BACKTalk Podcast by Successful Black Parenting Magazine

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 g...

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...

A special Father’s Day week episode of BACKtalk: Host Janice Robinson-Celeste sits down with Javon Fraizer, founder of Maestro Media, to explore how play becomes a powerful love language in family life. From adapting popular video games into record-breaking tabletop experiences to co-developing with fans, Javon reveals how laughter, board games, and spontaneous fun can strengthen bonds, lower stre...

Actor and dad Anthony E. Williams joins Janice Robinson-Celeste on BACKtalk to talk fatherhood, film, and breaking stereotypes. From his series F.A.M. to Straw on Netflix, hear how he balances career and family—and why Black fatherhood needs new narratives. #BlackFatherhood #FAMPilot #AnthonyEWilliams #StrawMovie #SuccessfulBlackParenting #BACKtalkPodcast

Many expectant parents aren’t offered essential prenatal testing. In this “Know More Sooner” episode, Dr. Dallas Reed breaks down the myths, facts, and real stories behind NIPS, Prequel®, Foresight®, and SneakPeek®—so you can ask better questions and feel empowered. #PrenatalTesting #PregnancyPodcast #KnowMoreSooner #GeneticScreening #BlackMomsMatter #ExpectingParents

Phnewfula, founder of Happy Mango and mom of two, keeps it real about raising Black children with pride, setting boundaries (no pink bussdowns at 10!), and breaking stereotypes—all while running a business. From school bias to social media image battles, this episode is a must for every Black mom raising the next generation. #BACKtalkPodcast #BlackMomVoices #ParentingUnfiltered #RealMomTalk #MomLi...

This literature review from the National Black Child Development Institute’s Black Infant and Maternal Health Task Force takes a hard look at Black maternal and infant health disparities through the lenses of anti-Black racism, intersectionality, and Afrofuturism. You’ll learn how structural racism and racial trauma drive adverse birth outcomes, like low birth weight, and contribute to preventable...

Being a single Black mom is rarely framed as powerful or successful, but Dr. Vicki Wright-Hamilton is here to change that. In this inspiring episode of BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste speaks with Dr. Vicki about her groundbreaking book and documentary Diary of Successful Black Single Mothers . They dive into the truth behind single motherhood, breaking stereotypes, and how to define success...

Impostor syndrome doesn’t start in adulthood. For many Black children, the seeds of self-doubt are planted early. In this powerful episode of BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste speaks with Drs. Lisa and Richard Orbe-Austin—renowned psychologists, executive coaches, TEDx speakers, and authors of Your Child’s Greatness: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Children Without Impostor Syndrome (Ulysses Pres...

What does a name really mean? For many Black and immigrant children, it means identity, heritage, and pride. But what happens when the world tells them their name is too different? In this special episode of BACKtalk by Successful Black Parenting Magazine , host Janice Robinson-Celeste talks with bestselling author and “Professional Troublemaker” Luvvie Ajayi Jones about her powerful new children’...

Why are Black women still three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes in the U.S.? In this powerful episode of BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste speaks with OB-GYN and advocate Dr. Faith Ahuba during Black Maternal Health Week. They discuss systemic racism in healthcare, personal stories of survival, implicit bias, and what real advocacy looks like for moms, dads, and...

In this heartfelt episode of BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste sits down with Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock to discuss his new children’s picture book, We’re In This Together: Leo’s Lunchbox . Inspired by the biblical story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, this modern parable follows a young boy named Leo who learns that sharing—even when you don’t have much—can lead to unexpected abun...

Eloise Drane has been a 6-time egg donor and 3-time surrogate, but her greatest legacy might be how she’s reshaping the fertility industry itself. In this powerful episode of BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste speaks with Eloise about founding Family Inceptions, the first Black woman-owned fertility agency in the U.S., and how she’s breaking down barriers for intended parents, surrogates, and...

