About Espresso Talk Today…
Espresso Talk Today confronts issues, discusses events, and and analyzes their effects on Black people in the United States and around the world. From climate change to white supremacy, veganism to police violence, we face these highly charged topics with courage and curiosity. Our uncommon conversation is hot and strong—just like a good espresso! Each episode examines an unusual, uplifting or disturbing—and always interesting—story or issue in a modern cafe experience. Grab an espresso and join our uncommon convo!
A new episode is released every Friday.
Espresso Talk Today…because the first step to solving a problem is talking about it! "
~ Ama_Robin_L.
Co-Founder & HostRobin is a social justice writer, historian, and human rights activist. She holds an LL.M in European and International Law with a focus on international human rights. After receiving her degree, Robin served as Executive Director for the International Centre for Criminal Law & Human Rights, which focused on abolishing the death penalty. She writes about African American history and culture for rememberinghistory.com. Robin is a curious and active traveler, wellness enthusiast, a passionate writer, and a committed community volunteer. Robin lives in Brussels, Belgium.
Co-Founder
Doug worked as a lawyer, historian, stock trader, author, and teacher. For more than 20 years, Doug was an Elder Law attorney who focused on Medicaid planning and protecting the rights of senior citizens and persons suffering from dementia. He wrote the blog, Lawyer Explorer, which introduces people to the history and cultural traditions of indigenous and ancient peoples. Through his passion for travel, he explored and uncovered the mysteries of the world. Doug hailed from Berkeley, California. Doug is now among the ancestors but he remains with us in spirit still. We continue to honor his space and contributions in our hearts.
Senior Content Analyst Hans is a political analyst who recently completed his Master’s Degree in International Relations in Brussels, Belgium. Having lived in the Caribbean, the United States and Europe, he brings a youthful and diverse perspective to the cast of Espresso Talk Today. Through his studies and experiences, he hopes to help develop policies that will better the lives of ordinary citizens. Hans currently lives in Albany, New York.
Content Specialist
Ben is studying political science at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He founded and writes the blog, Telio-Possibilities, which presents ideas from the intersection of philosophy, literature, and politics. His goal is to simplify a complicated world to ensure justice, equality, and peace for all. He holds both American and Swedish nationalities. Ben lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Marketing Specialist
Mellanese S. Lofton is a retired California attorney. She and her son, Frederick Douglas Lofton, were law partners in the law firm of Lofton & Lofton for more than 20 years. She was also Counsel to major international corporations for 20 years prior to Lofton & Lofton. Ms. Lofton is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley Law School. She is the author of Corporate Chess (How to Outplay Management), an ebook for people wanting to advance in a corporation. Currently, she is the Marketing Consultant for Espresso Talk Today.
Entertainment & Media Specialist
Marlene began her career in the arts in high school when her drive for competition and performance led her to win the NAACP ACT-SO competition for Drama in 2015. She earned her BFA in Acting and Media Entertainment at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign. Before graduation, she secured professional representation with Gray Talent Group and her first two professional jobs, a commercial for Blue Cross Blue Shield and a cross country tour with the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Theater company. Since then she opened her own production company called POV Productions LLC. that produces commercials, logos, personal content videos. She has many worldly experiences and is excited to be a part of this podcast! Marlene is a Houston native currently living in Chicago, Illinois.