Espresso Talk Today
We invite you for a quick uncommon conversation that will challenge everything you think!
The Myth of the Powerful Black Voting Bloc
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, …
The Important History of the Buffalo Soldiers
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? …
Lawyers' Corner on Wills and Trusts
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 …
April Deliberations of a Black American
Police violence. Reparations. DC Statehood. Death of DMX. Everything is on the table in this "uncommon" news show--from a Black perspective. Join …
Easy Ways to Protect your Income and Financial Future
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 …
Black Athlete Activists who have changed the World
Muhammed Ali. Wilma Rudolph. Colin Kaepernick. All of these African Americans were great athletes. But they were also great activists fighting for …
Black Inventors that You Didn't Learn about in School
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 …
Why & How to Buy Black First
How can you support Black economic empowerment? The easiest yet most powerful way is to buy from Black businesses. Invest in Black businesses. …
The Struggle & Reality of Black Economic Empowerment in America
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 …
Deliberations of a Black American: March Edition
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 …
King Kong to Black-ish: 90 Years of Black Stereotypes
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 …
Yes, Black Stereotypes still Exist in the Movies
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 …
Why Everyone needs a Financial Education
Do you understand compound interest? What is the Rule of 72? When should I start saving and investing? Great questions. A good financial education …
The Persistent Problem of Black Stereotyping
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 …
The Trials & Tribulations of Black Lawyers
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. …
A Sports Hero's 3-Step Plan for Achieving your Goals
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! …
Special Performance on Fight for School Desegregation
In 1954, the Supreme Court invalidated school segregation in the famous Brown v. Board of Education case. In this special episode, the ETT Team …
Sixty years in America. What's the Difference?
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 …
Racial Battle Fatigue and Other Effects of Systemic Racism
Did you know that systemic racism can cause depression, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia and other health conditions? People of color are constantly …
Black History "TV-Style" Game Show Quiz
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 …
The Key to Financial Security: The Wealth Mindset
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 …
Black History All Year Long!
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 …
Sankofa Wellness for Black History Month
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 …
How White People Can (Respectfully) Fight for Racial Justice Today
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 …
Two Weeks that Changed the United States Forever
Two weeks at the U.S. Capitol witnessed two monumental events: A violent insurrection and a Presidential Inauguration. The first event was …
Being Maladjusted and Other Martin Luther King Quotes
"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 …
Terror at the U.S. Capitol Building
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 …
Five Mind-blowing Events to African Americans in 2020
Espresso Talk Today Senior Content Analyst, Hans Hyppolite, provides us with a special report of the five most important events in 2020 for African …
Wellness Show: What's your Perspective?
What is your perspective? Choose wisely. Perspective is your window to the world. It determines your thoughts, behavior, and ultimately life …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 7: Imani (Faith)
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 …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 6: Kuumba (Creativity)
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 …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 5: Nia (Purpose)
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). …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
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 …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 3: Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
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 …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self Determination)
Habari gani! Kujichagulia!
Join Ben and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on Self Determination …
Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
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 …
A Tolstoy Christmas Story Reading
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 …
How the Media Affects Black Progress and Success
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 …
A Black Christmas Story Reading
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 …
Why Interracial Relationships Still Face Difficulties
Interracial relationships are more common but still not fully accepted by society and families. Some people face violence, isolation, and scorn. Yet …
Wellness Show: Your Cultural Roots
This uncommon wellness show focuses on the importance of knowing and practicing your culture. This can be very difficult during the COVID pandemic …
Examining Black Holiday Movies & Literature
This pandemic holiday season demands that families find new activities that are fun and safe. Watching classic holiday movies is a long tradition. …
Facing the Covid-19 Holiday Season with Joy & Safety
This 2020 holiday season will be different. We have to accept that fact. The COVID-19 pandemic could prevent people from safely enjoying their …
Black People helped Biden to the Presidency. Now what?
The 2020 presidential election between incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was the most hotly contested election in a generation. The stakes were high. Very …
Veteran's Day Special Story on Courage
Veteran's Day in America or Armistice Day in Europe is devoted to honoring all of those who have served the country in war or peace. All soldiers …
Ghana calls African Americans to Return Home
As Hans and Robin discussed last week, African Americans are leaving the United States in unprecedented numbers. Some are moving abroad for short stays. Others are moving away permanently. …
Wellness Show: The Art of Living with Courage
What is courage? The Stoics believed that courage was the most important virtue, the one upon which all other virtues (wisdom, justice, moderation) depend. In a world of the Covid-19 …
Why are Black Americans leaving the United States?
