Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis

Carol Sutton Lewis

Parenting advice and inspiration for raising smart, confident Black children. Join host and Ground Control Parenting founder Carol Sutton Lewis for weekly conversations with guests––familiar and new––about the joys and real work of parenting. read less

Our Editor's Take

Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis podcast offers parenting information and resources. Tips and strategies shared on the podcast have many universal applications. Even though the podcast's host created the show for black families, it transcends. The podcast showcases insightful discussions with parenting experts, parents, and other guests. Anyone raising kids finds a listen here.

Carol Sutton Lewis is the host of the podcast. Carol is an attorney with over 20 years of experience in parenting and education issues. For years, she has been passionate about the development of children of color. Carol is a Stanford Law School Board of Trustees member. The host served in the Obama Administration as an advisory council member for My Brother's Keeper Alliance. The podcast is a companion to her blog of the same name. Her primary focus on the Ground Control Parenting podcast and blog is raising Black boys.

Ground Control Parenting has a varied and exciting guest roster. These include people on TV, filmmakers, college presidents, a former governor, and more. In the first episode, author Tonya Lewis Lee discusses her parenting skills. Tonya has two kids with renowned filmmaker and actor Spike Lee. Tonya discusses spanking, following through with threats, and more in the episode.

Author and podcaster Amena Brown discusses stress management and her childhood. The author shared how she knew early on that she wanted to be a writer. They discuss supporting creative children and more in the February 2023 episode. Other guests include prima ballerina Misty Copeland and Kenneth C. Frazier. Misty talks about motherhood, while Frazier shares about tough love. Other guests include authors Kala Allen Omeiza and Helena Andrews-Dyer.

The topics are helpful and can be applicable in real life. The show has valuable information for parents everywhere. Listeners can expect new episodes of Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis weekly.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family

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GCP Season 5 Starts January 10th!

GCP 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!!

Episodes

The Season 5 Rewind with Carol Sutton Lewis

The Season 5 Rewind with Carol Sutton Lewis

And 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

Salli Richardson-Whitfield: Parenting with Honesty and Insight

Salli Richardson-Whitfield: Parenting with Honesty and Insight

Known 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 and limitations. Through candid anecdotes and reflections, she tells us how she has maintained the delicate balance between her thriving career and active family life. Tune in for a lively exchange filled with relatable stories and a healthy dose of wisdom that will resonate with parents everywhere. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Chosen Family: Adopting Older Children with Stephanie Sparling Williams

Chosen Family: Adopting Older Children with Stephanie Sparling Williams

Carol 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 offers profound insights into the world of parenting older adopted children, and what it takes to establish a loving forever home. Through Stephanie’s story we gain valuable insights into the transformative power of chosen family.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Bridging Identities: Parenting and Life Lessons with Bernard I. Lumpkin

Bridging Identities: Parenting and Life Lessons with Bernard I. Lumpkin

Join 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 within families. Through his passion for collecting art that reflects his family's heritage, Bernard illustrates how parents can help their children feel secure in their identities and develop a strong sense of self. Don't miss this insightful discussion on parenting, identity, and the transformative power of art.Follow us @Groundcontrolparenting and groundcontrolparenting.com

Breaking the Stigma: Fostering Mental Wellness in Black Communities with David R. McGhee

Breaking the Stigma: Fostering Mental Wellness in Black Communities with David R. McGhee

Carol 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 us @Groundcontrolparenting and groundcontrolparenting.com

Facing My Child’s Mental Health Crisis with Ruth Horry

Facing My Child’s Mental Health Crisis with Ruth Horry

In 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.com

The New Brownies' Book with Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer

The New Brownies' Book with Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer

Carol 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 making of this book and how it continues the legacy of presenting Black art and culture for all to share and enjoy. For families, as well as Black art and culture enthusiasts everywhere, this is a must-listen episode about a must-have book!Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Making Hoop Dreams Come True with Crystal McCrary McGuire

Making Hoop Dreams Come True with Crystal McCrary McGuire

Carol 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. Whether you're a parent navigating youth sports, a basketball enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of technology and athletics, this episode is a slam dunk you won't want to miss!Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Learning from Our Best Teachers with Deborah Roberts

Learning from Our Best Teachers with Deborah Roberts

How 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 to miss.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Dad Reimagined: Lee Daniels' Parenting Journey from Trauma to Triumph

Dad Reimagined: Lee Daniels' Parenting Journey from Trauma to Triumph

In 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.com

GCP Season 5 Starts January 10th!

GCP 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!!

Season 4 Rewind with Carol Sutton Lewis

Season 4 Rewind with Carol Sutton Lewis

And 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 shows you’ve missed, and stay tuned for Season 5! Follow us @GroundControlparenting or at groundcontrolparenting.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Teachers Want Parents to Know with Dr. Charlene Reid

What Teachers Want Parents to Know with Dr. Charlene Reid

Carol 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 draws upon her own experience as a teacher, principal, and mom to offer insights on how parents can strengthen the parent teacher relationship in order for all to work together for the best interests of the students. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raising Socially Conscious Kids with Deval Patrick

Raising Socially Conscious Kids with Deval Patrick

Carol 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 matters have had to play out on a public stage. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honoring Black History with Rita Roberts

Honoring Black History with Rita Roberts

Carol 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, teachers, and adults play in teaching children about their heritage, and provide advice on how we all can work to ensure that a full and accurate account of African-American history is preserved and passed on for generations to come. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating The New Frontier of Drug Use with Dr. Yasmin Hurd

Navigating The New Frontier of Drug Use with Dr. Yasmin Hurd

Carol 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 answer listener questions and offer advice on how to create an open and supportive environment where kids can honestly discuss their thoughts and questions about drugs. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cultivating Faith and Morality with Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr.

Cultivating 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 lives. Robert also candidly speaks about the challenges and opportunities he faced while helping young men at Morehouse College center their moral compasses in a changing world. Follow us: @GroundControlParenting and groundcontrolparenting.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting with Pride, Part 2: Angelique and Sage Francis

Parenting with Pride, Part 2: Angelique and Sage Francis

Carol 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 groundcontrolparenting.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting with Pride with Angelique and Sage Francis

Parenting with Pride with Angelique and Sage Francis

Carol 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 children face. This insightful and inspiring conversation offers valuable advice for parents to better understand, support and advocate for their children. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Challenging Tradition: Redefining Work-Life Balance with Ursula Burns

Challenging Tradition: Redefining Work-Life Balance with Ursula Burns

How 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 parenting goals and practices. Ursula begins by sharing a loving recounting of her single mother’s masterful parenting, explaining how her wise counsel and great instincts guided Ursula’s own parenting journey. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.