About Espresso Talks Today

Welcome to Espresso Talk Today - your weekly guide through the richness of Black history, culture, and health.

Every session is an invitation to join us on a journey where every sip of knowledge sparks a conversation.

Brewing meaningful conversations ☕

We dive into Black history, not just talking about facts, but unwrapping stories and exploring how they shape our present and future.

Because believe in the power of community and connection.

Espresso Talk Today serves as a meeting ground for students, professionals, and everyone in between. It's a place where diverse people from all walks of life find harmony, and every listener is part of a broader conversation.

In every ETTP episode, your seat is not just reserved; it's embraced with warmth and curiosity.

Let's explore this enlightening adventure together, discovering the beauty and impact of rich black history in every session.

Conversations we brew…

Sippin' on Black History

Let’s explore the untold stories, significant events, and impactful figures that have shaped Black history.

Jazzin' Up Black Culture

Together let’s celebrate the beats, colors, and stories that make Black culture a vibrant mosaic.

Wellness Chats with a Side of Espresso

Navigate the complexities of Black health with conversations that are as refreshing as your morning brew.

Behind the Mic: Unveiling the Passion

We are driven by a deep passion for justice, understanding, and positive change. Our commitment to racial justice, history, and human rights infuses every episode with a sense of purpose.

Meet the Team

  • Ama-Robin Lofton

    CO-FOUNDER

    Ama-Robin Lofton, your podcast host, is more than a storyteller. She is a social justice writer, historian, and human rights activist. She holds an LL.M in European and International Law with a focus on international human rights. After receiving her degree, Robin served as Executive Director for the International Centre for Criminal Law & Human Rights, which focused on abolishing the death penalty. She writes about African American history and culture for rememberinghistory.com. Robin is a curious and active traveler, wellness enthusiast, a passionate writer, and a committed community volunteer. Robin lives in Brussels, Belgium.

  • Doug Lofton

    CO-FOUNDER

    Doug worked as a lawyer, historian, stock trader, author, and teacher. For more than 20 years, Doug was an Elder Law attorney who focused on Medicaid planning and protecting the rights of senior citizens and persons suffering from dementia. He wrote the blog, Lawyer Explorer, which introduces people to the history and cultural traditions of indigenous and ancient peoples. Through his passion for travel, he explored and uncovered the mysteries of the world. Doug hailed from Berkeley, California. Doug is now among the ancestors but he remains with us in spirit still. We continue to honor his space and contributions in our hearts.

  • Mellanese Lofton

    MARKETING SPECIALIST

    Mellanese S. Lofton is a retired California attorney. She and her son, Frederick Douglas Lofton, were law partners in the law firm of Lofton & Lofton for more than 20 years. She was also Counsel to major international corporations for 20 years prior to Lofton & Lofton. Ms. Lofton is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley Law School. She is the author of Corporate Chess (How to Outplay Management), an ebook for people wanting to advance in a corporation. Currently, she is the Marketing Consultant for Espresso Talk Today.

  • Hans

    SENIOR CONTENT ANALYST

    Hans is a political analyst who recently completed his Master’s Degree in International Relations in Brussels, Belgium. Having lived in the Caribbean, the United States and Europe, he brings a youthful and diverse perspective to the cast of Espresso Talk Today. Through his studies and experiences, he hopes to help develop policies that will better the lives of ordinary citizens. Hans currently lives in Albany, New York.

  • Ben

    CONTENT SPECIALIST

    Ben is studying political science at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He founded and writes the blog, Telio-Possibilities, which presents ideas from the intersection of philosophy, literature, and politics. His goal is to simplify a complicated world to ensure justice, equality, and peace for all. He holds both American and Swedish nationalities. Ben lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

  • Marlene

    ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA SPECIALIST

    Marlene began her career in the arts in high school when her drive for competition and performance led her to win the NAACP ACT-SO competition for Drama in 2015. She earned her BFA in Acting and Media Entertainment at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign. Before graduation, she secured professional representation with Gray Talent Group and her first two professional jobs, a commercial for Blue Cross Blue Shield and a cross country tour with the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Theater company. Since then she opened her own production company called POV Productions LLC. that produces commercials, logos, personal content videos. She has many worldly experiences and is excited to be a part of this podcast! Marlene is a Houston native currently living in Chicago, Illinois.

Join us at Espresso Talk Today – Because every conversation is a chance to create a more understanding, empathetic, and connected world. ☕🎙️