Shows
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisWhat Every Black Parent Should Know About Healthcare with Dr. Uché BlackstockWe all want the best healthcare for our children—but for Black parents, this can involve pushing past bias, asking hard questions, and showing up prepared.In this powerful episode, Carol sits down with Dr. Uché Blackstock—emergency physician, health equity champion, and bestselling author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine—to talk about how parents can navigate the healthcare system to make sure our kids get the best possible care.Dr. Blackstock shares how her late mother—a trailblazing Harvard-trained physician—laid the foundation for her journey and inspired her passion for health...2025-06-1832 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisFinding & Celebrating Strengths in Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Ann-Louise LockhartMany parents have heard the term neurodivergent, but aren't quite sure what it means—or what to do when their child doesn’t seem to follow the "typical" path. Pediatric psychologist and parent coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart returns to the podcast to help us make sense of it all. Dr. Lockhart explains what neurodivergence is, how to recognize when your child might need support, and why "different" doesn’t mean “less than.”Carol and Dr. Lockhart also discuss how to manage the emotional rollercoaster that can come with parenting a neurodivergent child—especially for Black and Brown parents. Dr. Lockhart...2025-06-1130 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHow to Be the Learning Champion Your Child Needs with John B. King, Jr.Every parent wants their child to succeed in school—but keeping up with their progress, supporting their learning, and knowing when to step in can feel overwhelming.Former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. returns to the podcast with smart, practical advice to help you feel more confident and prepared to support your child’s academic journey. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or heading into high school, this conversation offers valuable insight you can use right now.Drawing upon his experience as a teacher, principal, education leader, and parent, John shares tips...2025-06-0422 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisAsk Emily: Data-Driven Parenting Advice from Emily OsterEmily Oster returns to the podcast to answer pregnancy and early parenting questions from Ground Control Parenting listeners! Emily, an economist known for her data-driven approach to parenting, brings clear, compassionate, and evidence-based guidance to the most common (and confusing) early parenting concerns. She helps parents cut through the noise and make decisions with more confidence and less guilt.Carol gets Emily’s take on many timely topics, including pregnancy anxiety, postpartum care, sleep training, discipline and screen time—with plenty of insight, thoughtful discussion, and lots of laughs along the way. This engaging, thoughtful conversation will help paren...2025-05-2830 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisTools for the Tough Talks on Race and Identity With Michele NorrisCarol sits down with award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster Michele Norris to discuss how we talk—and often struggle to talk—about race in our homes, our communities, and with our kids. Michele shares the remarkable story behind her bestselling book, Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity, which evolved from a simple invitation for people to share their thoughts about race in just six words.Carol and Michele discuss how these six-word stories offer a raw, honest, and surprisingly hopeful window into how Americans grapple with identity, difference, and belonging. They explore how parent...2025-05-2154 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisRaising Resilient Kids: Emotional Intelligence 101 with Dr. Ann-Louise LockhartChild psychologist and parent coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart returns to the podcast to help us understand emotional intelligence—what it is, why it matters, and how we can nurture it in our kids from an early age. In this powerful and practical conversation, Carol and Dr. Lockhart discuss:The 5 key components of emotional intelligence (EQ)How EQ supports resilience in a world that increasingly demands itWhy today's kids struggle more with bouncing back—and how parents may unintentionally be contributing to this struggleWhat Black parents need to consider as they raise confident, emotionally attuned chil...2025-05-1435 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisTaking the Stress out of Parenting with Emily OsterEconomist and best-selling author Emily Oster joins Carol in part one of a fascinating two-part conversation about how data can reduce parenting stress and help us make smarter, more confident decisions. Emily shares the origins of her data-driven parenting philosophy, why not all research studies are created equal, and how decision trees can bring calm to the chaos. Whether you're brand new to parenting, raising toddlers or teens, you'll come away with new tools—and a much-needed sense of relief.Be sure to check out:Emily Oster’s Books: Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, The...2025-05-0738 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisEvery Child’s Potential, Every Teacher’s Power with John