BACKTalk Podcast by Successful Black Parenting Magazine

Our Kids Are Not Okay: Mental Health, Social Media & Breaking the Silence in Black Families

Black youth are under pressure—and the mental health cost is rising. From the relentless grip of social media to the weight of racial trauma and cultural stigma, many of our children are suffering in silence. In this powerful BACKtalk episode, we sit down with Dr. Cedric X. Bryant, CEO of the American Council on Exercise and a leading expert in behavior-change science, to unpack the real stressors Black children face today—and what parents can do right now to help.We talk about:How social media uniquely affects Black youthSigns your child may be silently strugglingBreaking generational cycles of mental health stigmaEasy lifestyle changes that boost emotional wellnessWhy sleep, movement, and open conversations are criticalIf you’ve ever wondered how to support your child’s mental well-being better—or just want to know what to watch for—this is the conversation every Black parent needs to hear.🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6718473823059968

🧢 “They Banned His Book on Black Boy Joy — But Author Derrick Barnes Wasn't Having It!”

https://www.SuccessfulBlackParenting.com -- Award-winning author Derrick Barnes joins BACKtalk to share the powerful story behind his newest picture book, I Got You: A Brother’s Promise. Inspired by his own four sons—aka the Mighty Barnes Brothers—this heartwarming tale celebrates brotherhood, empathy, and the ups and downs of growing up Black and brilliant.We talked about:- The importance of showing Black boy joy in literature- How he fought to keep one of his books from being banned - Raising confident sons in today’s world- About his newest book, "I Got You"- The real-life sibling bond that inspired Rasheed & Anthony- Why emotional honesty matters in Black families- How illustrator Shamar Knight-Justice brings this love to life💬 Don’t miss this conversation—it’s about more than a book. It’s a celebration of Black family, fatherhood, and what it means to say “I got you.”📚 I Got You hits shelves July 15, 2025 — preorder now!🔗 https://amzn.to/3TDkeRA#DerrickBarnes #BlackParenting #IGotYou #Brotherhood #BlackBoyJoy #PictureBooks #RaisingBoys #BACKtalkPodcast #SuccessfulBlackParenting

An Astronaut Who Hates Roller Coasters? Dr. Bernard A. Harris, The First Black Man To Spacewalk Talks Space, STEM & Raising Bold Black Kids

He walked in space, but hates roller coasters. 🚀 Go figure!In this episode of BACKtalk, we sit down with Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., the first African American to walk in space, to talk about his surprising fears, his journey from humble beginnings to NASA astronaut, and why his biggest mission today is helping Black and Brown kids unlock their potential through STEM, education, and mentorship.Dr. Harris shares powerful advice for parents raising children to dream without limits, how to nurture curiosity early, and what it really means to invest in the future, from the classroom to venture capital. Parents, get his book for yourself titled, Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go Of Fear To Find Your Highest Potential.🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation full of laughter, legacy, and life lessons for the whole village.#AstronautLife #BlackExcellence #STEMEducation #SuccessfulBlackParenting #BACKtalkPodcast #RepresentationMatters #ParentingPower

From A Minister's Daughter to Sesame Street: Megan Piphus is Uplifting a Generation of Black Girls

What does it take to become the first Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street—and then use that platform to change lives?In this powerful episode of BACKtalk, we sit down with Megan Piphus, the 4x Emmy-winning performer, producer, and author who voices Gabrielle on Sesame Street and inspires millions of children worldwide.But Megan is more than a voice behind a puppet—she’s a movement. From going viral as a ventriloquist to producing Cinderella Sweep, a music album that empowered 60+ girls of color across the country, Megan shares how she’s using puppetry, music, and storytelling to help children find their own voices.You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll walk away feeling empowered.✨ Plus: Hear the inside scoop on her upcoming children’s book Talk to the Hand (Penguin), how Keke Palmer’s nonprofit joined the mission, and why representation in children's media isn't optional—it's essential.📢 This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, creators, and anyone who believes in the power of purpose-driven storytelling.👉🏾 Hit play and get inspired.#SesameStreet #BlackGirlMagic #MeganPiphus #GabrielleSesameStreet #BACKtalkPodcast #RepresentationMatters #VentriloquistQueen #TalkToTheHand #CinderellaSweep #minister #minsitry

Parent Smarter, Not Harder: Break Cycles & Raise Thriving Black Children

Are we parenting with purpose—or by default? Join host Janice Robinson-Celeste and guest Mama Bolanle Ambonisye, founder of Tapping Our Parental Power (TOPP), for a transformational conversation on how to break generational trauma and raise empowered, emotionally resilient Black children. Learn how her new parenting manual is equipping families with the tools to create nurturing homes, set healthy boundaries, and guide children through life with confidence, purpose, and cultural pride.Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or community leader, this is the parenting reset you've been waiting for.