The Espresso Talk Today team uses the ancient art of storytelling as a way to teach and entertain. In this week's folktale called Lord of the Cranes, the main character tests the kindness and helpfulness of a wealthy businessman.  The story, similar to the parable of the Good Samaritan, introduces the importance of kindness. Elder Mellanese reads this ancient Chinese folktale. Sit back. Get comfortable. Listen. Think. Enjoy. This is storytelling at its finest!

Hans (recent graduate school grad) and Ben (second-year university student) discuss how John Lewis has inspired them and how student activism appears today. This is a unique episode that compares activism in the 1960s and activism in 2020. Interesting discussion by two young activists, practical advice on getting involved, and lessons from a civil rights icon. What does "good and necessary trouble" look like to you?

Many universities are finally admitting their participation in and profit from African slavery. A few universities are making reparations; others are only making apologies. What will Harvard do? A court will ultimately decide. But it is also a moral issue. Sibling-lawyers Doug and Robin discuss this trending issue and want your thoughts too. Grab a cup of espresso and join this uncommon conversation!

The Covid-19 pandemic has a new star on the scene: the mask. In the midst of fear and isolation during the lockdown and people wondering who the virus will target next, scientists, policymakers, and ordinary people are looking for solutions to the COVID pandemic. In this unusual episode, the Espresso Talk Today team meets to discuss the "mask" different mask conflicts, the different government policies, and the differing results. Listen and join this unique conversation.

Racism in educational systems is the subject of this unique episode. Students of color are feeling empowered to fight for an education that acknowledges and supports them. Decolonizing education involves examining teaching curricula, questioning who decides the boundaries of knowledge, and critiquing power systems that maintain white supremacy. Join Robin and Ben as they examine why and how to decolonize education. They also discuss how white-centered educational systems are damaging to students of color.

Black Lives Matter formed in 2013 following the horrific murder of 17-year old Trayvon Martin by a white supremacist who labeled him as a thug.  It has since been organizing, protesting, and working tirelessly since that time to make the world understand that Black lives are threatened every day. Robin and Hans discuss Black Lives Matter, its evolution and growth as a movement focused on saving Black lives. You don't want to miss this enlightening and surprising episode!

The original Founders were revolutionaries and resisters. They created a new nation. However, they ignored slavery, the rights of women, and the rights of the indigenous populations. America's new Founders were also revolutionaries and resisters but they were more committed to the ideals of equality, freedom, and individual rights for all people. Robin discusses these new Founders--she names names!--and their contributions towards perfecting the Union. Join this uncommon and revolutionary discussion.

The LGBTQ community faces discrimination, hate, and violence. And the Black LGBTQ community experiences these problems at a higher rate but with less access to legal recourse and support. Unfortunately, these uniquely Black LGBTQ problems are ignored by the white LGBTQ community who also ignores the problem of systemic racism. Robin and Hans identify these uniquely Black LGBTQ problems, consider possible solutions, and discuss how Black activists and LGBTQ activists can work together for the benefit of all.

Gratitude can be taught and learned in different ways. "The Hunter and the Antelope" is a fable from Nigeria in which different animals teach the importance of gratitude to a crocodile. The fable is presented by Elder Mellanese in honor of Juneteenth. But the story is interesting and important throughout the year! Enjoy the story.

The Covid-19 pandemic. Police Violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing events. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. "What do I have to be grateful for?" Answer: A lot! Robin will discuss the "gratitude habit" then guide you through several meditations to help you tap into your gratitude superpower. For the Juneteenth holiday, Robin will also discuss how newly-freed enslaved African Americans expressed their gratitude on this "Black Independence Day." Make your ancestors proud!