Espresso Talk Today

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!

Unstoppably Black: Making a Way Out of No Way 05/10/2024

My Unexpected Pilgrimage through Black History 05/03/2024

Everyday Discrimination Scale: Confronting Racial Stress in the Workplace 04/26/2024

Black & Bold: Core Values ain't just for White folks! 04/19/2024

Black & Bold: Core Values ain't just for White folks! 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. /episode/index/show/espressotalktoday/id/30792308

More than Just Words: Core Values for Empowered Living 04/05/2024

Breaking Barriers: Black Women in Outdoor Spaces 03/29/2024

Healing from Racial Stress and Trauma: A 4-Step Approach 03/22/2024

Five Uncomfortable Truths about Racial Stress 03/13/2024

Five Uncomfortable Truths about Racial Stress 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. /episode/index/show/espressotalktoday/id/30363528

Racial Battle Fatigue is Real: Learn how it can affect your Health 03/01/2024

From Past to Present: Embracing Our Role as History Makers Today 02/23/2024

From Past to Present: Embracing Our Role as History Makers Today 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. /episode/index/show/espressotalktoday/id/30070693