In this episode, I sit down with Richard Davis for one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the podcast — mental health.
Richard is a mental health professional with over a decade of experience, currently managing a 24-hour facility supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. But beyond his credentials, this conversation is rooted in something deeper: his personal journey with anxiety, therapy, and self-awareness.
We dive into the reality that many people — especially Black men — avoid addressing their mental health, even when they know something is wrong.
Richard shares a powerful story of experiencing what he thought was a heart attack… only to discover it was a panic attack — a moment that forced him to confront his own need for help.
From there, we explore:
- Why so many men struggle to identify and express their emotions
- How childhood experiences shape our adult behaviors and trauma responses
- The cultural stigma around therapy in the Black community
- The tension between faith and seeking professional help
- Why “faith without works” applies to mental health
- How to actually start your therapy journey (EAP, virtual therapy, support groups)
- What to look for when choosing the right therapist
We also unpack a deeper truth:
Many of us are still running from things we’ve already survived.
Richard shares how therapy helped him understand his purpose — being for others what he needed as a child — while also learning how to create boundaries and take care of himself.
This episode is for anyone who:
- Struggles with anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm
- Has avoided therapy or doesn’t know where to start
- Feels pressure to “be strong” instead of being honest
- Wants to better understand themselves and break unhealthy patterns
At the core of this conversation is a powerful reminder:
You don’t have to do life alone — and it’s never too late to heal.