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. Th…

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, B…

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…

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 powe…

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 to…

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…

"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, …

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 ha…

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 s…

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 alig…

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…

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: 1. The challenges faced by women of color in outdoor spaces, from racial profiling to lack of representation. 2. How Black Girl Outdoor W…

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…

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 …

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 thi…

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 o…

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 A…

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…

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 empo…

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…

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 you…

"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 e…

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 sho…

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 c…

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 de…

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 mindse…

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 Freed…

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 …

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…

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 cha…

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…

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 insigh…

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" …

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 hos…

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 episod…

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. Miche…

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…

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)…

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 …

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. Wil…

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…

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…

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 t…

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,…

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. …

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.…

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 Rac…

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 …