Espresso Talk Today: Recent Episodes

Robin Lofton and Frederick Douglas Lofton

We confront issues and their effects on Black people in the United States and around the world. From climate change to white supremacy, police violence to veganism, we face these highly charged topics with courage and curiosity. Our uncommon conversation is quick, engaging, and enlightening. Grab an espresso and join the convo!

What happens when nothing happens... and yet everything changes? This is my story.

A YAIT Story on Freedom and Belonging

In this YAIT Story, sistah-host, Ama-Robin, shares a quiet but unforgettable experience from a resort in Sweden. Nothing dramatic happened. No one said anything unkind. And yet, something changed the moment I realized I was the only Black person in the room.

Meet me in YAIT Town as we explore what it feels like to be watched, to question your belonging, and to discover that freedom is about more than simply being allowed to enter a space.

We'll begin with my story, then sit together to reflect on what it means to practice freedom, restore ourselves, and imagine a world where belonging isn't something we have to earn.

Join us in the YAIT Town Skool community as we continue imagining, building, and practicing freedom. We'd love to welcome you!

The porch light is on.

You ain't imagining this!

Have you ever heard of Keti Koti?

I hadn't—until I was invited to a celebration in the Netherlands that opened my eyes to another powerful Black freedom celebration.

Meet me in YAIT Town as we gather at Umoja Café, stroll through the Community Garden, and settle onto the Front Porch for a conversation about Keti Koti—a Black freedom celebration that changed the way I think about freedom.

Together, we'll discover what Keti Koti is, why it matters, how it connects with Juneteenth, and what both celebrations can teach us about freedom, our shared history, and the work of closing the Freedom Gap.

We will also discuss the freedom gap: The difference between what was promised and what is received! It is a real and enduring problem that Black communities are experiencing.

In this episode, we'll meet in YAIT Town, begin our conversation at Umoja Café, walk through the Community Garden, and end on the Front Porch with Mr. Kojo, Auntie Octavia, Mrs. Alberta Jenkins, and some of our village's young people.

Join us!

What does freedom feel like?

In this gentle Comforting Moment, we pause to reflect on freedom—not as an idea or a destination, but as something we can experience in our everyday lives. Inspired by a folktale about a bird seeking freedom, this episode invites you to breathe, reflect, and consider what freedom might feel like for you.

Comforting Moments are short pauses designed to help us restore ourselves, reconnect with what matters, and remember that we are not alone.

Be sure to listen to our Juneteenth special, Belonging Here: A Juneteenth Walk in YAIT Town, and join us in the YAIT Town Skool community as we continue imagining, building, and practicing the world we want. We'd love to welcome you!

The porch light is on. There's always room for one more.

You ain't imagining this!

If you've ever felt exhausted from navigating predominantly white spaces, this episode is for you.

Today, we're taking a slow walk in YAIT Town.

We'll spend time on the Front Porch with Auntie Octavia and Mrs. Jenkins, stroll through town with Mr. Kojo, stop by Crown & Glory Barber and Beauty Shop, and end our journey at Umoja Café, where Miss Ayeisha is serving free Friday grits, warm cornbread, hibiscus tea, and plenty of community.

Along the way, we'll reflect on Juneteenth, belonging, freedom, memory, and what it feels like to be welcomed without having to earn it.

This isn't a history lesson.

It's an invitation.

An invitation to imagine—and practice—a world where you are seen, valued, safe, and connected.

A world where you belong.

So come walk with me.

You ain't imagining it.

And you ain't alone.

If you've ever felt exhausted in predominantly white spaces, this episode is for you.

Today we're talking about luggage.

A flight attendant moved my bag so a (white) passenger could use the overhead bin space.

It was a small moment.

An easily dismissed moment.

And yet it stayed with me.

Why? Because this story isn't really about the luggage.

It's about who was expected to move.

You ain't imagining this!

In Beyond the Story, we explore the idea of "the movable person," James Baldwin's insights on being forced to alter oneself, and the historical echoes that can reveal seemingly small moments are actually much larger.

If you've ever been expected to move, adjust, accommodate, or make yourself smaller to fit into a white space, I'd love to continue the conversation with you in the YAIT Town community on Skool.

And you ain't alone.

Join me on the Front Porch!

Feeling exhausted in white spaces? You're not the only one.

In this opening Porch Talk for June's You Ain't Imagining This! series, Ama-Robin Lofton explores the emotional weight of navigating predominantly white spaces and the self-doubt, exhaustion, and second-guessing that can follow.

This conversation introduces YAIT's approach to Naming, Restoring, and Reimagining—naming what happened, restoring what has been depleted, and imagining the freedom, safety, belonging, and joy we deserve.

If you've ever walked away from an interaction wondering, "Did that really happen?" this episode is your invitation to sit down, exhale, and join the conversation.

The porch light is on.

You ain't imagining it.

And you ain't alone.

What helps a space feel easier to breathe in?

What allows your body to soften… your thoughts to settle… and your shoulders to release what they've been carrying.

In this gentle reflection, we gather in Umoja Café to talk about Higher Ground — the moments, places, people, and experiences that allow the body, mind, and spirit to soften, breathe, and remember that survival is not all there is.

Following the earlier Front Porch reflection on Higher Ground, this episode invites listeners into a simple practice of micro imagining: noticing what helps us feel more at ease, more connected, and more fully ourselves in the spaces we move through.

Together, we explore what creates feelings of comfort, belonging, peace, and presence—not as something distant or perfect, but as something we can begin to notice in small, meaningful ways.

This is a softer episode. A slower one.

A space where nothing is asked of you.

You can simply listen, breathe, and let yourself settle for a little while.

And if you need it, you can return to this moment again and again.

Come as you are. Take what you need. You ain't imagining this.

Come sit on the porch for a while.

After weeks of reflecting on racial battle fatigue, high-effort coping, exhaustion, and the struggle to truly rest, Ama-Robin turns toward another question:

What happens when we begin imagining something more than survival?

In this Front Porch Talk, she reflects on the moments, spaces, people, books, conversations, and communities that allow the body and spirit to soften — the moments where we feel more fully human, grounded, joyful, and alive.

Sometimes we don't recognize higher ground while we're standing in it. Sometimes we only notice it after we leave — when the tension returns, the hypervigilance comes back, and we realize how different we felt in spaces where we could finally breathe.

This episode is a gentle conversation about restoration, imagination, community, and learning to recognize the places where our humanity can unfold more freely.

The Front Porch Talks in YAIT Town are meant to be a comforting presence — a place to return to slowly, again and again, whenever you need grounding, softness, reflection, or rest.

You can learn more about how we do this in the YAIT Community in Skool, too!

If you've been following the Restoration Series, you may also want to revisit: 🎧 Why My Body Cannot Rest

And if you're looking for reflection and community beyond the podcast, come join us in YAIT Town on Skool.

The porch light is on.

A Front Porch Talk from YAIT Town

Come sit on the porch for a while.

In this Front Porch Talk, Ama-Robin reflects on why rest can feel so difficult — especially for people living under constant pressure, hypervigilance, striving, and survival mode.

Following this month's conversations on racial battle fatigue and John Henryism, this episode explores what happens when the body, mind, emotions, spirit, and nervous system never fully get the chance to settle. Because rest is more than sleep. More than stopping. More than self-care trends or spa culture.

Real rest reaches deeper than that.

Why do so many of us feel guilty when we slow down? Why does rest sometimes feel unsafe, unfamiliar, or undeserved? And what would it mean to imagine a life where exhaustion is not the price of survival, success, or worthiness?

The Front Porch Talks in YAIT Town are meant to be a comforting presence — a place to sit, breathe, reflect, and return to when the world feels heavy. These are not lectures or performances. They are conversations meant to be revisited slowly, over and over again, whenever you need grounding, recognition, softness, or rest.

If you've been listening throughout the Restoration Series, you may also want to revisit: 🎧 You Were Never Meant to Carry This Every Day 🎧 You Don't Have to Push This Hard All the Time 🎧 There's a Name for This: Racial Battle Fatigue 🎧 There's a Name for This: John Henryism

And if you're looking for reflection and community beyond the podcast, come join us in YAIT Town on Skool.

The porch light is on.

What happens when survival turns into constant striving?

In this episode of There's a Name for This, Ama-Robin explores John Henryism — a term developed by Sherman James to describe the high-effort coping many Black people use to survive, succeed, overcome barriers, and prove themselves in systems built on chronic pressure and inequality.

Drawing from the folk legend of John Henry, this episode reflects on the emotional, physical, and spiritual cost of constantly pushing harder, striving longer, and living at full strain to "beat the machine."

Ama-Robin shares personal reflections on overwork, migraines, the pressure to "prove them wrong," and the moment she realized that survival and success should not require self-destruction.

This conversation also reflects on the powerful decision by Simone Biles to step back from Olympic competition in order to protect her mental and physical health — and what it means to refuse collapse for applause.

This is not a lecture hall.

It's a conversation about restoration, health, community, and what it means to build lives that are not organized around exhaustion.

If you haven't already, begin with the companion Front Porch Talk: 🎧 The Pressure to Keep Pushing Yourself

And if you're looking for community, reflection, and conversation beyond the podcast, come join us in YAIT Town on Skool.

The porch light is on.

Come sit on the porch for a minute.

In this Front Porch Talk, Ama-Robin reflects on the exhaustion that comes from constantly striving, pushing, surviving, achieving, and trying to stay ahead in a world that often teaches Black people that rest must be earned and worth must be proven.

What happens when survival becomes endless striving?

When does success begin to cost us our health, peace, joy, and relationships?

When does pushing through become so normal that we no longer recognize the strain we're living under?

This episode is not about giving up on ambition or hard work. It's about noticing the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual cost of living at full pressure all the time.

The Front Porch is not a lecture hall. It's a place to breathe, reflect, restore yourself, and remember that you are more than what you produce.

If this episode resonates with you, continue with the companion episode: 🎧 There's a Name for This: John Henryism

And if you're looking for community, reflection, and conversation beyond the podcast, come join us in YAIT Town on Skool.

The porch light is on.

You ain't imagining this!

A short follow-up to this week's Front Porch Talk.

In this episode, we begin naming the exhaustion that can build from constantly navigating racial stress, adjustment, and awareness in everyday life.

You ain't imagining this!

If you want to linger and ponder on this feeling a little longer, let's talk about it on my Substack.

A Front Porch Talk from YAIT Town

Come on up to the porch for a while!

In YAIT Town, the Front Porch is not a lecture hall. It's a place to sit down, settle in, and name some of the things we've been carrying for far too long.

In this first Porch Talk of the Restoration Series, Ama-Robin reflects on a kind of exhaustion that many Black people know deeply — the tiredness that comes not from one dramatic moment, but from constantly adjusting, scanning, holding back, and pushing through in predominantly white spaces.

The small moments. The constant awareness. The weight that builds quietly over time.

This episode is not about fixing everything today. It's about recognition. About finally noticing what your body may have been trying to tell you all along.

So come sit on the porch for a while.

No pressure. No performance. Just a moment to breathe, reflect, and remember that you are not carrying this alone.

If you want to linger and ponder on this feeling a little longer, let's talk about it on my Substack.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, tense, or like you're carrying too much—even when nothing obvious is happening?

This is a Comforting Moment—a special type of episode within You Ain't Imagining This, designed to help you slow down, release stress, and create a little more space in your body and mind.

In this guided audio experience, we step out of Umoja Café and into the YAIT Town Community Garden, where you're invited to settle your breath, relax your body, and gently reconnect with yourself.

Through a simple micro imagining exercise, you'll explore:

What makes a space feel safe, calm, and comfortable
How to feel more at ease in your environment
How to create small moments of peace, even in everyday settings

This episode is especially helpful if you've been:

overthinking or mentally exhausted
feeling tense in social or work environments
navigating stress, pressure, or emotional overload
looking for a calming, grounding podcast moment

You don't need to do anything perfectly.

You can simply listen, rest, and return to this episode whenever you need a moment to breathe and reset.

If this brings you even a small sense of calm, consider sharing it with someone who might need a quiet moment too.

Come as you are. Take what you need. You ain't imagining this.

Have you ever been talked over in a meeting—and later found yourself replaying the moment, wondering why you stopped speaking?

In this Espresso Talk, we move beyond what happened in the room and look at what we carried into it—and what we carried out.

Following Before I Finished Speaking and I Stayed This Time, we explore:

how we are socialised, especially through race, to move in certain ways
how those patterns become internalised—automatic and often invisible
why silence can feel protective, while still leaving us carrying more than we should

This isn't about blame or fixing ourselves.

It's about understanding what we've learned to carry—and beginning to restore.

☕ The YAIT Town Journey: Naming → Restoring → Imagining

If this resonates, share it with someone who might need it too.

Join Ama-Robin for an espresso at the Umoja Cafe!

Come as you are. Take what you need.

You ain't imagining this!

Have you ever been interrupted…but this time, something in you didn't step back?

In the first story, Before I Finished Speaking, we sat in a familiar moment—a meeting, a pause, a voice that wasn't heard.

And then… the moment moved on.

In today's story, we return to that same kind of room.

Same setup. Same kind of interruption.

But something is different.

This is not a story about getting it "right."

It's not a story about being more confident, more assertive, or more anything.

It's a story about staying.

About what becomes possible when you don't leave the moment so quickly.

☕ This is part of the YAIT Town journey:

Naming → Restoring → Imagining

In the last episode, we named what happened.

In this one, we begin to feel what it might mean to move through it differently.

Then, we'll meet at the Umoja café again for an Espresso Talk, where we'll begin to go deeper—to explore what we're carrying, what we've learned, and how we begin to restore.

If this story resonates with you, take a moment to like, share, or comment.

Because there is someone else, right now, living a moment just like this.

Come as you are. Take what you need.

You ain't imagining this!

"I've been thinking about the questions we ask ourselves every day… and how they shape what we allow ourselves to do. Sit with this for a moment."

What is something you've been curious about…but haven't let yourself explore? Maybe it's something small—a class, a hobby, a conversation, a different way of spending your time…or even a thought you keep returning to.
What's been holding you back from trying it?

Is it fear, timing, expectations… or something else?

What would a small first step look like?

Not a big leap—just one gentle move in that direction If it feels right, write it down. Or just sit with it for a moment longer.

No pressure.

No performance.

Just connection.

Have you ever started to say something…and someone talked over you—and the moment just moved on without you?

Last week, we stepped into a familiar moment in the story Before I Finished Speaking (link below).

A meeting. A pause. A sentence that didn't finish.

And then… everything moved on.

Without you.

In this Espresso Talk, we slow that moment down.

Not to overanalyze it. Not to judge it.

But to name what actually happened—both in the room, and inside of us.

We explore:

Why those small, almost invisible moments matter
How we learn to adjust, soften, or step back—often without realizing it
The difference between what we are taught… and what we begin to carry automatically
Why these responses are not failures—but strategies shaped by experience

This is not about blame.

This is not about "fixing" ourselves.

This is about naming.

Because naming is where awareness begins.

☕ This episode is part of the YAIT Town liberation journey:

Naming → Restoring → Imagining

And today, we stay with the first step.

🎧 Start with the story: Before I Finished Speaking (the story that begins this conversation)

👉 Listen here

If this episode resonates with you, take a moment to like, share, or comment.

Because there is someone else, right now, living a moment just like this.

Come as you are. Take what you need.

Recommendation: For deeper insight into navigating moments like this, I highly recommend Promoting Racial Literacy in Schools by Howard C. Stevenson—there is wisdom on every page.

Have you ever started to say something…and someone spoke over you? Then the moment just moved on without you?

In this storytelling episode of You Ain't ImaginingThis, we step into a familiar space—a meeting, a table, a conversation—and follow one small moment as it unfolds in real time.

Nothing dramatic happens.

And yet… something does.

This story gently explores the quiet, often unnoticed ways we adjust ourselves in predominantly white spaces—how we read the room, time our words, and sometimes step back without even realizing it.

Not because we're unsure.

But because we've learned how to move in ways that keep things calm and smooth.

This is the first story in a 2-part series using a parallel storytelling technique, where we return to the same kind of moment… and experience it differently.

So as you listen, don't try to analyze it.

Just notice what feels familiar.

✨ In this episode:

A real, everyday workplace moment many of us recognize
The subtle experience of being talked over or overlooked
The internal adjustments we make—often without thinking
A quiet question that might stay with you after the story ends

Note: This is a Trauma-aware episode.

Next week, we'll come back to this moment in our Espresso Talk—to name what's happening and why it matters.

If this story resonated with you, take a moment to like, share, or comment.

And if someone came to mind while you were listening—send it to them.

This is how we grow.

This is how we remind each other: You're not imagining this.

☕ Join us in YAIT Town

You're invited to our first YAIT Town Storytelling Circle, where we'll explore The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton together.

No preparation needed—we'll read, reflect, and let the conversation unfold. The circle will be held on Zoom!

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 10 am (U.S. Eastern Time)

Click here to register.

Come sit for a moment and breathe.

In this gentle Comforting Moment from YAIT Town, Ama-Robin offers a quiet space to rest and remember something simple and true: you matter.

After a month of exploring invisibility and the weight of feeling unseen, this episode invites you into a place of grounding and reflection in the Carter G. Woodson Community Garden — a space where nothing has to prove that it belongs.

Through soft guidance, breath, and reflection, you're invited to reconnect with moments of deep, undeniable mattering… and to remember that your worth is not conditional.

You are not invisible.

You are not alone.

You matter.

And you ain't imagining this.

Have you ever felt invisible in a room where you were clearly present?

We recently talked about the many ways invisibility shows up in everyday life. But invisibility is not the end of the story.

In this Espresso Talk from Umoja Café in YAIT Town, Ama-Robin reflects on the opposite of invisibility: mattering.

What does it feel like to matter?

Where do we experience it?

And how do we remember it when systems and spaces fail to recognize our full humanity?

Through personal reflection — from volunteering at a food bank to conversations with close friends — Ama-Robin explores the idea of reciprocal mattering, the shared experience of recognizing one another's value and dignity.

The episode closes with reminders and affirmations about mattering — not as something we earn, but as something we remember.

Because the opposite of invisibility is mattering--and that truth changes everything.

You ain't imagining this.

Have you ever been in a room where you were clearly present… but somehow still unseen?

In this Espresso Talk from Umoja Café in YAIT Town, Ama-Robin reflects on the many ways invisibility appears in everyday life.

Some of these moments are personal. Some are cultural. Some are structural.

From meetings where ideas are ignored until someone else repeats them… to stories that erase the people most affected… this episode names 20 moments of invisibility that many of us have experienced but rarely had language for.

Ama-Robin shares one of her own moments of invisibility and reflects on what began to change once she started recognizing the pattern.

Because naming something matters.

Naming it brings clarity. Naming it brings recognition. And sometimes naming it brings empowerment.

But this conversation isn't ending here.

The opposite of invisibilization is mattering — being seen, heard, and valued.

And that's where this journey is going next.

So pull up a chair at Umoja Café, listen closely, and notice what resonates.

You ain't imagining this.

Have you ever felt invisible in a room where everyone could see you? Have you ever wondered if you really mattered there?

In this Believe Black People story, we step inside Crown and Glory, a neighborhood barber and beauty shop that sits just a half-step above the street — and a world where something important gets named.

In TT's chair, a woman begins to make sense of a feeling many Black people know too well: being visible but not influential, included but not heard. What begins as a personal reflection slowly reveals a deeper pattern — one that touches work, media, community, and history.

But this story is not about despair.

It is about naming what is happening, finding clarity, and remembering a deeper truth: mattering is inherent.

Believe Black People episodes name experiences that are often dismissed, minimized, or explained away. They carry a little more edge because they confront what many already know in their bones — while still holding space for reflection, safety, and healing.

So come as you are. Take what you need. And listen closely to what happened at the beauty shop.

Because sometimes clarity begins in the most ordinary places.

And you ain't imagining this.

Have you been carrying too much? Do you need a place to exhale?

In this Comforting Moment, we return to higher ground—not to analyze, debate, or prove anything, but simply to be. This is a gentle gathering on the Front Porch of YAIT Town, a steady space where you can set things down for a moment and let your body soften.

No urgency. No pressure. Just a few quiet minutes of calm, presence, and reminder: you are visible here, and you can rest here.

And you can return again and again.

You ain't imagining this!

Have you ever been present in a room… and still made to feel invisible?

In this Porch Moment, Ama-Robin shares a quiet classroom memory about being told to make herself "invisible." There's no lesson and no urgency—just a brief, honest reflection on what invisibility can feel like in the body. A small story about a small moment that stayed.

Please join us on the front porch in YAIT Town.

You're not imagining this.

Have you ever remembered something from years ago — and felt it in your body today?

A graduation that made you stand taller. A classroom that made your stomach tighten. A moment of pride that still warms your chest — or a moment of dismissal that still lingers.

In this YAIT Town Story, The Body Remembers, we return to the Front Porch in YAIT Town, where conversation, memory, and community reveal a deeper truth: history doesn't only live in books. It lives in the body.

Through an immersive story and a thoughtful Beyond the Story reflection, Ama-Robin explores racialized body memory, hypervigilance, cultural regulation, and the brilliance our bodies carry — especially during Black History Month. This episode is trauma-aware, reflective, and grounding.

Come as you are. Take what you need. You belong here.

You ain't imagining this!

Have you ever noticed that certain experiences feel obvious to you — but invisible to others? Have you ever tried to explain a moment of bias or dismissal, only to be told it probably wasn't about race?

What do we mean when we say Black invisibility?

In this Espresso Talk — a calm, focused reflection grounded in lived experience — Ama-Robin sits inside Nommo Bookstore in YAIT Town and names a reality many Black people live with daily: being present but unseen, harmed but doubted, accomplished but erased.

During Black History Month — a time that appears to center Black visibility — this episode explores why invisibility doesn't disappear just because February arrives. In fact, the contrast can make it clearer.

Through personal reflection and steady truth-telling, Ama-Robin examines how Black experiences are minimized, gaslit, and rewritten — and why naming this pattern matters.

This is not a rant. It is recognition. You ain't imagining this.

Loved the first part? Want to stay on the Front Porch a little longer?

Thank you for continuing this important, family-friendly Black History Month Village Story. In Part Two of Gathering on Higher Ground, we remain on the Front Porch of YAIT Town, where remembering gently turns into building--together.

This final chapter reflects on how Black history lives in everyday moments: shared food, questions asked out loud, elders teaching in different ways, and the quiet work of belonging.

The episode closes with a Beyond the Story reflection, where Ama-Robin shares why this story was told and how the idea of higher ground helps us imagine—and practice—a better world.

About YAIT (You Ain't Imagining This!)

YAIT is a Black-centered reflection and storytelling space exploring what it means to live with dignity, care, and imagination in predominantly white spaces. Alongside Village Stories, the show includes:

Espresso Talks — grounded conversations about navigating life in predominantly white spaces
Believe Black People episodes — direct, unapologetic truth-telling that names anti-Black racism, gaslighting, and erasure without softening, disclaimers, or debate.
Comforting Moments — short, calming audio offerings for rest and regulation
Sounds of Safety — a soothing audio series designed to help the nervous system settle after stress or overwhelm

YAIT also supports We Ain't Imagining This! (WAIT!): the collective and activist arm of the project—focused on imagination, care, and counter-world building beyond the podcast. Comforting, restorative merch is also coming soon!

The YAIT Town community is growing on SKOOL, offering a shared space for reflection, conversation, and practicing these ideas together. Join here!

The YAIT website hosts additional experiences, including written reflections, rituals, story extensions, and resources designed to deepen rest, imagination, and connection.

YAIT Town is here for you.

Come as you are. Take what you need.

And remember—you ain't imagining this!

Feeling tired of loud stories and heavy explanations?

Join Ama-Robin on the Front Porch of YAIT Town for a gentle, family-friendly Village Story created especially for Black History Month.

Gathering on Higher Ground is a calm, immersive story—free of stress, conflict, or drama—that reflects on what Black history really holds: community, wisdom, joy, survival, and belonging.

This story invites listeners of all ages to sit together, ask questions, and remember that Black history is more than struggle—it is a living, breathing inheritance. Part Two of the story is already waiting for you, whenever you're ready to continue the gathering.

About YAIT (You Ain't Imagining This!)

