Espresso Talk Today

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" and "colorblindness." We need to get real and honest about this racial elephant in the classroom. Join us for this important show! 

• What does racial isolation look like?
• What can students do to protect themselves?
• How can parents help?
• How can we eliminate racism in the classroom?

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 host, Ama-Robin, discusses the origins of white-pleasing as a coping, strategic, and survival tool. She will also discuss the different kinds of white-pleasing behaviors and how they can affect one's mental health. We will discuss real-life scenarios--including Ama-Robin's personal experience!--that show how white-pleasing is an integral part of living Black in a majority-white society.

Time to get real. No judgments or criticism. 

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 episode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by a special guest who discusses a racial encounter at a department store that left her feeling terrified, vulnerable, and dehumanized.  Her story is real. Please join us to hear about her encounter and learn self-care steps to support her health and well-being. Full names have not been used in order to protect the participant.

Note: This true story could cause a stress or trauma response. Please listen with caution. 

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. Michelle Lee's groundbreaking book, Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing, discusses her 22-year journey to collect and "save" the traditions.  

Join us for this ancestral journey of health and healing. Ms. Lee also shares time-honored (and effective!) health-preserving "medicines" and healing methods for common conditions and ailments.

Get ready to learn the "strong medicine" that big pharma does not want you to know!

Click below to find the book:

Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing

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. Ebony Butler, who created My Therapy Cards to support Black mental health and emotional healing. Yes, she will also discuss the continuing impact of racism on mental health. Dr. Ebony joins Espresso Talk Today to discuss her innovative mental health cards, how to use them, why to use them, and who should NOT use them. Join this uncommon convo!

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) Founders though their accomplishments were arguably greater and definitely more profound. In this special episode, we discuss America's Black Founders--she names names!--and their contributions towards creating a Union for all people wanting life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Join this uncommon and revolutionary discussion.

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 medical system and in the doctor's office. This show is designed to empower Black women to protect their health and to experience the safe and loving birthing experience of their dreams. 

Warning: This show discusses maternal death experiences and the in utero death of an unborn baby. This can trigger difficult emotions and memories. Please listen with caution and take self-care steps to protect your mental health. 

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. Will white people appropriate this holiday? Will Juneteenth lose its importance and relevance? Will America recognize its unfulfilled promises to Black Americans?  In this Real Talk, Elder Mel, Ben, and Ama-Robin discuss how they celebrate Juneteenth and how voting rights, police reform, and reparations are the next logical steps toward real emancipation and equality. Join us for this uncommon. conversation!

Bonus: Melinda Doolittle will sing the Black National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" at the end of the show. Please join us and stand for our anthem.

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 time! My family was lucky. I was saved by a "secret weapon" who believed me and helped my family to go home safely. No firearms were involved. 

Warning: The details in this show bring up difficult or painful memories of racist aggression. Please listen with caution. 

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 is real. The feelings are real.  #BelieveBlackPeople

Warning: The information in this podcast can trigger difficult emotions. Please listen with caution. 

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 to decolonize our holidays!  

We can focus on holidays that honor Black history and culture. Many people are unfamiliar with these special days. This podcast discusses some of the more famous days and a few lesser-known days. These holidays are inspirational, educational, and reflective--all at the same time. Get ready to celebrate and commemorate! 

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, and how it is passed through generations. Dr. Jackson also discusses how to manage and heal from trauma through culture, community, spirituality, and positive emotional engagement.

Special: This show ends with Dr. Jackson guiding us through a culture-focused meditation on healing. Join us for the special podcast show. Enlightenment guaranteed!

This is the second (final) part of our Black-centered psychology series. 

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.

A Black-centered (or multicultural) approach to psychology has proven to be helpful, responsive, and inclusive. Culture. Family. Ancestors. Spirituality. The Elders. Community. These are important in Black culture and in Black Psychology.  The Espresso Talk Today team (led by Hans Hyppolite) is joined by Theopia Jackson, Ph.D., former President of the Association of Black Psychologists to discuss this culture-based form of psychology.  Asante Sana!

