How American Boys and Men Are Falling Behind – and What We Can Do to Help Them

In the US, women and girls now outperform men and boys at every level of education. Boys are less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college or finish college. Men are more likely to die by suicide, and they aren't participating in the labor market as much as they used to either. In the last forty years, American society has made concerted efforts to boost opportunities for women and girls. That job is not finished, so when we talk about gender inequality in America, it makes sense that the conversations tend to be about women. But American boys and men are falling behind. Have we accidentally overlooked their struggles? Today on Top of Mind, we're looking at a few of the issues facing modern men and boys, and how to help them. We talk to a program director working with boys of color in Baltimore, an economist who’s studied what it means for boys to be raised in single parent households at a record rate, an academic who’s been following these trends for years, and the founder of a nonprofit with an unusual approach to supporting men in their mental health struggles.

0 Comments

2 Nephi 1–2

In this episode we'll talk about 2 Nephi chapters one and two. We’ll start with Lehi’s counsel to his wayward sons, Laman and Lemuel. We’ll review how he encouraged them to think about the good things the Lord had done for them, in order to strengthen their faith. Then we’ll talk about a recent and very personal story from my life, where my wife had a cancer scare. We’ll review how the Lord provided assurances and we had the chance to decrease anxiety and increase faith as we chose to belief in Him. We’ll emphasize how increasing faith is one way to help manage anxiety. 

0 Comments

1 Nephi 16–22

In this episode we'll talk about 1 Nephi chapters sixteen through twenty-two. These chapters have some amazing stories about the journey of Lehi’s family across the desert and the ocean. There was a consistent theme throughout the chapters. Many times there was a challenge presented and then a solution provided. We’ll talk about how the Lord is eager to provide miracles for us to get through our challenges, but they almost always involve effort on our part. We’ll review how making those efforts is important in our personal development.  

0 Comments

1 Nephi 11–15

In this episode we'll talk about 1 Nephi chapters eleven through fifteen. We’ll review how Nephi was confused about some of the elements of his father’s dream, and then sought divine help, receiving great knowledge as a result. We’ll contrast his approach with that of Laman and Lemuel, who sought no help, and therefore remained frustrated. We’ll discuss how these examples highlight the principle of emotional resilience known as personal competence. We’ll talk about how we are all capable of improving our mental health situations, but this has to begin with a belief that we can do something about it. 

0 Comments

1 Nephi 6–10

In this episode we'll talk about 1 Nephi chapters six through ten. We’ll review the account of Nephi and his brethren returning to Jerusalem to retrieve Ishmael’s family, and the challenges that they faced. We’ll talk about the importance and power of forgiveness, especially as we seek for greater personal peace. We’ll discuss how the Lord, being aware of events that would happen two thousand years later, inspired Nephi to take action that would prevent future difficulty. These principles can give us comfort and help us understand our value to God, and His amazing love and concern for us.  

0 Comments

1 Nephi 1–5

In this episode we'll talk about 1 Nephi chapters one through five. We’ll discuss some of the history of the translation of the Book of Mormon. We’ll review the very first verse of 1 Nephi and how this reflects important principles for emotional development. We’ll talk about the value of trials and how they do not detract from the blessings the Lord gives us. We’ll further review the different perspectives of Nephi and his brothers. As we talk about these perspectives, we’ll discuss how flexible, faithful approaches to mental health challenges can result in greater emotional resilience.

0 Comments

Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon

Welcome to 2024 and the beginning of our study of the Book of Mormon! I’m particularly excited for this course of study. In this episode, we’ll review some truths found in the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about Joseph Smith’s experience with the angel Moroni. The pattern of Moroni coming to Joseph multiple times and repeating the same information each time has implications for processes of personal change. We’ll also talk about how following divine counsel can help us remain safe, even if we do not understand the reasons behind the commandments. 

0 Comments

Revelation 15–22

In this episode we'll talk about the final chapters of the Book of Revelation; chapters 15-22. We’ll talk about the strategy of looking for themes in scripture, which can sometimes help provide insight when symbolic writing is used. We’ll discuss the doctrine of hope and how this can help during times of difficulty. We’ll talk about the role of hope in managing mental health issues. Finally, we’ll review the role of our Savior and His Atonement, and how He can help us be strong during times of trial and look forward to better days. 

0 Comments

Revelation 6–14

In this episode we'll talk about chapters six through fourteen of the Book of Revelation. Although these writings are highly symbolic and can seem cryptic at times, if we prayerfully study, looking for answers to questions, we’ll receive insights. We’ll talk about some experiences by Sister Nelson and Elder Scott that help us better understand these truths. We’ll review the concepts that while righteousness yields blessings, it does not prevent all difficulties. We’ll talk about how the Lord has prepared ways for us to endure challenges, and how He will eventually provide us with peace and understanding regarding all difficulties we have endured.

0 Comments

Revelation 1–5

In this episode we'll talk about chapters one through five of the Book of Revelation. This book was written by John the Beloved, the same John who was promised to never die until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We’ll talk about some of the simple truths found in these chapters. We’ll discuss the oft-taught principle that progress comes when we act on truth. We can’t force anyone to change, nor do we want to, because everyone has to find their own way. We’ll also talk about the power that can come into our lives as we partner with the Savior. This power can help us change all aspects of our lives, including mental health, for the better.

0 Comments