Are African Americans experiencing a third Great Migration? Fact: African Americans are leaving the United States in unprecedented numbers. The reasons vary. Racism tops the list. But the …
ETT News Edition for October 2020
Senior Content Analyst Hans Hyppolite presents the major news events of the month. There is a lot of news happening these days! From elections to …
Racism and the Real History behind Popular American Holidays
Do you know the history behind the holidays that you celebrate? Would you be surprised to find out that some of the most popular American holidays …
How Black Women Voters can Decide Elections
It is said that "The road to the White House has to stop at a Black woman's house." Black women voters are one of the most powerful and loyal voting …
The Power and Posture of Young Voters
Young people are a powerful group--especially in elections. In the United States, young voters (aged 18 to 29) make up more than half of eligible …
How to Live a Self-Empowered Life
What does self-empowerment mean to you? Do you feel self-empowered? In a world of white privilege and white supremacy, many African Americans feel dis-empowered and struggle with …
The Problem of Racist Friends
Friendships can be complicated. What happens if you discover that your friend holds racist views? Or homophobic views? Or sexist attitudes? Bias …
Premiere: ETT News Edition for September 2020
The premiere episode of the ETT News Edition! Senior Content Analyst Hans Hyppolite presents the major news events of the month. There is a lot of …
Pursuing Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate America
Fortune 500 Corporations are considered both financial powerhouses and leaders in social change. Yet corporate leadership is undeniably white and male. Today, there are only 4 African …
An African Folktale on Self-Determination
What does self-determination mean to you? What things threaten your right to self-determination? For people of color around the world, the right to …
Surprising and Fun Ways to Learn Black History
History is boring, right? Wrong! If you like stories, romance, mystery, and drama then you will love learning history. But history is often taught only by memorizing names, dates, and death …
Beyond Black History Month: We still need Black History!
No, it's not Black History Month but Black history is still important. Protests. Marches. Covid pandemic. Police violence. Systemic racism. These are …
Defeating your Fear Meditation
This is the flagship podcast for the Wellness Time series! Many people accept the power of fear in their lives. Fear drives many of our big and small decisions. But fear can affect our …
How and Why to Vote by Mail
The 2020 General Election in the United States is destined to be a historic moment in American history. Yes, the election is likely to be the most hotly contested electoral competition …
An Ancient Folktale about Kindness: Lord of the Cranes
Folktales are an ancient method of entertainment and teaching lessons. They are also a way of promoting and preserving cultural traditions. The …
In the Footsteps of John Lewis: Student Activists fighting for a Better World
Representative John Lewis inspired a nation and more than one generation. He left a legacy of courage, activism, and non-violence. Young people and …
The Case for Harvard to Return Slave Photos
For more than 200 years, Harvard University has been profiting from the photos of an enslaved man (named "Renty") and his daughter. Their descendants want the photos returned and they are …
How Elder Law Protects and Empowers Senior Citizens
The fastest-growing demographic worldwide is the senior population. People are living longer and more are staying healthy as they age. Yet …
The Growing Controversy of Wearing Masks to Stop Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has a new star on the scene: the mask. In the midst of fear and isolation during the lockdown as well as people wondering who …
How to Decolonize Educational Systems Now
Systemic racism is widely recognized and is (finally) being fought and dismantled. Around the world, people are protesting against racism and racial …
How the Black Lives Matter Movement Began and Why
Since George Floyd's murder, Black Lives Matter has received a lot of attention from many sources: media, politicians, athletes, and ordinary people. …
Who are America's Black Founders?
