PRESS PLAY
The Parenting Cipher is the podcast for innovative Black parents raising neurodiverse and special needs children who want clear answers, fresh strategies, and a supportive community. Each week, host Genie Dawkins — best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, and unstoppable advocate — breaks down the intersections of special education, family lifestyle, and advocacy so you can confidently lead your child’s educational journey. Genie has walked this path herself, helping her own children access scholarships, private education, and global opportunities. Now she’s sharing the lessons, laughs, and proven strategies that help families like yours create progress schools don’t always hand over. E…
The report card is loud; Genie Dawkins wants you to notice your child's quieter wins.
Press play if you want
Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A grounded reflection on double consciousness, special education pressure, and the everyday attention children need.
Slow the Season Down frames W.E.B. Du Bois's idea of double consciousness around the pressures Black children can carry as achievement, self-doubt, and outside judgment sit side by side.
A thoughtful case for noticing the small signs of growth that school measures can miss.
School progress can look different when a child is carrying a diagnosis, an IEP, and the pressure of being measured by someone else's expectations. The host begins with W.E.B.
A clear case for Black-led microschools rooted in family voice, cultural grounding, and children's individual needs.
Microschools are framed here as a question of who helps shape a child's education, not just where learning takes place. The Parenting Cipher's conversation with Nicole Stewart-Jones links her work as founder and president of the National Association of Black Microschool Leaders…
Parenthood and bodies, told one honest story at a time.
The Parenting Cipher's 'Slow the Season Down' opens with W.E.B.
The Parenting Cipher's "Beyond Report Cards: Recognizing Progress in Neurodivergent Children" opens with W.E.B.
The Parenting Cipher interviews retired pediatrician Timothy McKnight about helping parents of neurodiverse children navigate acute illness, emergency rooms, nutrition, and healthcare systems.
The Parenting Cipher episode “From Chaos to Calm: Holiday Survival Strategies for Neurodiverse Kids” explains how holiday lights, music, school changes, family gatherings, and excitement can produce dysregulation rather than intentional misbehavior.
["Nicole Stewart-Jones says microschools usually serve fewer than 50 students and let teachers know each child closely.", "As founder and president of the National Association of Black Microschool Leaders, she connects that model to Legacy Prep Christian Micro School and 18 years in education.", "The host says her son left a charter school after bullying, sexual aggression, and missing special-education supports, then found a microschool where teachers text, check assignments, and adapt instruction.", "Stewart-Jones says Black families need options because less than 30% of Black fourth graders read proficiently by fourth grade, and she points to education savings accounts, hybrid models, and family voice as practical alternatives."]
Host Genie Dawkins reflects on lessons learned from advocating for her son's transition from private to public school, focusing on the IB curriculum.
Host Genie Dawkins interviews authors of 'Do Right By Me' about raising a biracial son and supporting all children in the community.
Host Genie Dawkins interviews author MJ Fiera about her book on raising Black confident kids and writing through trauma.
Host Genie Dawkins discusses sleep deprivation, its causes, and its impact on parents' ability to see possibilities.