🏈✨ From NFL Champion to Creative Powerhouse In this inspiring episode of the BACKtalk Podcast , we sit down with Martellus Bennett —Super Bowl Champion, author, animator, and world-builder—to talk about his powerful children’s book, Dear Black Boy . Martellus opens up about why he walked away from football at the top of his game to pursue what he calls his “real job”: creating space for Black ch...

🎧 Only 73% of Black newborns are ever breastfed — but why? And what’s standing in the way of support that all parents deserve? In this powerful episode of BACKtalk with host Janice Robinson-Celeste , we sit down with expert lactation consultant Dr. Clifton Kenon Jr., IBCLC, DNP, RN to uncover the root causes of breastfeeding disparities in the Black community. From systemic barriers to cultural s...

Successful Black Parenting Magazine -- Dream of wanting to start your own business and you are a mom? Stuck in the spiral of working, coming home too tired to do a side hustle but needing more money to survive? We got you! Listen to this episode with host Janice Robinson-Celeste and Lakeisha Robichaux tell you how they did it and how you can do it, too. m5o5DS0ywn8HXaLA7c5p #BossBae #SideHustle #S...

Get ready to wiggle! In this episode, we chat with Tsehay Hawkins, the trailblazing Yellow Wiggle and the first woman of color to join The Wiggles. Tsehay shares her inspiring journey from Ethiopia to becoming a global role model, how she brings her vibrant culture and dance to the stage, and the importance of representation in children’s media. Plus, don’t miss the scoop on The Wiggles’ 2025 U.S....

In this episode of BACKtalk, we’re thrilled to welcome Crystal Jordan, an autism advocate, author, and founder of Zachariah’s World, known for her book Just Like You, which sheds light on autism awareness and acceptance. Crystal, celebrated for her dedication to empowering families and fostering inclusivity, shares her personal journey and provides invaluable insights for navigating life as a Blac...

🌟 Get ready to be inspired! Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation with Terysa Ridgeway, a former rocket scientist, Google Program Manager, and best-selling author of the “Terysa Solves It” STEM book series. Terysa has dedicated her life to opening doors for the next generation, teaching kids not only how to code but also how to dream big and reach for the stars. 🚀In this episode, we’ll...

🚨 Stressed Out? You’re Not Alone! 🚨On this week’s BACKtalk 🎙️, we’re sitting down with Shawna Wells, a seasoned educator, and CEO of B is for Black Brilliance ✨. We’re diving into parental stress and the power of building your village 🏘️ to not just survive but THRIVE! 🙌🏾 Discover practical tips on how to create strong support systems 💪🏾, balance work and family 🧑🏾‍💼👨🏾‍👩🏾‍👦🏾, and u...

In this powerful episode of BACKtalk, we sit down with Sophia A. Strother, a courageous survivor of sex trafficking. Sophia shares her harrowing journey from the depths of childhood trauma to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Discover the alarming realities of sex trafficking, and gain vital insights on how parents can safeguard their children. Join us as we discuss prevention strategies, the...

In this episode of BACKtalk , Ivy Price-Ware shares her inspiring journey from teen mom to educator and advocate, discussing the challenges of teen pregnancy and how young mothers can succeed despite the odds. Tune in for insights on overcoming socioeconomic barriers, cultural pressures, and the stigma surrounding teen pregnancy.

In this episode of BACKtalk , Dr. Tasha Dickerson breaks down the differences between public, private, charter, and magnet schools, offering valuable insights for parents of color. Learn how to make the best decision for your child's education and how to advocate for their success in any school system.

In this powerful episode of BACKtalk, Successful Black Parenting Magazine dives deep into the critical issues of mental health, suicide, and Black teens. Host Janice Robinson-Celeste sits down with award-winning writer and educator Tony Weaver Jr. to discuss the alarming rise in mental health struggles among Black youth and the unique challenges they face in today’s society. Tony shares his person...

Join us on BACKtalk as we dive into a revolutionary approach to tween health and education with Dana Roberts and Dr. Monica Williams, the dynamic duo behind RedDrop. Discover how a classroom experience led to the creation of a groundbreaking brand dedicated to normalizing and preparing tweens for their periods. This episode explores the journey from crafting the first 'period purse' to launching a...