B. King, Jr.Welcome to a new season of Ground Control Parenting!This season starts strong with Dr. John B. King, Jr. — former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama and current Chancellor of the State University of New York — who joins Carol for a captivating conversation about the power of education. John reveals how education not only shaped his life but saved it — a story he explores in his inspiring new memoir, Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.John talks with Carol about his journey from a childhood filled with loss a...2025-04-3035 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisGCP Season 7 Starts April 30!Welcome to Season 7 of Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis! Starting April 30, Carol is back with a new season packed with resources and advice to help you raise curious, confident Black and Brown children. This trailer gives you a taste of the powerful conversations coming your way this season as Carol engages with a team of experts to tackle a wide range of important parenting topics.Tune in each week and join us on this journey!2025-04-2308 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisNavigating Today, Preparing for Tomorrow: Post-Election Parenting with Sherrilyn IfillCarol welcomes renowned civil rights leader and legal scholar Sherrilyn Ifill for an important conversation about parenting during times of uncertainty and division. Together they explore how families can stay grounded and thrive. In this riveting episode they discuss:• Helping children navigate misinformation and find reliable sources of truth.• Building resilience through connection to history and community.• How to protect your family’s values and well-being amid societal change.• Sherrilyn’s practical advice for parents and children on civic responsibility.These are just a few highlights from this discussion—yo...2024-12-3050 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisPriceless Lessons: Mellody Hobson on Financial Literacy for KidsCarol Sutton Lewis sits down with Mellody Hobson—co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and author of the new children’s book Priceless Facts About Money: From the Beginning of Time to the Coins in Your Couch. In this engaging and fun conversation, Mellody explains why parents should talk with their kids about money early and often, and shares practical tips for teaching them financial independence and responsibility.Mellody and Carol discuss:The importance of using cash to teach young children about the value of money.How Mellody’s childhood shaped her financial mindset.Advice for parents on allowances, saving...2024-12-1846 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisSeason 6 Rewind: Parenting Wisdom for Every StageJoin Carol for a recap of Season 6, which offered parenting advice and expertise across all five stages of child development, from newborns to the grown and flown. Carol revisits highlights from conversations with her incredible lineup of Season 6 guests. Tune in for expert advice, practical tips, and inspiring stories to empower you on your parenting journey. If you missed any episodes this season, this rewind is your perfect guide to catch up.And stay tuned for exciting bonus episodes coming your way soon! Follow us @GroundControlparenting or at groundcontrolparenting.comAnd don’t forget to subscribe to t...2024-12-1114 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisNavigating Parenting and Purpose with Courtney B. VanceParenting, mental health, and finding your way in a complicated world—Emmy and Tony-winning actor Courtney B. Vance covers it all in this powerful conversation with Carol.Courtney reflects on his Detroit upbringing, the sacrifices his parents made for his education, and how those lessons shape how he and his wife, (the one and only Angela Bassett), have raised their twins who are now off at college. He shares how they’ve kept their kids grounded despite growing up in the spotlight, and how he’s navigating the balance of letting go while still being there to support them.2024-12-0445 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisParenting Wisdom Unpacked with Crystal McCrary McGuire and Anne Williams-IsomThis week Carol welcomes two of her two longtime friends Crystal McCrary McGuire and Anne Williams-Isom for a lively and enriching group chat about the highs and challenges of raising their children (all nine of them!) with intention and care. Together, they reflect on the power of parenting conversations, balancing generational influences, and adapting their parenting styles to fit each child’s unique needs.In this heartfelt discussion you’ll hear about:The importance of leading with values when raising children.How to nurture individuality while creating a strong family foundation.Crystal’s experience raising a spirited firstb...2024-11-2726 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisParenting Teens & Young Adults: Insights from Lisa HeffernanThis week Carol dives into parenting teens and young adults with Lisa Heffernan, co-founder of Grown & Flown. Lisa shares the story behind Grown & Flown—a website and 290k+ member online community that’s become the go-to resource for parents raising older kids. She and Carol discuss managing the stress of college admissions, and shifting parenting strategies to build stronger relationships with adult children. (Spoiler: it’s not easy, but it’s worth it!) With thoughtful advice and practical tips, Lisa offers