In this episode we’ll talk about Mormon chapters seven through nine. These chapters contain the final words of the prophet Mormon and the initial writings of his son, the prophet Moroni. We’ll review two core concepts that are contained in Mormon’s final discourse; the ideas of identity and purpose. We’ll talk about how truly understanding our iden…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mormon chapters one through six. We’ll review the heartbreaking situation that the prophet Mormon had to endure, as he was charged to lead the unrepentant Nephites to battle. We’ll talk about Mormon’s resolve to continue to do what was right, regardless of the outcome. We’ll review the concepts of persistence as the…

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapter twenty-seven through 4 Nephi. We’ll talk about two main themes. The first is regarding solutions to mental health issues. There are some who propose easy solutions to difficult problems. We’ll talk about how this is not helpful and not even feasible. Difficult problems require difficult solutions, an…

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters twenty through twenty-six. These chapters contain many of the prophecies of Isaiah that the Lord taught to the American people. We’ll talk about the history of the house of Israel and its glorious destiny. We’ll review the purpose of sorrow and difficulty in our lives; how this can prepare us for gr…

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters seventeen through nineteen. We’ll talk about the incredible experience the American people had when the Savior healed their sick and blessed their children. We’ll note how the Savior taught that we should all become like little children. We’ll review the idea that children often have fewer anxieties…

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters twelve through sixteen. We’ll talk about many of the principles the Savior taught to the American people and how they can help us find greater peace and happiness. We’ll review such concepts as agency, the possibility and power of change, learning to manage anxiety, and the power of living in the mo…

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters one through seven. We’ll read about the faithful saints who waited for the sign of the Savior’s birth, persisting through disappointment to achieve eventual satisfaction. We’ll talk about the importance of being consistent in efforts to improve our mental health. We’ll also talk about how being comm…

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters one through seven. We’ll read about the faithful saints who waited for the sign of the Savior’s birth, persisting through disappointment to achieve eventual satisfaction. We’ll talk about the importance of being consistent in efforts to improve our mental health. We’ll also talk about how being comm…

In this episode we’ll talk about Helaman chapters thirteen through sixteen. These chapters contain the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite. We’ll talk about his example of tenacity as he was called to preach the gospel. We’ll review the role of tenacity in developing emotional resilience. We’ll also discuss how good mental health requires consistent ef…

In this episode we’ll talk about Helaman chapters seven through twelve. These chapters have the story of the prophet Nephi, son of Helaman, and his amazing prophecy. We’ll talk about how even prophets have bad days which can lead to discouragement. One of the best solutions for such times is to develop a habit of being grateful as much as possible.…

In this episode we’ll talk about Helaman chapters one through six. We’ll talk about some of the political problems the Nephites faced, and how this ultimately led to serious destruction through lack of preparedness. We’ll discuss how we need to have our own emotional defenses ready and strong, to deal with the trials that life poses. We’ll also tal…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters fifty-three through sixty-three. These chapters conclude what is referred to as the “war chapters” in the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about the importance of effective communication and how this can strengthen our relationships. We’ll discuss three key questions to ask yourself before saying something t…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters forty-three through fifty-two. These chapters are the beginning of the war chapters in the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about the role of gospel-focused interventions for mental health, and how these have been prepared by the Lord to help all generations. We’ll review the power of our thoughts, the way o…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirty-nine through forty-two. These chapters contain Alma’s counsel to his wayward son, Corianton. We’ll talk about how our modern culture has so much convenience, that we often look for the easy way to get things done. We’ll review how mental health improvement is completely possible, but requires co…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirty-six through thirty-eight. These chapters contain the counsel given by Alma to two of his sons, Helaman and Shiblon. We’ll talk about Alma’s process of change and how there are patterns that can help us with our own mental health progress. We’ll review the concept of small and simple things and h…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirty-two through thirty-five. We’ll focus mostly on Alma’s teachings to the poorer class of Zoramites in Alma 32. We’ll discuss how the people found themselves in a false dilemma, believing they could not worship God. Alma helps them expand their thinking and see that they were not at stuck as they t…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters twenty-three through twenty-nine. We’ll talk about the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and their process of change. We’ll discuss the concept of “weapons of rebellion” and how this applies to our mental health. We’ll review common mistaken beliefs about mental health and talk about alternative attitude…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters twenty-three through twenty-nine. We’ll talk about the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and their process of change. We’ll discuss the concept of “weapons of rebellion” and how this applies to our mental health. We’ll review common mistaken beliefs about mental health and talk about alternative attitude…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters seventeen through twenty-two. We’ll talk about how when the sons of Mosiah were preparing for their missions, the Lord came to them and invited them to “be comforted.” We’ll discuss what that means, and how it usually involves work on our part and a miracle on the Lord’s part. We’ll review the story of…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirteen through sixteen. We’ll discuss the idea of “entering into the Lord’s rest” and what that means in terms of our current lives and our future lives. We’ll talk about the Savior’s invitation to experience His peace, and the difference between situation-dependent and situation-independent peace. W…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters eight through twelve. We’ll talk about Alma’s initial experience preaching in Ammonihah and his rejection. As the Lord sends him an angel, Alma is comforted and returns to work. We’ll discuss how the Lord is always willing to support and comfort us, but will often wait until the last minute to test our…

