The Tax of Being the Strong One

Send us Fan Mail What has “being strong” cost you? For many Black people, strength is more than a personal quality. It is a cultural expectation: hold the family together, keep going, remain dependable, and do not let anyone see you break. That strength is real—but it can also carry a psychological and physical cost. In this episode of Transforming Minds, Dr. Brian L. Ragsdale examines the difference between the strength we choose and the endurance demanded of us. Drawing on the concepts of John Henryism and weathering, he explores how high-effort coping and chronic exposure to adversity can affect the body, complicate our relationship with rest, and teach us to confuse usefulness with worth. The question for this episode is simple: Who benefits from your strength—and are you one of those people? Transforming Minds offers one question, one idea, and a different way of thinking about psychology and the systems shaping our lives. Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian Ragsdale examines psychology, culture, identity, and power in concise, research-informed episodes. Dr. Ragsdale is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, researcher, and consultant with more than 25 years of experience. Each episode asks one question, develops one central idea, and challenges listeners to think differently about mental health and the systems shaping our lives. Support the show "Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian" Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect. Follow & Connect: Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297 Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/ Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/ New Episodes Every Sunday Take care of yourself and each other.