YAIT is a Black-centered reflection and storytelling space exploring what it means to live with dignity, care, and imagination in predominantly white spaces. Alongside Village Stories, the show includes:

Espresso Talks — grounded conversations about navigating life in predominantly white spaces
Believe Black People episodes — direct, unapologetic truth-telling that names anti-Black racism, gaslighting, and erasure without softening, disclaimers, or debate.
Comforting Moments — short, calming audio offerings for rest and regulation
Sounds of Safety — a soothing audio series designed to help the nervous system settle after stress or overwhelm

YAIT also supports We Ain't Imagining This! (WAIT!): the collective and activist arm of the project—focused on imagination, care, and counter-world building beyond the podcast. Comforting, restorative merch is also coming soon!

The YAIT Town community is growing on SKOOL, offering a shared space for reflection, conversation, and practicing these ideas together. Join here!

The YAIT website hosts additional experiences, including written reflections, rituals, story extensions, and resources designed to deepen rest, imagination, and connection.

YAIT Town is here for you.

Come as you are. Take what you need.

And remember—you ain't imagining this!

Feeling braced or on edge today? Join Ama-Robin in Umoja Café for a gentle Espresso Talk about pockets of safety—those small moments where the body can exhale and the nervous system can settle. Through a short folktale and real-life reflections as a Black woman living in predominantly white spaces, this episode explores how safety is felt, why it matters, and how noticing it becomes the first step toward imagining a way of living with dignity.

About YAIT (You Ain't Imagining This!)

YAIT is a Black-centered reflection and storytelling space exploring what it means to live with dignity, care, and imagination in predominantly white spaces. Alongside Village Stories, the show includes:

Espresso Talks — grounded conversations about navigating life in predominantly white spaces
Believe Black People episodes — direct, unapologetic truth-telling that names anti-Black racism, gaslighting, and erasure without softening, disclaimers, or debate.
Comforting Moments — short, calming audio offerings for rest and regulation
Sounds of Safety — a soothing audio series designed to help the nervous system settle after stress or overwhelm

YAIT also supports We Ain't Imagining This! (WAIT!): the collective and activist arm of the project—focused on imagination, care, and counter-world building beyond the podcast. Comforting, restorative merch is also coming soon!

The YAIT Town community is growing on SKOOL, offering a shared space for reflection, conversation, and practicing these ideas together. Join here!

The YAIT website hosts additional experiences, including written reflections, rituals, story extensions, and resources designed to deepen rest, imagination, and connection.

Black History Month Special! Join us for a special YAIT Town story releasing Thursday, February 5th—an immersive, sensory-rich story. on Black history and Black futures. Guaranteed: Conflict-free. Stress-free. Drama-free.

Listen while walking, resting, or taking a pause between everything else.

YAIT Town is here for you.

Come as you are. Take what you need.

And remember—you ain't imagining this!

Do you feel safe? This Comforting Moment focuses on safety as the foundation for everything else. Through gentle guidance and quiet presence, this episode invites listeners to slow down, release urgency, and begin from a place where the body does not have to brace. You don't need answers or a plan—just a safe place to begin.

Sistah-host Ama-Robin guides you through this Comforting Moment and invites you to begin gently.

Comforting Moments are short, intentional audio pauses designed to help the body settle and the nervous system soften. They matter because when we're constantly rushed, braced, or overstimulated, it becomes hard to imagine anything new—let alone build it. These moments offer regulation before reflection, calm before clarity.

This is not a sleep story, though you may drift off.

It's an offering of calm, restoration, and permission to begin gently.

You ain't imagining this!

The World We Practice Here is a calm, immersive YAIT Village Story created for listeners who need relief from constant urgency, tension, and emotional noise.

This is a drama-free and conflict-free story—not because nothing matters, but because not everything needs to escalate to hold meaning. There's no violence, no confrontation, and no manufactured suspense. Instead, the story invites you into ordinary moments of Black life where safety is assumed, dignity is intact, and the nervous system can finally soften.

You'll follow a gentle walk through YAIT Town—past familiar places, everyday encounters, and small pockets of ease that show what's possible when harm is not centered. The experience is designed to be grounding, comforting, and restorative, especially if your body feels tired, overstimulated, or on edge.

This isn't a sleep story—though you may drift. It's not boring—it's intentional. It's a reminder that another way of living is possible, and that practicing calm, even briefly, can change what we're willing to accept when we return to the world.

About YAIT (You Ain't Imagining This!)

YAIT is a Black-centered storytelling and reflection space exploring what it means to live with dignity, care, and imagination in a world that often denies those things. Alongside Village Stories like this one, the show includes:

Espresso Talks — grounded conversations about navigating life in predominantly white spaces
Believe Black People episodes — direct, unapologetic truth-telling that names anti-Black racism, gaslighting, and erasure without softening, disclaimers, or debate.
Comforting Moments — short, calming audio offerings for rest and regulation
Sounds of Safety — a soothing audio series designed to help the nervous system settle after stress or overwhelm

YAIT also includes We Ain't Imagining This! (WAIT!): the collective and activist arm of the project—focused on imagination, care, and counter-world building beyond the podcast. Comforting, restorative merch is also coming soon!

The YAIT Town community is growing on SKOOL, offering a shared space for reflection, conversation, and practicing these ideas together.

The YAIT website hosts additional experiences, including written reflections, rituals, story extensions, and resources designed to deepen rest, imagination, and connection.

Listen while walking, resting, or taking a pause between everything else.

YAIT Town is here for you.

Come as you are. Take what you need.

And remember—you ain't imagining this!

Sounds of Safety is a gentle audio offering rooted in the Black tradition of the front porch—a place of watching, listening, resting, and belonging. You'll hear everyday porch sounds: distant voices, footsteps passing by, wind in the trees, birds, quiet movement, and moments of silence. Nothing demands your attention. Nothing needs fixing. This is an invitation to let your body remember what it feels like to be safe enough to simply be.

You can listen while resting, after a difficult moment, or as part of winding down—allowing your nervous system to soften and your breath to settle.

Why Sounds of Safety Matter

Safety isn't just an idea—it's sensory.

For many Black people, danger hasn't always announced itself loudly; it's lived quietly in the body. Sounds of Safety works by offering familiar, non-threatening sounds that signal: you are not alone, you are not being watched, you are not in danger right now.

These sounds help:

calm the nervous system
reduce hypervigilance
reconnect the body to presence and ease
restore a sense of grounded awareness

This isn't escapism. It's regulation.

Why the Front Porch Matters

The front porch is not inside and not outside—it's the threshold.

Historically, it has been a place where Black life unfolded in public view with protection:

talking, laughing, listening, resting, watching the world pass without being pulled into it.

In YAIT Town, the Front Porch represents:

shared presence without performance
community without extraction
safety without silence

The Sounds of Safety belong here because the porch teaches us something essential:

You don't have to disappear to be safe.

You don't have to explain yourself to belong.

You can sit, listen, and still be held.

This Comforting Moment marks the first day of Kwanzaa — Umoja, the principle of Unity.

In this gentle gathering in the Umoja Cafe in YAIT Town, we pause to remember that we were never meant to carry life alone.

YAIT Town is a living sanctuary built through story, reflection, and shared breath — a place you can return to for rest, truth, and connection.

Alongside Comforting Moments like this one, You Ain't Imagining This! offers:

Immersive and Sensory Stories that invite you into Black spaces, memories, and moments.
Believe Black People episodes that name and challenge racism and the experience of living Black in predominantly white spaces.
Espresso Talks that explore everyday Black life with care and clarity.

You're also invited to deepen this work through the YAIT newsletter, where reflections, rituals, and community offerings continue beyond the podcast.

YAIT Town is always open — and the porch light is always on.

On the longest nights of the year, we gather on the Front Porch in YAIT Town to remember that we don't face the darkness alone. We Carry the Light is a gentle, Comforting Moment centered on Black joy, ancestral presence, shared hope, and the quiet warmth we give one another — even when the world goes dim.

Comforting Moments are short, restful episodes meant to be used however you need them: while resting, walking, sitting in the dark, or simply breathing.

These are pauses, not lessons — places to land, soften, and be held.

You're always welcome here — come join us on the Front Porch.

The porch light is always on.

In this YAIT Town Story, we step inside Nommo Books and discover the mysterious Wintering Room — a sanctuary that appears only in December.

This fictional tale carries real and relevant truths about rest, darkness, and cultural wisdom. Ama-Robin, a Black empowerment storyteller, guides us through a mystical yet grounded journey that reminds us: winter isn't a season to push through; it's an invitation to soften, breathe, and reclaim the pace nature intended.

Come on into YAIT Town for a celebration unlike anything you've ever heard!

This is not Thanksgiving.

This is The Day of Gratitude — a reimagined gathering rooted in Black joy, ancestral presence, and the flavors of the Diaspora. One long table stretches from the Front Porch to the Community Garden, covered in jollof rice, mac and cheese, plantains, root vegetables, and stories carried across oceans.

In this special episode, you'll walk with Ama-Robin between the chairs, greeting neighbors of all ages — the elders with their laughter and wisdom, the children asking brilliant questions, Mr. Isaiah with his bird stories, Ms. Geneva with her books, Malik with his handmade art, the Robinsons with their abundant plates.

There's an empty chair at the head of the table for the ancestors.

There is joy.

There is reverence.

There is warmth.

There is belonging.

And there is you — invited, welcomed, held.

If you've ever wished for a holiday that honors our people, our history, our culture, and our resilience… this is it.

Pull up a chair at the Gratitude Table.

You have a place here.

You always did.

And you ain't imagining this!

Join me on the Front Porch! Today, we slow down together and learn a simple, powerful practice for rewiring the mind toward what nourishes us. Using four steps — seeing the good, naming the good, staying with the good, and claiming the good — we explore how neuroplasticity becomes a tool of healing, resilience, and liberation for Black folks living in predominantly white spaces.

With Auntie Octavia by our side and sweet tea in hand, we talk about why our brains have been trained to scan for danger, why that's not a flaw but a survival skill, and how learning to gather the good can shift our health, our joy, our relationships, and even our generational inheritance.

This episode is soft, honest, and deeply ancestral — a moment to breathe, reset, and remember that joy is our birthright.

You ain't imagining this.

Ama-Robin's Book Selection:

Every Day Spirit: A Daybook of Wisdom, Joy, and Peace by Mary Davis

Affirmations:

"My ancestors wanted this for me." "This goodness belongs to all of us." "Joy is my resistance." "I'm learning to harvest what's mine."

In this final audio walkthrough of Nommo books, we'll go behind the story of the past audios and why we built Nommo Books in YAIT Town.

Nommo Books — The First Visit I remember the first time I stepped into Nommo Books. The air was warm, thick with the smell of paper and cardamom tea. Rain had followed me all the way from the corner, and when I closed the door behind me, the city seemed to exhale and go quiet.

Inside, the light was soft and amber. A record player somewhere in the back was spinning a Coltrane ballad that wrapped itself around the room–I could tell it was a record because of the distinct crackling sound! I love hearing the sax and the crackling. I stood for a moment just to listen. Otherwise, the store was silent. But it wasn't a silence that told you to whisper or walk softly — it was a silence that said, safe.

The shelves were tall and full, but nothing about them felt still. The names on the spines — Morrison, Baldwin, Sanchez, Butler — seemed to hum together, low and steady, like a choir warming up. I ran my hand along the wooden shelves, and my anticipation jumped with the thought of having access to so much brilliance at my fingertips.

Then something familiar but not experienced for a long time grabbed my attention.

Off to my left, there was a small circle of elders gathered around a wide wooden table near the front window. Newspapers were spread out beside mugs of coffee, and the conversation moved easily between laughter and low debate — about politics, about the neighborhood, about what the grandkids were up to. It felt like home, like the kind of talk that keeps a community connected thru generations..

Farther back, through a half-open doorway, I glimpsed the Story Room. Bright pillows scattered across the floor, children sitting cross-legged while someone read aloud from a picture book. Their voices rose and fell with the rhythm of the tale, and their laughter spilled into the hallway like sunlight.

Near the center of the shop stood the Book-of-the-Month table. A notebook lay open beside a stack of novels wrapped with twine, filled with handwritten notes from readers — "This line broke me open." "Read this one slow." "Reminded me of my mama."

And by the door, a cork bulletin board overflowed with flyers: a poetry reading, a rent-strike meeting, a drumming class, a healing circle. Nommo Books wasn't just a store; it was the town's bulletin of living, breathing connection.

That's when I saw her.

Ms. Geneva Carter, behind the counter, wearing a deep purple scarf and glasses that caught the lamplight. She didn't rush to greet me. She looked up, smiled like she already knew me, and her eyes said,

"You're welcome.. Take your time. The story you need will call your name when it's ready."

I nodded, understanding that I didn't need to speak my thoughts outloud.

There was a kettle steaming somewhere, and the sound of pages turning, and the faint click of someone typing notes on a keyboard.. I found a seat near the window, beside a stack of used paperbacks bound with twine. Outside, the rain kept time against the glass.

For a while, I just sat there. I read a little, then looked up, then read again. A woman laughed softly in the next aisle. Someone hummed a hymn I half-remembered from childhood. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was part of the sound — not intruding, not surviving, just belonging.

Before I left, Ms. Carter slipped a small bookmark into my hand. On it, she'd written, You are never alone in a Black bookstore. I keep it with me still — a reminder that our stories are waiting, and that home can be found in the turning of a page.

You're never alone in a Black bookstore.

Listen to this Nommo Books Story about the boy who wouldn't leave the library

Let me welcome you to the warm and peaceful hub that is Nommo books with this audio walk-through experience.

In this first part, we step inside and breathe in the scent of coffee and sandalwood.

Books line the shelves like friends waiting to be introduced, Sometimes you'll even find a handwritten note tucked inside — a quote, an affirmation, a reminder that you belong.

Nommo Books is more than a bookstore; it's a heartbeat of memory, resilience, and imagination

This special Comforting Moment invites you to pause the noise, settle your spirit, and rest in the calm rhythm of the harvest season.

In YAIT Town, the air is cool, the garden is quiet, and the work is finally done.

Here, we practice the art of receiving and releasing—taking in what still nourishes us, letting go of what no longer serves us, and blessing it all with gratitude.

Through gentle narration and grounding soundscapes, storyteller Ama-Robin guides you into stillness—where breath slows, shoulders soften, and the mind unclenches.

This isn't a story about doing more; it's a reminder that enough has already been done.

Wherever you are, let this be your sacred pause.

Come rest in the calm.

Come gather your peace.

This week in YAIT Town, we walk together to the Community Garden—the heart of our village and the keeper of quiet wisdom.

The rows are slower now, the air cooler, and the season is asking hard but necessary questions:

What is still feeding you?
What have you outgrown?
What are you carrying that no longer needs to travel with you?

In this YAIT Story, "The Gathering," Ama-Robin meets Mama Abena among the collards, sage, and falling leaves to learn the art of harvesting without hurry—of knowing when to hold on and when to let go.

Through story and reflection, we explore what it means to gather only what nourishes and to release what has already served its purpose.

Come breathe, listen, and gather what's truly yours to keep. Welcome home to YAIT Town.

YAIT Town isn't on any map — it's a Black sanctuary built from story, memory, and imagination. In this special episode, sistah-host Ama-Robin invites you to be among the first to walk its streets and feel its rhythm.

The tour begins on the front porch where we meet, connect, and recharge together. Then we will visit a Black-centered bookstore that lights up the main street, our soul-centered café that fills the air with laughter and cornbread, the George Washington Carver Community Garden where freedom grows from the soil, and our barber-beauty shop that hums with clippers and community.

YAIT Town is more than just a "place" — it's a way of coping, healing, and building together.

This is a Black town — a digital sanctuary for our stories, our joy, our rest, and our wholeness. In this opening walk through YAIT Town, you'll hear the sounds of children playing, feel the peace of the porch light, and know without a doubt: you belong here.

Come take the first walk. The porch light's already on.

You never walk it alone.

You ain't imagining this!

In this Comforting Moment episode, host and sistah-guide Ama-Robin Lofton invites you to sit on the porch with a glass of sweet tea at dusk. Together, we slow down, breathe, and remember what it feels like to belong.

Through gentle storytelling and guided reflection, Ama-Robin reminds us that safety isn't always found in crowds or conversation, but in quiet company—the kind that sees you without words.

This moment of rest and presence is part of the You Ain't Imagining This! sanctuary series, offering peace, grounding, and connection for Black listeners navigating a noisy world.

Take a few minutes to exhale. To feel held. To remember that you are never alone.

So pour yourself something warm, exhale, and come take your seat.

Because on this porch, the light stays on for you.

The porch. The veranda. The stoop. Whatever you call it, it's the space where we learn, rest, and remember who we are.

In this story, five children visit five porches—each one offering its own lesson: how to listen, how to love in truth, how to be still, how to come home, and how to stay strong when the world refuses to see your light. They return feeling safe, cherished, and forever changed.

The porch is more than a step outside your door—it's a safe zone, a classroom, and a reminder that peace and power belong to you. But we have to claim it. We have to be mindful of where we sit, who sits with us, and what we allow to follow us home.

So come sit with me. Let's breathe, reflect, and remember the spaces that keep us whole.

Pull up a chair for a soulful conversation about food, culture, and community!

For us, food has never been just food. It’s memory. It’s resistance. It’s joy. It’s how we have loved, organized, healed, and built community — even in the hardest times.

From the cookfires of the enslaved to the cafés of the Harlem Renaissance to today’s kitchen tables, our meals have carried the stories of who we are and what we’ve survived. But in a world that glorifies hustle, isolation, and convenience, many of us have lost the table — that sacred space where culture and connection live.

Ama-Robin brings it all home with truth and tenderness, exploring how we can reclaim the table as a revolutionary act of care and collective power. You’ll hear about the history of Black food gathering spaces, the challenges of modern disconnection, and what it means to cook and eat from our roots again.

And because reflection must lead to action, she offers ten concrete ways to reclaim the table — from small daily rituals to community-building gatherings that feed both body and spirit.

Food connects us. Food reminds us. And when we come together around it, we are unstoppable.

Listen and learn:

Why food is a form of resistance, not just nourishment
How communal meals build strength, belonging, and joy
What we lose when we abandon our cultural tables
Ten practical ways to reclaim food as a tool of liberation and love

Pull up your chair. Pour your tea. Grab your plate. This isn’t just a talk about food — it’s a call to remember that together, we are the table.

While I’m traveling this week, I’m bringing back a listener favorite: You’re Never Alone in a Black Bookstore.

This isn’t just about books. It’s about belonging!

I'm Ama-Robin, your guide on this storytelling journey.

Black bookstores are more than shops—they are sanctuaries, places where we’re seen, celebrated, and reminded that our stories matter. This YAIT Story takes you inside one of those spaces.

In this immersive Village episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, I will guide y'all inside a Black-owned bookstore—a space where history lives, wisdom flows, and the Black community thrives. Through storytelling, reflection, and real conversation, we will explore how these bookstores are more than stores—they’re classrooms, healing grounds, memory keepers, and hubs of joy.

This YAIT Story is a glimpse of what that space will feel like: safe, welcoming, and filled with voices that remind us we are never alone.

And yes, when YAIT Town opens very soon, there will be a Black Bookstore waiting for you there.

This YAIT Story is a glimpse of what that space will feel like: safe, welcoming, and filled with voices that remind us we are never alone.

And yes, when YAIT Town opens this month, there will be a Black Bookstore waiting for you there!

As you listen, I’d love to know: What’s a Black book, author, or bookstore that has held you, taught you, or carried you through? Share your reflections with me on [Substack link] or [Instagram link] so we can keep building our library of love and resistance together.

📚 Got a favorite Black bookstore or book? Share it!

💬 Let’s talk about the spaces that hold us—and how we can protect, support, and remember them.

Follow @AmaRobinTells on Instagram so you don’t miss what’s next: YAIT Town!

You’re never alone in a Black bookstore.

You ain’t imagining this.

Coping can keep us alive — but it also can come at a terrible cost.

In this Believe Black People episode, Ama-Robin shares a personal story of survival coping, connects it to the weight that we as Black people have carried for generations, and names the truth: resilience is not permission, and survival is not freedom.

Together, we’ll move from survival coping to empowered personal and collective coping. You’ll hear truth-telling, an empowering meditation, and practical steps to release the burdens we were never meant to carry.

Because coping is not consent.

And you ain’t imagining this.

How to Carry Less and Live More: A Black Empowerment Choice

This episode is a modern folktale that asks: What are we carrying, and what might it feel like to finally set it down?

I’m Ama-Robin, your storyteller and guide at You Ain’t Imagining This — the sanctuary where we name the chaos of living Black in white spaces and remember that we don’t have to carry it alone.

It’s a story meant for reflection and meditation, with river sounds and a calm, steady pace — an invitation to rest your body, quiet your mind, and imagine release. Afterward, we’ll explore what this means for how we cope, both individually and as a community.

And stay tuned — this story is also a doorway into the coming of YAIT Town, a sanctuary of porches, gardens, rivers, and libraries where we learn to carry less and live more.

Because coping is survival. But survival isn’t the end of our story.

I’m Ama-Robin, host of You Ain’t Imagining This — the storytelling sanctuary where we name the chaos of living Black in white spaces and remember that we don’t have to carry it alone.

In this episode, we sit on the porch with the fictional character, Mrs. Alberta Jenkins, a retired teacher and elder in our community, as she names something many of us know but rarely say out loud: the coping tax.

The coping tax is the high-effort coping we pay every day just to exist in spaces that weren’t built for us. It’s the price that shows up in our bodies, our spirits, and our peace of mind.

You’ll hear stories, reflections, and a simple ritual for shaking a little of it off. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize unhealthy coping — and begin reclaiming the practices that restore us instead of draining us.

In this episode, we talk about:

What the “coping tax” is and how it shows up in daily Black life.
Real examples of high-effort coping:
- Working twice as hard for half the recognition.
- Smiling or laughing when something isn’t funny to avoid being labeled “angry.”
- Pushing through illness or exhaustion to prove you’re reliable.
- Code-switching until you barely recognize yourself.
- The illusion of “paying the tax” — and the true cost to our health, rest, and family.
- A small ritual from Mrs. Jenkins’ porch to help you release some of the day’s weight.

And this is just the beginning. Starting next month, we’ll step fully into YAIT Town — a sanctuary of porches, gardens, rivers, and libraries where our stories and healing practices live. In this episode, you’ll catch the first glimpse of that place.

Because coping is survival. But survival isn’t the end of our story.

This final episode of the Black Summer Healing Session is a sacred invitation to pause. Across seven weeks, we’ve released burdens, reclaimed joy, and restored balance. Now, Ama-Robin presents this episode, While I Rest. This meditative episode offers a soft place to breathe and remember.

✨ You’ll receive seven remembrances—one from each session—to guide your reflection. ✨ You’ll hear a closing folktale that reminds us why rest is holy. ✨ You’ll be invited into a gentle ritual of gratitude and self-affirmation.

Rest is not weakness. Rest is healing. Rest is liberation.

Asante sana for journeying through this Black Summer Healing Session. If this episode spoke to you, please like or share it with someone who needs a moment of rest today.

In this Espresso Talk, storyteller Ama-Robin names “the Hustle” for what it is—a survival pattern of overwork and over-achievement born from our history. It is stealing our rest, our joy, and even our health. From the based-in-truth story of Miss Josie Mae to the groundbreaking research of Dr. Sherman James, we explore how constant high-effort coping wears us down and how we can choose freedom instead. You’ll walk away with tools to slow down, reclaim your breath, and live in alignment with your body, spirit, and community.

You’ll get in this episode:

Real-life examples of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual hustle
How hustle culture damages our health and spirit
Practical steps to slow down and protect your well-being

Bonus: Grounding Ritual for Release

Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes if it feels safe.
Place your hands over your heart.
Inhale deeply for a count of 4. Hold for 2. Exhale for 6. Repeat three times.
Whisper or think: “I am more than what I do. I am enough as I am.”
Imagine placing the weight you’ve been carrying into the earth beneath you, knowing it can hold it.
Open your eyes when you’re ready, carrying only what’s yours to carry.

Learn More & Support Black Scholars In this episode, we mentioned the powerful work of several Black researchers, writers, and organizations who are helping us live longer, healthier, and more liberated lives. Their work supports us—let’s support them back.

Dr. Sherman James – Epidemiologist and creator of the John Henryism Active Coping Scale, a tool for understanding how high-effort coping affects health, especially in Black communities. Learn more about his research and take the scale here.
Tricia Hersey – Founder of The Nap Ministry and author of Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Her work reclaims rest as a form of resistance and a healing right for Black people. Learn more here.
The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) – An organization dedicated to advancing Black-centered psychology, mental health, and community well-being. They remind us that our history and culture are core to our psychology. Learn more and support their work here.

