Wellness and Wisdom: Dr. Rob Thrash IV on Faith, Healing, and Leadership

In this episode of Won’t God Do It?, Dr. Anita Turner welcomes back the inspiring Dr. Rob Thrash IV for a follow-up conversation that dives deep into mental wellness, racialized stress, and what it truly means to flourish. From his award-winning dissertation to his daily work with students, educators, and communities, Dr. Thrash brings clarity and conviction to the urgent need for mental health and emotional balance—especially for Black professionals and families.

Faith, Therapy, and Breaking Barriers

Dr. Thrash is a bold voice dismantling the myth that the Black church ignores mental health. “Yes, we believe in prayer and fasting,” he says, “but we also believe in therapy.” Citing examples from his home churches in Inglewood, he highlights a growing movement in faith communities to embrace both spiritual and clinical approaches to wellness. He also challenges old narratives, affirming that reluctance to seek help often stems from historical injustice—not weakness.

Understanding the “Right Feeling”

One of Dr. Thrash’s key messages is learning to recognize what peace actually feels like. “You can’t get to wellness if you don’t know what wellness feels like,” he explains. He encourages educators, parents, and professionals to define their “right space”—the internal cues of peace, balance, and clarity. Once you know it, you’ll notice when something’s off—and you’ll know how to get back.

Wellness Is Contagious

Well-being isn’t just personal—it’s atmospheric. Dr. Thrash reminds us that adults set the tone in homes, classrooms, and churches. “Your wellness can either bring peace to the room or disrupt it,” he says. That’s why creating boundaries, modeling emotional expression, and seeking support isn’t selfish—it’s leadership. Especially for parents, he emphasizes the importance of normalizing emotional check-ins before a crisis hits.

Resources Are Closer Than You Think

Therapy isn’t just for breakdowns—it’s for sustaining health. Whether through free or low-cost mental health services, school-based counseling, or community referrals, Dr. Thrash makes it clear: resources are out there. “Ask. Knock. Seek,” he urges. “Everybody’s in therapy now. It’s not weird—it’s wise.”