a roadmap for fostering independence in teens and young adults while keeping family connections strong. Whether you’re navigating...2024-11-2046 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisLetting Go, Holding On: Parenting Grown Kids with Vanessa Bell CallowayVanessa Bell Calloway, the talented star of stage and screen, joins Carol to chat about the joys and challenges of parenting adult kids. Vanessa opens up about raising her two daughters in Hollywood and how her role as a mom has evolved as her girls grew up and found their independence.Carol and Vanessa dive into what it’s like to go from being an involved, hands-on mom to figuring out when and how to step back and give your grown kids the space they need. Vanessa talks about her own journey, sharing the hard and happy mo...2024-11-1347 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisYour College Admissions Roadmap: Tips from College Board ExpertsCarol sits down with College Board experts Stacey Foney and Dr. Autumn Caviness to get their exclusive insights into the college admissions process, with a special focus on guiding Black families through this complex journey. Stacey and Autumn offer parents helpful answers to many admissions questions, including:When and how to start thinking about the college admissions processHow standardized test scores fit in today’s processScholarships, financial aid, and reducing college debtHow to empower your children to find the best college matchThis episode gives parents practical tools and insights which will make the process more manageable for all. Whether you...2024-11-0651 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisReal Conversations About Tween & Teen Bodies with Nancy ReddNancy’s back, with an important new book! Carol Sutton Lewis sits down for another great conversation with NY Times best-selling author and Mompreneuers podcast host, Nancy Redd. Nancy returns to discuss her latest, The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health and Wellness, a groundbreaking and comprehensive photographic guide that explores the realities of growing up and navigating body changes.In this candid and open discussion, Nancy and Carol tackle everything tweens and teens need to know about their bodies. Nancy shares with Carol how the book covers essential topics like puberty, body image, self-care, gender in...2024-10-3041 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHow to Cultivate Confident Readers with Maya SmartHow do we help our children become good and confident readers? In this episode from the archives, Carol explores this important topic with literacy expert Maya Smart, author of Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan From Birth to Six. Maya shares invaluable tips and strategies for helping children become strong, confident readers. From nurturing early literacy at home to building strong partnerships with teachers, Maya's advice is both practical and empowering. This conversation is a must-listen for parents and caregivers committed to setting their children on the path to lifelong literacy success.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting an...2024-10-2341 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHow to Raise Eager Readers with Charnaie GordonCarol sits down with children’s book author Charnaie Gordon, a passionate advocate for children's literacy and diversity in books. This mom of two is a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert and the creator of the Here Wee Read blog and podcast. Her mission? To connect kids with books that reflect their diverse identities, and to foster a lifelong love for reading in children.Charnaie talks with Carol about her own literacy journey, and how she made good on her vow (made before she had any children!) that she would raise kids who loved to read. She and Car...2024-10-1646 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisExhibiting Forgiveness with Titus KapharIn this powerful bonus episode, celebrated artist and filmmaker Titus Kaphar joins Carol for a captivating and thought-provoking conversation. Titus shares how discovering art transformed him from a struggling student to a MacArthur "Genius", and how a life-changing turn of events gave him an invaluable perspective on fatherhood and family. Titus and Carol talk about his new film Exhibiting Forgiveness and its compelling take on parenting, generational trauma, and generational healing. Don't miss this fascinating discussion in which they dive deeply into the power of family relationships, creativity and love. Follow us at...2024-10-0954 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisDisciplining Toddlers: Are We Getting This Right? with Dr. Ann-Louise LockhartWhen it comes to disciplining toddlers, are we being too tough or not tough enough? Carol talks with pediatric psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart about how to manage the challenges of raising our curious, energetic, 1-3 year olds. Dr. Lockhart shares valuable insights and strategies for handling tantrums–a normal part of toddler development–as well as setting boundaries and fostering emotional growth in children. She breaks down currently popular parenting approaches—like “gentle” and “conscious” parenting—and shares her thoughts on which approach leads to the best outcomes. In this conversation filled with helpful advice, Dr. Lockhart talks with Carol abo...2024-10-0241 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisThe Beauty of Parenting with Brooke DeVard OzaydinliJoin Carol for an inspiring conversation with Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, creator of the acclaimed Naked Beauty podcast. In this engaging episode, Brooke shares how she navigates the demands of parenting a toddler and entrepreneurship while making time for self-care. She offers invaluable insights on how to be an attentive, focused parent while preserving your sense of self. From beauty routines to the importance of family dinners, discover how Brooke manages it all with grace and authenticity. Don’t miss her practical tips for carving out meaningful 'me-time' in your busy schedule!Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on...2024-09-2554 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisStarting Our Babies Off Right: Laying the Foundation for Success with Dr. Leah AustinCarol sits down with Dr. Leah Austin, President and CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), to explore the many ways infants learn and how parents can nurture their development from birth. Dr. Austin also shares her expertise on infant health and nutrition, the impact of climate change on our little ones, and so much more.Tune in to hear Dr. Austin’s practical tips on supporting our babies' health and learning, and the essential work NBCDI is doing to give parents the knowledge and resources they need to care for children in the critical first three ye...2024-09-1853 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisWhat Do New Parents Need? with Lauren Wesley WilsonWe're back with Season 6! Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder and CEO of ColorComm and author of What Do You Need: How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success, returns for the Season 6 opener. Lauren shares her experience as a new mom and busy entrepreneur, reflecting on how her upbringing has shaped her parenting style.Carol and Lauren discuss how new parents can balance the joys and challenges of family life and career, offering practical advice on time management and avoiding guilt. Learn how the skills you develop as a parent and...2024-09-1131 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisGCP Season 6 Starts September 11th!Welcome to Season 6 of Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis! Starting September 11th, Carol is back with a new season packed with stories, resources, and expert advice to help you raise curious, confident Black and Brown children. This trailer gives you a taste of the powerful conversations and expert insights coming your way as we explore the journey of raising our children across all five stages of development. Tune in each week and join us on this journey!2024-09-0404 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisWhat Do You Need? Empowering Women with Lauren Wesley WilsonIn this bonus episode, Carol sits down with the dynamic Lauren Wesley Wilson, Founder & CEO of ColorComm Corporation, to dive into her new book, What Do You Need? How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success.Discover savvy, game-changing career tips from Lauren's best-seller as Carol and Lauren discuss practical strategies for professional growth. And of course, they explore how these powerful insights can be applied to parenting, making this episode a treasure trove of wisdom for women balancing career and family responsibilities. Don’t miss...2024-05-2928 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisThe Season 5 Rewind with Carol Sutton LewisAnd that’s a wrap! In this Season 5 rewind Carol shares some of the highlights of the season and reveals some parenting principles–practical, helpful, parenting concepts–that came out of these conversations. Tune in for a sampling of some of the great stories, advice and resources Carol and her guests shared this season. And stay tuned for more parenting conversations about the joy and the real work of parenting Black children in our next season, coming soon! Follow us @GroundControlparenting or at groundcontrolparenting.com2024-03-1318 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisSalli Richardson-Whitfield: Parenting with Honesty and InsightKnown for her stellar performances in film and TV hits including Antwone Fisher, I Am Legend, and Eureka, Salli Richardson-Whitfield is more than just a celebrated actress. As an award-winning director of shows like Queen Sugar, Blackish, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and The Gilded Age, she's also a behind-the-camera force in the entertainment industry. And in this captivating conversation with Carol, Salli reveals a side seldom publicly seen: that of a wise and compassionate mother of two. Salli shares her invaluable parenting insights in this episode, emphasizing the importance of honesty in acknowledging our parenting strengths...2024-03-0645 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisChosen Family: Adopting Older Children with Stephanie Sparling WilliamsCarol welcomes art curator Stephanie Sparling Williams for an engaging conversation about how she and her husband are navigating the complexities and joys of raising the two children they adopted at ages 12 and 14. Stephanie, who was raised by her African-American mother and white father, shares why she and her husband opted to adopt older children, how they found their (also biracial) children and prepared to bring them into their home. Carol and Stephanie discuss the journey of establishing trust and building connections, addressing past traumas and creating a new family dynamic, and the challenges and rewards along the way. Stephanie...2024-02-2851 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisBridging Identities: Parenting and Life Lessons with Bernard I. LumpkinJoin Carol as she sits down with Bernard I. Lumpkin, an art collector and patron, for an enriching conversation about parenting, identity, and culture. Bernard, raised in a multicultural home with an African-American father from Watts, L.A., and a Jewish mother from Tangier, Morocco, shares how his upbringing shaped his deep appreciation for Black art. Now a father of three biracial children, Bernard is committed to instilling a sense of cultural pride in them. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges and joys of his childhood and of raising his children today, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity...2024-02-2148 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisBreaking the Stigma: Fostering Mental Wellness in Black Communities with David R. McGheeCarol talks about how we can break the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities with David R. McGhee, the Executive Director of The Steve Fund, a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing mental health support for young people of color. Carol and David discuss how poverty, the pandemic, and the media all impact the mental health of our children, and how we can prioritize and support their mental and emotional well-being. Tune in to their engaging exchange as they focus on nurturing wellness in children, parents and partners, and erasing the stigma attached to this important topic.Follow...2024-02-1449 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisFacing My Child’s Mental Health Crisis with Ruth HorryIn this powerful episode, author and community advocate Ruth Horry talks with Carol about parenting through a child's mental health crisis. Ruth bravely shares her journey from surviving childhood abuse to supporting a child contemplating suicide. Carol and Ruth address mental health stigma and stress the need for open conversations on this topic. Ruth offers valuable advice to parents on seeking professional help, finding resources, and building a support network. This episode sheds light on the often-taboo topic of mental health in families, and provides guidance and reassurance to parents facing similar challenges.Follow us @Groundcontrolparenting and groundcontrolparenting...2024-02-0747 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisThe New Brownies' Book with Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly PalmerCarol welcomes noted scholar Dr. Karida L. Brown and award-winning artist Charly Palmer to the podcast to give us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at their creation of The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families. This book is their contemporary reimagining of W.E.B. Du Bois’ art and literary magazine, which he created for children in 1920 to share Black history and celebrate their identities. The New Brownies’ Book is a collection of contemporary essays, poems, photographs, paintings, and short stories reflecting on the joy and depth of the Black experience. Carol talks with Karida and Charly about the ma...2024-01-3139 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisMaking Hoop Dreams Come True with Crystal McCrary McGuireCarol welcomes Crystal back to the podcast to talk about “Game Up”, the app she and her son Cole Anthony created to help parents navigate the world of youth basketball. Crystal shares how her experiences raising three basketball-playing children (including Cole, now a rising star in the NBA) led her to create this app to offer valuable resources for parents seeking the best training opportunities for their aspiring basketball stars. Crystal talks with Carol about the challenges parents face as they try to support their children’s hoop dreams and the solutions the app offers to make the journey smoother. Whethe...2024-01-2442 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisLearning from Our Best Teachers with Deborah RobertsHow did your favorite teacher impact your life? Award winning journalist Deborah Roberts returns to the podcast to talk with Carol about the transformative power of great teachers, the topic of Deborah's latest book, “Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life”, a collection of essays from Deborah and some of her well-known friends and colleagues. In this episode Deborah and Carol offer valuable insights about the ways in which great teachers influence their students and how parents can actively support and champion teachers' efforts and results. This is an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that you won’t want t...2024-01-1737 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisDad Reimagined: Lee Daniels' Parenting Journey from Trauma to TriumphIn the Season 5 premiere, Carol sits down with acclaimed director and producer Lee Daniels for a candid conversation about his remarkable parenting journey. We hear how Lee overcame childhood abuse from his father and was able to redefine fatherhood in a transformative way when he adopted his brother’s infant twins. Lee shares his insights, triumphs and the lessons learned from his unexpected but deeply fulfilling journey as a parent. Tune in to learn, laugh, and find inspiration in Lee’s extraordinary story of resilience and love. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com2024-01-1045 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisGCP Season 5 Starts January 10th!Welcome to Season 5 of Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis!! Starting January 10th, Carol will bring you a new season of weekly stories, tips and advice from fascinating folks to help you raise curious and confident Black children. Join us!!2024-01-0302 min