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters five through seven. We’ll review how Alma relinquished his position as chief judge so he could devote himself fully to ministering to church members. We’ll talk about how this was a good example of setting boundaries, and how setting boundaries can help our personal progress. We’ll also review how the …

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapter twenty-nine and Alma chapters one through four. We’ll talk about the major change in Nephite government discussed in these chapters, where they transition from a government of kings to a government of democratically-elected judges. We’ll discuss the process of change in general and how our natures are…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters twenty-five through twenty-eight. We’ll focus mostly on the story of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. We’ll talk about the process of change. We’ll review how some people get frustrated with their own protracted change process, when they read about people like Alma the Younger who seem to hav…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters eighteen through twenty-four. These chapters contain great insights regarding our mental and emotional health. We’ll first talk about the concept of boundaries when serving others. We’ll talk about the importance of service, and the equal importance of taking care of ourselves and not burning ourselv…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters eleven through seventeen. These chapter have the beginning of the story of King Noah and his people, including the account of Abinadi the prophet. We’ll talk about Abinadi’s mission and how he remained faithful despite many significant challenges. We’ll discuss the idea of choice and consequence. We’…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters seven through ten. This is the beginning of the story of King Zeniff and those who succeeded him as king. We’ll talk about the concept of being “overzealous” and how this can apply to our mental health. We’ll discuss what is known as “scrupulosity” or “religious obsessive-compulsive” behavior and how…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters four through six. These readings are the conclusion to King Benjamin’s final remarks to his people. They teach, among other things, about the power of persistence. We’ll discuss how the people received a remission of sins and wanted to continue to feel that way. We’ll review principles that teach abo…

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters one through three. These readings are the first of the largest subsection of the Book of Mormon, which contains many summary comments by the prophet Mormon. We’ll study some principles taught by King Benjamin in his final address to his people. We’ll talk about how the Lord is mindful of us, so much …

In this episode we’ll talk about the books of Enos, Jarom, Omni, and the Words of Mormon. These are the concluding writings of the small plates of Nephi. We’ll focus mostly on the story of Enos and his transformation from sinner to saint. We’ll talk about how all change needs to start with becoming acquainted with spiritual truths, followed by a de…

In this episode we’ll talk about Jacob chapters 5 through 7. These are the final writings of Jacob in the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about the struggle that his life was, and how he learned to overcome difficulty despite ongoing challenges. We’ll review his transformation from someone who doubted in his own abilities to someone who was truly confid…

In this episode we’ll talk about Jacob chapters 1 through 4. We’ll review how Jacob appears to have been a somewhat anxious person, referring to himself as anxious many times in his writings. We’ll discuss some of the possible reasons for that. We’ll review four principles in Jacob’s teachings that we can use to better manage anxiety. They include …

In this episode we won’t talk about any specific readings from the Book of Mormon, but rather focus on an Easter message. We’ll talk about some of the events of Holy Week, including the stark contrast from the joy of Palm Sunday to the grief of Crucifixion Friday. We’ll review how, even though the ancient saints lingered in grief after the Savior’s…

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 31 through 31. These are the last of Nephi’s writings in the Book of Mormon, and continue to demonstrate his commitment to personal accountability. We’ll talk about how long-term improvement requires consistent application of good interventions. It’s not enough to simply start a good process; we hav…

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 26 through 30. Nephi provides his own prophesy of the future of his people and of saints in the latter days. We’ll talk about how Nephi is a good example of being accountable for his circumstance, no matter how difficult it was. We’ll review how Satan wants us to avoid accountability, knowing this w…

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 20 through 25. These are the conclusion of the Isaiah chapters in Nephi’s personal record. We’ll talk about the message of hope that is found throughout the writings of Isaiah. We’ll discuss how hope can help manage mental health issues, by helping us look forward towards better days, even when thin…

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 11 through 19. These are the first of the Isaiah chapters in Nephi’s personal record. We’ll talk about how important these writings were to Nephi, and how they provided him with peace and assurance during times of trial. We’ll review the concept of aligning our beliefs with truth, particularly as it…

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters six through ten. This is the first time we hear the words of the prophet Jacob. We’d been introduced to him earlier, but now we start to get some insight into his character and challenges. It would appear that Jacob suffered from chronic anxiety. We’ll talk about how he handled his anxiety issues. W…

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters three through five. These chapters contain what is often referred to as the Psalm of Nephi, which we’ll spend most of our time discussing. We’ll talk about how Nephi was having emotional struggles after the death of his father. His struggles caused him to doubt his abilities and his purpose. Yet aft…

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 ha…

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 eag…

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 di…

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 a…

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 Lor…

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 repeatin…

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 hop…

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 thes…

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 a…

In this episode we'll talk about the Books of first, second, and third John, and also the book of Jude. John was one of the original apostles of Jesus, as in “Peter, James, and John,” and Jude was a half-brother to Jesus Christ, one of Mary and Joseph’s literal children. We’ll talk about the problem of “doctrinal drift,” which is one of the main re…

In this episode we'll talk about the Book of James. James was an apostle of Jesus Christ, but after the Savior’s mortal ministry had concluded. Christian scholars also believe that he was the half-brother of Jesus, being one of the mortal children of Joseph and Mary. James provides many bits of sound counsel we can use to improve our mental and emo…