Raising Good Humans, I interview Laura Modi, founder and CEO of Bobbie. Laura shares her inspiring journey and mission to revolutionize the infant formula industry by setting higher nutritional standards, increasing transparency, and driving accountability. We discuss the emotional and practical challenges of feeding infants, the evolving science behind nutrition, and the import
Hope for Cynics: How to Cultivate Kindness w/ Dr. Jamil Zaki
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. We discuss the critical role of empathy and kindness in today's world, the importance of narrative in driving empathy, and the distinction between hope and optimism. We also explore how empathy can be a double-edged sword, leading to burnout if not
How to Actually Handle Feelings with Dr. Marc Brackett
In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Marc Brackett, Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel and Dealing with Feeling, to get precise about what emotion regulation actually is. We break down the PRIME framework (prevent, reduce, initiate, maintain, enhance), and the Meta-Moment: a brief attentional and physiological reset (pause + breath + values cu
My 101-Year-Old Grandfather, Papa Jack, Shares His Holocaust Survival Story with us
This week, I sit down with my 101-year-old grandfather, Papa Jack, to hear his extraordinary story of survival and love. Born in Poland in 1924, he describes the beauty of his childhood, the rise of antisemitism, and the devastation that followed when Nazi Germany invaded. He shares what it was like to be forced into a ghetto, separated from family, and pushed into camps where survival often came
What Temperament Really Is—and Why It Matters for Parenting w/ Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar
In today’s episode developmental psychologist and temperament expert Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar joins us to talk all about temperament. We dive into the science of temperament—how it develops in early childhood, how it shapes the way kids experience the world, and what it means for parenting. We cover the biological basis of temperament, the difference between shyness and social anxiety, and how paren
Navigating Tantrums: Concrete Tools For Parents w/ Alyssa Campbell
In today's episode I'm joined by Alyssa Campbell, co-author of 'Tiny Humans, Big Emotions' and author of the upcoming book 'Big Kids, Bigger Feelings to dive into practical strategies for responding to tantrums across various child age groups, from 18 months to school age. We explore how to handle tantrums based on different temperaments and provide developmentally appropriate expectations. Throug
What I Wish I’d Known About Aging Stronger and Better w/ Dr. Vonda Wright
In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Vonda Wright, author of 'Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power.' We discuss the importance of bone health, muscle building, and lifelong mobility, particularly for women in their thirties and forties. Dr. Wright emphasizes the need to start addressing bone density and strength early in life to prevent issues in later years. We discuss practical tip
College Mental Health 101 w/ Dr. Christopher Willard
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School and co-author of College Mental Health 101, to explore how parents can support college-bound teens through the transition to campus life. We get practical with research-backed basics like sleep, movement, medication management, and executive function supports, along with a simple “support
The Huge Impact of Environmental Neuroscience: Effective Ways to Grow Attention and Cognition with Dr. Marc Berman
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Marc Berman, the pioneer of environmental neuroscience, to explore the surprising science behind how nature enhances cognitive, physical, and social wellbeing. We dive into how spending time in nature—whether it’s a walk in the park or simply looking at nature photos—can boost attention, memory, and mood. Dr. Berman also shares practical tips for how to inco
Is 'Gentle Parenting' Actually Good? Here's the Truth
What is gentle parenting, really? And why is it annoying so many parents? I’m joined by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson to unpack the truth behind the trend, clear up major misconceptions, and explain why the real gold standard—authoritative parenting—still matters most.
I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bi
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy At Home get home (CBT): Practical Tools for Families with Dr. David Anderson
In today's episode I sit down with Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute to discuss cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We delve into the misconceptions, tools, and techniques of CBT, and how parents and children can benefit from these strategies. Dr. Anderson explains the importance of understanding emotions, practicing mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. We also share practical a
The Neurobiology of the Parent-Child Relationship — and What It Teaches Us with Yale Professor Dr. Dylan Gee
In today’s episode I am joined by Yale neuroscientist Dr. Dylan Gee for a fascinating look at what’s actually happening in our children’s brains when we offer support, warmth, and connection. We delve into the neurobiology and neurobiological mechanisms that underpin parent-child interactions, particularly focusing on emotional development. We also dive into the individual differences in children'
Igniting Your Inner Spark: Finding Purpose and Community with Activist Shannon Watts
In today's episode I speak with activist Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, about her new book 'Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age'. Shannon shares her journey from corporate PR to leading a grassroots movement against gun violence and discusses how women can discover their core values, ignite personal and professional transformations, and find a sen
Parenting Experts In The Wild: Our Mistakes And What We’d Do Differently w/ Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
In this episode, Tina and I discuss personal moments of our parenting missteps, explore instances where our reactions didn't align with my expertise and what we might have done differently. We discuss the benefits of imperfections, the power of repair, and the importance of modeling self-compassion for our children. Through our real-life anecdotes, we highlight the challenges and lessons learned f
The Science of Revenge: Understanding and Overcoming Grievances to Raise More Forgiving Kids
In this episode, I’m joined by James Kimmel Jr. JD, a lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and author of The Science of Revenge, to explore what the latest neuroscience tells us about revenge, grievance, and retaliation. We discuss how the brain’s reward system becomes activated in response to perceived harm—often fueling cycles of conflict that begin in childhood. Together, we ex
10 Ways to Respond to Backtalk Without Damaging Your Relationship
