BACKTalk Podcast by Successful Black Parenting Magazine

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

- Ho...

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 adv...

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 producin...

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 thr...

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 stress, and boost well-being.

He also sha...

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 #MomLifePodcast #ParentingDifferences #NoP...

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 maternal deaths. We’ll also explor...

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 on your own terms. From launching a ...

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 Press, 2025).

They break down how parents...

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’s book Little Troublemaker Defends He...

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 communities.

🎧 Dr. Ahuba shares her...

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 abundance.

Together, they dive into topic...

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 egg donors, especially Black women....

🏈✨ 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 children to dream without limits.

We explore...

🎧 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 stigma and lack of access, we explore ...

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.

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#BossBae #SideHustle #StartYourBusiness #StartYourOwnBusines...

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. tour and why music and movement ar...