America's original Founders--Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and others--were revolutionaries and resisters. They created a new nation but also a new …
All Oppression is Wrong: The Neglected Struggles of the Black LGBTQ Community
We are celebrating Pride Month. Pride Month is so important because it acknowledges huge change for the LGBT+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. This is positive and …
A Nigerian Fable on Gratitude
Gratitude can be taught and learned in different ways. "The Hunter and the Antelope" is a fable from Nigeria in which different animals teach the importance of gratitude to a crocodile. The …
Gratitude Meditations for Juneteenth and Beyond
The Covid-19 pandemic. Police Violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing events. Micro-aggressions. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. …
Separate and NOT Equal: COVID in Europe and America
COVID-19 has been called the "Great Equalizer." This statement has certainly been proven untrue between individuals and among the different economic, racial, and ethnic segments of society. …
Meditation to Fight Race-based Stress and Anxiety
The Covid-19 pandemic. Police Violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing behavior. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. African Americans …
Promoting Good Mental Health in the Black Community
May is Mental Health Awareness Month--and the timing is perfect. Stress levels are running very high as the nation deals with the Covid-19 lockdown as well as the easing of lockdown …
A Sideways View of Life: The Transformative Power of Poetry
Pulitzer Prize winner, Bob Dylan once said, "The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it." The same can apply to people after …
Folktales: The Forgotten Literature
People read different kinds of modern or classic fiction. Others read modern or historical nonfiction, essays, or articles. However, there is one type of fiction that is often overlooked …
Do You Have the Right to Vote?
Does the U.S. Constitution guarantee the right to vote? Most Americans answer a proud and resounding "Yes!" Unfortunately, this answer is wrong. The Constitution does not guarantee the …
COVID-19: The Great Revealer of Inequality, Injustice, and Insensitivity
Is COVID-19 the "Great Equalizer"? A more accurate description is that COVID-19 is the "Great Revealer." This lethal virus is revealing inequality and injustice at every level of American …
COVID-19: The Dangers of Being Black, Poor, and Medically Needy
COVID-19 has been called "the Great Equalizer" because of its lethal attacks on people of all races, genders, and economic backgrounds. Yet African Americans are disproportionately affected …
The Untold History of African American Presidential Candidates
Do you know how many African Americans have run for President of the United States? The history books are filled with the names and stories of White men (and a few White women) who have run …
Suppressing the Vote: An American Tale II
The right to vote is deeply entrenched in the United States. But, today, many people rightly question this belief. President Barack Obama shockingly stated that the United States is the …
Suppressing the Vote: An American Tale I
The right to vote is deeply entrenched in the United States. Or is it? President Barack Obama shockingly stated that the United States is the only liberal democracy that makes it more …
The Hidden Truth about Race, Veganism, Health Care and More
Do environmental issues have unique consequences for African American and Indigenous communities? What special issues do Black vegans encounter? Will …
How White People Can Fight for Racial Justice
How can White people fight for racial justice and equality for African Americans and other people of color? Co-hosts Doug and Robin discuss this …
The Surprising Life of Harriet Tubman
What do you know about Harriet Tubman? Yes, she was a courageous conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved Africans to escape to freedom. But her courage, skills, …
Why the Sun Never Sets on Black History
Yes, Black History Month comes only once per year. From the special museum and library exhibits to the musical and cultural festivals, Black History …
A Most Shocking and Inhumane Form of Discrimination
The health care system in the United States is marked by racial discrimination and bias. From the Reconstruction Era until the present, African Americans have experienced racial …
Universal Health Care 2: The Walking Uninsured
The United States is the only high-income country that does not provide health care to its citizens and residents as a human right. As a result, more …
How the Motion Picture Academy Overlooks Black Talent
The Academy Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the motion picture industry. Yet African Americans--with our growing representation in the industry--have not been fairly or …
Universal Health Care in the United States
In this first episode about universal health care, Doug and Robin introduce the problems of health care in the United States. What are some of the major problems that Americans face …
Veganism in the Black Community 2
Many in the mainstream vegan movement only focus on protecting animals. However, others believe that ALL oppression is wrong and that the vegan …
Veganism in the Black Community 1
What is veganism? Is it more than a plant-based diet? Learn the basics of veganism and its special place in the African American and global Black communities. This is a 2-part series.
Celebrating African American Holidays
There are holidays focused on African American history and culture that are exclusively celebrated in the United States. Many people are unfamiliar …
Espresso Talk Today Opening Trailer
Introducing Espresso Talk Today--an exciting place for an uncommon conversation! The sibling team of Doug and Robin Lofton--both historians, writers, …
Fighting Harvard University for Slave Photos
For more than 200 years, Harvard University has been profiting from the photos of an enslaved man (named "Renty") and his daughter. Their descendants want the photos returned. Many …
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