Carol 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—you won’t want to miss the full episode.  With wisdom drawn from her career, historical insight, and parenting experience, Sherrilyn reminds us that this is “planting time”—an opportunity to build a foundation of strength, integrity, and hope for future generations.

Tune in for this insightful and empowering conversation filled with actionable tips for every parent.

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Carol 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, savings, and smart credit habits.
• Why understanding and talking about money matters is important for every family—regardless of income level.

These highlights offer just a taste of their conversation—there's much more waiting for you in the episode. Tune in to hear the wisdom, humor, and down-to-earth advice Mellody shares with Carol so you can prepare your kids (and even yourself) for financial success!

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Join 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! 

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Parenting, 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.

Courtney talks with Carol about his new book, The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power, co-written with Dr. Robin Smith. He reveals the devastating impact of his father’s death, how therapy helped him heal, and why breaking the stigma around mental health in the Black community is so critical.

Whether you’ve long admired Courtney on stage and screen or are meeting him here for the first time, this conversation is packed with relatable parenting moments, inspiring stories, and advice you can use. Tune in for his reflections on finding purpose, staying open to life’s possibilities, and helping kids thrive.

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This 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 firstborn and the lessons learned.
• Anne’s reflections on parenting with emotional intelligence and fostering vulnerability.
• The skill of practicing restraint as a parent.
• The lasting impact of generational wisdom and support 

This episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and moments that will leave you inspired to parent with purpose.  Tune in, share with a friend, and join the conversation!

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This 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 the challenges of parenting teens or building relationships with your adult children, this episode is packed with insights for you.

Links:

• Grown & Flown website
• Grown & Flown Parents Facebook Group
• Grown & Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults

Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com.  

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Vanessa 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 moments, the growth, and the friendship that has blossomed as her daughters have matured.

This compelling conversation is a reminder for parents about the importance of patience and learning to let go while staying a loving support in our adult kids’ lives. It’s full of relatable insights on how to adapt, support, and truly enjoy the new family dynamics that come as our kids grow up.

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Carol 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 process
• How standardized test scores fit in today’s process
• Scholarships, financial aid, and reducing college debt
• How to empower your children to find the best college match

This episode gives parents practical tools and insights which will make the process more manageable for all.  Whether you and your child are just beginning to think about college or you’re guiding a senior who is in the thick of it, here you’ll find valuable guidance for every stage of the journey.

Links:

• College Board
• Big Future
• Real Talk

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Nancy’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 a judgment-free way.  They talk about how body changes during puberty, if not properly discussed and understood, can potentially impact a young person’s mental health. Carol and Nancy also discuss the importance of equipping young people with accurate information about their bodies and the best ways to take care of themselves.

Nancy’s wisdom, humor, and honesty help parents feel comfortable discussing topics they might have been avoiding. This must-listen episode provides parents and caregivers with the tools to help tweens and teens (and everyone else) understand their bodies and how they work.

Links:

The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health and Wellness by Nancy Redd

Mompreneurs: The Joys of Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis (article in Madame Noire)

Mompreneurs Podcast Episode hosted by Nancy Redd featuring Carol Sutton Lewis

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How 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 and on groundcontrolparenting.com.  

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