Economist 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 Unexpected
• Emily’s newsletter and site: ParentData.org

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💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis
🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

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 and instability to becoming one of the most influential voices in American education. He shares how teachers and other mentors guided his path and fueled his mission to ensure every child has access to great educational opportunities.

This season Carol’s bringing in a team of amazing experts to explore the parenting issues that matter most. Get ready to be informed and inspired! 

Follow Ground Control Parenting:

📱 Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @GroundControlParenting
💼 LinkedIn: Carol Sutton Lewis
🌐 Website: GroundControlParenting.com

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!

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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And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

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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And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

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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And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

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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And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

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!

Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

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.  

And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!

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.

Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com!