You Ain’t Imagining the Hustle—It’s Hurting Our Health
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In this Espresso Talk, storyteller Ama-Robin names “the Hustle” for what it is—a survival pattern of overwork and over-achievement born from our history.
It is stealing our rest, our joy, and even our health. From the based-in-truth story of Miss Josie Mae to the groundbreaking research of Dr. Sherman James, we explore how constant high-effort coping wears us down and how we can choose freedom instead. You’ll walk away with tools to slow down, reclaim your breath, and live in alignment with your body, spirit, and community.
You’ll get in this episode:
Real-life examples of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual hustle
How hustle culture damages our health and spirit
Practical steps to slow down and protect your well-being
Bonus: Grounding Ritual for Release (Show Notes Gift)
Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes if it feels safe.
Place your hands over your heart.
Inhale deeply for a count of 4. Hold for 2. Exhale for 6. Repeat three times.
Whisper or think: “I am more than what I do. I am enough as I am.”
Imagine placing the weight you’ve been carrying into the earth beneath you, knowing it can hold it.
Open your eyes when you’re ready, carrying only what’s yours to carry.
Learn More & Support Black Scholars
In this episode, we mentioned the powerful work of several Black researchers, writers, and organizations who are helping us live longer, healthier, and more liberated lives. Their work supports us—let’s support them back.
Dr. Sherman James – Epidemiologist and creator of the John Henryism Active Coping Scale, a tool for understanding how high-effort coping affects health, especially in Black communities. Learn more about his research and take the scale here: [insert link].
Tricia Hersey – Founder of The Nap Ministry and author of Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Her work reclaims rest as a form of resistance and a healing right for Black people. Learn more here: [insert link].
The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) – An organization dedicated to advancing Black-centered psychology, mental health, and community well-being. They remind us that our history and culture are core to our psychology. Learn more and support their work here: [insert link].
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