Welcome to the Espresso Talk Today Podcast!
Where we go on an enriching journey through the heart of Black history, culture, and health. Our mission is to not just discuss but to connect, inspire, and illuminate.
Episode 53: 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 high. And it was inevitably close. Margins were tight. So how did Joe Biden secure his victory?
Episode 52: 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 should be recognized for their service and the special challenges that they faced. African American soldiers have faced enemies abroad and at home. Yet their service and courage are often overlooked or downplayed. Not on Espresso Talk Today!
Episode 51: 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. The primary reason for leaving is the unrelenting racism that they face on a daily basis. Where are Black Americans moving to? All over the world! One country that is a major landing point is Ghana. With its historic and cultural connection, Ghana is an attractive destination for African Americans.
Episode 50: 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 pandemic, systemic racism, violence, marginalization of people of color, and unprecedented poverty, people are called on to show courage on a daily basis for their survival.
Episode 49: 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 list is long and the experiences different.
Episode 48: 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 conflicts to Covid: How can we remember it all?
Episode 47: 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 have shameful beginnings?
Episode 46: 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 blocs in American elections. In the last three presidential elections, Black women outvoted all other racial, gender, and economic voting blocs.
Episode 45: 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 voters. This group is diverse, informed, intelligent, and focusing on the future. Yet many young people choose not to vote. Their reasons range from a lack of interest to disillusionment with the political process.
Episode 44: 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 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.
Episode 43: 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 exists in every person. Yet racism, sexism, and anti-LGBTQ-ism take prejudice to a different and possibly dangerous level. Handling a racist "friend" is a difficult situation. It can create hostility or even a teachable moment about the perils of racism.
Episode 42: 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 news happening these days! From elections to conflicts to Covid: How can we remember it all?
Episode 41: 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 American (all male) CEOs. And most corporations have few--most have none!--African Americans on the Boards of Directors or in other executive roles. Following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, many corporations pledged to work for racial and social justice and equity. Yet most of these white male-led businesses have yet to make meaningful changes in the advancement of people of color.
Episode 40: 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 self-determination is supreme yet has been undermined by colonialism, systemic racism, and economic inequality. Many Black and Brown people have fought--some successfully, others unsuccessfully--for their right to self-determination.
Episode 39: 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 counts. Robin and Hans are continuing their discussion from last week's podcast show in which they discussed why history is still important.
Episode 38: 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 not new in American history. Yet many people have forgotten how these events have had a regular presence throughout American (and perhaps world) history. Are we doomed to repeat the failures of the past? Have we learned how to approach these important issues effectively? Robin and Hans think that history is important but that it is not getting the attention needed to have an impact.
Episode 37: 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 mental and physical health causing depression, hypertension, anxiety, obesity, and many other chronic illnesses. Racism and police violence are two major causes of fear among people of color, making us more susceptible to chronic illness.
Episode 36: 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 since the Bush-Gore election in 2000. The election process will be the defining feature and possibly affect the outcome. Because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, mail-in (or no-excuse absentee) voting will be the most popular method of voting in the 2020 election. However, voting by mail is not new in the United States.
Episode 35: 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 Espresso Talk Today team loves this ancient art of storytelling and education to add a special flavor to its show.
Episode 34: 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 students are now picking up the torch and working for a better and more equal world. These young activists are working for civil rights, environmental justice, indigenous peoples' rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights as well as leading the Black Lives Matter movement. In this exciting and informative episode, Hans (recently finished graduate studies) and Ben (second-year university student) discuss how John Lewis has inspired them and how student activism appears today.
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