We’ve worn emotional armor to survive—from slavery to segregation to being “the first” in white spaces. But healing means knowing when (and how) to set that armor down.

In this Comforting Moment, we honor what protected us and gently choose rest. Through breath, reflection, and a powerful gratitude meditation, we invite the safety of community, culture, and ancestral strength.

💛 In this episode, you’ll receive:

A grounding visualization for emotional release
A cultural reminder that you are never alone in your healing
A soft but powerful meditation to thank your armor—and prepare for freedom

✨ Don’t miss the Gratitude Ritual Gift in the show notes.

You don’t have to carry it alone. Not today.

🌿 Gratitude Ritual: Laying Down the Armor You’ll need:

A quiet space
A comfortable seat
A small object that represents protection (e.g. a scarf, stone, bracelet, or even your hand on your chest)
A candle or soft light (optional)

Step 1: Settle and Breathe

Sit in stillness. Place your hands over your heart or on your chosen object. Take three deep, slow breaths. On each exhale, gently release some of the tension you’ve been carrying.

Step 2: Acknowledge the Armor

Close your eyes and name the armor you’ve worn:

Perfection
Silence
Always being “the strong one”
Smiling when you’re hurting
Preparing for harm, even when it doesn’t come

Say softly (or in your heart):

“I see you. I know why you were needed. Thank you for protecting me.”

Step 3: Honor Your Lineage

Speak to those who came before you:

“Thank you to the ones who wore this armor before me. Thank you for surviving, resisting, and preparing the way.”

Name one ancestor, mentor, or community member who carried armor so you didn’t have to.

Step 4: Release With Intention

Now, hold your object or place your hand on your chest and say:

“I am safe enough to set you down—for now.” “I release what I no longer need to carry.” “I am not alone.”

Visualize the armor gently loosening, sliding off, or being laid beside you like a beloved coat that you’ll only wear when needed.

Step 5: A Blessing Forward

Place your hand over your heart and speak this aloud:

“May I move through the world with tenderness and strength.” “May I trust that I am protected by love, community, and wisdom.” “May I prepare the way for those who come next.”

End with a soft, full breath.

💫 Return to this ritual whenever the armor feels too heavy.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to heal. You’re allowed to lay it down.

Letting go is never simple—especially for Black people living in predominantly white spaces-- where we’ve been expected to carry more than our share and to do it quietly.

But what if letting go is not abandonment, but liberation? What if it’s an act of love?

In this warm, reflective episode, Ama-Robin invites you into three immersive stories —slow-paced, story-driven, and deeply rooted in Black cultural truth.

✨ Story 1: Dreams Left at the Door A woman returns to the porch where she first dreamed big, and grieves the pieces of herself she left behind.

✨ Story 2: Auntie’s Place A neighborhood elder helps visitors release the pain they’ve been told to forget, through ancestral ritual and quiet resistance.

✨ Story 3: Laying It Down at the Door One woman reflects on the sacred art of not carrying everything—not for everyone, and not forever.

Each story reminds us that letting go isn’t erasure—it’s making room. It’s how we reclaim our breath. And how we practice self-love that is not Eurocentric, individualistic, or shallow—but cultural, communal, ancestral, and real.

This episode includes:

Grief and rage naming rituals
Ancestral practices of release
Black psychology of emotional weight
A Beyond the Story reflection on self-love and sacred release

At the end, you’ll hear a short breathing cue and reflection to help you ease into your own ritual of release.

📍 You ain’t imagining this. And you never had to carry it alone.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Letting Go & Cleansing Rituals: Here are a few simple, sacred practices to support your release:

🕊️ Name & Water Ritual Whisper the name of what you’re releasing into a bowl of water. Pour the water out under an open sky.

🔥 Burning the Lie Write down a false belief or racist message you were told. Burn the paper safely and say: “This no longer belongs to me.”

🌿 Herbal Holding Hold a grounding item—like a smooth stone or fresh herb (basil, rosemary, or sage). Say aloud: “This is heavy. But I am not alone.”

📓 Journaling Prompt What have I been asked to carry that never belonged to me? What am I ready to lay down at the door?

Alafia, fam!

“Some circles can’t be saved. But new ones can be born.”

In this third episode of the Black Healing Summer session, Ama-Robin invites you to slow down and breathe as she takes you on a journey through an insightful folk tale. You'll hear about an African village's sacred circle disrupted by an outsider’s influence, leading to important lessons about the strength--and fragility--of our own sacred spaces.

Ama-Robin draws a powerful connection to our present realities, shedding light on the importance of protecting our circles and knowing when it’s time to rebuild.

Stick around for the 'Beyond the Story' segment, where you'll dive deeper into these themes and reflect on your own sacred spaces and boundaries.

Remember, sometimes it's okay to walk away to protect your peace.

“This isn’t just a story. It’s a mirror—and a warning.”✨💫

Three Reasons to Tune In:

🥁 Immerse yourself in a beautiful folk tale that carries deep truths.

🌟 Learn how to recognize and protect your own sacred spaces.

💬 Reflect on your own circles and consider what keeps them whole.

If this resonates with you, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

You deserve to feel safe, in rhythm, and connected. See you there!

What if you had a space where you could breathe, release, and remember who you are—no explanations, no performance, just presence?

In this episode, we step into The Black Healing Room—a sanctuary we can carry with us, anywhere.

This is Part 2 of The Black Healing Summer Session—a season-long journey into rest, release, and renewal.

You’ll experience a special Comforting Moment guided visualization to help you imagine your own healing space. And in the Beyond the Story segment, Ama-Robin explores the importance of both individual and collective Black healing—and the radical, liberating power of daydreaming.

✨ Come as you are. ✨ Take what you need. ✨ You ain’t imagining this.

In this first episode of The Black Healing Summer Session, host and storyteller Ama-Robin invites you into a powerful reflection on what happens when we stop carrying everything alone.

Through an immersive story, she shares the experience of a Black woman professional who finally decides to lay down the invisible burdens she’s been holding: perfectionism, hypervigilance, and the relentless pressure to prove herself.

In the Beyond the Story segment, Ama-Robin reads Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem “We Wear the Mask,” and explores how generational expectations to stay “strong” have shaped—and strained—our spirits.

✨ 3 Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:

A moment of quiet liberation in a work parking lot that becomes the start of real healing
A reflection on how ancestral wisdom helps us unlearn what exhausts us
Simple, powerful practices to release what you no longer want to carry

This is the beginning of The Black Healing Summer Session—a season-long journey into rest, release, and renewal.

Come as you are. Take what you need. And remember: you ain’t imagining this.

🎧 If this story resonates, subscribe, share, and join us for the full series.

Juneteenth has passed—but we’re not moving on. Because we still don’t have full freedom. And we damn sure don’t have true liberation.

This Believe Black People episode of You Ain’t Imagining This! was generously loaned by the Espresso Talk Today team—and we thank them deeply for this offering.

In this powerful audio celebration, you’ll hear: 📖 An original, fact-based Juneteenth story read by Marlene Slaughter 📜 A historical reflection from Elder Mel, reading a rare first-person account from her great-grandaunt Miss Rosina Hoard—who had been enslaved in Texas 💬 A deep, unflinching discussion about what Juneteenth means, how it’s been commercialized, and what still needs to change for Black folks in the U.S.

This is more than a commemoration. It’s cultural clarity. It’s remembrance. It’s resistance. And yes, it’s a celebration too—featuring the voice of Nina Simone singing “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.”

🖤 Come as you are. Take what you need. And don’t let this day—or what it stands for—be forgotten.

This is more than memory. It’s a reminder: you were never alone.

In this special Juneteenth bonus episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, storyteller Ama-Robin guides you through a quiet, powerful tale about coming home, being expected, and the radical love embedded in one simple ritual: the porchlight.

This immersive story takes you on a long drive home through California’s dust belt—toward a light left on without fail. It’s about more than safety. It’s about belonging. The kind passed down through generations. The kind that says: we’re still here, and we’re waiting for you.

After the story, stay for a Beyond the Story reflection where Ama-Robin explores the deeper meaning of these everyday rituals in Black life—and why they still matter as acts of protection, presence, and resistance.

✨ Released in honor of Juneteenth, this bonus episode is a tribute to the ways we care for one another, even in silence.

🖤 Come as you are. Take what you need. And if someone needs to feel seen today—share this with them.

Sometimes peace sounds like laughter, a sizzling grill, and an uplifting playlist.

In this Comforting Moment episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, storyteller and empowerment coach Ama-Robin invites you into a sensory sanctuary—where the familiar sounds of a Black cookout become a place of rest, memory, and gentle joy.

Comforting Moments are short, grounding episodes designed to offer you space to breathe, reconnect, and feel held amid the chaos. This one brings you to the heart of the cookout—not just as a party, but as a cultural ritual. A space where our joy, presence, and survival come together in rhythm and rest.

The episode closes with a Harambee ritual, a Swahili chant meaning Let’s pull together, to remind you that you are never alone in this journey.

🖤 Come as you are. Take what you need. And if someone needs the sound of belonging—send this to them.

This isn’t just a story—it’s a homecoming.

In this immersive episode from You Ain’t Imagining This!, Black empowerment storyteller Ama-Robin takes you straight to the heart of a Black family reunion. From the sound of folding chairs and the smell of sweet potato pie to bold debates on reparations and land, The Reunion is a vivid, truth-telling experience about what it means to gather, to remember, and to resist through joy.

Want to hear the entire meditative story? Click here!

This isn’t just a story—it’s a homecoming.

In this immersive episode from You Ain’t Imagining This!, Black empowerment storyteller Ama-Robin takes you straight to the heart of a Black family reunion. From the sound of folding chairs and the smell of sweet potato pie to bold debates on reparations and land, The Reunion is a vivid, truth-telling experience about what it means to gather, to remember, and to resist through joy.

This story will move you. The Beyond the Story segment will ground you. And the sacred reminder at the end? You’re not imagining it—we’re still here.

✨ Listen if you need: — A dose of cultural nourishment — A reminder that Black love is real and revolutionary — A moment to breathe, remember, and feel held

Created by and for Black folks navigating a chaotic world, this episode invites you to come as you are, take what you need, and know that you belong here.

Subscribe and share with someone who needs the light.

Black books aren't just being banned—they’re being erased. Quietly. Systemically. From classrooms, libraries, and publishing houses. In this Believe Black People episode, Black empowerment storyteller Ama-Robin breaks down how erasure works—and how we fight back.

This isn’t about asking for space. It’s about reclaiming it.

Join the Canon of Black Books Challenge and help rewrite the shelves.

Subscribe. Share. Build the canon. Because we ain’t imagining this.

Ama-Robin's Black Literary Canon

Beloved by Toni Morrison
Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin
Kindred by Octavia Butler
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
The Miseducation of the Negro by Dr. Carter G. Woodson

#MyBlackCanon

#BlackBookCanon

#BlackLiteraryCanon

#BuildTheBlackShelf

#BlackBooksMatter

Ever finish a book and think, this one is gonna stay with me?

In this bold Espresso Talk episode, storyteller Ama-Robin opens up about the books that shaped her—Roots, The People Could Fly, Parable of the Sower, and others. She shares how Black books gave her more than knowledge—they gave her belonging.

And she asks: What are the stories that shaped you?

We’ll talk about: ✔️ Why we keep coming back to certain books ✔️ How Black bookstores and banned books affect our sense of purpose and community ✔️ What “Black book joy” really means—and why it matters right now

This episode is for anyone who’s ever been changed by a story—and wants to pass that joy on.

Featured books & authors:

Roots – Alex Haley
The People Could Fly – Virginia Hamilton
Parable of the Sower – Octavia E. Butler
Black Artists in America – Smithsonian American Art Museum
Binti – Nnedi Okorafor
The Fifth Season – N.K. Jemisin
Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson

Try this after listening: 📚 Revisit a book that made you feel seen 🗣️ Ask a friend: What’s a story that shaped you? 🛍️ Visit a Black-owned bookstore—online or in person

Connect with Ama-Robin: 📸 Instagram – @amarobintells 📬 Substack – amarobintells

You’re not imagining the joy, connection, or power that reading brings you. You're not alone—and your story matters.

Hey there, friend!

I'm so happy you're here.

Let’s take a deep breath together and slow down for a minute.

I'm Ama-Robin, the storyteller and guide of this YAIT Comforting Moment episode.

This is a safe space to breathe, rest your spirit, and remember that your story is sacred.

Today, I’m sharing a comforting moment inspired by a note that I found in a vintage book.

It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes, a single sentence (or two) can give us exactly what we need. 🌟

So, be where you are and rest in this moment.

Imagine holding a page filled with all the peace and power you need for today.

This is a reminder that You are enough, just as you are.

Be gentle with yourself.

You Ain’t Imagining This!

This isn’t just about books. It’s about belonging!

I'm Ama-Robin, your guide on this storytelling journey.

In this immersive Village episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, I will guide y'all inside a Black-owned bookstore—a space where history lives, wisdom flows, and the Black community thrives. Through storytelling, reflection, and real conversation, we will explore how these bookstores are more than stores—they’re classrooms, healing grounds, memory keepers, and hubs of joy.

✨ Feeling seen? Say something!

📚 Got a favorite Black bookstore? Share it!

💬 Let’s talk about the spaces that hold us—and how we can protect and support them.

Follow @AmaRobinTells on Instagram so you don’t miss what’s next.

Subscribe to You Ain't Imagining This! on Substack to join the community and the conversations!

You’re Not Imagining It—And You’re Not Alone You Ain’t Imagining This! is more than a podcast—it’s a sanctuary for Black truth, imagination, and healing. In this premiere episode, Black empowerment storyteller, Ama-Robin, shares the origin of this sacred space through story, reflection, and raw honesty.

From Oakland dreams to ancestral wisdom, from grief to rebirth, this is an invitation to exhale, to be seen, and to remember: your truth is real, your power is real, and you’re not alone.

They told us we were imagining the racial chaos, the profiling, the gaslighting, the isolation. But we knew better. And we also know this: we’re not imagining our power, our creativity, or our excellence. That’s real too—and it’s time we had a space that reflects all of it.

Whether you’ve followed us from Espresso Talk Today or you’re just arriving, this episode is your official welcome. Your imagination isn’t a weakness—it’s a bridge. Let’s cross it together.

Hi, I'm Ama-Robin.

Welcome to You Ain't Imagining This!

This podcast show is a sanctuary for Black empowerment, truth, and liberation. Here, we create a space to breathe, reflect, and rise through enlightening storytelling, powerful conversations, and comforting rituals.

Whether you're feeling joyful, heavy, or anything in between, you're always welcome here just as you are. 🌟

Come as you are.

Take what you need.

You are never alone.

And You Ain't Imagining This!

Join us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧

Black people have always valued knowledge—through books, through songs, through music, and even through memory. In this fireside reflection, Ama-Robin explores why reading has always been a form of resistance and an expression of joy, why storytelling matters, the importance of music, drumming, dance, and other forms of communication and repositories of knowledge. Most importantly, she discusses how we can reclaim literacy without centering whiteness.

In this powerful fireside chat, Ama-Robin reflects on the deep connection between Black identity and literacy—from surviving enslavement to resisting erasure in today’s classrooms.

✨ Featuring reflections on:

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson
“Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers
Ancient African knowledge systems, oral traditions, and storytelling
The continued power of Black bookstores and community wisdom

🎧 Topics include:

Why Black literacy is liberation
Why storytelling has always been a valid, powerful form of knowledge
How we preserve memory in books, music, rhythm, and ritual
How we can reclaim literacy without centering whiteness

📍 Recorded in honor of our beloved ancestors—and Doug Lofton, whose spirit lives in every story shared.

🖤 Stay curious. Stay rooted. Stay free.

In this story, we will step inside a Black-owned bookstore. Feel the warmth. Hear the conversations. Smell the books and the spice of chai in the air. This isn’t just a shop—it’s a sanctuary, a meeting place, a revolution in the making. In this story-driven episode, I take you inside a Black bookstore where knowledge is resistance, elders share wisdom, and a single quote can change everything.

Let’s explore what makes Black bookstores more than bookstores—they are home.

Hujambo community, and welcome to Espresso Talk today.

Today I'll be guiding you through a heartfelt reflection as we close out Black History Month. We'll start by grounding ourselves in the wisdom of our ancestors and celebrating the lessons, stories, and triumphs we've explored this month. Dr. Carter G. Woodson's vision for Black History Month serves as a reminder of the power in knowing our history.

Asante sana for being on this journey with me.

Let’s continue to honor, celebrate, and make Black history every day 🌍🕯️.

#blackempowerment #podcast #blackculture #corevalues #blackvalues #blackhistory #espressochatswithamarobin #espressotalktoday #shorts #youtubeshorts #dreammeanings #dreaminterpretation #reels #blackexperience

In this Espresso Talk Today episode, we step into the rich, vibrant world of Black food spaces with the story A Taste of Home. This story is more than a sensory experience—it’s an exploration of how food connects us to our history, our culture, and our sense of belonging.

Through the bustling African-Caribbean marketplace, the aroma of smoked paprika, the warmth of Big Mama’s kitchen, and the lively spirit of a small barbecue shack, A Taste of Home reminds us that food is more than nourishment. It is history, resilience, and love—passed down from generation to generation.

But this episode also takes us Beyond the Story. We reflect on the deeper truths about Black food spaces—how they are often underfunded, over-policed, and dismissed by mainstream narratives. While Black markets, restaurants, and community kitchens are places of safety, joy, and cultural continuity, they are also spaces that white society has historically overlooked, devalued, or deemed “unsafe.”

This is why we must protect and uplift Black food spaces. They are more than places to eat—they are cultural sanctuaries. They are where our elders are respected, where our children can feel at home, and where our history is alive in every spice, every dish, every gathering.

As you listen to this episode, I invite you to reflect:

What foods make you feel at home?
What Black food spaces in your community need your support?
How can we ensure that these spaces remain vibrant and thriving for future generations?

This episode is a love letter to Black food, the Black community, and Black history.

Because Black food is Black history. And Black history must always be honored, protected, and celebrated.

🔥 Listen now and celebrate the history, flavors, and power of Black food culture.

Hujambo fam and Akwaaba (welcome!). Join me as I take you on a journey into my dream where I sit with great Black figures like Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Together, we discuss the significance of Black history, and the importance of reclaiming our narratives and lighting the way for future generations. ✨💡

In this episode, you’ll experience a historical roundtable discussion, a traditional libation ceremony, and a moment of reflection.

We will also go "beyond the story" to the deeper story of Black History Month and how we can use it as a tool for Black empowerment.

Tune in and discover how honoring our past can empower our present and shape our future. 🌍🕯️

#BlackHistory #Legacy #Inspiration #BlackCulture #DreamMeanings #Dreams

What connects you to your history? For Ama-Robin, it was a wooden map of Africa that hung in my childhood home—a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and resilience.

In this episode, Ama-Robin shares a deeply personal story about how this map, despite being ridiculed, became a source of strength and a reminder of the greatness of Black history.

We’ll reflect on the power of symbols, the lessons of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and the importance of reclaiming our stories.

Join me for storytelling, a cultural cleansing ritual, and a moment of quiet reflection to honor our connection to Black history—not just this month, but every day.

Tune in to feel empowered and supported—no one goes it alone here 🌍🕯️.

Take a deep breath… and let’s begin.

Actionable Steps:

Reflect on the symbols in your life that connect you to your history, participate in our cleansing ritual, and share this episode with someone who might need it.✨

Western society glorifies rugged individualism, but in the Black community, we know the truth—our power has always been collective. From Black Wall Street to the Black Panther Party, from HBCUs to our multigenerational families, we have built, protected, and uplifted each other through shared core values like unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility.

Yet, these values have been ignored—or worse, attacked—by a society that fears our strength.

In this episode, we confront this erasure and celebrate the Black collectives that have shaped our past, empowered our present, and will define our future.

Join me, Ama-Robin, as we uncover how collective core values fuel Black empowerment and liberation—and why we should honor, support, and defend them now more than ever. ✊🏾🔥

🎧 Listen now and tap into the power of your community. #BlackEmpowerment #CollectiveStrength #CoreValues

What are core values? Why should I care about them?

Core values aren’t just a “white thing”—they’re the foundation of Black empowerment.

In this episode, Black empowerment educator Ama-Robin explores how our core values are challenged and undermined in a world that often questions our humanity. She's talking directly to the skeptics, showing how core values ground us, guide us, and help us live authentically and unapologetically. Plus, we break down 4 essential steps to defining and living by your values.

This isn’t about resolutions or goals—it’s about building a life rooted in truth, strength, and liberation.

Tune in and discover why core values are your most powerful tool for empowerment.

How to Start the Core Values Work

Reflect: Spend some quiet time thinking about what matters most to you. What principles do you want to live by? Write them down.
Test Them: Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your values guide you—or not? What would you do differently?
Live Them: Start aligning your daily actions with your values. This is a practice, not a one-time thing.
Revisit Often: Your values might evolve as you grow. That’s okay. Check in regularly to make sure they still fit.

In this episode, we’re ditching resolutions and diving deep into the transformative power of core values. Discover how values like resilience, unity, and freedom can ground and empower us, especially as Black individuals navigating racial chaos. Core values aren’t just personal—they’re revolutionary tools for empowerment and liberation. Let’s explore how living by our truth can inspire change for ourselves and our communities.

Key Points:

Core Values Ground Us Amid the Racial Chaos Core values like resilience, freedom, and compassion serve as our foundation, keeping us grounded and empowered amidst life’s challenges and systemic oppression.
Core Values Are Revolutionary Acts Living by individual and collective core values is a form of resistance against a society that seeks to deny our dignity, humanity, and unity.
White Supremacist Society Punishes Us for Asserting our Core Values Values like courage, self-defense, and independence are celebrated in white people but discouraged and penalized in Black people—yet Black resilience continues to thrive.
Core Values Shape Thoughts and Actions From shaping thought patterns to directing behavior, core values empower us to rise above harmful narratives and take intentional actions toward growth and liberation.
Core Values Are for Reflection, Not Resolutions Forget resolutions—reflecting on and strengthening your core values is a deeper, more transformative way to live authentically and create a lasting impact in your community.

In this poem titled, "The Christmas Reunion Down in Martinsville," Augustus Hodges (1854 - 1916) presents an African American version of a Christmas poem.

Hodges was an American editor, writer, journalist, and political organizer. In 1876, He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.

Presented by musician and teacher, Kirk Wadi. Follow him on YouTube @wadispeaks

Warning: The "N-word" is used twice in this poem.

Habarigani! Discover the power of Kwanzaa as a celebration of Black culture, resilience, and liberation. This episode explores the seven principles of Kwanzaa, connecting each to the inspiring stories of Black historical figures and the importance of the #BelieveBlackPeople movement.

Join us for reflection, empowerment, and a call to action for liberation.

In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin dives deeper into the #BelieveBlackPeople movement. This isn’t just a hashtag—it’s a revolutionary call to honor and trust Black voices, celebrate our achievements, and challenge the stereotypes and biases that have silenced us for too long.

Ama-Robin breaks down what it means to believe Black people in everyday life, from creating supportive spaces to practicing self-reflection and standing strong in our stories. This conversation is powerful, reflective, and filled with actionable ways to build a culture of belief and respect for Black voices.

Grab your espresso or tea, and let’s create a world where Black greatness is celebrated, our truths are honored, and our voices are always heard. Don’t miss this empowering episode!

Call to Action: Subscribe now, share with your community, and visit our blog at espressotalktoday.com for more insights.

BelieveBlackPeople is more than words--it's a call to action!

In this episode, we break down what it means to believe Black people and why it matters now more than ever.

Hosted by Ama-Robin, this episode explores why believing Black people is essential—from recognizing everyday encounters with racism and bias to celebrating Black excellence that’s too often overlooked. Listen in as we discuss the powerful message behind #BelieveBlackPeople and share specific steps everyone can take to join the mission.

Key Topics Covered:

What #BelieveBlackPeople means and why it’s more than just a hashtag.
The importance of listening to Black voices without questioning or dismissing.
Practical ways to support and amplify Black experiences in daily life.

Whether you’re new to the movement or looking for ways to deepen your allyship, this episode invites you to be part of a powerful change.

Listen now and discover why #BelieveBlackPeople is a mission we all need to embrace.

Are you ready?

Discover your inner explorer!