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. Why are Black communities so important? Why have they been attacked? The Espresso Talk Today team answers these questions and more.  Join us for this Black empowerment podcast show. 

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 Racial Battle Fatigue.  These are some of the best excerpts from experts in the field.

Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D. on the effects of medical racism and bias.

• Intro at 3:00.
• Show at 5:40

Medical Racism Podcast Show

William A. Smith, Ph.D. on the physiological effects of Racial Battle Fatigue.

• Intro at 21:30.
• Show at 23:30

Racial Battle Fatigue Podcast Show

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 debunks the myth that "poverty is the problem."  He also discusses how we can improve our health literacy and health outcomes. This uncommon conversation is part of our April Black Health series. Get ready to be shocked by the data on health disparities and to learn what you can do to improve your health.  We have the power! 

Book: Patient-centered Clinical Care for African Americans

https://drgreghall.com

Better Black Health Podcast

Have you ever wanted to have a (free and authentic) conversation with a cardiologist? That's what the Espresso Talk Today team wanted--and that's what we had! We met with Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist and former president of the American Heart Association! Nothing was off the table. We discussed everything from heart health to heart failure. Dr. Yancy shared his 8 essential steps for optimal heart health and four symptoms that you should never ignore. And, of course, we discussed the importance of race and racism in Black health.  You can also discover why people in certain communities live the longest and the happiest. Join us for this uncommon and informative conversation. 

Resources:

Association of Black Cardiologists

American Heart Association

Repaying student loans does not need to be painful. It also does not need to be difficult. However, it can feel confusing and scary. Financial aid expert, Kim Bradley, returns to the show to discuss student loan repayment options. Kim Bradley will discuss different repayment options and the future of loan repayment and loan forgiveness possibilities. Ms. Bradley also presents the four federal student loans and how they can be easily repaid. You will also learn what to do in the event of a financial emergency.  Finally, she presents a 911 rescue website (see below)! Kim is gentle and patient. Join us for this informative discussion.

Kim's advice: Do your research before choosing a school and getting a loan!

Student Loan 911 Rescue

If you or someone you know needs money for college, start here: https://studentaid.ed.gov

Report: Black Women are uniquely burdened by student loan debt

Hypertension. Depression. Cardiovascular disease. African Americans have a higher risk of suffering from these chronic illnesses. Earlier onset. Earlier deaths. Why? Systemic racism. Many counties have declared racism to be a public health crisis. Public health can protect health in Black and Brown communities by addressing racism-based issues like poverty, food insecurity, toxic environments, inadequate housing, and even lack of education. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. Dr. Benjamin will discuss chronic health problems in the Black community and how public health is perfectly positioned to protect and improve Black health by addressing the persistent problem of systemic racism. Listen to this podcast and learn what you can do to protect your personal health and promote health in the Black community. Racism destroyes lives. Public health saves lives! Don't miss this important episode. 

Video: Healthy Births & Black Americans: Why are death rates still higher?

American Public Health Association: apha.org

The Espresso Talk Today team discusses their experiences with racism denials. Three generations of Black Americans have a real talk about their thoughts when they hear these statements and how they respond to them. We also discuss the importance of Dr. Philippe Copeland's work to empower Black Americans against racism and to create an antiracist society. We all bring great thoughts and important experiences to this show.! Join us for real talk about this real everyday issue faced by African Americans.

8 Forms of Racism Denial: 

1. Refuting--that's not racist!

2. Minimizing--it's not as bad as it used to be

3. Replacing--talk about something other than race e.g. gender

4. Defending--deploying the black friend. I can't be racist because I have Black friends. 

5. Excusing--I was just kidding. You're overreacting! Different generation.

6. Myopia--ignoring the context in which statements are made.

7. Revising history--avoiding accountability for embracing people who engaged in racism in the past. Lost cause Confederacy. War was not about slavery but states rights.  War of northern aggression.

8. Distorting: turning reality inside out. The real problem is the mistreatment of white people.