In today's episode I dive into one of the most triggering parenting challenges: backtalk. From eye rolls to attitude, I’m sharing 10 practical, research-backed ways to respond to backtalk without damaging your connection with your child. From toddlers asserting independence to teens testing boundaries, I’ll share developmentally informed approaches to help you regulate your response, set respectfu
The Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children
Today I sit down with Claire Lerner to discuss practical approaches for parents managing highly sensitive, highly reactive, or 'orchid' children. We address common struggles parents face, such as interpreting sensitive caregiving, setting boundaries, and dealing with tantrums. Using real-life case studies, the importance of creating 'positive discomfort' for growth is emphasized. Tips include sett
Choosing The Best Baby Wipe and The Chemistry Behind Sensitive Skin Solutions w/ Chemist Confessions
In today’s episode, brought to you by WaterWipes, co-founders, authors and chemists, Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu of Chemist Confessions crack the case on hidden ingredients that may be found in a parent’s most used product, Baby Wipes. Victoria and Gloria share their expertise from nearly 20 years in the skin care industry and discuss the benefits of leaning towards products with minimal ingredients
Understanding Orchids and Dandelions: A Deeper Dive into Human Temperament with Dr. Thomas Boyce
In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Thomas Boyce, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at UCSF, about his 40 years of research on temperamental differences in children, specifically focusing on his concept of 'orchid' and 'dandelion' children. Dr. Boyce explains how while most children are resilient like dandelions, a significant minority are sensitive 'orchids' who react more strongly to the
Teen Drinking: What You Need to Know with Professor Rob Turrisi
In today’s episode, we sit down with Professor Rob Turrisi, a leading expert in behavioral decision-making and substance misuse prevention, to discuss teen drinking. With decades of research, Turrisi shares insights on the developmental factors influencing alcohol use among adolescents and emerging adults, exploring the transition from high school to college, peer environments, and alarming data o
Terrifying Times, Terrific Kids: What Actually Helps with New York Times Bestselling Author Melinda Wenner Moyer
This week I sat down with New York Times bestselling author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book Hello, Cruel World. We explore the fear that drives so much of modern parenting, how to help kids build self-compassion, what the research really says about tech and substance use, and why a little discomfort might be exactly what our kids need to grow.
Buy her book HERE.
I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Or
The Science of Happiness with Professor Laurie Santos
In today’s episode Yale professor and The Happiness Lab host Dr. Laurie Santos breaks down the science of happiness, sharing what research actually shows boosts our wellbeing—and what doesn’t. We explore the difference between feeling good in your life and feeling good about your life, and how strategies like social connection, movement, sleep, time affluence, and self-compassion can make a measur
Leakage, Painful Sex, Pelvic Floor Health and How to teach your Daughter to Insert her First Tampon with Dr. Sara Reardon aka The Vagina Whisperer
Pelvic health is often ignored until something goes wrong—but it’s essential at every stage of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as the Vagina Whisperer, breaks down what every woman needs to know about her pelvic floor. From painful sex and postpartum recovery to perimenopause, proper toilet habits, and how we talk to our kids about their bodies.
Purchase her book HER
Why Play is so Crucial for Development & The Science Behind it with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
In this powerful and refreshingly playful conversation, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson returns to talk about The Way of Play—her newest book and a much-needed reminder that play isn't just fun, it's foundational. We dive into the science and soul of play—from its impact on brain development and emotional intelligence to how it builds lifelong connection and resilience. We also discuss why roughhousing isn’
What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre
In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it takes to unlearn those damaging lessons. We talk about how to respond when your child says “I hate myself,” why curiosi
How to Prevent Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating w/ Dr. Tom Hildebrandt
In today’s episode I sit down with with Dr. Tom Hildebrandt, clinical psychologist and director at Mount Sinai’s Center for Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders, to unpack the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders—and why that distinction matters. We dive into how to foster healthy food environments at home, when (and how) to talk to your kids about food and body image, an
How to Help Kids (And Ourselves) Tame the Inner Voice and Clear the Chatter w/ Dr. Ethan Kross
I’m so excited to welcome back Dr. Ethan Kross, psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Chatter, for a fascinating conversation about the inner voice we all live with—and how it can help or hurt us. We talk about how to support our kids (and ourselves) when that voice gets loud, critical, or overwhelming. Ethan shares incredibly helpful, science-backed tools for calming the chatter, building r
Your Brain on Art: Why Creativity Is Essential for Kids (And for You!)
How can doodling and daydreaming - when your child might otherwise be paying attention - be a good thing? How does art support our child's health? What skills do our kids acquire in art class that help them later in life? This week, join me in conversation with Susan Magsamen, author of Your Brain On Art. She serves as executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, part of the Brain Scie
How to Raise Self-Driven Children with Dr. William Stixrud
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr. William Stixrud, co-author of The Self-Driven Child and the brand new Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child workbook. We talk about how to nurture internal motivation, what it really means to be autonomy-supportive, and how to step back without checking out. We also explore the difference between intrinsic and extrinsi
The Secrets of Adulthood & How to Teach Them to Our Children w/ Gretchen Rubin
In today's episode I sit down with bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to talk about her new book, The Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives. We dive into the power of short, impactful wisdom, how to pass life lessons to our kids without sounding like we’re lecturing, and why accepting ourselves while still expecting more of ourselves is the key to growth. Gretchen shares some of
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