Join us as we discuss how finding your inner explorer means pushing past societal limits, reclaiming community and culture, and doubting the boundaries that have been placed upon us. This episode will encourage you to embark on your own exploration, to doubt your limits, and to explore the vast possibilities within.

If you must doubt something, doubt your limits!

In this powerful episode, Espresso Talk Today dives into the remarkable, often-hidden stories of Black explorers who redefined what’s possible—from Matthew Henson’s trek to the North Pole to Mae Jemison’s journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere and beyond. Join Ama-Robin as she reveals how racial barriers sought to silence these achievements, fostering a narrative that promoted white supremacy by erasing Black contributions. But these stories of courage, innovation, and breaking boundaries are here to be reclaimed and celebrated.

Get ready to be inspired by these extraordinary lives—and to explore the explorer within yourself.

Tune in to Espresso Talk Today for a unique journey that challenges limits, shatters silence, and empowers us to reclaim our history.

In this powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin shines a light on the incredible Black explorers whose contributions have been erased by the quiet force of racism. From Matthew Henson, one of the first men to reach the North Pole, to Octavia Butler, who explored the Black experience through Afro-futurism, this episode uncovers stories of Black excellence and empowerment that history has tried to silence or diminish.

Ama-Robin dives deep into how racism shapes historical narratives, how this silence continues today, and how reclaiming these stories can inspire Black people to challenge societal limitations and explore new horizons—physically, intellectually, and spiritually.

Join us to break the silence and reclaim our power.

If you must doubt something, doubt your limits.

In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, we're diving into how to prepare for and manage the racial chaos in the healthcare system. I know many of you—especially my young audience—feel nervous, afraid, or even powerless when facing medical appointments. This episode is for you.

We're shifting gears from recognizing the red flags of medical racism to discussing real, practical steps you can take to protect your health and advocate for yourself. From finding a culturally competent doctor to using the B.R.A.I.N. system, I’m giving you the tools you need to reclaim your power in healthcare.

Your voice matters, and I'm here to remind you that you have the right to ask questions, speak up, and demand the best care. We'll break down strategies to help you prepare, stay calm, and confront any dismissive behavior you encounter. Remember, Black health is Black empowerment.

Tune in and empower yourself to take control of your health journey!

#BelieveBlackPeople

Hujambo, beautiful people! In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, we confront the subtle yet pervasive racial chaos in the healthcare system.

Join host Ama-Robin as she uncovers the microaggressions, hidden biases, and other red flags that Black people often face during medical treatment. From dismissal of pain to offensive stereotypes, we get real about how racism affects our health. This episode equips you with the knowledge to identify when your care might be compromised by medical racism.

Empower yourself, share with your community, and get ready to take control of your healthcare journey.

Trigger warning: We are presenting real-life experiences of medical racism. This may trigger trauma or stress. Please practice self-care. We will take 3 short breather breaks during this episode.

Next week, we’ll explore how to confront and challenge these situations in healthful and effective ways. Don’t miss it!

In this eye-opening episode, Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D, a leading historian of medicine, reveals the disturbing history of medical racism against Black women.

From the origins of American gynecology during the period of enslavement to the persistence of biased treatment today, Dr. Cooper Owens exposes the systemic issues that Black women face in healthcare. She provides crucial advice on self-advocacy, patient advocacy, and the power of story-sharing as tools to reclaim and protect our health.

This is a must-listen for anyone committed to understanding and fighting against medical racism!

Note: Hans Hyppolite introduces this episode from our vintage collection.

In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, Dr. Greg Hall, a leading expert on Black health, joins us for an empowering conversation on the critical importance of self-advocacy and personal health care. Dr. Hall shares powerful insights on how systemic barriers and racial biases in the healthcare system have historically impacted Black communities—and continue to do so today.

We dive into the actionable steps that Black people can take to protect their health, from knowing your vital health numbers to making dietary changes and understanding the importance of mental health. Dr. Hall also highlights the value of finding trustworthy healthcare providers and how advocating for yourself in medical settings can lead to better outcomes.

This episode isn’t just about diagnosing the problem; it’s about solutions. Dr. Hall’s candid discussion on the trauma many Black Americans carry from their healthcare experiences underscores the need for change—and why taking control of your health is an essential part of Black empowerment.

Tune in for an enlightening and motivational conversation packed with practical advice to ensure you’re prioritizing your health and taking power back into your hands. Because Black health is Black power.

[Note: This episode is from the vintage collection.]

Have you ever wanted to have a (free and authentic) conversation with a cardiologist?

That's what the Espresso Talk Today team wanted--and that's what we had!

We met with Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist and spokesperson of the American Heart Association! Nothing was off the table. We discussed everything from heart fairlure to heart health.

Dr. Yancy discussed:

The 8 essential steps for optimal heart health and
The four symptoms that you should never ignore.
The 80 percent rule for effective weight loss

And, of course, we discussed the effects of racism in Black health.

You can also discover why people in certain communities live the longest and the happiest. (The answer will surprise you!)

Join us for this uncommon and informative conversation.

[Note: This episode is from the Espresso Talk Today vintage collection.]

Resources:

Association of Black Cardiologists

American Heart Association

In this powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of covert racism—the subtle, everyday behaviors and attitudes that many people don’t even realize are racist. From denying racism’s existence to ignoring white privilege and making harmful stereotypes, we unpack how these actions perpetuate systemic racism in ways that are insidious but no less damaging.

I also introduce the Socialized Racism Scale, a tool designed to help you assess your own unconscious biases and understand where you stand in the fight against racism. Along the way, we explore the 3Cs—Courage, Character, and Compassion—that are essential for confronting and dismantling these hidden prejudices.

Whether you’re just beginning to examine your own biases or are a seasoned ally, this episode offers vital insights and actionable steps to help you be a part of the solution. This isn’t just a conversation for one group—it’s for everyone who’s committed to creating an anti-racist world.

Tune in, listen, and let’s uncover and confront these hidden biases together.

Join Ama-Robin on Espresso Talk Today as we dive into the profound significance of August 28th in Black history—a day marked by moments of pain, progress, and power. From Emmett Till’s tragic lynching to Dr. King’s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, we explore the events that have shaped our journey toward justice and equality.

This episode is a powerful call to remember, reflect, and take action as we honor the legacy of those who came before us and continue the fight for Black liberation. Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation!

Five Ways to Honor August 28th:

Educate Yourself and Others: Take time to learn about the historical significance of August 28th and share that knowledge with your community. Host a discussion, share resources on social media, or teach your children about the key events that occurred on this day.
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Use August 28th as a day to intentionally support Black entrepreneurs and businesses. Your dollars can make a difference in strengthening economic empowerment within the Black community.
Engage in Community Service: Honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice by giving back. Volunteer at a local organization, participate in a community cleanup, or mentor a young person. Your service can help uplift and empower others.
Participate in or Organize a Peaceful Protest: Stand up against systemic racism and injustice by joining or organizing a peaceful protest or rally. Use your voice to demand change and keep the spirit of the civil rights movement alive.
Reflect and Set Intentions: Take a moment of quiet reflection to honor the sacrifices made by Black revolutionaries and set intentions for how you will continue their work. Whether through activism, education, or community building, commit to making a difference in the fight for justice and equality.

In this episode, host Ama-Robin dives deep into a challenging yet vital discussion:

"You probably don’t think that you’re racist. But you are!"

Many white people, even those who consider themselves allies, unknowingly perpetuate racism through ingrained and socialized behaviors. This episode isn’t about blame or shame—it's about understanding and taking action.

Join Ama-Robin as she explores the concept of racial socialization and how society, through avenues like media and education, subtly reinforces white supremacy.

You will learn:

Sources of Socialized Racism
20 Common Actions that white people don't realize are racist
3Cs of effective allyship: Courage, Character, and Compassion

Ready to reflect, learn, and grow? Tune in for a conversation that challenges you to see beyond your own biases and take meaningful steps toward racial equity.

It’s time to get deep, get real, and do the work.

Listen now to start your journey toward being a better ally.

Hujambo, beautiful people! I’m Ama-Robin, host of Espresso Talk Today. In this episode, we're tackling the "C" word: complacency. Join me as we explore why complacency is a silent but powerful enemy in our fight for justice and equality. We'll discuss how complacency perpetuates injustice, creates a false sense of accomplishment, erodes empathy, and hinders collective action.

But don't worry—there's no blaming or shaming here. This episode is all about community, support, and collective action. Learn practical steps to overcome complacency and transform passive awareness into meaningful activism. Together, we can make a real difference.

Tune in now to become part of the solution!

Seven Ways to Overcome Complacency:

Educate Yourself Continuously: Stay informed about the issues you care about.
Reflect on Personal Values: Regularly reflect on your values and how they align with your actions.
Set Tangible Goals: Avoid vague commitments. Set specific, achievable goals for your activism.
Join or Support Grassroots Movements: Engage with grassroots organizations.
Challenge Comfort Zones: Step out of your comfort zone. Engage in difficult conversations and confront injustices.
Hold Yourself and Others Accountable: Accountability is key to combating complacency.
Practice Consistent Advocacy: Advocacy should be a consistent effort, not a sporadic response.

In this powerful episode, Black empowerment educator and host Ama-Robin dives into the unpredictable and irrational chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces. Ama-Robin shares a recent "banking while Black" experience, highlighting the physical, mental, and emotional toll that racism takes on Black people as individuals and communities. This episode is a raw and relatable conversation about the constant attacks Black people face and the importance of preparedness and self-care.

Tune in to learn how to recognize and call out racism, understand its impact on your health, and discover practical self-care strategies like deep breathing, journaling, exercise, and community support. Join us as we empower ourselves to navigate and confront the chaos with strength and resilience.

Call to Action: Be aware, be prepared, and take care of your mental and physical health. Share your experiences, seek support, and stand up for change. Your well-being matters. Listen now and empower yourself on Espresso Talk Today.

Resources:

Cloudwalkcoaching with Roxanne Worden: Mindfulness information and coaching services.

Black Girls Thriving: Therapy for Black women and girls.

Therapy for Black Men: Strength still needs support.

In this powerful and transformative episode, host Ama-Robin welcomes back Roxanne Warden, a board-certified life and mindfulness coach, for the second part of their series on the power of mindfulness. This episode dives into the critical role of mindfulness in Black empowerment and offers practical tools to help listeners manage the chaos of living in predominantly white spaces.

Roxanne shares invaluable insights on how mindfulness can help tap into our inner wisdom, addressing common yet detrimental thought patterns such as judgment, pessimism, and the pervasive "I'll be happy when..." mindset. She explains how these patterns are often influenced by societal pressures and offers strategies to replace them with more empowering thoughts.

Roxanne leads listeners through a practical mindfulness exercise designed to connect with inner wisdom. During this exercise, Ama-Robin experienced a profound realization about the importance of trusting herself more, which she found both enlightening and empowering. This moment underscored how mindfulness can reveal simple yet significant truths that aid in personal growth and overcoming self-doubt.

Listeners will gain:

Tools to break free from survival mode and foster a growth mindset.
Techniques to address and transform negative thought patterns.
Insights on building self-compassion and treating oneself with kindness.
Practical exercises to connect with inner wisdom and enhance personal well-being.

Join Ama-Robin and Roxanne for an enlightening discussion that emphasizes the necessity of mental health in the journey toward Black empowerment. Tune in to learn how to calm, control, and contain the chaos to protect your health and well-being.

Bonus Content:

Guided Inner Wisdom Meditation: 21:00 - 31:00

Resource:

More information about Roxanne and mindfulness at Cloud Walk Coaching.

In this insightful episode, host Ama-Robin and special guest Roxanne Worden, a dedicated mindfulness coach, discuss how building a diverse support network can lead to personal growth and empowerment within the Black community. Ama-Robin highlights the importance of professionals like doctors, dentists, and mindfulness coaches, while Roxanne delves deeply into the transformative power of mindfulness.

Roxanne shares her journey to becoming a mindfulness coach and explains how mindfulness can help you break free from survival mode, reduce stress, and foster a more present, empowered mindset. By listening to this episode, you'll gain practical tips on developing healthy habits, understanding thought patterns, and cultivating self-compassion.

Discover how mindfulness can combat systemic pressures, address internalized oppression, and help you treat yourself with compassion. Learn the benefits of building a "mindfulness muscle" and how to create a supportive village that prioritizes self-care and holistic well-being.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Roxanne on achieving Black empowerment and personal growth. This episode will equip you with the tools to envision a liberated, empowered future, helping you thrive in every aspect of your life. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and personal experiences that will inspire and uplift you.

Resources:

Cloud Walk Coaching. Explore the benefits of mindfulness with Roxanne Worden.

In this powerful and defiant episode, host Ama-Robin confronts the painful contradictions of celebrating Independence Day as a Black American. Drawing inspiration from Frederick Douglass's iconic speech, "What to the Slave is Your Fourth of July?" Ama-Robin exposes the hypocrisies of a nation that celebrates freedom while denying it to millions. The episode delves into the ongoing struggles for equal protection, voting rights, and justice, highlighting the contributions and resilience of Black Americans who have fought tirelessly to shape this country.

Listeners are encouraged to take bold, fearless actions to continue the fight for true liberation, including boycotts, direct action, and community defense. Allies are also given specific steps to support Black Americans and expose the hypocrisy of Independence Day. The episode honors "The New Founders"—Black Americans who have risked their lives to push the nation towards its ideals of liberty and justice for all.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the myths of Independence Day and calls for a renewed commitment to justice and equality. Plus, participate in the "New Founders Challenge," a call to identify and celebrate individuals who should be considered "New Founders" for their inspiring fight for justice and dedication to the nation's true founding ideals.

Join Ama-Robin on Espresso Talk Today as we celebrate Black spaces—vibrant havens of safety and empowerment that defy the chaos of predominantly white spaces.

Discover the resilience and creativity flourishing in Black-owned restaurants, boutiques, and cultural centers. But Black spaces are so much more. Black spaces are Black history, Black art, Black music, and Black spirituality. They are Black healing circles, Brotha and Sistah groups, and Black families.

Explore why Black spaces are crucial for reclaiming our narratives, fostering community, and resisting systemic inequalities.

Learn how they stand as sanctuaries against the threats of white supremacy and privilege, offering refuge where Black voices thrive and liberation becomes reality.

Tune in for a powerful journey of empowerment and solidarity!"

In this powerful and radical episode, host Ama-Robin dives into the deeper significance of Juneteenth, the day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Juneteenth is not just a celebration—it's an ongoing movement for reparations and liberation.

Ama-Robin explores the historical roots of Juneteenth, the enduring struggles faced by freed people, and the unfinished work of Black liberation. She calls on us to honor our courageous ancestors by continuing their fight for true equality and demanding reparations.

Tune in to understand why Juneteenth is more than a day—it's a call to action for reparations and liberation.

Organizations working for Reparations:

National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N'COBRA)
- Educates and mobilizes the community to support reparations and engages in legislative advocacy.
- Reparations United
- A coalition of organizations and individuals supporting reparations initiatives at local, state, and federal levels.
- American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS)
- Seeks to secure reparations for American descendants of enslaved Africans through raising awareness and legislative action.
- The National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC)
- Develops strategies and proposals for reparations, including economic, social, and educational components.
- Reparations 4 Slavery
- Organizes events, provides resources, and supports legislative efforts aimed at achieving reparations.
- African American Redress Network
- Connects scholars, activists, and policymakers to support reparative justice efforts.

In this electrifying episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin demands Black liberation and discusses dismantling the existing white supremacist structures that force us to "make a way out of no way." We explore the true cost of resilience and the necessity of envisioning a world where Black people thrive, not just survive.

Drawing on the powerful words of Audre Lorde and the transformative work of Angela Davis, Kali Akuno, and Bryan Stevenson, Ama-Robin calls for the dismantling of oppressive systems and the creation of new ones founded on justice, equity, and liberation. Through radical rest, cultural healing, and community empowerment, we reimagine a society where Black lives truly matter.

Tune in for an inspiring journey of collective action, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to a liberated future.

Bonus Content: 6 Steps Toward Achieving Black Liberation

Educate Ourselves: Take the time to learn about the history and mechanisms of oppression, including systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. Understanding the roots of these systems is essential for challenging them effectively.
Imagine Alternatives: Engage in speculative thinking and imagine alternative futures where oppressive systems have been dismantled. Afro-futurist literature and art can provide valuable inspiration for envisioning new possibilities beyond the constraints of the present.
Challenge Assumptions: Question the assumptions and norms that underpin existing systems of oppression. Challenge stereotypes, biases, and hierarchies that perpetuate inequality and limit individual potential.
Build Solidarity: Foster connections and build alliances with individuals and communities that share a commitment to social justice and liberation. Collective action is essential for challenging entrenched power structures and effecting meaningful change.
Take Action: Take concrete steps to challenge oppression and advocate for justice in your community and beyond. This can include participating in protests, supporting grassroots organizations, advocating for policy changes, and engaging in acts of solidarity and resistance.
Practice Self-Reflection: Reflect on your privileges and biases, and commit to ongoing self-education and personal growth. Recognize how you may unknowingly perpetuate systems of oppression, and strive to be an ally and accomplice in the fight for liberation.

Resources:

Blackpast: The Prison Abolition Movement

Cooperation Jackson

Equal Justice Initiative

Join host Ama-Robin as she dives deep into the relentless chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces.

In this episode, we explore the challenges faced by Black people, from microaggressions and tokenism to racial profiling and economic exploitation. We also confront the emotional labor of constantly educating others about racism and the toll it takes on our well-being.

Through powerful storytelling and insightful commentary, Ama-Robin sheds light on the pervasive assault on our humanity. Tune in as we confront the complexities of race, power, and identity, and reclaim our voices in the face of adversity.

Join this uncommon conversation about this hidden chaos.

In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin dives into the often undiscussed aspect of "Making a Way out of No Way." While resilience, resourcefulness, and determination have driven the Black community to achieve remarkable successes, these traits have also taken a significant toll on our health.

Ama-Robin explores the phenomenon of John Henryism, highlighting the chronic stress, early mortality, and mental health struggles that result from the constant pressure to work twice as hard in a system stacked against us.

This episode emphasizes the urgent need for self-care and self-love to combat these hidden costs and ensure holistic well-being.

Join us as we unpack the importance of balancing determination with self-care in our journey toward empowerment and success.

Bonus Content:

Five radical ways of preventing the effects of John Henryism:

Cultural Healing Practices: Engage in traditional African and African American healing practices, such as drumming circles, dance, and spiritual rituals. These cultural expressions can be powerful tools for emotional release, community bonding, and holistic healing.
Radical Rest: Embrace the concept of radical rest as an act of resistance. Challenge the societal norms that equate productivity with worth by intentionally prioritizing rest and downtime. This might include regular "rest days" where no work is done, embracing napping, and creating restful spaces in your home.
Community Care Networks: Form or join community care networks where members actively support each other's well-being. This could involve collective childcare, shared meal prep, community gardening, or mutual aid groups that provide financial and emotional support.
Creative Expression as Therapy: Utilize creative outlets such as art, poetry, music, dance, or theater to process and express emotions. Organize or participate in community art projects that reflect shared experiences and foster a sense of collective healing and empowerment.
Decolonizing Wellness: Explore wellness practices that challenge Western norms and incorporate indigenous and diasporic knowledge systems. This could involve herbal medicine, acupuncture, or alternative therapies that focus on holistic health and community-based care.

You can find more suggestions at espressotalktoday.com.

Other Resources:

Association of Black Psychologists

The Center for Black Health & Equity

"Making a Way out of No Way."

Join host Ama-Robin as she explores the resilience, resourcefulness, and determination in the Black community. From historical figures who defied the odds to contemporary history makers like Misty Copeland and Barack Obama, she dives deep into the theme of "Making a Way out of No Way." Get ready for inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and practical tips for navigating life's challenges with strength and determination.

Tune in and join the movement of empowerment and liberation.

Join Ama-Robin on a profound journey through America's most iconic museums and libraries. In this episode, we dive into what makes a pilgrimage more than just a trip as Ama-Robin retraces the steps of pivotal African American figures and explores key artifacts that shape the narrative of African American resilience and culture. From the hallowed halls of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the artistic corridors of The Met and the historic collections of The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, discover how connecting with our heritage can transform our understanding of the past and inspire our actions in the future.

Tune in for a personal, insightful, and deeply moving exploration of history, identity, and the enduring spirit of the African American community.

Join Ama-Robin and Mel on a powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, where today's brew is rich with insight and empowerment. Diving deep into the Every Day Discrimination Scale (EDDS), this episode tackles the often-overlooked yet deeply impactful issue of workplace discrimination and harassment.

Discover how subtle, daily acts of discrimination shape our professional environments and personal well-being. Through vivid real-life examples, Ama-Robin and Mel explore each question of the EDDS, shedding light on the invisible forces at play in workspaces.

Tune in for an empowering discussion that not only exposes hidden injustices but also reinforces the importance of self-care and community support. Whether you're sipping coffee or seeking courage, this episode promises to equip you with the tools to both recognize and combat workplace discrimination.

Don't just listen—join our community and walk the walk with us in this transformative journey.

To find the Everyday Discrimination Scale, click here.

Recommended Self-care steps:

Here are some specific self-care steps against the health effects of workplace discrimination and harassment:

Meditate: Spend a few minutes each day meditating to calm your mind and reduce stress.
Exercise Regularly: Get that body moving! Exercise is a great stress reliever and mood booster.
Eat Well: Fuel your body with nourishing foods. A healthy diet can support your overall well-being.
Stay Connected: Don't isolate yourself. Reach out to friends and family for support and connection.
Talk About It: Share your experiences with people you trust. Talking can help you process and heal.

Join us in a thought-provoking episode as we delve into the unique journey of identifying and living by core values as Black folks. Racism, a pervasive force, often acts as a formidable obstacle, diverting our focus and energy from our guiding principles. Through powerful anecdotes and insightful analysis, we explore how racism can disrupt our alignment with core values, making it a challenging endeavor.

Yet, amidst adversity, there's empowerment. Discover how embracing core values serves as a source of strength, resilience, and liberation against the effects of racism. From practical steps to navigating internalized oppression, we discuss strategies for identifying and committing to our core values in a world that often seeks to diminish our worth. Tune in to learn how we can navigate this intricate journey, finding empowerment and authenticity even with the chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces.

Five Activities to support Black people living by core values:

Reflective Journaling: Set aside dedicated time for introspection and journaling. Reflect on past experiences, moments of joy, and instances where you felt most fulfilled. Identify recurring themes and values that resonate with you deeply.
Community Dialogue Circles: Engage in open and honest conversations with trusted friends, family members, or community members. Share personal stories, challenges, and aspirations. Listen to others' experiences and perspectives to gain insight into your own values and beliefs.
Guided Meditation or Visualization: Practice mindfulness techniques that encourage deep relaxation and visualization. Imagine yourself living in alignment with your core values, embodying strength, resilience, and authenticity. Visualize overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals with confidence and clarity.
Affirmations and Mantras: Develop affirmations or mantras that affirm your core values and empower you to overcome challenges. Repeat these affirmations daily, either silently or aloud, to reinforce positive beliefs and intentions.
Cultural Exploration: Explore Black history, culture, and heritage to gain a deeper understanding of your roots and identity. Connect with stories of resilience, courage, and empowerment from Black leaders and trailblazers who embody core values such as justice, equality, and community.

At Espresso Talk Today, empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of core values—the guiding principles that shape our decisions and actions.

Knowing your core values is more than just an introspective exercise—it's a tool for empowerment. It empowers you to reduce stress, set meaningful goals, and live a life that aligns with your true essence.

Join us as we explore the profound impact of core values and how they can lead you toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.

This is the episode that you didn't know that you needed!

Bonus Content!

You can find a list of core values here!

Are you living by your core values? Take the 10-question quiz here.

Join Ama-Robin and Mel as they interview Demiesha Dennis, founder of Brown Girl Outdoor World. Dive into Demiesha's inspiring journey from self-taught fly-fisher to advocate for Black women in nature.

We discuss:

The challenges faced by women of color in outdoor spaces, from racial profiling to lack of representation.
How Black Girl Outdoor World is reshaping the narrative on who belongs outdoors and fostering inclusivity through education and community.
The transformative power of nature as a form of Black empowerment and liberation.

Tune in to hear firsthand accounts and insights from women who are defying stereotypes and embracing the beauty of the natural world.

Get more information about Brown Girl Outdoor World here.

This is Black empowerment at its finest. Join us!

