Raising Good Humans

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, and why regular family meals...

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 resilience, and knowing whe...

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 Science In...

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 extrinsic motivation, how to suppo...

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 her favorite aphorisms—th...

How do children learn to understand and regulate the emotions? In this episode, I sit down with professor and psychologist Kristen Lindquist to explore how kids develop the ability to recognize, label, and regulate their emotions. We talk about the power of language in shaping emotional growth, the fine line between validating feelings and overwhelming kids with labels, and how temperament plays a role in emotional develop...

In this solo episode, I’m diving into the different ways you can help your child develop collaboration and teamwork skills. I break down ten actionable strategies that encourage kids to work together, navigate group dynamics, and build a sense of community. From engaging in team sports and group projects to practicing conflict resolution and celebrating shared achievements, I go through simple yet powerful ways to foster t...

In this episode we sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck to talk about the power of validation—what it really means, why it’s so important, and how we can use it to strengthen our relationships with our kids, others, and even ourselves. Dr. Caroline Fleck breaks down the science behind validation, shares practical tools from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and clears up common misconceptions—like how t...

In this special episode, we feature a chapter of "The 5 Principles of Parenting," focusing on the foundational aspects of discipline. Tune in to learn the keys to discipline that respect both the child’s feelings and the parent’s expectations, how to navigate discipline at different ages, and how to understand your child’s moral development stage.

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In this solo episode I discuss the different ways you can cultivate adaptability and flexibility in children. I break down ten actionable strategies for parents to encourage these skills, such as modeling adaptability, introducing new experiences, encouraging problem-solving, and practicing mindfulness.

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In today’s episode I am joined by Neha Ruch, author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break after Kids and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, to unpack the long-standing tension between stay-at-home and working moms. Together, we explore the myths, societal pressures, and hidden labor behind both choices—while challenging the idea that ambition and motherhood are at odds. Neha shares how taking a career pause can be a po...

Emotions are a fundamental part of being human—but how do we help kids navigate them without rushing to fix or suppress their feelings? This week, we sit down with emotion regulation expert Ethan Kross, author of Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You, to break down the science of emotions and self-regulation. From handling anger and anxiety to fostering emotional resilience, this conversation is packe...

In today’s joint episode with Kelly Corrigan, NYT bestselling author and host of the podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders, we explore how we can best support loved ones during times of crisis, inspired by the devastating LA wildfires. We discuss practical tools for showing up—whether through a thoughtful text, asking meaningful questions, or simply being present—and discuss the importance of connection, empathy, and understandin...

In this episode award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson joins us to discuss the alarming disengagement crisis among today’s students. Together, we explore why so many kids are checking out of learning, the hidden ways disengagement manifests, and the practical steps parents can take to reignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.

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In this important episode, Harvard professor Dr. Matt Nock joins us to tackle the difficult yet crucial topic of suicide and self-harm. Drawing from decades of groundbreaking research, Dr. Nock shares actionable insights on how parents can approach these conversations, identify risk factors, and foster hope. Whether or not this topic has touched your life directly, this episode offers essential guidance and support for par...

How do we teach our kids to hold strong to their values while respecting those who think differently? In this episode, Dr. Kurt Gray joins us to explore the delicate balance of instilling moral convictions in our children without fostering judgment. We dive into the research behind moral development, the importance of empathy, and practical strategies to help kids navigate a world of differing opinions. 

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Happy Holidays!In this episode, John Legend speaks about his experiences as a father of four, his involvement in his children's lives, and how parenthood inspired his new children's album, 'My Favorite Dream.' He shares insights into his interactions with each of his children, the challenges they face, including managing his son's type 1 diabetes, and his children's unique personalities and interests. John delves into his ...

Drew Barrymore thinks about the holidays, the pressure and the meaning. Also we are tackling some of the inevitable questions that come up during the holiday season, from making meaning, underplaying materialism, enjoying rituals, and what to say to our children about Santa.

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Join us in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jaffe, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Jaffe discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating ADHD and anxiety in children, the importance of parental intuition, and when to seek professional help. He also addresses medication and when and why medication may be the best option. We also discuss the impact of environmental ...