Espresso Talk Today Robin Lofton and Frederick Douglas Lofton

"Making a Way out of No Way."
Join host Ama-Robin as she explores the resilience, resourcefulness, and determination in the Black community. From historical figures who defied the odds to contemporary history makers like Misty Copeland and Barack Obama, she dives deep into the theme of "Making a Way out of No Way." Get ready for inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and practical tips for navigating life's challenges with strength and determination.
Tune in and join the movement of empowerment and liberation.

Join Ama-Robin on a profound journey through America's most iconic museums and libraries. In this episode, we dive into what makes a pilgrimage more than just a trip as Ama-Robin retraces the steps of pivotal African American figures and explores key artifacts that shape the narrative of African American resilience and culture. From the hallowed halls of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the artistic corridors of The Met and the historic collections of The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, discover how connecting with our heritage can transform our understanding of the past and inspire our actions in the future.
Tune in for a personal, insightful, and deeply moving exploration of history, identity, and the enduring spirit of the African American community.
 
 

Join Ama-Robin and Mel on a powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, where today's brew is rich with insight and empowerment. Diving deep into the Every Day Discrimination Scale (EDDS), this episode tackles the often-overlooked yet deeply impactful issue of workplace discrimination and harassment.
Discover how subtle, daily acts of discrimination shape our professional environments and personal well-being. Through vivid real-life examples, Ama-Robin and Mel explore each question of the EDDS, shedding light on the invisible forces at play in workspaces.
Tune in for an empowering discussion that not only exposes hidden injustices but also reinforces the importance of self-care and community support. Whether you're sipping coffee or seeking courage, this episode promises to equip you with the tools to both recognize and combat workplace discrimination.
Don't just listen—join our community and walk the walk with us in this transformative journey. 
To find the Everyday Discrimination Scale, click here.
Recommended Self-care steps:
Here are some specific self-care steps against the health effects of workplace discrimination and harassment:
Meditate: Spend a few minutes each day meditating to calm your mind and reduce stress.
Exercise Regularly: Get that body moving! Exercise is a great stress reliever and mood booster.
Eat Well: Fuel your body with nourishing foods. A healthy diet can support your overall well-being.
Stay Connected: Don't isolate yourself. Reach out to friends and family for support and connection.
Talk About It: Share your experiences with people you trust. Talking can help you process and heal.

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.

At Espresso Talk Today, empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of core values—the guiding principles that shape our decisions and actions.
Knowing your core values is more than just an introspective exercise—it's a tool for empowerment. It empowers you to reduce stress, set meaningful goals, and live a life that aligns with your true essence.
Join us as we explore the profound impact of core values and how they can lead you toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.
This is the episode that you didn't know that you needed!
Bonus Content!
You can find a list of core values here!
Are you living by your core values? Take the 10-question quiz here.

Join Ama-Robin and Mel as they interview Demiesha Dennis, founder of Brown Girl Outdoor World. Dive into Demiesha's inspiring journey from self-taught fly-fisher to advocate for Black women in nature.
We discuss: 
1. The challenges faced by women of color in outdoor spaces, from racial profiling to lack of representation. 
2. How Black Girl Outdoor World is reshaping the narrative on who belongs outdoors and fostering inclusivity through education and community. 
3. The transformative power of nature as a form of Black empowerment and liberation.
Tune in to hear firsthand accounts and insights from women who are defying stereotypes and embracing the beauty of the natural world.
Get more information about Brown Girl Outdoor World here.
This is Black empowerment at its finest. Join us!
 
Five Affirmations for Black women in nature:
I belong in nature.  My presence in the outdoors is a powerful act of reclaiming my space and heritage.
I am strong, resilient, and capable. I navigate outdoor spaces with confidence and grace.
I honor the wisdom and resilience of my ancestors who have connected with the land for generations. Their legacy empowers me to embrace my heritage and thrive in outdoor environments.
I am worthy of safety, respect, and dignity in all outdoor spaces. I assert my boundaries and stand up against hatred and discrimination, knowing that I deserve to feel safe and valued.
I trust in my intuition and inner wisdom to guide me through any challenges I may encounter in outdoor spaces. I am resourceful, adaptable, and capable of overcoming obstacles with grace and determination.