Five Affirmations for Black women in nature:

I belong in nature. My presence in the outdoors is a powerful act of reclaiming my space and heritage.
I am strong, resilient, and capable. I navigate outdoor spaces with confidence and grace.
I honor the wisdom and resilience of my ancestors who have connected with the land for generations. Their legacy empowers me to embrace my heritage and thrive in outdoor environments.
I am worthy of safety, respect, and dignity in all outdoor spaces. I assert my boundaries and stand up against hatred and discrimination, knowing that I deserve to feel safe and valued.
I trust in my intuition and inner wisdom to guide me through any challenges I may encounter in outdoor spaces. I am resourceful, adaptable, and capable of overcoming obstacles with grace and determination.

Today, we bravely dive into the topic of managing racial trauma. We are uniquely guided by Professor William A. Smith's framework of trauma-informed care: the 4Rs. By realizing, recognizing, responding, and resisting, we can navigate the complexities of racial trauma and foster healing within ourselves and our communities. Join us on our journey of diving into each R and exploring actionable--and effective!--steps for healing and empowerment.

The 4Rs of Trauma Care:

Realize the nature of systemic racism.
Recognize the symptoms of racial trauma.
Respond to the symptoms of racial trauma.
Resist racial re-traumatization.

Five Self-care Activities to Manage Racial Trauma:

Take time to check in with yourself regularly and assess your mental and physical well-being.
Be attentive to changes in your mood, behavior, and physical health.
Foster open communication with trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals about your experiences.
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other self-care techniques to manage stress and promote emotional well-being.
Seek out supportive communities and spaces where you feel empowered and validated.

Racial stress is a fact of life for most Black Americans. We suffer its physical and mental effects daily at work, at school, in public spaces, anywhere or anytime. Headaches. Hypertension. Insomnia. Anxiety. Depression. These are a few of the symptoms of racial stress, or Racial Battle Fatigue. We have learned about Racial Battle Fatigue from its founder, Professor William A. Smith, a psychologist from the University of Utah. By popular demand, we are addressing five statements by Professor Smith about racial stress. These "Uncomfortable Truths" are difficult to hear but important to know. Join us for this uncommon conversation as we dive deep into racial stress, racism, and white supremacist systems that are damaging Black health!

Five Self-care Activities that fight racial stress and trauma:

Mindful Reflection and Journaling: Take time each day to reflect on your experiences with racial stress and write them down in a journal. Reflect on how these experiences made you feel and any physical sensations you noticed. Then, practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help release tension and promote relaxation.
Community Connection and Support: Seek out supportive communities of fellow Black individuals who understand and empathize with your experiences of racial stress. Engage in open and honest conversations about your shared experiences, and offer support and validation to one another. This sense of belonging and solidarity can provide immense comfort and strength in navigating racial battle fatigue.
Creative Expression and Healing Arts: Explore creative outlets such as art, music, dance, or writing as a means of expressing and processing your emotions surrounding racial stress. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to connect with your cultural heritage and identity. Whether it's painting a picture, composing a song, or practicing traditional African dance, creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing and self-care in the face of racial battle fatigue.
Nature Connection and Grounding Exercises: Spend time outdoors in natural settings such as parks, forests, or gardens to reconnect with nature and ground yourself. Take leisurely walks, practice mindfulness amidst the sights and sounds of nature, or simply sit and soak in the healing energy of the environment. Engage your senses by noticing the colors, textures, and scents around you, allowing yourself to find peace and rejuvenation in nature's embrace.
Boundary Setting and Self-Advocacy Practices: Practice setting clear boundaries in your personal and professional life to protect your mental and emotional well-being from the impact of racial stress. Communicate assertively with others about your needs and limits, and advocate for yourself in situations where you feel marginalized or discriminated against. This may involve asserting your rights, speaking up against injustice, or seeking support from allies and advocates. By prioritizing self-care and self-advocacy, you empower yourself to navigate the challenges of racial battle fatigue with resilience and dignity.

Did you know that systemic racism can cause depression, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia, and other serious health conditions? Black Americans suffer high levels of stress from the daily experience of anti-Black racism. In this special episode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Professor William Smith who has conducted extensive study on this serious condition. He discusses the physiological processes leading to Racial Battle Fatigue, the symptoms, and healthy coping strategies to protect one's health. He also identifies unhealthy strategies that people use to cope but that often have dire consequences. Join the ETT Team in this important episode.

Bonus Materials:

Quote: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.~ Audre Lorde

Post-Podcast Self-Care Activity: Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful tool for nurturing positive self-perception and resilience. Here are five affirmations to reinforce your sense of purpose, empowerment, and well-being:

I am resilient, and my strength is a force for positive change.
I embrace my identity and stand proud in the face of adversity.
I am worthy of respect, understanding, and justice.
My well-being matters, and I prioritize self-care in the pursuit of liberation.
I contribute to a community of support, and together, we empower each other.

Use these affirmations during the Breather Break (36:40) or immediately following the show.

In this powerful final episode of Black History Month on Espresso Talk Today, we dive deep into the heart of what it means to be a history maker. Guided by the wisdom of the courageous and brilliant philosopher and activist, Angela Davis, we explore how every one of us, through our everyday actions, contributes to making history. From the stories of young activists reshaping our communities to the affirmations that fuel our inner strength, this episode is a call to recognize our collective power and responsibility.

We delve into the lives of individuals who, from youth to young adulthood, have stood up, spoken out, and acted to create change, proving that history is shaped by the everyday actions of ordinary people. Our discussion extends beyond the past, focusing on how we are actively crafting the future with our choices, voices, and actions today.

This episode is not just a reflection on Black History Month but a beacon for the ongoing journey of self-empowerment and collective action. Join us as we embrace the present with the knowledge that we are all, indeed, making history.

Bonus Materials:

Quote: “It is essential to resist the depiction of history as the work of heroic individuals for people today to recognize their potential agency as a part of an ever-expanding community of struggle.” ~ Angela Davis

Self-Care Activity

Affirmations are a powerful tool for nurturing positive self-perception and resilience. Here are five affirmations to reinforce your sense of purpose, empowerment, and well-being:

"I am a conduit of change; my actions, no matter how small, ripple out into the world, creating waves of positive impact."
"My worth is not measured by the scale of my achievements but by the sincerity of my efforts and the kindness in my heart."
"I give myself permission to rest and recharge, recognizing that self-care is not selfish but essential to sustain my passion and purpose."
"I stand on the shoulders of giants, drawing strength from those who came before me, and I too, am laying the foundations for future generations."
"My voice matters, my actions count, and my presence makes a difference in the tapestry of history, woven one thread at a time."

Repeat these affirmations daily, especially during moments of doubt or fatigue.

Do you find Black history depressing? I did! Then I learned that this was my "miseducation" about the real history of Black people in America. In this episode, host Ama-Robin rejects the "inferiorized" Black history that we have been taught and discusses the empowered history of resilience, resistance, and joy that is the true experience of Black America. Then she challenges you to find the joy in the history that you are making today. Grab an espresso and join us!

Black Joy is found in many places. One of my favorite "Black Joy" activities comes from storytelling and skilled storytellers.

Storytellers have always held important roles in Black communities--from Africa to Detroit. Storytelling connects us with our roots in Africa where the oral tradition was used to remember family history, acknowledge special events, and teach societal norms. This oral tradition allowed storytellers to adapt the story, message, and performance to the audience for maximum impact and enjoyment.

The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to have Master Storyteller, Mitch Capel, aka Gran'daddy Junebug, to the show to discuss the importance of storytelling.

Gran'daddy Junebug will also present some of his most popular stories and poems. You don't want to miss this uncommon and joyful episode!

Dive into a revolutionary journey with Espresso Talk Today's special episode for Black History Month.

Host Ama-Robin takes you through an empowering exploration of learning Black history as an act of radical liberation. This episode highlights the pivotal roles of figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Angela Davis in reshaping the narrative of Black empowerment. Uncover the untold stories of resilience and excellence that form the foundation of our fight against systemic racism.

Join Ama-Robin in this powerful call to action, emphasizing that learning Black history is more than education—it's a rebellion and a path to true liberation. Tune in for an inspiring journey of discovery and empowerment, where our history becomes our strength.

Racism is making us sick! A Black person dies every seven minutes because of systemic racism.

What can we do?

The first step is to use the Every Day Discrimination Scale--a test that measures the effect of racism in our lives.

The second step is to practice self-care. I

In this episode, Ama-Robin discusses different types of self-care, but she also encourages you to focus on the self-care that works for you. This is Black empowerment and liberation at its finest. Join this show. It could save your life.

Join Ama-Robin and Mel for this uncommon conversation about how racism affects Black health. They also use and discuss the Every Day Discrimination Scale (EDDS) that was created by Psychologist David R. Williams. You can find the Every Day Discrimination Scale on the Espresso Talk Today website at www.espressotalktoday.com.

Meet the fearless visionary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Explore the bold and unapologetic side of Dr. King that history often hides from us.

From the challenges of making MLK Day a reality to the radical messages that resonate today, this show will empower and inspire to action. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, speak out, and make a difference in your community, because this is where radical courage meets actionable change.

Join Ama-Robin for this uncommon and inspirational show!

"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house." Black feminist activist Audre Lorde spoke these words in 1979. She envisioned the dismantling of the global systems of oppression against Black and Brown people. As we enter 2024, Espresso Talk Today examines what has changed in the 45 years since Audre Lorde's poignant speech. We also examine what tools we have that can dismantle the machinery of white supremacy. Join us for this uncommon New Year's talk that reminds us of our individual and collective power.

Habari Gani! Let's celebrate Kwanzaa! Learn the basics about Kwanzaa from Master Storyteller Mama Edie. Learn why Kwanzaa was started, who started it, how to celebrate it, and how you can live the Kwanzaa principles. Great fun and wonderful traditions for the whole family, friends, or just you and the Espresso Talk Today team. At the end of the show, Mama Edie will tell an uplifting Kwanzaa story. Great show for the whole family!

Join Ama-Robin and Mel for this uncommon conversation about how racism affects Black health. They also take and discuss the Every Day Discrimination Scale (EDDS) that was created by Psychologist David R. Williams. You can find the Every Day Discrimination Scale on the Espresso Talk Today website at www.espressotalktoday.com.

Doing Dashiki Fridays. Studying Black history. Learning a (non-colonial) African language. Visiting an African country. Cooking foods from Black heritage. Singing the Black National Anthem. There are so many ways to connect with and celebrate Black culture! In this Real Talk episode, Mel and Robin discuss their favorite ways to connect with Black culture--some surprises here!--and why they feel that it is important, especially now. Join this Real Talk! Bonus: Get a free download of the Embrace your Blackness e-book.

Robert E. Lee Memorial Statue (Richmond, VA). Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma, AL). Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Obelisk (Birmingham, AL). Buffalo Bill Cultural Center (Kansas). Columbus Day holiday. Gone with the Wind. What do these have in common? They remember the history of White Americans. However, many people—particularly people of color—are denouncing these public remembrances for their idealization of slavery, segregation, genocide, mass rape, and other atrocities. The Espresso Talk Today team approaches these difficult questions and gives their opinions about what should be done about these historical sites. Join us in this lively discussion about White supremacy hidden in plain sight. Enough is enough!

Back by popular demand!

Jorick Gaines returns to talk about wealth building--and getting out of that "Sucker Cycle"!

Financial advisor and educator, Jorick Gaines with WealthWave, Inc., discusses the road to financial security and wealth building.

It all begins with having a wealth-focused mindset.

Jorick discusses the elements of the wealth mindset, the importance of financial literacy, and the actions needed for financial security. His advice helps people in all income categories and age groups.

Join Ben, Marlene, and Ama-Robin (and Jorick Gaines!) for this enlightening, uplifting, and educational episode. This show can change your current financial situation and your future financial status. The time to start is now!

Real Talk is getting uncomfortable in Montgomery. Ama-Robin, Mel, and Ben visit the historical town of Montgomery, Alabama. The town is home to the Equal Justice Initiative which works to challenge racial and economic injustice in the United States.

The ETT team discusses the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. The city of Montgomery is also a living museum. This was an "unforgettable journey through American History." We confront racial terror and reflect on America's conflicting and racist rhetoric and experiences.

Join us for this "uncomfortable" journey of healing in one of America's most historically racist spaces.

Asante sana to the Equal Justice Initiative for its continuing work towards racial justice. You can learn more about their work and support them at eji.org.

Are you prejudiced against yourself? Internalized racism is real and persistent. Where does it come from? What does it look like?

In this uncommon podcast episode, Ama-Robin presents the "7 Signs that You Might be Prejudiced against Yourself." Learn solutions and ways to heal from the effects of internalized racism. She also presents great stories of Black people who have successfully navigated through this hidden web of white supremacy.

Join us for this deep dive into this misunderstood form of racism. No judgment. No criticism. Just awareness.

What is a wealth mindset? In this financial empowerment show, financial advisor and educator, Jorick Gaines with WealthWave, Inc., discusses the road to financial security and wealth building. It all begins with having a wealth-focused mindset.

Jorick Gaines discusses the elements of the wealth mindset, the importance of financial literacy, and the actions needed for financial security. His advice helps people in all income categories and age groups.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team for this enlightening, uplifting, and educational episode. This show can change your current financial situation and your future financial status. The time to start is now!

In this uncommon and interactive episode of Espresso Talk Today, Ama-Robin leads a timely 10-question "check-in" to dive into the intricate relationship between our pursuit of success and the health impact of racism. Through a comprehensive--and short!--questionnaire, you will assess how high-effort coping skills, often vital in battling racial challenges, might be silently affecting your health and well-being.

Join us in this essential discussion as we uncover these invisible but real costs and empower ourselves with knowledge and awareness.

An episode not to be missed by any Black person navigating the path to success.

On this September "Talks with Docs & Profs" show, we are joined by the esteemed heart-failure specialist, Kevin Alexander, M.D., to shed light on ATTR-CM – a grave yet under-discussed disease that affects Black people. In this engaging dialogue, we unravel the intricacies of ATTR-CM, exploring its symptoms, prognosis, and the latest advancements in treatment.

Emphasizing its significance within the Black community, Dr. Alexander articulates how awareness and knowledge about this disease are vital components of Black medical care, empowerment and health advocacy. This episode is a harmonious blend of deep discussion about a serious condition and uplifting conversation on community empowerment, promising to leave listeners informed and inspired. Join host Ama-Robin or this uncommon conversation!

:35 Intro and Background

6:10 Kevin Alexander, M.D. discusses ATTR-CM

1:05:15 Outro

In a world where diversity could be celebrated, the reality for many Black people can be described as "Feeling Alone in a Crowd."

Join host Ama-Robin on a journey of empowerment, resilience, and radical change as she tackles the complex and often uncomfortable topic of racial isolation. Through candid discussion, personal stories, and expert insights, this podcast episode brings to light the challenges we face in predominantly white spaces—whether at work, in the community, or in everyday life.

Ama-Robin fearlessly explores the emotional toll of racial isolation, its mental health effects, and the power of collective action. Whether you're Black, an ally, or simply curious about dismantling racial barriers, this podcast is your call to action. Join us in the fight for unity, understanding, and a world where no one has to feel alone in a crowd.

Remember to subscribe now and be part of the change!

Depression. Anxiety. Loneliness. Fear. These are real feelings experienced by Black students at predominantly white schools. These feelings often go unreported and unacknowledged. Yet racial isolation is real. It affects students' mental health, academic performance, and long-term career prospects. It's time to stop the false claims of "inclusion" and "colorblindness." We need to get real and honest about this racial elephant in the classroom. Join us for this important show!

What does racial isolation look like?
What can students do to protect themselves?
How can parents help?
How can we eliminate racism in the classroom?

Downplaying racism. Changing one's name or appearance. Laughing at a racist joke. Choosing only white friends. These are "white-pleasing" behaviors. We all have seen it. We all have done it. Some people have internalized it more than others. White-pleasing is a way of seeking the approval of white people and white society.

In this show, podcast host, Ama-Robin, discusses the origins of white-pleasing as a coping, strategic, and survival tool. She will also discuss the different kinds of white-pleasing behaviors and how they can affect one's mental health. We will discuss real-life scenarios--including Ama-Robin's personal experience!--that show how white-pleasing is an integral part of living Black in a majority-white society.

Time to get real. No judgments or criticism.

Racial encounters happen. Every. Single. Day. Anywhere. Anytime. Black people experience them so often that it affects our mental and physical health. Anticipating a racial encounter can also cause stress and trauma. Racial encounters often cause headaches, insomnia, trembling, stomach pain, and many other physical ailments. In this uncommon episode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by a special guest who discusses a racial encounter at a department store that left her feeling terrified, vulnerable, and dehumanized. Her story is real. Please join us to hear about her encounter and learn self-care steps to support her health and well-being. Full names have not been used in order to protect the participant.

Note: This true story could cause a stress or trauma response. Please listen with caution.

Traditional African, native, and indigenous healing methods are powerful. Many of the healing traditional methods have been stolen and destroyed during colonialism, slavery, and other acts of genocide. Fortunately, the resiliency of the cultures and peoples of the African diaspora saved the history, culture, spirituality, and healing methods. Michelle Lee's groundbreaking book, Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing, discusses her 22-year journey to collect and "save" the traditions.

Join us for this ancestral journey of health and healing. Ms. Lee also shares time-honored (and effective!) health-preserving "medicines" and healing methods for common conditions and ailments.

Get ready to learn the "strong medicine" that big pharma does not want you to know!

Click below to find the book:

Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing

Black mental health is often overlooked or diminished. American society fails to address mental health issues. Black Americans hold stereotypes and myths about mental health. Yet depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems--including suicide--are prevalent in the Black community. In this show, we are discussing Black mental health with Dr. Ebony Butler, who created My Therapy Cards to support Black mental health and emotional healing. Yes, she will also discuss the continuing impact of racism on mental health. Dr. Ebony joins Espresso Talk Today to discuss her innovative mental health cards, how to use them, why to use them, and who should NOT use them. Join this uncommon convo!

Black people never get any credit! We get all the blame when bad things happen, but never the credit for the good stuff that happens. America's Black Founders were revolutionaries and resisters. They were committed to the ideals of equality, freedom, and individual rights for all people. But they are not revered like the white (mostly slave-owning) Founders though their accomplishments were arguably greater and definitely more profound. In this special episode, we discuss America's Black Founders--she names names!--and their contributions towards creating a Union for all people wanting life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Join this uncommon and revolutionary discussion.

Black maternal death rates are alarmingly high and rising. Olympic gold medalist Tori Bowie is one of the latest victims of this epidemic. Racial bias is endemic to the American healthcare system. Learn the historical roots (from slavery) of medical racism in the United States. We will also discuss how Black women can protect themselves within the medical system and in the doctor's office. This show is designed to empower Black women to protect their health and to experience the safe and loving birthing experience of their dreams.

Warning: This show discusses maternal death experiences and the in utero death of an unborn baby. This can trigger difficult emotions and memories. Please listen with caution and take self-care steps to protect your mental health.

Black people have been celebrating this holiday for more than a century. Barbecues, speeches, music, community, and sweet potato pies are the hallmarks of Juneteenth celebrations. This important holiday has gone virtually unnoticed and ignored by white Americans. In 2021, President Biden signed the bill making Juneteenth into a federal holiday. Will white people appropriate this holiday? Will Juneteenth lose its importance and relevance? Will America recognize its unfulfilled promises to Black Americans? In this Real Talk, Elder Mel, Ben, and Ama-Robin discuss how they celebrate Juneteenth and how voting rights, police reform, and reparations are the next logical steps toward real emancipation and equality. Join us for this uncommon. conversation!

Bonus: Melinda Doolittle will sing the Black National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" at the end of the show. Please join us and stand for our anthem.

Three years ago, I had an encounter with a racist at the movie theater. The racist white accuser attempted to have my family kicked out of the movie theatre and possibly arrested. We had done nothing wrong. Yes, it happens! I know that white accusers are often believed over Black people. The white supremacist system supports this practice. Not this time! My family was lucky. I was saved by a "secret weapon" who believed me and helped my family to go home safely. No firearms were involved.

Warning: The details in this show bring up difficult or painful memories of racist aggression. Please listen with caution.

I had a racist encounter in a movie theater--three years ago. I suffered from insomnia, headaches, and anxiety for three years following the encounter. These were symptoms of racial trauma. With help, I learned how to heal from the trauma. These are the steps that I took to stop reliving the incident and start feeling empowered over my life. Racism is real. The feelings are real. #BelieveBlackPeople

Warning: The information in this podcast can trigger difficult emotions. Please listen with caution.

All American holidays ain't white! Kwanzaa. Juneteenth. Harriet Tubman Day. Black holidays are real and important. They remember the contributions, struggles, and victories of Black people in America and around the world. Yet we are encouraged to celebrate the "white" American or "white-approved" holidays like July 4th and Columbus Day.

It's time to decolonize our holidays!

We can focus on holidays that honor Black history and culture. Many people are unfamiliar with these special days. This podcast discusses some of the more famous days and a few lesser-known days. These holidays are inspirational, educational, and reflective--all at the same time. Get ready to celebrate and commemorate!

Trauma is a universal human experience. It is also a personal experience affected by culture and background. Today we discuss Black trauma--both individual and collective trauma. In this show, Theopia Jackson, Ph.D., from the Association of Black Psychologists discusses the reality of Black trauma, how it appears differently in adults and children, and how it is passed through generations. Dr. Jackson also discusses how to manage and heal from trauma through culture, community, spirituality, and positive emotional engagement.

Special: This show ends with Dr. Jackson guiding us through a culture-focused meditation on healing. Join us for the special podcast show. Enlightenment guaranteed!

This is the second (final) part of our Black-centered psychology series.

The myth of colorblind Western-based psychology is persistent and problematic. Western-based psychology often does not address the mental health needs of Black and Brown people. It does not consider different cultural backgrounds and culturally-based behaviors or outlooks. Instead, it pathologizes them! This leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

A Black-centered (or multicultural) approach to psychology has proven to be helpful, responsive, and inclusive. Culture. Family. Ancestors. Spirituality. The Elders. Community. These are important in Black culture and in Black Psychology. The Espresso Talk Today team (led by Hans Hyppolite) is joined by Theopia Jackson, Ph.D., former President of the Association of Black Psychologists to discuss this culture-based form of psychology. Asante Sana!

Black Wall Street. HBCUs. Black Panther Party. Black churches. The Black community has always been a powerful presence in America. Some communities are politically powerful. Others have a strong economic base. Still, others are culturally vibrant spaces. Yet America has not always welcomed or supported these communities--quite the opposite in fact. Why are Black communities so important? Why have they been attacked? The Espresso Talk Today team answers these questions and more. Join us for this Black empowerment podcast show.

Today, we've got amazing excerpts from the amazing Black health experts who have appeared on the Espresso Talk Today show! This is your opportunity to hear some of the best discussions, explanations, research, and opinions from experts on Black health! Professor Deirdre Cooper Owens discusses medical racism. Professor William A. Smith discusses Racial Battle Fatigue. These are some of the best excerpts from experts in the field.

Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D. on the effects of medical racism and bias.

Intro at 3:00.
Show at 5:40

Medical Racism Podcast Show

William A. Smith, Ph.D. on the physiological effects of Racial Battle Fatigue.

Intro at 21:30.
Show at 23:30

Racial Battle Fatigue Podcast Show

Racial health disparities persist in the United States. How do they appear? What do they look like? What effects do they have? The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Gregory Hall, M.D. to discuss the prevalence and importance of racial health disparities. Dr. Hall gets real about the chronic health problems that exist in the Black community and debunks the myth that "poverty is the problem." He also discusses how we can improve our health literacy and health outcomes. This uncommon conversation is part of our April Black Health series. Get ready to be shocked by the data on health disparities and to learn what you can do to improve your health. We have the power!

Book: Patient-centered Clinical Care for African Americans

https://drgreghall.com

Better Black Health Podcast

Have you ever wanted to have a (free and authentic) conversation with a cardiologist? That's what the Espresso Talk Today team wanted--and that's what we had! We met with Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist and former president of the American Heart Association! Nothing was off the table. We discussed everything from heart health to heart failure. Dr. Yancy shared his 8 essential steps for optimal heart health and four symptoms that you should never ignore. And, of course, we discussed the importance of race and racism in Black health. You can also discover why people in certain communities live the longest and the happiest. Join us for this uncommon and informative conversation.

