You Ain't Imagining This!

The Lawyers Corner returns to discuss discrimination at work. Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful working environment. Unfortunately, many people experience discrimination at work because of race, gender, age, pregnancy, or another status. In this episode, attorneys Wayne and Mel and paralegal Janice discuss what to do if you experience discrimination in your workplace. Learn the important steps that you need to take to help your case. Join us for this important conversation. Don't wait!

Why is Stoicism growing so popular today? Amid the problems of systemic racism, the Covid-19 pandemic, political upheaval, climate change, people are facing constant financial, mental, and emotional challenges.  Stoicism was designed to help people stay calm in the chaos and develop happiness by determining their sphere of control.  Robin and Ben discuss the philosophy of Stoicism and their favorite Stoics: Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. They also hold a lively discussion about the things that are in one's control and the things that are beyond an individual's control. Join them to learn how the Stoics faced the challenges in their lives and how we can learn the best way to face today's challenges with calm and clarity. This episode could improve your mental and emotional health!

Financial educator, Jorick Gaines, is back! Today he's talking about cash flow: How to increase it, why you need it, and what happens if you don't have it. The Espresso Talk Today team is excited to discuss and learn creative ways of increasing our cash flow. Yes, you can get another job but we're thinking out of the box today and brainstorming how to get "unstuck" and get the cash flowing. We also have the espresso flowing! Join us for this exciting and empowering show.  

What's the big deal about cultural appropriation? Why do we care if Justin Bieber gets loc'd or if Katy Perry goes Geisha? This week, we are asking the GenZers what they think about white folks dressing like and imitating other cultures.  Ben and Marlene lead this discussion and the opinions are flying! Robin makes a surprise appearance too! Join this lively convo.

Justin Bieber in locks. Madonna wearing an elaborate North African headpiece and dress.  Pop singer Adele wearing Bantu knots. White children wearing Native headdresses on Halloween.  Katy Perry doing a Geisha performance. What do these have in common? These actions involve cultural items or rituals worn or practiced by White Americans. Is this cultural appropriation, appreciation, or denigration? This week, Robin, Hans, and Kirk (who founded the dynamic YouTube channel WadiSpeaks) discussed these questions and reach different and sometimes conflicting conclusions. Next week, Ben and Marlene discuss these same actions and the opinions are flying! Mel makes a surprise appearance too! Join this lively convo.

Do you have a problem with your landlord, employer, or neighbor? Mediation is the answer! Mediation is a powerful tool that can help you to resolve disputes without going to court! The Lawyers Corner discusses how mediation can be used rather than the expensive and time-consuming method of going to court. Property disputes, family disputes, landlord-tenant problems, and many other conflicts between individuals can be resolved by mediation. In this episode, Janice Slaughter is a licensed and experienced mediator who shares her advice about the best way to engage in mediation. Spoiler alert: Preparation is the key to a good outcome from the mediation. Attorneys Mel and Wayne give their perspectives about mediation and the role of lawyers in this method of dispute resolution. Join us in the Lawyers Corner for this uncommon convo!

Police violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing behavior. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. African Americans and other people of color face constant threats not only to their physical safety but also to their mental health. This leads to high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. Racism-induced stress also reduces the life expectancy and quality of life for many African Americans. Add poverty, lack of health care, inadequate housing, and reduced access to good nutrition and clean water to this deadly cocktail and there is another "pandemic" rooted in racism.  Many African Americans are seeking methods to protect their mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.  One effective method is meditation, which has proven benefits of fighting stress and anxiety, reducing depression, and improving the quality of life--on mental and physical levels. In this special episode, Robin will discuss the unique stresses faced by African Americans and the benefits of meditation. She will also guide three short meditations to introduce the practice of meditation and provide instant stress relief during these turbulent times. You will not want to miss this episode!

America's original (White) Founders--Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and others--were revolutionaries and resisters. They created a new nation but also a new relationship between the government and the people. Yet there were omissions, problems, conflicts, genocide, and racism. They never reached a clear decision on slavery, the rights of women, or the rights of the indigenous populations. Work remained to be done. America's new (Black, Indigenous) Founders were also revolutionaries and resisters. They were more committed to the ideals of equality, freedom, and individual rights for all people. They are often not revered like the original (White) Founders but their accomplishments were arguably greater and definitely more egalitarian. In this special episode, Robin discusses these new Founders--she names names!--and their contributions towards perfecting the Union for all people desiring life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Join this uncommon and revolutionary discussion.

Anarcha, Betsey, Lucy, Henrietta Lacks. Numerous un-named free and enslaved Black women. What do these women have in common? They experienced health problems. They needed medical assistance. They were used and exploited by the American medical community. Since slavery in the United States, the American medical community has treated Black women as “medical specimens” to pioneer medical treatment and surgical developments. This practice did not end with the abolition of slavery. In this uncommon episode, the Espresso Talk Today team will meet with medical historian, Professor Deirdre Cooper Wells, to discuss her book Medical Bondage. She will explain how the racist beliefs that affected Black enslaved women are still present in the treatment of Black women today. Professor Cooper Wells will also discuss how to identify these practices and protect yourself from them. Join us for this important talk.