Lowenstein Sandler's Women's Initiative Podcast: Real TalkBalancing Work, Life, and Kids: A Discussion with Podcaster Carol Sutton Lewis of ‘Ground Control Parenting.’ Today on “Real Talk,” hosts Megan Monson and Diane Moss are joined by Carol Sutton Lewis, a former practicing attorney who now hosts and produces the award-winning podcast, ‘Ground Control Parenting.’ Lewis describes how her legal skills have enhanced her role as a podcaster and parenting expert, and how being a parent has influenced her career and her outlook on life; she encourages listeners to understand that it’s not about balancing ‘work’ and ‘life’ because ”it’s all life…don't forget to focus on the joy. “ Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationDiane Moss, Counsel, The...2023-12-0734 min
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisSeason 4 Rewind with Carol Sutton LewisAnd that’s a wrap for Season 4—and what a season it has been! This season was packed with helpful ideas, thoughtful reflections, and trustworthy advice across all stages of child development, helping parents to fully realize their potential for parenting with effectiveness and joy. In this episode Carol talks about some of the memorable moments of the season and shares clips from some of the amazing guests–experts in education, healthcare, and the arts. Tune in for an overview of some of the advice, stories and resources Carol and her guests shared this season. Be sure to catch up on any sho...2023-05-1721 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisWhat Teachers Want Parents to Know with Dr. Charlene ReidCarol hones in on the critically important parent-teacher relationship this week. She talks with expert educator and Co-CEO of Excellence Community Schools, Dr. Charlene Reid, about how teachers have fared over the past few years of educational tumult, and what teachers want parents to know to help children recover from the pandemic slide. They discuss the importance of having educators who represent, affirm, and uplift Black students, and the need to teach children not to view any low grades in school as an indication of their abilities, but as just useful information as they strive to master the material. Charlene d...2023-05-1058 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisRaising Socially Conscious Kids with Deval PatrickCarol brings back this archived episode of her conversation with Deval Patrick, the former Massachusetts Governor and 2020 Presidential candidate. He and Carol discuss how his journey—growing up in the South Side of Chicago and making his way to the corridors of power—influenced his parenting methods and goals for his family. Deval shares his efforts to raise resilient and socially conscious children and tells Carol what it took to do this as a public figure, He and Carol discuss how his life lessons have helped him support his children unconditionally, and how he’s managed the challenges when private family...2023-05-0342 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHonoring Black History with Rita RobertsCarol sits down with author and historian Rita Roberts to talk about the importance of preserving African-American history and passing it on to future generations. Rita shares insights from her latest book, "I Can't Wait to Call You My Wife: African-American Letters of Love and Family in the Civil War Era", which tells the stories of Black men and women through letters written in the mid-1800’s. She details the courage and resilience of enslaved Black people as they defied unjust laws to create families and stay close to loved ones. Rita and Carol focus on the critical role parents, te...2023-04-2640 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisNavigating The New Frontier of Drug Use with Dr. Yasmin HurdCarol talks with Dr. Yasmin Hurd, Director of the Mount Sinai Addiction Institute, about the complex landscape of drug use today. With marijuana available recreationally or medically in most states and new synthetic drugs regularly hitting the market, parents need to know when and how to discuss drugs and drug use with their children. Dr. Hurd shares her insights on two drugs currently making headlines: cannabis and fentanyl. She walks Carol through the benefits and potential risks of cannabis and talks about why fentanyl use is rising and the toll it is taking on its users. Carol and Dr. Hurd a...2023-04-1959 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisCultivating Faith and Morality with Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr.How can we help our children develop a moral compass to guide them through life? In this insightful episode from the archives, minister, professor, and former President of Morehouse College Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr. explains the importance of helping children think about faith and morality and offers a framework for starting these discussions at an early age. Dr. Franklin shares his own personal stories and memories of witnessing the courage and leadership his grandmother so naturally embodied. He guides Carol through the stages of faith development which parents can follow to help children find meaning and purpose in their l...2023-04-1253 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisParenting with Pride, Part 2: Angelique and Sage FrancisCarol continues the conversation with mother-son duo Angelique and Sage about parenting Black LGBTQ youth with love and support. They discuss the difference between gender and sexuality, and why this distinction is so important to make and understand. They also talk about the use of non-gendered pronouns, the need for grace when it comes to unlearning gender-specific language, and the need to work towards an inclusive, nonjudgmental, and respectful society. This concluding conversation brings even more valuable advice for parents, neighbors, and community members to better understand, support and advocate for the LGBTQ community. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on g...2023-04-0530 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisParenting with Pride with Angelique and Sage FrancisCarol dives into parenting LGBTQ children with producer and radio show host Angelique Francis and her son Sage. Angelique talks with Carol about her journey to support her LGBTQ children, including Sage, who came out in his teens. Angelique explains how she focused on her love for her children and released her original expectations of them. Her son Sage recalls his coming out story and reveals the challenges he and his peers face in this process of doing so. Angelique and Sage highlight the need to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ children and the unique challenges Black LGBTQ...2023-03-2937 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisChallenging Tradition: Redefining Work-Life Balance with Ursula BurnsHow did the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company manage to balance her skyrocketing career and her growing family? In this refreshingly candid and thought-provoking episode from the archives, Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox Corporation, tells Carol why this is the wrong question for young parents to ask, and explains how and why work-life balance issues should be reframed and analyzed. She shares the lessons and perspectives that helped her stay true to herself and her parenting goals during her rise to the top and takes us on a deep dive into how parents should redefine their...2023-03-2252 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisBelonging with Michelle MillerFor years Michelle Miller has been keeping you in the know as a national correspondent for CBS News and as a co-host of CBS Saturday Morning, and now you’ll get to hear from her about her own fascinating life story. Michelle returns to the podcast to talk with Carol about what she learned from the village that helped raise her after she was abandoned by her mother at birth, and how she came to write her memoir “Belonging: A Daughter's Search for Identity Through Loss and Love”. Michelle shares how she coped with growing up as “her mother’s secret”, a...2023-03-1540 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisBeing Black and Autistic with Kala OmeizaAuthor Kala Allen Omeiza joins Carol to talk about neurodiversity advocacy and her journey to being diagnosed with autism at 24. Kala shares with Carol how race and disability intersect in her life as a Black autistic woman, and how she poured her life experiences into her young adult novel, "Afrotistic". Kala felt out of place and socially uncomfortable as a young Black girl growing up in predominantly white communities. She talks with Carol about how feeling so different for so many reasons impacted her childhood and may even have complicated the discovery of her neurological issues. She describes the journey to h...2023-03-0836 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisModernizing Tradition with Harriette ColeHarriette Cole joins Carol to talk about the positive and affirming ways that Black parents can share their morals and values with their children. Harriette, the former lifestyle editor and fashion director at Essence Magazine, is also an author, a nationally syndicated advice columnist, a multimedia producer, and host of the radio show DreamLeapers and podcast DreamLeapers Inspiration. Harriette was raised by loving parents who believed “excellence was the only option”. She tells Carol that when it comes to her own parenting style, excellence is not a demand but remains an expectation, and describes how she passes on the best of h...2023-03-0146 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisThe Power and Limits of Tough Love with Kenneth C. FrazierIn celebration of Black History Month, Carol brings back her captivating conversation with the former CEO of the pharmaceutical giant Merck, Kenneth Frazier, in which he shares his powerful story of being raised by his fiercely determined single dad. Ken’s dad Otis Frazier, a widower raising three children on his own, firmly believed in the power of tough love. He looked beyond the limits of being a janitor raising a family in an impoverished neighborhood to see his children as capable of achieving anything. He consistently set the bar high and expected his children to clear it. Ken tells Carol...2023-02-2247 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisDancing into Motherhood with Misty CopelandShe’s a world famous prima ballerina and the first African American principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater. Misty