Resources:

Association of Black Cardiologists

American Heart Association

Repaying student loans does not need to be painful. It also does not need to be difficult. However, it can feel confusing and scary. Financial aid expert, Kim Bradley, returns to the show to discuss student loan repayment options. Kim Bradley will discuss different repayment options and the future of loan repayment and loan forgiveness possibilities. Ms. Bradley also presents the four federal student loans and how they can be easily repaid. You will also learn what to do in the event of a financial emergency. Finally, she presents a 911 rescue website (see below)! Kim is gentle and patient. Join us for this informative discussion.

Kim's advice: Do your research before choosing a school and getting a loan!

Student Loan 911 Rescue

If you or someone you know needs money for college, start here: https://studentaid.ed.gov

Report: Black Women are uniquely burdened by student loan debt

Hypertension. Depression. Cardiovascular disease. African Americans have a higher risk of suffering from these chronic illnesses. Earlier onset. Earlier deaths. Why? Systemic racism. Many counties have declared racism to be a public health crisis. Public health can protect health in Black and Brown communities by addressing racism-based issues like poverty, food insecurity, toxic environments, inadequate housing, and even lack of education. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. Dr. Benjamin will discuss chronic health problems in the Black community and how public health is perfectly positioned to protect and improve Black health by addressing the persistent problem of systemic racism. Listen to this podcast and learn what you can do to protect your personal health and promote health in the Black community. Racism destroyes lives. Public health saves lives! Don't miss this important episode.

Video: Healthy Births & Black Americans: Why are death rates still higher?

American Public Health Association: apha.org

The Espresso Talk Today team discusses their experiences with racism denials. Three generations of Black Americans have a real talk about their thoughts when they hear these statements and how they respond to them. We also discuss the importance of Dr. Philippe Copeland's work to empower Black Americans against racism and to create an antiracist society. We all bring great thoughts and important experiences to this show.! Join us for real talk about this real everyday issue faced by African Americans.

8 Forms of Racism Denial:

Refuting--that's not racist!
Minimizing--it's not as bad as it used to be
Replacing--talk about something other than race e.g. gender
Defending--deploying the black friend. I can't be racist because I have Black friends.
Excusing--I was just kidding. You're overreacting! Different generation.
Myopia--ignoring the context in which statements are made.
Revising history--avoiding accountability for embracing people who engaged in racism in the past. Lost cause Confederacy. War was not about slavery but states rights. War of northern aggression.
Distorting: turning reality inside out. The real problem is the mistreatment of white people.

"I don't see race!" "That wasn't racist; that was a compliment!" These statements are racism denials. What is racism denial? How can anyone deny that racism? The answer: we all deny racism at some time! Racism denial is both a political strategy and a coping mechanism. We will discuss these two uses of racism denial and the eight different types of racism denial. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Phillippe Copeland, Ph.D. of Boston University Center for Antiracist Research to explain racism denials, how to recognize them, how to respond to them, their effects, and his goal for an antiracist society. Grab your espresso (and a pen) and listen to this enlightening show!

Collective grief. Suffocated grief. Anticipatory grief. Black grief is unique. Western society tries to define grief and describe the grief process. Swiss-American psychologist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross extensively studied the grief process; her research has set the standard for understanding grief. However, this standard is not fully relevant or applicable to the Black grief experience.

Espresso Talk Today is joined by psychologist Mary Chappell, Ph.D. who will discuss the uniqueness of Black grief, the failure of western society to acknowledge Black grief, the problem that this causes, and how Black people can support each other during the grief process. Dr. Chappell also discusses the warning signs of grieving persons who need extra support. Please join us for this compassionate and life-affirming discussion about this difficult subject.

Grief Therapists:

Association of Black Psychologists (Directory for Black Mental Health and Wellness professionals)

Betterhelp.com

Financial aid specialist Kim Bradley returns to the podcast show! In this show, Kim Bradley discusses the most important form to apply for financial aid: the FAFSA! The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Kim will discuss the important ways to complete this form, costly mistakes, and things that you must do. These are the must-dos and must-don'ts for this important form. Kim Bradley will walk you through the FAFSA beginning with your name! Don't take anything for granted. Don't make assumptions. Follow the instructions. This podcast show can help you get the money you need for college! Don't end up in the problem pile!

Important Information:

October 1: FAFSA Application Submission Launch Date. Apply ASAP!

Official website of the College Board! Everything about applying for college: www.bigfuture.org

Scholarship winner every month on www.bigfuture.org

Official Federal Student Aid Official Website: www.studentaid.gov

Phone number: 1-800-4-FEDAID

Note: This podcast show is part of ETT's Financial Empowerment series.

What is Black Activism? Who are today's Black activists and what are they doing? We are discussing the importance of Black activism and the great work of young Black activists today. ETT is also presenting non-traditional ways of engaging in Black activism. Join us for the practical and enlightening show.

Yes, Black History Month comes only once per year. From the special museum and library exhibits to the musical and cultural festivals, Black History Month is a vibrant time of remembrance, learning, and celebration. But there is no need to start singing the end-of-Black-History-Month blues!

Doug (making a special appearance!) and Robin discuss this special month and how they plan to celebrate Black history and culture throughout the year. They also discuss how Black history and culture are under attack and how to respond to this white supremacist attack.

Grab an expresso and join this uncommon conversation!

I was taught that Africa has no history! Teachers, textbooks, television, and movies have hidden Africa's history and its contributions to humanity. This is a White supremacist history of Africa. It is still being taught today. In this short presentation, educator and YouTube content creator, Kirk Wadi joins the Espresso Talk Today team to give us a quick taste of real African history that includes advanced civilizations, complext trading systems, and great learning centers. Join us to learn true African history!

Many of America's greatest stories were told by Black Americans who had been previously enslaved. These first-person narratives told how enslaved people lived every day. They told of the difficulties, pain, and hardships. But they also told of the courage, love, and community of people aiming to love and protect their families. In this week's episode, the Espresso Talk Today team reads the narrative of Mrs. Rosina Hoard who had been enslaved in Texas. Her words are read by ETT team member, Elder Mel, who is her great-grandniece. This is Black History--American history--that should never be forgotten. Don't miss this uncommon episode!

Special Musical Selection: "I Wish I Knew how It Would Feel to be Free" performed by Nina Simone.

In 1954, the Supreme Court invalidated school segregation in the famous Brown v. Board of Education case. In this special episode, the ETT Team performs a play showing the real struggle to desegregate public schools. Thurgood Marshall, and Charles Hamilton Houston as well as parents, children, and activists fought hard for equality in education--and this play shows their struggles, hardships, and ultimate victory. Join the team for this special episode in honor of Black History Month. Grab an espresso and hear the real history--and current state--of segregation in American schools. This is the history that Ron DiSantis does not want you to know.

America has never accepted its racist history. Instead, it tries to distort history and cover up the past. This has erased many of the great contributions of Black Americans. This has also erased the past shameful acts of the American enslavers, colonizers, and other white supremacists. The Espresso Talk Today team is opening Black History month by confronting America with its history coverups and distortions and how it has affected all Americans. Join us for this controversial show.

The ETT team concludes its Black Love series (January) by discussing Black women who have shown self-love and courage. Black love is often discouraged and criticized. Black love is often punished. Yet Black love endures and grows. In this episode, we will discuss the courageous women who have taken extraordinary steps to show self-love by practicing self-care and self-respect. They all began by saying, “no” to the dangerous, destructive, and degrading expectations of a society that does not value them. We will discuss the power of saying no and other ways that we can show love for ourselves and others. Refusal resistance is power!

Racial encounters happen. Every. Single. Day. Anywhere. Anytime. Black people experience them so often that it affects our mental and physical health. Anticipating a racial encounter can also cause stress and trauma. Racial encounters often cause headaches, insomnia, trembling, stomach pain, and many other physical ailments. In this uncommon espisode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by a special guest who discusses a racial encounter at a department store that left her feeling terrified, vulnerable, and dehumanized. Her story is real. Please join us to hear about her encounter and learn self-care steps to support her health and well-being. Full names have not been used in order to protect the participants.

Note: This true story could cause a stress or trauma response. Please listen with caution.

The Espresso Talk Today team presents a lesser-known essay written, in 1958, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This powerful essay discusses the 6 essential elements of nonviolent resistance. This shows Dr. King as a passionate scholar, a courageous clergyman, and a radical resister. Nonviolent resistance is powerful and effective. It does resist. Dr. King reminds us, "It is not for cowards."

A special show in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Essay: An Experiment in Love (1958)

Presenter: Ben Koponen

What is Black self-love? This controversial show presents the history, obstacles, and challenges of Black self-love. Slavery, racism, and stereotyping have directly affected the expression of Black self-love. Join us to learn the elements of Black self-love and how Black Americans have struggled (against the odds) to show love for themselves, their families, their community, and even their country. Be prepared for surprising truths.

Musical Selection: Black on Black Love by Queen Latifah

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the seventh day of Kwanzaa! On this seventh day, we celebrate Faith or Imani (in the Ki-Swahili language).

African Folktale: Damon and Pythias
Musical Selection: A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

Asante Sana for joining our Kwanzaa celebration!

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the sixth day of Kwanzaa! On this sixth day, we celebrate Creativity or Ku'umba (in the Ki-Swahili language).

African Folktale: The Feast
Musical Selection: Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa! On this fifth day, we celebrate Purpose or Nia (in the Ki-Swahili language).

African Folktale: How Walukaga Answered the King
Musical Selection: Stand Up (from Harriet) by Cynthia Erivo

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the fourth day of Kwanzaa! On this fourth day, we celebrate cooperative economics or Ujamaa (in the Ki-Swahili language).

Ashanti Folktale: Ananse and the Bearded Rock
Musical Selection: Bambugu Blues (Album: I speak Fula) by Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa! On this third day, we celebrate collective work and responsibility or Ujima (in the Kiswahili language).

Poem: The Christmas Reunion Down at Martinsville by Augustus M. Hodges
Musical Selection: Keep Fighting for Peace by Cory Henry

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa! On this second day, we celebrate self-determination or Kujichagulia (in the Kiswahili language).

Short story: "The People Could Fly" by Virginia Hamilton
Musical Selection: "Goodbye Song" by Cynthia Erivo and Terence Blanchard

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa! On this first day, we celebrate Unity or Umoja (in the Kiswahili language).

Short story: "One Christmas Eve" by Langston Hughes
Musical Selection: "One Love" by Bob Marley

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Watching holiday movies is a long tradition. But have you ever watched African American holiday films? Or read Black holiday stories? Grab an "eggnog espresso" and get ready to be entertained and uplifted! Join the ETT Team as they discuss their favorite Black holiday movies. They also examine the importance of Black films and the differences between White holiday movies and African American holiday films. Yes, there are important differences!

Special gift: Two Black holiday short stories read by Mel and Marlene!

Time for a Real Talk! Today's Real Talk show follows up on the uncommon conversation with Cardiologist Clyde Yancy. In this important show, Mel and Robin discuss the 8 Essential Steps to Heart Health that Dr. Clyde Yancy presented. These steps are simple but not always easy. Yet they can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 80 percent! Join this Real Talk and learn how you can protect your heart health and increase your longevity and well-being.

Black people are constantly assessing their environments. We feel surveilled in stores. We feel excluded in museums. We feel ignored in restaurants. We feel watched in libraries. We feel cautious in many white public spaces. This hypervigilance is the effect of anti-Black racism and anticipated threats to our safety and success. Racial hypervigilance has helped us to stay safe. It has also damaged our health and well-being. What is racial hypervigilance? How does it affect our health? How can we avoid its damaging effects while enjoying the safety that it provides? Join us for this empowering presentation. Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, activist Angela Davis, and numerous scholars and researchers who have participated on the Espresso Talk Today podcast show make contributions to this show. You don't want to miss it!

Habari Gani! Let's prepare to celebrate Kwanzaa! It's all about Black history, Black culture, and Black empowerment. Learn the basics about Kwanzaa from Master Storyteller Mama Edie. Why was Kwanzaa started? Who started it? How do I celebrate it? How can I live the Kwanzaa principles? Great questions! They will all be answered in this dynamic and uplifting podcast show. It's a wonderful celebration of culture and traditions for the whole family, friends, or just you and the Espresso Talk Today team. Grab an espresso (or tea), relax, and enjoy. Happy Kwanzaa!

Self-care is important during the holidays. Self-care is important every day. It's not easy, but it is necessary for good mental and physical health. It's necessary for happiness and well-being. Mindfulness & Life coach, Roxanne Brew, joins the Espresso Talk Today team for an uncommon discussion on simple and effective self-care techniques that can be used every day. These techniques work! Roxanne also presents her "Self-care 911" tool that should be in everyone's self-care toolkit. Join us for this empowering discussion. You can learn additional techniques and schedule a free clarity call with Roxanne at cloudwalkcoaching.com.

We need to know everything about heart disease and heart health! Cardiovascular disease is deadly and disabling. Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist, discussed risk factors and important symptoms to know. It's time for a Real Talk! The Espresso Talk Today team will discuss how to deal with risk factors like diabetes, how to manage important symptoms like breathing difficulties, and how to talk with friends and family members about heart disease and heart health. We can help ourselves and help each other. Join our Real Talk!

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and disability in the Black community. Yet many Black people do not understand the impact of their risk factors or know the early symptoms of cardiovascular illness. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist, and Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Yancy is also a former president of the American Heart Association. In this episode, Dr. Yancy will discuss the eight essential steps that can reduce heart disease risk by 80 percent! These are the "Essential Eight Steps to Heart Health." Dr. Yancy gets real and specific about these steps that can maintain cardiovascular health and promote longer, healthier, and happier living. This is part 2 of our 2-part conversation. Join us for this life-saving show!

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and disability in the Black community. Yet many Black people do not understand the impact of their risk factors or know the early symptoms of cardiovascular illness. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist and Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Yancy is also a former president of the American Heart Association. He will discuss cardiovascular disease in the Black community as well as important risk factors and symptoms that everyone should know and understand. Dr. Yancy gets real and specific about confronting cardiovascular disease and important differences in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Yancy shows us that we can beat heart disease. This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Join us for this life-saving show!

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and disability in the Black community. Yet many Black people do not understand the impact of their risk factors or know the early symptoms of cardiovascular illness. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist and Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Yancy is also a former president of the American Heart Association. He will discuss cardiovascular disease in the Black community as well as important risk factors and symptoms that everyone should know and understand. Dr. Yancy gets real and specific about confronting cardiovascular disease and important differences in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Yancy shows us that we can beat heart disease. This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Join us for this life-saving show!

Attending college is part of the American dream. However, attending a college or university in the United States is expensive. Very expensive. American universities are some of the most expensive in the world. Most students rely on financial aid to pay for their education. However, financial aid is not a perfect solution. It is a confusing and difficult system to navigate. Delays, mistakes, and misunderstandings can be costly. Most students and their parents are unfamiliar with the benefits and detriments of financial aid. Espresso Talk Today is committed to encouraging education and supporting financial empowerment. In this uncommon episode, we are joined by Financial Aid Advisor Kim Bradley who will present the basics about financial aid, how to choose the right type of financial aid, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Join us for this enlightening and empowering episode!

Attending college is part of the American dream. However, attending a college or university in the United States is expensive. Very expensive. American universities are some of the most expensive in the world. Most students rely on financial aid to pay for their education. However, financial aid is not a perfect solution. It is a confusing and difficult system to navigate. Delays, mistakes, and misunderstandings can be costly. Most students and their parents are unfamiliar with the benefits and detriments of financial aid. Espresso Talk Today is committed to encouraging education and supporting financial empowerment. In this uncommon episode, we are joined by Financial Aid Advisor Kim Bradley who will present the basics about financial aid, how to choose the right type of financial aid, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Join us for this enlightening and empowering episode!

Have you ever had a racial encounter? What did you do? Deny it or Ignore it? Many Black people experience such encounters but deny their physical and emotional effects. The evidence proves that racism damages health! In this show, we discuss a real-life racial encounter and three simple steps that can avoid the damaging effects of racist encounters. Self-care is essential!

Have you ever had a racial encounter? What did you do? Deny it or Ignore it? Many Black people experience such encounters but deny their physical and emotional effects. The evidence proves that racism damages health! In this show, we discuss a real-life racial encounter and three simple steps that can avoid the damaging effects of racist encounters. Self-care is essential!

Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, the book, Black Rage, by Black psychiatrists William H. Grier and Price M. Cobbs, was published. This widely acclaimed work has established itself as the classic statement of the desperation, conflicts, and anger of black life in America today. In our first literary mentor talk, Ben Koponen reads excerpts from the book, Black Rage, and provides commentary and analysis about the research and its relevance for Black people today. Join us for this insightful discussion.

Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, the book, Black Rage, by Black psychiatrists William H. Grier and Price M. Cobbs, was published. This widely acclaimed work has established itself as the classic statement of the desperation, conflicts, and anger of black life in America today. In our first literary mentor talk, Ben Koponen reads excerpts from the book, Black Rage, and provides commentary and analysis about the research and its relevance for Black people today. Join us for this insightful discussion.

Black Americans are traveling and living abroad at increasing levels. Europe. Africa. South America. Asia. We are not limiting ourselves to the problems and difficulties (and pervasive racism) in the United States. Robin Lofton, co-founder, and host of the Espresso Talk Today show, has studied and lived abroad (in the Netherlands, England, and Sweden) since 1994. She and her family currently live in Belgium. In this unique interview, Robin discusses her reasons for moving abroad, her experiences living in Europe, and the surprises she encountered as a Black woman ex-pat (now permanent resident!) in Europe. What does racism look like in Europe? Robin will answer this question and others about living abroad as well as what's next for her popular podcast show.

Black Americans are traveling and living abroad at increasing levels. Europe. Africa. South America. Asia. We are not limiting ourselves to the problems and difficulties (and pervasive racism) in the United States. Robin Lofton, co-founder, and host of the Espresso Talk Today show, has studied and lived abroad (in the Netherlands, England, and Sweden) since 1994. She and her family currently live in Belgium. In this unique interview, Robin discusses her reasons for moving abroad, her experiences living in Europe, and the surprises she encountered as a Black woman ex-pat (now permanent resident!) in Europe. What does racism look like in Europe? Robin will answer this question and others about living abroad as well as what's next for her popular podcast show.

Doing Dashiki Fridays. Studying Black history. Learning a (non-colonial) African language. Visiting an African country. Cooking foods from Black heritage. Singing the Black National Anthem. There are so many ways to connect with and celebrate Black culture! In this Real Talk episode, Mel and Robin discuss their favorite ways to connect with Black culture--some surprises here!--and why they feel that it is important, especially now. Join this Real Talk! Bonus: Participate in our "Celebration of Culture" Challenge and be eligible to win a prize that celebrates Black culture.

Doing Dashiki Fridays. Studying Black history. Learning a (non-colonial) African language. Visiting an African country. Cooking foods from Black heritage. Singing the Black National Anthem. There are so many ways to connect with and celebrate Black culture! In this Real Talk episode, Mel and Robin discuss their favorite ways to connect with Black culture--some surprises here!--and why they feel that it is important, especially now. Join this Real Talk! Bonus: Participate in our "Celebration of Culture" Challenge and be eligible to win a prize that celebrates Black culture.

Hear amazing excerpts from the amazing Black health experts who have appeared on the Espresso Talk Today show! This is your opportunity to hear some of the best discussions, explanations, research, and opinions from experts on Black health issues! Today, we will have Professor Deirdre Cooper Owens discussing medical racism and Professor William A. Smith discussing Racial Battle Fatigue.

Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D. on medical racism.

Intro at 4:45.
Show at 7:25

William A. Smith, Ph.D. on the physical and mental effects of Racial Battle Fatigue.

Intro at 23:15.
Show at 25:10

Hear amazing excerpts from the amazing Black health experts who have appeared on the Espresso Talk Today show! This is your opportunity to hear some of the best discussions, explanations, research, and opinions from experts on Black health issues! Today, we will have Professor Deirdre Cooper Owens discussing medical racism and Professor William A. Smith discussing Racial Battle Fatigue.

Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D. on medical racism.

Intro at 4:45.
Show at 7:25

William A. Smith, Ph.D. on the physical and mental effects of Racial Battle Fatigue.

Intro at 23:15.
Show at 25:10

Would you like to hear amazing excerpts from the amazing experts who have appeared on the Espresso Talk Today show? This is your opportunity to hear some of the best discussions, explanations, and opinions by the experts who have joined the show! Today, we will have Dr. Georges Benjamin from the American Public Health Association, Dr. Theopia Jackson from the Association of Black Psychologists, and Dr. Howard Stevenson from the Racial Empowerment Collaborative.

Georges Benjamin, M.D. on Introduction to public health and the importance of health equity. Intro at 4:55. Show at 5:50

Theopia Jackson, Ph.D. on the unique and long-term impact of racial trauma. Intro at 17:10. Show at 18:20

Howard C. Stevenson, Ph.D. on developing racial literacy skills to cope with racial stress and the importance of discussing race. Intro at 29:35. Show at 31:40.

Would you like to hear amazing excerpts from the amazing experts who have appeared on the Espresso Talk Today show? This is your opportunity to hear some of the best discussions, explanations, and opinions by the experts who have joined the show! Today, we will have Dr. Georges Benjamin from the American Public Health Association, Dr. Theopia Jackson from the Association of Black Psychologists, and Dr. Howard Stevenson from the Racial Empowerment Collaborative.

Georges Benjamin, M.D. on Introduction to public health and the importance of health equity. Intro at 4:55. Show at 5:50

Theopia Jackson, Ph.D. on the unique and long-term impact of racial trauma. Intro at 17:10. Show at 18:20

Howard C. Stevenson, Ph.D. on developing racial literacy skills to cope with racial stress and the importance of discussing race. Intro at 29:35. Show at 31:40.

Community. Culture. Great academic programs. Committed professors. Amazing mentors. Diverse. Welcoming and supportive environment. Yes, you find all of these at historically Black colleges and universities! HBCUs have been educating Black students since 1837. These schools are graduating students who become leaders in every field. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Leslie Jones, founder of the website, thehundred-seven.org, which is dedicated to positively promoting HBCUs. Join us for this uplifting and uncommon conversation.

Community. Culture. Great academic programs. Committed professors. Amazing mentors. Diverse. Welcoming and supportive environment. Yes, you find all of these at historically Black colleges and universities! HBCUs have been educating Black students since 1837. These schools are graduating students who become leaders in every field. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Leslie Jones, founder of the website, thehundred-seven.org, which is dedicated to positively promoting HBCUs. Join us for this uplifting and uncommon conversation.

Kamala Harris. Spike Lee. Toni Morrison. W.E.B. Dubois. What do these great Black people have in common? They all graduated from an HBCU! HBCUs have been educating Black students since 1837. These schools are graduating students who become leaders in every field. Do you want to learn more about these amazing schools? The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Leslie Jones, founder of the website, thehundred-seven.org, which is dedicated to positively promoting HBCUs. Join us for this uplifting and uncommon conversation.

Many Black actors have taken on the dual role of activists fighting for social change. In the past, they participated in the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement. Today, Black actors are still fighting for racial equality but are also focusing on women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, economic justice, environmental justice, and many other important causes. Yet they are often told to "shut up and act." However, these actors will not be silenced. Join us for this important show that honors Black actor-activists who risked it all to fight for social change.

Many Black actors have taken on the dual role of activists fighting for social change. In the past, they participated in the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement. Today, Black actors are still fighting for racial equality but are also focusing on women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, economic justice, environmental justice, and many other important causes. Yet they are often told to "shut up and act." However, these actors will not be silenced. Join us for this important show that honors Black actor-activists who risked it all to fight for social change.

Blood banks. Cataract surgery. Automatic elevator doors. What do these items have in common? They all were invented by Black people! There are many items that we use every day and procedures that have saved lives that were invented by Black Americans. Yet we learn and hear so little about the numerous inventions by African Americans. In this episode, the ETT team discusses Black inventions and their backstories. We also discuss the challenges faced by Black inventors today and how we can support their research, work, and contributions to society. Don't miss this show!

Why is kindness important in antiracism work? What does kindness look like in the fight against racism? In this folktale called Lord of the Cranes, the main character tests the kindness and helpfulness of a wealthy businessman. This folktale, similar to the parable of The Good Samaritan, introduces the importance of showing kindness to all people. Elder Mellanese returns to read this ancient folktale. Sit back. Get comfortable. Listen. Think. Enjoy. This is storytelling at its finest!

