The Dynamics of Male Communication and Connection

Mark Bell has over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and has trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Mark specializes in helping couples navigate relational and emotional intimacy challenges and much of his work is with men struggling with sexually compulsive behaviors, along with their loved ones affected by those behaviors. He focuses on healthy connections with ourselves, our God, and others in healing. Mark holds a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern Mississippi and an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, and works at the Arizona Family Institute (AFI) where he is also the clinical director. In the Church he has served as a missionary in the Chile, Santiago North mission, a Young Men advisor, Sunday School youth teacher, high priest group leader, scoutmaster, ward clerk, elders quorum counselor, and three times as a bishopric counselor. Mark and his wife Dyan have been married 22 years and have five sons. Links Arizona Family Institute Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Mark Bell shares his insights on the current state of men's mental health, noting a concerning epidemic of undiagnosed depression among men, which often goes unrecognized due to societal expectations that discourage vulnerability. He explains how men frequently resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as pornography, as a means of escaping deeper emotional struggles. The discussion touches on the stigma surrounding these behaviors and the need for men to connect with one another in meaningful ways. Bell advocates for the creation of supportive environments, such as small group settings within church activities, where men can openly share their experiences and challenges without fear of judgment. The episode also explores the significance of recreational activities in fostering connections among men, suggesting that engaging in shared experiences can lead to deeper bonds and healthier emotional outlets. Bell emphasizes the necessity of creating spaces where men can be both playful and serious, allowing them to express their true selves, and offers practical advice for church leaders—particularly elders quorum presidents—on how to facilitate genuine connections among members, encouraging vulnerability and open dialogue. The conversation is a call to action for men in elders quorum to seek connection and support, ultimately promoting better mental health and stronger relationships within their communities. 02:30 - Men's Mental Health Epidemic 04:00 - Undiagnosed Depression in Men 05:30 - The Link Between Depression and Suicide 07:00 - Challenges of Masculinity 09:00 - Compartmentalization of Men's Emotions 10:30 - Hidden Depression in Men 12:00 - Pornography as a Symptom 13:30 - The Need for Healthy Coping Mechanisms 15:00 - Stigma Around Men's Behaviors 16:30 - The Importance of Connection Among Men 18:00 - Creating Safe Spaces for Men 19:30 - The Fist of Five Concept 21:00 - The Role of Group Therapy 22:30 - Building Connection in Elders Quorum 24:00 - The Power of Vulnerability 25:30 - Check-Ins as a Tool for Connection 27:00 - The Importance of Confidentiality 28:30 - Designing Connection Therapy in Elders Quorum 30:00 - Effective Check-In Strategies 31:30 - The Value of Recreation and Play 33:00 - Low Maintenance Needs of Men 34:30 - Balancing Doctrine and Connection The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway,