Shows
Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisSeason 7 Rewind: Big Questions, Powerful Answers from Parenting ProsAs Season 7 of Ground Control Parenting comes to a close, join Carol as she hits rewind to reflect on the powerful insights shared by parenting experts and thought leaders across a range of fields.This season, the conversations went beyond what we can do to help and support our children and focused on the how. Carol spoke with leading experts about what it really means to parent with purpose and intention—offering actionable tools, real-life strategies, and much-needed reassurance along the way.Whether you’ve been listening from the start or are just joining the journey, this...
2025-08-0612 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisRaising Resilient, Culture-Connected Kids with Grace BastidasGrace Bastidas knows what families need—because she’s spent her career listening to them. As the founding editor of Parents Latina and the (recently stepped-down) editor-in-chief of Parents—the first woman of color to hold that role in the brand’s 100-year history—Grace has spent years talking to experts, amplifying parent voices, and shaping how we think about raising kids today.Grace joins Carol to talk not just about what she’s learned from covering parenting for many years, but also about her own experience raising two daughters in a bilingual, bicultural home. Grace shares how s...
2025-07-3043 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisNavigating Today, Preparing for Tomorrow with Sherrilyn IfillIn this powerful episode from the Ground Control Parenting archives, Carol sits down with renowned civil rights leader and legal scholar Sherrilyn Ifill for a deeply meaningful conversation about what it means to parent during times of uncertainty and division.Sherrilyn shares how we can help our children navigate a world filled with misinformation, stay rooted in truth, and build resilience by staying connected to our history and community. She offers thoughtful, practical advice for raising socially conscious kids and protecting your family’s values in the face of societal change.This episode is filled with wi...
2025-07-2351 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisInside the Black Maternal Health Crisis with Dr. Uché BlackstockWhy is giving birth still so dangerous for Black women in America?Dr. Uché Blackstock—physician, mother, and bestselling author—returns to the podcast to talk with Carol about the Black maternal health crisis. The U.S. maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than in other high-income countries, and within the U.S., the rate is by far the highest for Black women. Black mothers are still three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. It’s a terrifying reality, but it doesn’t have to be our future.Dr. Blackstock...
2025-07-1638 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHow Do I Talk to My Kid About Drugs? Start Here––with Pat Aussem and Carleah SummersHow do you talk to your child about drugs when you’re not even sure where to begin? In this candid and powerful conversation Carol is joined by two experts, Pat Aussem of the Partnership to End Addiction and Carleah Summers, recovery advocate and founder of Andrea’s House, to talk honestly about how to help our children navigate today’s complex drug landscape. From the dangers of flavored vapes and counterfeit pills to when and how to have “the talk” about drugs, this episode is packed with essential insights, strategies, and real-life experience every parent needs to hear.Ep...
2025-07-0843 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisBuilding Future Leaders: The Jack and Jill Legacy with Darlene McGee Whittingham and Tasha B. PennyYou may have heard of Jack and Jill of America—but do you know how this powerhouse mother's organization shapes Black children into confident, capable leaders? In this episode, Carol talks with Darlene McGee Whittingham, National President, and Tasha B. Penny, National Program Director, about the history, mission, and modern-day relevance of Jack and Jill.They explore what this organization offers Black families, how it fosters leadership from the toddler years to the teen years, and how parents—whether members or not—can draw inspiration from its core values of leadership, cultural pride, and service. If you’ve heard th...
2025-07-0252 minGround Control Parenting with Carol Sutton LewisHow to Help Your Child Avoid the Summer Slide with Dr. Cicely WoodardSummer break shouldn’t mean learning loss. In this episode, Carol talks with award-winning educator Dr. Cicely Woodard about how to help kids avoid the “summer slide”—where they can lose two to three months of progress in math and reading over the summer.Dr. Woodard shares lots of simple ways parents can help kids stay sharp in math and reading throughout the summer months. She and Carol talk about how everyday activities, like turning grocery runs into math lessons and reading together at bedtime, can make a big impact.This episode is packed with practical advice y...
2025-06-2535 minGround 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 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 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 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 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.com
2024-03-1318 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 min