What happens if you discover that your friend holds racist views? Or homophobic views? Or sexist attitudes? Bias exists in every person. Yet racism, sexism, antisemitism, and anti-LGBTQ-ism take prejudice to a different and possibly dangerous level. Handling a racist "friend" is a difficult situation. Hans and Ben discuss this problem from different practical and ethical points of view, including personal experience. They also identify their "red line" that should never be crossed. You don't want to miss this uncommon conversation!

Real Talk Show! Mel and Robin are joined by a special guest for their Real Talk: African tour special, Samuel Kweshie Ametewee. The Espresso Talk Team visited Ghana in May. Sammy was our amazing tour specialist. We welcome our homeland brother to have a Real Talk with us. He will tell us what makes Ghana such a special country to visit. He'll also share some Ghanaian history and insights. In short, he will tell us why Ghana is described as the Hidden Paradise. Join us for some Real Talk today!

How is your quest for success affecting your health? How does your personality predisposition determine your health risk? Epidemiologist Sherman James, Ph.D. developed a questionnaire for Black Americans to assess their health risk in the struggle to succeed: The John Henryism Active Coping Scale. This short questionnaire reveals that certain personality types are prone to cardiovascular health risks, particularly for Black Americans struggling against "the machinery" of systemic racism. Join us to discuss the questionnaire and our results. You can complete the Questionnaire here.

Thugs. Criminals. Angry. Dangerous. Stereotypes persist about African Americans. Stereotypes are pervasive in society. Everyone holds stereotypes about other groups. Are they all harmful? Do they hold any truth? The Espresso Talk Today team discusses both old and modern stereotypes about African Americans and their effects. They also consider the effects of "positive" stereotypes. Join Hans and Robin as they discuss their experiences with being "stereotyped" and how they handled the mental and emotional effects. We continue to fight stereotypes every single day. Join them for this lively and informative discussion.

Hypertension. Heart Disease. Diabetes. Arthritis. Depression. Black Americans face a disproportionate of many chronic illnesses and conditions. The medical community has been reluctant to dig deep to find the causes of this health crisis. But the Espresso Talk Today team is digging deeper and finding answers! Today, we are joined by renowned epidemiologist Dr. Sherman James to discuss strategies and solutions to control this epidemic. Join us for this uncommon and health-saving conversation. Read (4 minutes) or listen to (7 minutes) the Amazing True Legend of John Henry who inspired the research of Professor Sherman James.

John Henry, the famous steel-driving man, was a Black Freedman born in the 19th century. He was known for his strength and hard-work ethic. In a famous challenge, he faced and defeated the steam machine. He became a legend. But his story is true. The Espresso Talk Today team is honored to share his amazing story with you. The story is read by storyteller, Ben Koponen.

Black Americans face a disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. This affects the quality of our lives and longevity. The medical community has been reluctant to dig deep to find the causes of this health crisis. But the Espresso Talk Today team is finding answers. Today we are joined by renowned epidemiologist Dr. Sherman James who has developed the John Henryism hypothesis. This hypothesis focuses on the stress effect of structural racism and its impact on Black health. Join us for this uncommon and health-saving conversation. Read (4 minutes) or Listen to (7 minutes) the Legend of John Henry.

Real Talk Show! Summer is here and people are traveling again! Here is an idea: Visit Black history sites! Many of these places are unknown. Others are ignored. Terrible shame! These sites are informative, exciting, and affordable. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by educator Kirk Wadi for another Real Talk show. We discuss great historical sites such as the Buffalo History Museum in Houston, the Stax Museum of Soul Music in Memphis, and the Mammoth Mountains in Kentucky. We also discuss other ways to learn history such as talking with the Elders. Join us for some Real Talk today!

Harambee! The Espresso Talk Today team is celebrating Juneteenth! We present an original, based-on-fact story read by Marlene Slaughter. In the second part, Elder Mel reads a narrative by her great-grandaunt, Miss Rosina Hoard who had been enslaved in Texas. We also discuss the meaning of Juneteenth, the commercialization of this cherished holiday, and what the United States needs to do to ensure equality, justice, and freedom for all! Get comfortable and join our celebration. Enjoy Nina Simone singing "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free."

Every Black person has experienced a racial (or racist) encounter. In today's show, the ETT team members discuss actual racial encounters that we have experienced and how we handled them. Professor William Smith returns to analyse them from a psychological and Black-centered perspective. Don't miss this show!

Racism is a serious problem. Living in an anti-Black environment seriously damages the mental and physical health and well-being of Black people. The data proves this fact. Yet there are ways that Black people can protect themselves from racial stress and trauma. Professor William Smith returns to present coping strategies to protect Black health. These are not your usual coping strategies. Time to think outside the racial box! Please join us for this important discussion.

What's in a name? A lot! The Espresso Talk Today team is holding its second Real Talk show! In this show, we are in the beautiful African country of Ghana and experiencing a naming ceremony! Listen to our Real Talk about the naming ceremony, the importance of names, and why Black people were stripped of their names during slavery. Grab an espresso and join Robin, Mel, and Diane for the convo!

Introducing My Therapy Cards! Dr. Ebony Butler created My Therapy Cards to support Black mental health and emotional healing. Dr. Ebony joins Espresso Talk Today to discuss these innovative mental health cards, how to use them, why to use them, and who should NOT use them. Join this uncommon convo!

Self-care takes courage. Self-love takes courage. Courage is needed to put your needs first, live with joy and peace, practice forgiveness (self and others), and show unconditional love (self and others). This show will introduce the concept of courage--we return to the Stoics--and the steps that will help you to live courageously. The show concludes with a folktale that teaches courage and the benefits of this most valued and important quality.

Racially stressful moments are common. Micro-aggressions, stereotyping, and racist encounters in schools, stores, workplaces, and social settings happen regularly to Black people (and other people of color). These moments cause stress responses that can damage one's mental and physical health. However, there are methods to minimize these unhealthy responses. In this episode, Dr. Howard Stevenson, Executive Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative discusses identifying, quantifying, and managing racially stressful moments. His powerful approach focuses on racial literacy skills to confront racist attitudes and shield victims from its effects. Grab an espresso and join the convo!

"Know Thyself" is the fundamental basis of growth and learning. This axiom from the sages of ancient Egypt (Kemet) has been denied to African Americans. Instead of learning the truth of their great culture and history, Black Americans have been "miseducated" to believe in the inferiority of Blackness and the superiority of Whiteness. In this second Real Talk episode, the ETT team discusses the experience and invidious effects of this miseducation. In this uniquely uncommon conversation, the team also refers to two mind-expanding books: The Miseducation of the Negro (1933) by Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. and Know Thyself (1998) by Na'im Akbar, Ph.D. Join us and join in!

Robert E. Lee Memorial Statue (Richmond, VA). Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma, AL). Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Obelisk (Birmingham, AL). Buffalo Bill Cultural Center (Kansas). Columbus Day holiday. Gone with the Wind. What do these have in common? They remember the history of White Americans. However, many people—particularly people of color—are denouncing these public remembrances for their idealization of slavery, segregation, genocide, mass rape, and other atrocities. Other people respond that their history or heritage is under attack. Who is right? Can we respond in a way that acknowledges the full--and often ugly--history? The Espresso Talk Today team approaches these difficult questions and gives their opinions about what should be done about these historical sites. Join us in this lively discussion about White supremacy hidden in plain sight. There are no right or wrong answers--just opinions here! Grab your espresso...

Black rage is real. Black rage is a normal response to systemic racism and daily racial indignities, hostilities, and microaggressions experienced by Black people. But it can have an impact: Racial Battle Fatigue. In part 2 of our uncommon conversation on Racial Battle Fatigue, Professor William Smith continues the discussion of Racial Battle Fatigue, which is a systemic race-related repetitive stress *injury*. We also discuss Black rage and how strong connections with culture and community are keys to managing difficult emotions, living in an anti-Black environment as well as improving Black health and well-being.

Time to get real about racism. An introduction to Racial Battle Fatigue. What is it? What are the effects? Professor William Smith discusses the roots, symptoms, and health effects of Racial Battle Fatigue with Espresso Talk Today. Microaggressions and the stress of living in an anti-Black environment are the focus. Take a deep breath and face the facts.

Today we are having a Real Talk about HBCUs! When and why were they created? What is it like to attend an HBCU? Are they still relevant and necessary? Let's get real and discuss Black colleges and universities--and how America has worked so hard to deny education to Black Americans. Spoiler alert: America failed!

Health equity matters. What does health equity mean? How do we achieve health equity? Rawle Andrews, Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, joins the Espresso Talk Today team to discuss his vision and work at this prestigious and powerful mental health organization. Mr. Andrews will discuss certain mental health problems in the Black community and how this work is supporting mental wellness in different and innovative ways. This is an important show that can save and uplift Black lives. As Rawle Andrews says, "There is no health without mental health." Join us!

2020 was known as the “Year of the HBCU.” While many universities were struggling and saw student enrolment decline, many of the country’s 107 HBCUs—who have always struggled with funding and resources—witnessed a rise in student interest, enrolment, and financial support. Many prominent African Americans were educated at an HBCU. In this episode, the Espresso Talk Today team meets with Rawle Andrews, Jr. Esq., Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. He will share his experiences and thoughts about attending two HBCUs (Texas Southern University and Howard Law School). We will also discuss how his education at Black colleges affected his career vision and goals for equity in health care.

It's Women's History Month. The ETT Team is excited to discuss courageous Black women who are making history right now. Simone Biles. Naomi Osaka. Nicole Hannah-Jones. Meghan Markle. Rosa Parks. What do these women share? Besides excelling in their professions, they are also working in an environment that exposes them to mental or physical harm. Most importantly, they all refused to allow themselves to suffer harm in their toxic professional environments. They all simply refused. In academia, elite sports, and beyond, Black women are facing pressure and criticism in their quest to excel in their professions. We are simply expected to endure harsh criticism, excessive stress, and punishment within their professions and from society at large. The Espresso Talk Today team is focusing on the impact of professional stress on one’s mental and physical health—and how to manage and control it. In this episode, we will discuss the courageous women who have taken extraordinary steps to protect their mental health. They all began by saying, “no” to the dangerous and destructive expectations of a society that does not value them. We will discuss the power of saying no and other ways that we can protect our mental health.

Our epic Black History story continues! The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to present Sankofa: An African American Saga. Part IV continues with the struggle for equality and civil rights. But Black Americans are also making great inventions, opening universities, and changing the laws. Intellectuals like WEB Dubois and educators like Booker T. Washington lead the struggle. But they are others.

Our epic Black History story continues! The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to present Sankofa: An African American Saga. Part III begins with the joy of freedom experienced by the freed Black population to the elusive and unlikely reality of equality and civil rights. The Black freedmen and women continue the fight for civil rights while establishing prosperous communities, thriving universities, and working to secure citizenship rights and privileges. Although all the freed people wanted equality, tensions arise between factions pushing for quick and irreversible change and factions willing to wait and work within the reluctant system.

An epic Black History Month story! The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to present Sankofa: An African American Saga. Part II begins with the treacherous Middle Passage as Africans stolen and kidnapped were taken to America. The story then continues to discuss slavery, the revolts and activism of the free and enslaved Africans, abolition, and the incredible contributions of Black people.

An epic Black History Month story! The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to present Sankofa: An African American Saga. Part I begins in the great kingdoms and empires of Africa which were prosperous with gold, salt, and other commodities. These kingdoms traded widely, contained well-built houses and urban centers, and were renowned intellectual centers. This changed with the expanded contact with Europeans.

Books. Movies. Museums. Re-enactments. Elders. How do you learn and experience Black history? The Espresso Talk Today team discusses their experiences with learning Black history and the favorite ways to prepare for and enjoy Black History Month. Join the team as they learn about the founding of Black History Month, why it's important, and how to celebrate Black history all year long.

Learn the importance of a Black-centered approach to psychology and psychotherapy! Culture. Family. Ancestors. Spirituality. The Elders. Community. These are important in Black culture and in Black Psychology. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Theopia Jackson, Ph.D., former President of the Association of Black Psychologists to discuss this culture-based form of psychology. Asante Sana!

What is Black Psychology? What role does culture play in psychology, therapy, life choices, personal decisions, and individual behavior? Join us for this introduction to Black Psychology. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Theopia Jackson, Ph.D., former President of the Association of Black Psychologists to discuss this culture-based form of psychology. Englightenment guaranteed!

Perspective is your window to the world. It determines your thoughts, behavior, and, ultimately your life experience. In this first wellness show of the year, Robin discusses the importance of determining perspective and knowing whether it is helping or hurting you. The Stoics are brought in to discuss the importance of perspective and how a view from above can elevate one's outlook. Join us for this important and uplifting wellness show. The show concludes with an excellent meditation.

What does self-empowerment mean to you? Do you feel self-empowered? In a world of white supremacy, many African Americans feel disempowered and struggle with maintaining self-esteem. This show will introduce the elements of self-empowerment, the obstacles to self-empowerment, and how everyone can live a self-empowered life. You will also learn practical and important steps you can take towards self-empowerment. The show ends with a meditation that will help you to feel and live a self-empowered life.

In this special and unique episode, Elder Mel reads a short story by Langston Hughes called, "One Christmas Eve." This story is written in a genre that is not widely known: the African American holiday story. In these unique stories, Black writers and activists present racial and social justice issues and Black cultural traditions during the Christmas Season. They highlight the different experiences of Black and White families and discuss problems like segregation, poverty, and violence (lynching). After the reading, the ETT Team of Mel, Robin, Marlene, and Barry discuss the issues presented in this story. This proved to be a lively and spirited discussion! Join us for this uncommon Christmas story and conversation!

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the seventh day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of faith (Imani) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about faith. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the sixth day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of creativity (Ku'umba) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about creativity. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the fifth day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of purpose (Nia) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about purpose. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the fourth day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of cooperative economics (Ujamaa) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about cooperative economics. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the third day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of collective work and responsibility (Swahili: Ujima) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about collective work and responsibility. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the second day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of self-determination (Swahili: Kujichagulia) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about self-determination. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the first day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of unity (Swahili: Umoja) in the Black community. We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about unity. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Watching classic holiday movies is a long tradition. But have you ever watched African American holiday films? Or read Black holiday stories? Grab an "eggnog espresso" and get ready to be entertained and uplifted! Join the ETT Team as they discuss their favorite Black holiday movies. They also examine the importance of Black films and the differences between White holiday movies and African American holiday films. Yes, there are differences! Special gift: Two Black holiday short stories read by Mel and Marlene!

Habari Gani! Let's celebrate Kwanzaa! Learn the basics about Kwanzaa from Master Storyteller Mama Edie. Enjoy hearing why Kwanzaa was started, who started it, how to celebrate it, and how you can live the Kwanzaa principles. Great fun and wonderful traditions for the whole family, friends, or just you and the Espresso Talk Today team.

Financial educator and advisor, Jorick Gaines, is back! Today he's talking about building wealth. It's simple but not easy. Jorick talks and walks us through the mindset and discipline needed. And he discusses the biggest threat to building wealth: procrastination. The Espresso Talk Today team is excited to discuss wealth building with Jorick, goal setting, and overcoming procrastination. We also have the espresso flowing! Join us for this exciting and empowering show.

We are continuing the discussion on how to start a business. You have a great idea. You think that it will be a great product or service. Don't know how to start? No worries! This podcast show will discuss what you need to know to get started. This is the second part of the "Starting a Business" series. See October 8th for Part I of the series. Join us in the Lawyers' Corner for this informative and fun discussion!

Braids. Locks. Twists. Cornrows. Afros. Bantu knots. These are styles of natural hair worn by Black people around the world. Although these styles can grow naturally, without the use of chemicals, heat, or painful treatments, many Black people experience professional difficulties or school punishments for wearing these natural styles. In this episode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by sisters, Tamera and Vaneida White, to discuss their unique hair journeys and the controversy of wearing natural Black hair. Join us for this lively episode!

Racial stress is a fact of life for most Black people. This stress is damaging our mental and physical health. How can we fight the effects of racial stress? Epidemiologist Sherman A. James discusses healthful coping strategies that individuals and communities can--or must--take to protect Black health and support upward mobility. Join us for this important and uncommon conversation.

The truth is out: racism damages the health of Black people. Racism damages our mental health and well-being. Racism damages our physical health. The Espresso Talk Team is joined by Professor Sherman James, an epidemiologist who has studied the effect of racism--and high effort coping behavior to deal with racism--on Black bodies. The result? Chronic, illness, acute disease, or even early death. Professor James discusses how this happens, how we can identify it, and how we can prevent it. Join us for this uncommon conversation. Learn how to protect your health!

Adultification is a form of stereotype in which adults view and treat Black children as more adult-like than their white peers.Adultification causes trauma to children. Black children are held to "adult-like" standards and given harsher treatment than white children. This form of bias robs Black children of their childhood. In this episode, the Espresso Talk Today team will identify Adultification in the treatment of Black children. We will also examine examples of Adultification and the similarities and differences in how Black boys and Black girls are “adultified.” We will end with a discussion of solutions for parents, schools, and other authority figures.

Black actors have been fighting for racial justice and social change for decades. Eartha Kitt. Jesse Williams. Danny Glover. Cecile Tyson--and many more used their fame and fortune to make a change in society. They risked a lot. Some were “blackballed” from the entertainment industry. Others were ostracized. Some lost everything for their beliefs and work in creating a better society. In this podcast show, we will discuss the controversial role of Black actor-activists who used (and continue to use) their “influence” to fight for racial and social justice. We will ask whether it is appropriate for celebrities to take controversial positions and use their fame as a forum for social change. We discuss who the actors were that took these courageous steps. This show will discuss these issues and tell the story of these brave actor-activists. We will end with a short “quiz” about the actors and their roles in social change.

Storytellers have always been held important roles in Black communities--from Africa to Detroit. Storytelling connects us with our roots in Africa where the oral tradition was used to remember family history, acknowledge special events, and teach societal rules. The Espresso Talk Today is pleased to have Edith Armstrong, aka Mama Edie, on the show to discuss the importance of storytelling. Mama Edie will also present a folktale from West Africa. You don't want to miss this uncommon episode!

So you want to start a business? Great! You have a great idea. You think that it will be a great product or service. Don't know how to start? No worries! This podcast show will discuss what you need to know to get started. Join us in the Lawyers' Corner for this informative and fun discussion!

The fastest-growing demographic segment worldwide is the senior population. People are living longer and more are staying healthy as they age. Yet age-related illnesses like dementia, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes are realities for some senior citizens and their families. With this growing population has arisen an area of law that is dedicated to protecting and empowering older adults. This is Elder Law. Through advanced planning, older adults can prepare for these illnesses, which can leave them both physically and mentally incapacitated. African Americans have a disproportionate risk of these illnesses. Yet they do not have access to the health care treatment, early diagnosis, or long-term health and financial tools to help them and their caregivers manage this situation with dignity. As a practicing Elder Law attorney, Doug discusses practical ways that senior citizens and their families can prepare for medical difficulties, protect their financial assets and make decisions that allow them to live their lives in dignity. This is especially important to African American seniors and their families who have struggled to build wealth through the generations. You won't want to miss this uncommon meeting with an Elder Law attorney!

Storytellers have always been held important roles in Black communities--from Africa to Detroit. Storytelling connects us with our roots in Africa where the oral tradition was used to remember family history, acknowledge special events, and teach societal rules. Elders were often revered storytellers, which also acknowledged their important position in the community. This oral tradition allowed storytellers to adapt the story, message, and performance of the story to the audience for maximum impact and enjoyment. The Espresso Talk Today is pleased to have Mitch Capel, aka Gran'daddy Junebug, on the show to discuss the importance of storytelling. He will also present some of his most popular stories. You don't want to miss this uncommon episode!

The Espresso Talk Today team continues the interview with Kimberly Slaughter, Chief Executive Officer of Systra USA. (We encourage you to hear the first part of this interview!) Kimberly Slaughter will discuss her professional journey and obstacles that she met and overcame within corporate America. Kimberly will also discuss her typical day as a chief executive officer and how she supports her mental and physical health and well-being in her high-stress, demanding work environment.

“Many college-educated Black Americans are entering
corporate America with dreams, ready to do great things, but they're confronted with an unwelcoming culture." The Black community has always focused on education as a way of obtaining financial security, political power, and even upward mobility on a personal level. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Kimberly Slaughter, Chief Executive Officer of Systra USA. She will discuss her personal and educational journey to this powerful position as well as her experiences as a Black woman professional, executive, and corporate leader. She will also discuss the importance of getting the" right" education, defining the "right" education, and how this is just the first step along the journey to the C-suite. This interview will conclude in the next episode with Kim Slaughter discussing her professional journey and obstacles that she met and overcame along the way.

Simone Biles. Naomi Osaka. Nicole Hannah-Jones. Meghan Markle. Rosa Parks. What do these women share? Besides excelling in their professions, they are also working in an environment that exposes them to mental or physical harm. Most importantly, they all refused to allow themselves to suffer harm in their toxic professional environments. They all simply refused. In academia, elite sports, and beyond, Black women are facing pressure and criticism in their quest to excel in their professions. We are simply expected to endure harsh criticism, excessive stress, and punishment within their professions and from society at large. The Espresso Talk Today team is focusing on the impact of professional stress on one’s mental and physical health—and how to manage and control it. In this episode, we will discuss the courageous women who have taken extraordinary steps to protect their mental health. They all began by saying, “no” to the dangerous and destructive expectations of a society that does not value them. We will discuss the power of saying no and other ways that we can protect our mental health.

The Lawyers Corner returns to discuss discrimination at work. Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful working environment. Unfortunately, many people experience discrimination at work because of race, gender, age, pregnancy, or another status. In this episode, attorneys Wayne and Mel and paralegal Janice discuss what to do if you experience discrimination in your workplace. Learn the important steps that you need to take to help your case. Join us for this important conversation. Don't wait!

Why is Stoicism growing so popular today? Amid the problems of systemic racism, the Covid-19 pandemic, political upheaval, climate change, people are facing constant financial, mental, and emotional challenges. Stoicism was designed to help people stay calm in the chaos and develop happiness by determining their sphere of control. Robin and Ben discuss the philosophy of Stoicism and their favorite Stoics: Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. They also hold a lively discussion about the things that are in one's control and the things that are beyond an individual's control. Join them to learn how the Stoics faced the challenges in their lives and how we can learn the best way to face today's challenges with calm and clarity. This episode could improve your mental and emotional health!

Financial educator, Jorick Gaines, is back! Today he's talking about cash flow: How to increase it, why you need it, and what happens if you don't have it. The Espresso Talk Today team is excited to discuss and learn creative ways of increasing our cash flow. Yes, you can get another job but we're thinking out of the box today and brainstorming how to get "unstuck" and get the cash flowing. We also have the espresso flowing! Join us for this exciting and empowering show.

What's the big deal about cultural appropriation? Why do we care if Justin Bieber gets loc'd or if Katy Perry goes Geisha? This week, we are asking the GenZers what they think about white folks dressing like and imitating other cultures. Ben and Marlene lead this discussion and the opinions are flying! Robin makes a surprise appearance too! Join this lively convo.

Justin Bieber in locks. Madonna wearing an elaborate North African headpiece and dress. Pop singer Adele wearing Bantu knots. White children wearing Native headdresses on Halloween. Katy Perry doing a Geisha performance. What do these have in common? These actions involve cultural items or rituals worn or practiced by White Americans. Is this cultural appropriation, appreciation, or denigration? This week, Robin, Hans, and Kirk (who founded the dynamic YouTube channel WadiSpeaks) discussed these questions and reach different and sometimes conflicting conclusions. Next week, Ben and Marlene discuss these same actions and the opinions are flying! Mel makes a surprise appearance too! Join this lively convo.

Do you have a problem with your landlord, employer, or neighbor? Mediation is the answer! Mediation is a powerful tool that can help you to resolve disputes without going to court! The Lawyers Corner discusses how mediation can be used rather than the expensive and time-consuming method of going to court. Property disputes, family disputes, landlord-tenant problems, and many other conflicts between individuals can be resolved by mediation. In this episode, Janice Slaughter is a licensed and experienced mediator who shares her advice about the best way to engage in mediation. Spoiler alert: Preparation is the key to a good outcome from the mediation. Attorneys Mel and Wayne give their perspectives about mediation and the role of lawyers in this method of dispute resolution. Join us in the Lawyers Corner for this uncommon convo!