Copeland has a long history of overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers, and inspiring her many fans. Now, in her first full-length public conversation about parenting since the birth of her son Jackson, Misty joins Carol to talk about her life as a new mom: how it’s been, how it’s going, and what she hopes lies ahead for herself and her family. They discuss how mentors can play a vital parenting role and Misty shares the influential and supportive impact mentor...2023-02-1549 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisPodcasting, Parenting and “Play Aunties” with Amena BrownCarol joins forces with poet and author Amena Brown, host of the podcast HER with Amena Brown, to talk about their journeys as Black women in the world of podcasting. In this poignant, revealing, hilarious joint interview, they talk about the power of being raised by Black moms, how to parent artistic kids, the perils of performing, the importance of “play aunties” and the need for self-destructing journals. And that is just a taste of this delightful convo. Tune in for new and surprising insights on Carol and to meet the amazing Amena! Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on www.groun...2023-02-0859 min
HER With Amena BrownSnacks, Podcasting, and Play Aunties (featuring Carol Sutton Lewis)It’s a crossover episode! Join me in the HER living room as fellow Seneca Women Podcast Network podcast host, Carol Sutton Lewis, invites us into the family room of her podcast Ground Control Parenting. Carol and I discuss the importance of snacks, what inspired us to become podcasters, and how my mom inspired me to be the artist I am today. For more info about Carol Sutton Lewis’ podcast check out: https://www.groundcontrolparenting.com/. To get transcripts, links, and details from each episode, check out the show notes. To continue your s...2023-02-0759 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisInvesting in Black Literacy with Maya SmartBlack children in America are in a reading crisis, and it’s getting worse. In a 2022 national reading assessment, only 33% of all U.S. 4th and 8th graders scored at a competent reading level, and for Black students, that competency score dropped to 17%. These scores are lower than the last national reading assessment in 2019. In the face of this crisis, how do we ensure our children can beat the odds and become good readers? Carol dives into this important topic with early literacy expert Maya Smart. Maya’s new book, Reading for Our Lives: A Literary Action Plan from Birth to Six...2023-02-0140 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHaving the College Talk with Eric Furda and Jacques SteinbergCarol’s focus on college admissions continues with a favorite from the archives: her convo with Eric Furda and Jacques Steinberg, authors of The College Conversation. Eric, the former Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Jacques Steinberg, an award-winning education journalist, share their expert advice on how your teen should be applying to college from start to finish, and how you can engage and offer support. They break down “The C’s” that students should look for as they research colleges: Culture, Curriculum, Community, Conclusions, and Cost. Carol’s expansive conversation with Jacques and Eric also covers best pract...2023-01-2552 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisThe Black Family's Guide to College Admissions with Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-BrownCollege admissions experts Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown join Carol to discuss what Black families need to know about helping their teens succeed during the college application process. Timothy, a senior admissions officer at Emory University, and Shereem, a former high school college counselor who now runs a college counseling consulting firm, are authors of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions, A Conversation About Education, Parenting and Race. Carol, Shereem, and Tim tell parents how early they should start focusing their kid’s attention toward college, why they must stay involved throughout the process, and what admissions officers are re...2023-01-1850 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis2022 Year End Wrap UpAs 2022 comes to a close, Carol recaps this year’s Ground Control Parenting podcast journey. She looks back on standout topics covered this past season and highlights some of this year’s most interesting and resource-filled conversations. Happy New Year from Ground Control Parenting! Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on www.groundcontrolparenting.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2022-12-2813 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisOwning Your Identity with Suzanne KayCarol digs back into the archives for this poignant conversation with author and filmmaker Suzanne Kay, daughter of actress Diahann Carroll. Suzanne, who is biracial, pulls back the curtain on her life with her superstar mom to reveal the challenges of being raised by parents who did not talk with her about race or her racial identity when she was young. Suzanne shares her journey to racial awareness and discusses how she helps her children connect to their unique identities. She brings a meaningful and relevant perspective to a needed conversation around acceptance, identity, well-being, and belonging. Follow us at @Gr...2022-12-2136 min