Brian Mead is a faculty member in the Church History and Doctrine Department at Brigham Young University and primarily teaches the Eternal Family course. In that class, he talks with students about both the beautiful ideal of Heavenly Father’s plan for families and the very real circumstances, some joyful and some painful, that families experience. He hopes to help students recognize the hope, healing, and belonging made possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ in every season of life.

Before joining the BYU faculty, Brian taught with Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and then worked at the Church Office Building. Much of his work centered on helping individuals and families navigate life circumstances related to family dynamics, disabilities, mental and emotional health, suicide prevention, LGBTQ+ experiences, poverty, and many other parts of the human journey. He earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from BYU and a PhD in applied social psychology. Brian and his wife, Annie, live in Salem, Utah, and are the parents of four children.

Dr. Jason Whiting is a professor at Brigham Young University. His research projects have included initiatives to reduce abuse and strengthen marriage, and he is currently directing a project on healthy and unhealthy intimate relationships. In addition to his scholarly work, he has written books, including Love Me True: Overcoming the Surprising Ways We Deceive in Relationships, and blogs for a general audience. He teaches courses on addictions, violence, and grounded theory research methods.