Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian Ragsdale

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Given the buying and selling of art, museums are involved in massive wealth transfers. They are, in a sense, ideological centers that record moments of history and represent societal views. They are repositories that can serve educational purposes, provide visitor enjoyment, and give artists exposure and recognition. Black artists and their work have not been widely recognized by museums. 

One study found that White male artists dominated museum acquisitions. “An analysis of more than 40,000 works of art detailed in 18 major U.S. museums' online catalogs found that 85 percent of artists featured are [W] hite, and 87 percent are men.” (1) In a ten-year study from 2008 to 2018, “less than three percent of museum acquisitions over the past decade have been of work [by] African American artists.” Black artists have routinely been shut out of museums whose leaders and boards are often comprised of Whites (2). Black artists have consistently voiced their anger about museum erasure and non-recognition.

Museums, whether by ignorance, omission, or the procurement choices they make about Black artists and our subject matter, can contribute to forms of racist capitalism. “Racial capitalism - the process of deriving social and economic value from the racial identity of another person - is a longstanding, common, and deeply problematic practice.” (3) Examine this statement from the Art Institute of Chicago as they detail how sold artwork is classified. “Proceeds from the Sale of Art Objects are recognized when the artwork is sold and are classified as non-operating revenues. For the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, approximately $200,000 and $3.9 million, respectively, were recognized as proceeds from the sale of art objects.” (4) Essentially, museums and collectors find ways to monetize the creative fruits of the person who produced the work. This monetization practice has happened to Blacks, Native Americans, Latinos, and other artist members of historically minoritized groups.

Eldzier (el-d-zeer) Cortor was a gifted and prolific artist whose work captured the grace, dignity, and beauty of African American women. Despite his extraordinary talent and nearly century-long life—he passed away at age 99 in 2015—Cortor faced a lifetime of uneven recognition from the very institutions meant to honor artists. His career was marked by marginalization and exploitation, a reflection of broader systemic barriers that Black artists have long confronted in the art world. This reflection honors his legacy and invites us to consider how many other voices remain overlooked.

Painting the 20th Century: Black Artists | The New York Times

https://youtu.be/ej8WY9up33k?si=i1nfB8OfT1otQGHj

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"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.

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The history of loneliness is as complex and evolving as human society itself. While the feeling of loneliness has likely existed since early human communities, our understanding of it—and even the word itself—has a more recent history.

According to recent Gallup data in 2021 and 2022, nearly 1 in 4 men aged 18 to 29 report feeling lonely. That’s 24%. And here’s the kicker—this rate has been rising over the past decade. Social isolation, fewer close friendships, less emotional intimacy with peers—these are just a few of the patterns showing up.

Some of this loneliness has to do with societal expectations. Men are often taught to be independent, stoic, and strong. But those messages can become barriers when what we really need is connection, vulnerability, and support.’

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"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.

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Staying informed doesn't mean self-abandoning. 

Engage when it’s healthy, retreat when needed. It's okay to rest and resist.

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"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/

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Subtitle: Tracing the Impact of Segregation, Education, and Racial Identity on Black Mental Health

In this episode, Dr. Brian, a licensed clinical psychologist and scholar explores the deep roots of Black psychology, the true legacy of Brown v. Board of Education, and the psychological impact of segregation. From the Doll Studies to today's mental health challenges, we reflect on how education,  resistance, and healing remain powerfully intertwined.

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/

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In this special episode, I open up about my 20-year journey to becoming a multicultural and anti-racist therapist/psychologist. Speaking directly to you — without a script, just heart and honesty — I reflect on the experiences, challenges, and growth that shaped my path. From confronting systemic barriers to deepening my commitment to culturally responsive care, I share the real, sometimes messy, but deeply rewarding work of becoming the therapist I am today. This conversation is an invitation into my story and a reminder that transformation is a lifelong journey.

The intro music at the top of each episode is an original 3-second jazz-funk sting composed for Transforming Minds with the help of artificial intelligence. It was made exclusively for this show; it's royalty-free, and it reflects no employer or workplace, past, present, or future. Some episodes also use an AI-generated voiceover created with ElevenLabs, built from my own voice and used under my full direction. The words, ideas, and opinions are always mine.

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.

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What I’ve learned is this: Your voice is an instrument of truth, healing, and alignment. When you speak up, not to harm, but to reveal, to clarify, and to honor your own humanity, you shift the energy in the room. People may not always agree, but they can’t ignore the authenticity you carry.

And for those of you who feel you’ve lost your voice, let me remind you: It’s not gone. It’s waiting. Waiting for the safety, the courage, the permission—sometimes from others, but more importantly, from you."

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.

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"Welcome to Transforming Minds, where we explore emotional well-being and personal growth. I’m Dr. Brian Ragsdale, and today’s topic is one that many struggle with—trusting yourself again.

Maybe you’ve made mistakes, ignored red flags, or felt betrayed by your own decisions. If so, you’re not alone. But self-trust isn’t about being perfect—it’s about rebuilding confidence in your ability to make choices that serve you. Let’s dive into how we lose trust in ourselves and, more importantly, how we can regain it."

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.

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Why do some people seek relationships not for connection, but as an escape from their own emotional work? In this episode of Transforming Minds, the first episode in Season 2, we explore the phenomenon of emotional outsourcing—when someone looks to their partner to carry their pain instead of processing it themselves. 

Dr. Brian Ragsdale unpacks the reasons behind this pattern, how to recognize it, and how to protect your energy while fostering healthier connections. Whether you’ve been in this dynamic or want to ensure you never get caught in it, this episode will help you navigate relationships with clarity and confidence.

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.

Send us a text

Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. 

It’s about feeling unseen, disconnected, and sometimes, even lost in a world that seems full of social connections. 

If you’ve ever felt that ache of isolation—whether you’re single, in a relationship, surrounded by people, or physically alone—this episode is for you.

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.

Send us a text

Empathy is about stepping into someone’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. It’s about connection, not just compassion.

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.