The Stock Market is one of the quickest ways to accumulate wealth in America. Yet many African Americans are not participating in this lucrative market. Low African-American participation in the stock market contributes to the widening wealth gap between black and white households. Studies show that African Americans are 35 percent less likely to take part in the stock market as compared to white people with the same income. Why are African Americans reluctant to invest in the stock market? What barriers exist that prevent or discourage African Americans from participating in the stock market? In this podcast show, the Espresso Talk Today team will discuss the importance of the stock market in wealth accumulation and how to get started in the stock market. We are joined by J.R. Fenwick, Founder and CEO of Flip That Stock, a leading education company that specializes in teaching beginners and how to get started in the stock market and be successful in the stock market. Join us for this uncommon wealth-building conversation!

Police violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing behavior. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. African Americans and other people of color face constant threats not only to their physical safety but also to their mental health. This leads to high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. Racism-induced stress also reduces the life expectancy and quality of life for many African Americans. Add poverty, lack of health care, inadequate housing, and reduced access to good nutrition and clean water to this deadly cocktail and there is another "pandemic" rooted in racism. Many African Americans are seeking methods to protect their mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. One effective method is meditation, which has proven benefits of fighting stress and anxiety, reducing depression, and improving the quality of life--on mental and physical levels. In this special episode, Robin will discuss the unique stresses faced by African Americans and the benefits of meditation. She will also guide three short meditations to introduce the practice of meditation and provide instant stress relief during these turbulent times. You will not want to miss this episode!

America's original (White) Founders--Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and others--were revolutionaries and resisters. They created a new nation but also a new relationship between the government and the people. Yet there were omissions, problems, conflicts, genocide, and racism. They never reached a clear decision on slavery, the rights of women, or the rights of the indigenous populations. Work remained to be done. America's new (Black, Indigenous) Founders were also revolutionaries and resisters. They were more committed to the ideals of equality, freedom, and individual rights for all people. They are often not revered like the original (White) Founders but their accomplishments were arguably greater and definitely more egalitarian. In this special episode, Robin discusses these new Founders--she names names!--and their contributions towards perfecting the Union for all people desiring life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Join this uncommon and revolutionary discussion.

Anarcha, Betsey, Lucy, Henrietta Lacks. Numerous un-named free and enslaved Black women. What do these women have in common? They experienced health problems. They needed medical assistance. They were used and exploited by the American medical community. Since slavery in the United States, the American medical community has treated Black women as “medical specimens” to pioneer medical treatment and surgical developments. This practice did not end with the abolition of slavery. In this uncommon episode, the Espresso Talk Today team will meet with medical historian, Professor Deirdre Cooper Wells, to discuss her book Medical Bondage. She will explain how the racist beliefs that affected Black enslaved women are still present in the treatment of Black women today. Professor Cooper Wells will also discuss how to identify these practices and protect yourself from them. Join us for this important talk.

Hypertension. Depression. Cardiovascular disease. Arthritis. African Americans have a higher risk of suffering from these chronic illnesses. African Americans also experience earlier onset of these illnesses and earlier deaths. Why? Systemic racism. In this episode, we are joined by Professor Sherman James who developed the theory called John Henryism that discusses how Black Americans suffer health consequences in our "quest for success" in a racist society and system. Professor James will also discuss the physiology of John Henryism and how it affects (or rather, damages) the cardiovascular system. We will conclude with a discussion of coping strategies that can avoid these racism-induced consequences. Join the team for this important and possibly life-saving discussion!

Espresso Talk Today is celebrating Juneteenth! We have an original short story about a young freed Black woman and a true narrative by a young freed Black woman. This is the 156 anniversary of the freeing of the enslaved population of Texas. Let's acknowledge and celebrate this historic day. And remember that there is still lots of work to do. No one is free until we all are free. No one is equal until we all are equal. Happy Juneteenth!

Depression. Anxiety. Suicide. Mental health issues are real and pervasive in the African American community—but we don’t often recognize them. You are not alone. Just like physical health problems, mental illness needs to be identified and diagnosed as early as possible and treated. However, many people are not aware of many common mental and emotional illnesses or that they (or someone close to them) are suffering from mental illness. In this episode, the Espresso Talk Today team discusses two common mental illnesses: depression and anxiety. Through research and experience, they identify the symptoms of depression and anxiety, treatment options, and living with these mental illnesses. Apart from depression and anxiety, they will also address suicide among young people, how to identify when you or a friend is in crisis and needs support, and how to get support for anyone suffering from mental illness.

Tony Lip in The Green Book. Aibileen Clark in The Help. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Rudyard Kipling's poem, The White Man's Burden. The problem of the “White saviour” is persistent and growing in western culture. The term “white saviourism” refers to an idea in which a white person, or white culture, rescues Black people from their own situation. This has been witnessed in western culture from slavery and colonialism to the present "White liberal" day. It is prevalent in many different settings. From books and movies to charitable organizations and foreign policies and even our friends, the image of the White savior saving Black people is a persistent theme and feeling in western culture. In this podcast show, Ben and Marlene will discuss the issue of White saviourism. They will define and identify the “White saviour” in various settings. They will also discuss the effects of White saviourism in Black and White communities. Join the convo!

Americans love Paris. The food. The art. The language. Black Americans also love Paris--for different reasons. The freedom. The equality. The experience of living in a "colorblind" society. This led many Black Americans to settle in Paris. James Baldwin. Chester Himes. Beauford Delaney. Josephine Baker. Jazz musicians. Artists. Military servicemen. Black Americans were looking for a "home" where they could live without the pervasive racism and violence in America. For many, Paris became this new home. The Espresso Talk Today team discusses the Black American presence and influence in Paris with Monique Wells who founded Entrée to Black Paris tours, which conducts tours of Paris focusing on the Black American and Black diasporan presence in the City of Lights. Join the team to learn the surprising and untold stories of Black Americans in Paris. Forget the Eiffel Tower. See the café where America's greatest Black writers would gather in Paris!

Debt is a fact of life. But debt is not created equal. There is the good, the bad, and the ugly. The power comes with having the good debts and limiting the bad and the ugly debts. How can you know which is the good debt and which is bad? And why is it important to have good debts? Financial educator Jorick Gaines returns to answer these questions and show us how "bad debts limit your ability to save" while good debts enhance our financial portfolio. Join Robin and Mel in this lively discussion as we identify our debts and learn how to control them so that they don't control us!

Robert E. Lee Memorial Statue (Richmond, VA). Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma, AL). Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Obelisk (Birmingham, AL). Buffalo Bill Cultural Center (Kansas). Columbus Day holiday. Gone with the Wind. What do these have in common? They remember the history of White Americans. However, many people—particularly people of color—are denouncing these public remembrances for their idealization of slavery, segregation, genocide, mass rape, and other atrocities. Other people respond that their history or heritage is under attack and that their stories are not fully acknowledged. Who is right? Can we respond in a way that acknowledges the full--and often ugly--history? The Espresso Talk Today team approaches these difficult questions and gives their opinions about what should be done about these historical sites. Join us in this lively discussion about White supremacy hidden in plain sight. There are no right or wrong answers--just opinions here! Grab your espresso...

Hypertension. Depression. Cardiovascular disease. African Americans have a higher risk of suffering from these chronic illnesses. Earlier onset. Earlier deaths. Why? Systemic racism. Many states now have declared racism to be a public health crisis. Public health can protect health in Black and Brown communities by addressing racism-based issues like poverty, food insecurity, toxic environments, inadequate housing, and even lack of education. Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, will discuss chronic health problems in the Black community and how public health is perfectly positioned to protect and improve Black health by addressing the persistent problem of systemic racism. Listen to this podcast and learn what you can do to protect your personal health and promote health in the Black community. Public health saves lives! Don't miss this important episode.

African Americans are a large voting bloc. But how much political power do we really have? And how effectively do we use our power? In this episode, we examine this mythical monolithic Black voting bloc. Join us as we compare Black voting power after the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, consider how we can more effectively use our voting power, and disagree on whether we should refuse to vote as a means of protest. Lots of issues from defunding police to environmental justice to Palestinian rights are discussed. It gets fierce. But it gets us ahead. Join us for this dynamic and uncommon conversation.

What were the Buffalo Soldiers? Why were they called "Buffalo Soldiers"? What was their role in fighting for America? Why haven't we heard of them? This episode will answer all of your questions about these brave Black soldiers! You will learn who the Buffalo Soldiers were and how they fought in the wars of western expansion. Yet they faced racism, racial violence, and numerous difficulties on their way to becoming feared and respected western legends. The Espresso Talk Today team interviews a docent from the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum--and a direct descendant of a Buffalo Soldier!--who will also teach us about the contributions of African American soldiers in every major American war. Grab an espresso and be prepared to be surprised and enlightened by a true historian, soldier, and storyteller, respectfully known as Trooper Charles Williams.

Do you need a will? What is probate? Can I avoid making a will or going through the probate process? What is a trust? What about taxes? Great questions. The lawyers in this episode discuss these and other important questions about wills, trusts, probate, taxes, and even fraud! Many people don't think about making a will or they don't know why they might need one. They might not know what other legal instrument is better suited for them. Join attorneys, Barry and Mel as well as dynamic paralegal Janice to learn more about these important issues. You need this information! *Remember that estate planning is different in every state.

Police violence. Reparations. DC Statehood. Death of DMX. Everything is on the table in this "uncommon" news show--from a Black perspective. Join host, Ben Koponen, on this show as he deliberates about the news and events and their effects on the Black community. Time to get real. Join the convo!

Financial hardships can happen to anyone. Anytime. But there are ways to protect your income and future--and it's easier than ever! Yet many people remain unprotected and vulnerable. If you like tax-free cash income then join us to discuss the power of life insurance. In this show, financial educator, Jorick Gaines with WealthWave, Inc. will discuss the importance and power of life insurance. No, it is not only for after death! No, it is not only for older people! Life insurance is one of the most important parts of your financial portfolio and you can reap the benefits right now. Already have life insurance? Great, if it's the right kind and right amount. Jorick discusses ways to protect your income and financial future using life insurance and by creating an emergency fund. His advice works for people in all income categories and age groups. Join Robin and Marlene as they ask both easy and complex questions about ways to protect your financial future. The time to start is now!

Muhammed Ali. Wilma Rudolph. Colin Kaepernick. All of these African Americans were great athletes. But they were also great activists fighting for racial and social justice. Many people forget the important contributions made by Black athlete activists. Yet they have had an incredible impact on highlighting racial and social injustices--and changing the world. In this episode, we discuss these athlete activists, their contributions, and the consequences they suffered for their activism. We also discuss ways that we can support them. Grab an espresso and join this uncommon discussion!

The lawnmower. The key chain. The gas mask. The video security system. The modern traffic signal. These were invented by African Americans. And there is so much more! Yet we learn and hear so little about the numerous inventions by African Americans. This show changes this perception of Black inventors and scientists! The ETT team discusses Black inventions and their backstories. We also discuss the challenges faced by Black inventors today and how we can support their research, work, and contributions to society. Join us!

How can you support Black economic empowerment? The easiest yet most powerful way is to buy from Black businesses. Invest in Black businesses. Donate. Collaborate. And always buy Black first! There are more than two million Black-owned businesses in the United States. They provide important goods and services, jobs, and needed revenue for the community. Black businesses also support the culture and encourage unity. However, many of these small businesses struggle every month. If they fail, then the individual and the community suffers. But when they succeed, the community and generations of Black families are empowered. Wealth needs generations to develop. And buying from Black businesses starts the cycle of wealth generation. In this follow-up episode on Black economic empowerment, Robin and Marlene discuss the reasons to buy Black first as well as other ways to support Black businesses. Listen to this important episode to learn how to find and support Black businesses. It's easier than you might think. It makes a difference. Join us!

Black Wall Street. Madame C.J. Walker. BET. OWN. Vista Equity Partners. Black Americans have always worked for economic power and independence. There have been notable successes--and many obstacles. Today, there are more than 2 million Black-owned businesses in America. Why is economic empowerment important in the Black community? What have been the obstacles faced by Black entrepreneurs? How can we support Black businesses? We discuss all these questions and a lot more in this show. Listen in and learn what you can do every day to support Black businesses and encourage economic empowerment in the Black community.

An "uncommon" monthly news perspective show that reflects on events and their effects in the Black community. Join March host, Ben Koponen, in this show about March news events. From the Academy Award nominations to voter suppression, March was filled with important and memorable events. Join the convo!

The ETT Team has a lively inter-generational discussion on the existence and effects of Black stereotyping in the media. Whew! From King Kong through YouTube, we discuss the differing social and emotional effects of early and modern Black stereotypes. Everything was on the table for discussion. The generational views, opinions, and approaches differed and sometimes clashed. All opinions were valid. All opinions were respected. This was one of the most lively discussions about an issue upon which everyone agreed: Black stereotypes are dangerous to Black people--and must be stopped NOW.

Stereotypes exist in every part of society. Modern movies and television shows are not immune to this problem. It's frustrating. It's persistent. It's inexcusable. And today we call it out. Join Marlene and Ben as they rant about these degrading and demeaning stereotypes. They also discuss the limited roles available to Black actors and how these stereotypical roles are accepted and encouraged in the "diverse and inclusive" entertainment industry. Some of these roles might surprise you! We don't want to ruin your entertainment experience but these stereotypes are dangerous. Awareness is the first step toward eliminating these portrayals in entertainment and other parts of society.

Do you understand compound interest? What is the Rule of 72? When should I start saving and investing? Great questions. A good financial education can help to answer these questions and more! In this show, financial advisor and educator, Jorick Gaines with WealthWave, Inc. discusses the importance of having a good financial education--he calls it financial literacy--and why everyone needs it. Jorick discusses the content of financial education and answers your questions about financial matters. His advice works for people in all income categories and age groups. Join Ben and Marlene as they ask both easy and complex questions--and get clear and helpful answers. This show can jumpstart your financial education. Let's get started.

Thugs. Criminals. Angry. Dangerous. These are common stereotypes of African Americans.Stereotypes are pervasive in society. Everyone harbours stereotypes about other groups. Are they all harmful? Do they hold any truth? The Espresso Talk Today team discusses both old and modern stereotypes about African Americans and their effects. They also consider the effects of "positive" stereotypes. Join Hans and Robin as they discuss their experiences with being "stereotyped" and how they handled the mental and emotional effects. Fighting stereotypes and stopping their formation was a main topic of discussion. Join them for this lively and informative discussion.

Black lawyers have always been a strong and influential part of the Black community. But they have problems too. Mel and Barry--both attorneys--discuss the struggles faced by Black lawyers. Biased judges. Distrustful clients. Disrespectful colleagues. Mel and Barry get candid about their professional difficulties. In this lively and uncommon conversation between two Black attorneys, Mel and Barry discuss their biggest professional problems as well as the goal of mentoring for new lawyers, the importance of public outreach and education, controlling stress, and how Black lawyers feel excluded from certain areas of law. Join ETT for its first all-attorney show that will be helpful to lawyers and lay people alike.

Everyone has a goal to reach. Everyone has a dream. In this unique episode, the Espresso Talk Today team presents a proven and surefire plan for achieving your goals--in 3 simple steps! Robin presents the story of a sports hero-turned-role model who achieved his lifelong dream using this plan. Would you like a simple (but not easy!) program for achieving your goals? Three steps to glory! Join us.

In 1954, the Supreme Court invalidated school segregation in the famous Brown v. Board of Education case. In this special episode, the ETT Team performs a play showing the real struggle to desegregate the public schools. Thurgood Marshall, Charles Houston as well as parents, children, and activists fought hard for equality in education--and this play shows their struggles, hardships, and ultimate victory. Join the team for this special episode in honour of Black History Month. Sit back and learn the real history as well as the current state of segregation in American schools.

Sixty years makes a difference. Or does it? The period from 1960 to 2020 was a turbulent time in the United States. What has really changed? The ETT Team reviews the laws, practices, and societal norms and considers the real changes that have occurred in race relations and the advancement of African Americans in terms of employment, housing, education, and in the criminal justice system. Yes, changes have occurred. In this heated discussion, the Espresso Talk Today team debates whether any real progress has been made. Segregation. Red-lining. Employment. Black businesses. Black economic power. Everything is the table for this discussion. Don't miss it!

Did you know that systemic racism can cause depression, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia and other health conditions? People of color are constantly suffering from high levels of stress as a result of daily trauma (or the threat of daily trauma) of racism. Living with constant trauma and violence is affecting our physical, mental, and emotional health. In this special episode, the Espresso Talk Today team discusses this health problem called Racial Battle Fatigue with Professor William Smith who has conducted extensive study on this serious condition. He discusses the physiological processes leading to Racial Battle Fatigue, the symptoms, and healthy coping strategies to protect one's health. He also identifies unhealthy strategies that people use to cope but that often have dire consequences. Join the ETT Team in this important episode. It could save your life!

What percentage of American cowboys were Black? What famous Black singer is "unforgettable"? Join the ETT Team for a fun and educational game show-style quiz on Black History! Ben and Marlene compete, learn, challenge each other in this fun quiz in the style of a television game show. They learned a lot and also surprised themselves with their knowledge. Join us for this fun quiz in honour of Black History month but is a great learning tool all year long.

Do you have a wealth mindset? What is a wealth mindset? Great questions. In this financial empowerment show, financial advisor and educator, Jorick Gaines with WealthWave, Inc., discusses the road to financial security and wealth building. It all begins with having a wealth-focused mindset. Jorick discusses the elements of the wealth mindset, the importance of financial literacy, and the actions needed for financial security. His advice works for people in all income categories and age groups. Join the Espresso Talk Today team for this enlightening, uplifting, and educational episode. This show can change your current financial situation and your future financial status. The time to start is now!

Dr. Carter G. Woodson started Black history month to encourage all people to learn the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Black people. Keep it coming! There is so much to learn and so many ways to learn Black history. In this unique episode, the Espresso Talk Today team discusses different ways to learn and experience history. From historical movies to reading biographies, visiting historical sites to historical re-enactments, the ways to "participate" in history are endless! Join Robin, Ben, and Marlene in this stimulating discussion about good ways to learn history and why everyone needs to remain vigilant and protective of Black history.

Happy Black History Month! The Espresso Talk Today Team is focusing this wellness show on an African (Akan) theme from Ghana called Sankofa. Robin will discuss the principle of Sankofa more in this podcast show but it basically expresses the importance of learning from past knowledge (from the ancestors) and using this knowledge to create a better future. This special Sankofa show features a short story by the eminent poet and playwright, Paul Laurence Dunbar. The story is called "The Scapegoat" and it is one of the first stories in the protest literature genre. Storytelling at its finest! So get comfortable and enjoy this experience in Black history!

Many White people want to join the fight for racial justice and equality. But they don't know what steps will be both effective and respectful. This show will give you great ideas! Ben and Marlene discuss this dilemma and the article "103 Ways White People Can Fight For Racial Justice." They also discuss present ideas that they disagree with. From watching Black history movies and reading books about the African American experience to boycotting companies that use prison labor to "banking Black", the ETT team examines the author's (Corinne Shutack) suggestions and make a few of their own. Listen to this dynamic podcast show then join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.

Two weeks at the U.S. Capitol witnessed two monumental events: A violent insurrection and a Presidential Inauguration. The first event was suppressed. The second is taking the country to a period of hope and unity. The ETT Team lead by Mel, Wayne, and Marlene discuss these events and how they will change the country in the coming years. It's another lively discussion by the Espresso Talk Today team. Join this uncommon convo!

"There are some things within this social order to which I am proud to be maladjusted. I never intend to adjust myself to segregation and discrimination." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most quotable and memorable people who ever lived. On this celebration of Martin Luther King Day, the Espresso Talk Today team remembers some of their favourite quotes by Dr. King. In this time of upheaval and crisis facing the country and the world, Dr. King continues to bring insight and inspiration. Robin and Hans selected their favourite quotes--not an easy task!--and discuss them in personal, political, and historical context. Join them for this celebration and remembrance of this great man of faith who changed the country and left a legacy of love, nonviolence, and service to others.

On January 6, 2021, the United States (and, indeed, the rest of the world) was shocked to witness the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol led by Trump loyalists. The attack happened during a joint session of Congress as representatives were certifying the result of the 2020 election, which decided Joe Biden would be the next president of the United States. Shock, fear, and anger were felt by millions as they watched the storming of the Capitol building. The Espresso Talk Today team changed its publishing calendar to approach and discuss the attempted coup. White supremacy? White Nationalism? Racism? Domestic terrorism? Treason? Authoritarianism? American exceptionalism? Everything is on the table for discussion by the Espresso Talk Today team. Join us for a lively and insightful discussion about this attack on democracy.

Espresso Talk Today Senior Content Analyst, Hans Hyppolite, provides us with a special report of the five most important events in 2020 for African Americans. We all know that it was a busy year with both highs and lows that we should remember. In this opening podcast for 2021, we will review these events and how they will affect us in the new year. Join Hans for a quick espresso and remember these important events!

What is your perspective? Choose wisely. Perspective is your window to the world. It determines your thoughts, behavior, and ultimately life experience. In this first wellness show of the year, Robin discusses the importance of determining perspective and knowing whether it is helping or hurting you. The Stoics are brought in to discuss the importance of perspective and how a view from above can elevate one's outlook. Join us for this important and uplifting wellness show. The show concludes with an excellent meditation.

Habari Gani! Imani!

Join Robin, Hans, Ben, Marlene, Mel, and Wayne--yes, the Espresso Talk Today Team!-- to celebrate the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on faith (Imani in Swahili). This is an extra special day! Happy New Year!

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili). Light the last green candle. Take a moment to admire the beautiful and fully lit Kinara, representing the African people, the struggle of the African people, and the future of the African people.

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

Habari Gani! Kuumba!

Join Wayne and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the sixth day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on creativity (Kuumba in Swahili). This is an extra special day!

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili). Light the last red candle.

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

Habari Gani! Nia!

Join Mel and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on purpose (Nia in Swahili).

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili). Light another green candle.

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

Habari Gani! Ujamaa!

Join Marlene and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the fourth day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on cooperative economics (Ujamaa in Swahili).

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili). Light another red candle.

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

Habari Gani! Ujima!

Join Hans and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on collective work and responsibility (Ujima in Swahili).

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili).

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

Habari gani! Kujichagulia!

Join Ben and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on Self Determination (Kujichagulia in Swahili).

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili).

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

Habari gani! Umoja!

Join Robin and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on Unity (Umoja in Swahili).

Lay down your Kwanzaa mat (mkeka in Swahili).

Place your candleholder (kinara in Swahili).

Fill your Unity cups (kikombe cha umoja in Swahili).

See you there!

In this special episode on Christmas Day, Ben reads a Christmas story by Leo Tolstoy. The story is called Papa Panov's Special Christmas. Why did we choose a story by Tolstoy? He was a great philosopher, essayist, and writer. You may remember that he wrote Anna Karenina and War and Peace. Did you also know that Dr. Martin Luther King was a great reader and student of Tolstoy? It's true. So, we selected a Christmas story by Tolstoy that discusses kindness and compassion based on the biblical verse: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." (Matthew 25:35). ETT Team member Ben Koponen reads this gentle and loving Christmas story.

The media is one of the most powerful forces in a free and democratic country. It can shape opinions, promote ideas, and influence how people think--in positive and negative ways. Studies show that most white people don't have contact with people of other races so all their views of Black people are developed from the media. Yet the media portrayal of African Americans has often been negative. From outright false information to unconsciously biased information, the media has been (at times) leading or pushing the narrative that portrays African Americans in a negative (and mostly inaccurate) light. Moreover, African Americans have been systematically excluded from decision-making positions in the media. They also are not consulted about the accuracy or sensitivity of the information in news stories, advertisements, or television shows. Robin and Hans discuss the media has portrayed African Americans, how it has evolved over time, and how it can be improved. They also discuss the different Black news broadcasters, the challenges they faced in the overwhelmingly white media industry, and their role in changing media perceptions of African Americans. This is an exciting and historic show that can help to raise awareness of the power of the media and its ability to help or hinder race relations, negative Black portrayals, and white views of Black Americans.

In this special and unique episode, Elder Mel reads a short story by Langston Hughes called, "One Christmas Eve." This story is written in a genre that is not widely known: the African American holiday story. In these unique stories, Black writers and activists present racial and social justice issues and Black cultural traditions during the Christmas Season. They highlight the different experiences of Black and White families and discuss problems like segregation, poverty, and violence (lynching). After the reading, the ETT Team of Mel, Robin, Marlene, and Barry discuss the issues presented in this story. This proved to be a lively and spirited discussion! Join us for this uncommon Christmas story and conversation!