Inspired by a Better Cause

Bro Richards
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to Inspired by a Better Cause—where average isn't the goal.This is for young men who want to know Jesus Christ, build a real relationship with their Heavenly Father, discover their identity as Sons of God, and live with strength, honor, and purpose.Live bold.Live unashamed.Live inspired by a better cause.

  1. 3d ago

    EP 15 | Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen To Good People? | Suffering, Faith & Finding Hope in Jesus Christ

    If Heavenly Father loves His children, knows everything, and has the power to perform miracles… why does He let bad things happen to good people? Why do innocent people suffer? Why do children get hurt? Why do terrible things happen to good families? And when we pray for help but the storm doesn’t stop, does that mean God doesn’t care? These are some of the hardest questions about God, faith, and life. And they deserve more than easy answers like “Everything happens for a reason.” In this episode of Inspired by a Better Cause, Bro Richards takes an honest look at suffering, agency, injustice, and the goodness of Heavenly Father. We’ll explore what the scriptures teach, what we can know, and what we may not fully understand yet. Because not having every answer doesn’t mean we have to give up on faith. WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER Agency and suffering: Why real choices mean people can choose both good and evil—and why God allowing a choice doesn’t mean He approves of it.The God who weeps: In Moses 7, Enoch sees Heavenly Father weeping over His children. What does that teach us about God’s love and His response to suffering?Did God plan this? Why having a plan for your life doesn’t mean God personally planned every painful thing that happens to you.Faith when life feels unfair: How the Resurrection, eternal justice, and the plan of salvation offer hope beyond mortality.When Jesus seems asleep in the boat: What the disciples’ question, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” can teach us when our own storms don’t stop.The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Why the Savior’s power isn’t only for the sins we commit, but also for healing from the pain and suffering we never chose.Moving forward without every answer: How to keep trusting Jesus Christ when life doesn’t make sense.We’ll explore scriptures including 2 Nephi 2, Moses 7, Mark 4, Matthew 14, Alma 7, and John 16:33, along with lessons from General Conference and Sister Tamara W. Runia’s talk, The Sculpting of Our Souls. One of the most powerful truths in this episode is this: Just because God didn’t stop something from happening doesn’t mean He wanted it to happen. And just because something terrible happened doesn’t mean He can’t help you overcome it. Heavenly Father’s love doesn’t mean we’ll never experience pain. Faith doesn’t mean pretending suffering isn’t real. And hope in Jesus Christ doesn’t require us to understand every tragedy. Sometimes He calms the storm around us. And sometimes He helps calm the storm within us while the storm around us continues. The Savior understands suffering. He knows what it means to be betrayed, rejected, and hurt. Through His Atonement, He offers strength, comfort, and healing—and He can help us move forward even when we don’t understand everything. Our hope isn’t that nothing bad will ever happen. Our hope is Jesus Christ. He has overcome the world. HAVE A QUESTION FOR BRO RICHARDS? What questions are you wrestling with about faith, the gospel, the Church, life, or following Jesus Christ? I want to hear them. You can submit your question 100% anonymously. SUBMIT YOUR ANONYMOUS QUESTION HERE Your questions will help shape future episodes of Inspired by a Better Cause. Because if you’re asking a question, there’s a good chance another young man is asking it too. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. You don’t need to have everything figured out to keep building your faith. And if this episode gives you a little more strength, perspective, or hope in Jesus Christ, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men, LDS youth, Latter-day Saints, Aaronic Priesthood quorums, parents, and youth leaders. Whether you’re listening in Utah, Salt Lake City, somewhere across the United States, or anywhere in the world, this podcast is here to help you build a real relationship with Heavenly Father, follow Jesus Christ, and become the man God needs you to be. SCRIPTURE & TOPICS Scripture: 2 Nephi 2:11, 27 • Moses 7:28–33 • Mark 4:35–41 • Matthew 14:22–33 • 1 Nephi 11:17 • Alma 7:11–12 • John 16:33 Topics: Why does God allow suffering? • Why do bad things happen to good people? • God and suffering • agency and free will • faith during difficult times • unanswered prayers • the plan of salvation • why God allows evil • Jesus Christ and healing • the Atonement of Jesus Christ • overcoming adversity • finding peace in trials • eternal justice • life after death • LDS youth • Latter-day Saint youth • Christian teens • young men • Utah youth • Salt Lake City youth You may not understand every storm. But you can keep turning toward the Savior who has overcome the world. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor.

  2. Oct 5

    EP 14 | You Don't Have to Carry This Alone | How to Help a Struggling Friend, Get Help & Find Strength in Jesus Christ

    What do you do when a friend looks at you and says, “Bro… can I tell you something?” What if what comes next is heavy? A friend is struggling with their body or eating. Someone is trapped in pornography. A friend is hurting themselves. Someone tells you they don’t want to be here anymore. Or maybe something is happening at home that isn’t safe. What do you say? And more importantly… What do you do? In this episode of Inspired by a Better Cause, Bro Richards talks honestly about how young men can love and support friends who are struggling—without trying to become their therapist, doctor, counselor, or Savior. You don’t have to know how to fix somebody. But you can learn how to be a good friend. LISTEN. LOVE. TELL. STAY. We’ll talk about how to: Listen without judging, minimizing, or trying to immediately fix everythingBecome the kind of person others can safely tell the truth toRecognize when a burden is too heavy for one teenager to carryKnow when it’s time to involve a parent, trusted adult, counselor, doctor, bishop, or other qualified helpUnderstand the difference between privacy and dangerous secrecyHelp a friend without taking responsibility for their entire lifeStay a friend while the right people help with the struggleRespond when someone is angry because you told an adultAsk for help when you’re the one strugglingRemember that needing help does not make you weak, broken, or worthlessWe’ll connect this to Mosiah 18, Helaman 5, 3 Nephi 17, Alma 7, and the teachings of Jesus Christ—including the powerful truth that Christ knows our pains, weaknesses, and struggles. The foundation is Jesus Christ. You’re not the whole house. You can put your shoulder underneath part of the load. You can stand beside your brother. You can love him. You can listen. You can help him get more hands underneath the weight. But you were never asked to be his Savior. He already has one. And maybe this episode isn’t really about your friend. Maybe you’re the one carrying something. Maybe you’ve been hiding it. Maybe you’re ashamed. Maybe you keep telling yourself you’ll fix it before you tell anyone. You don’t have to fix your entire life tonight. Sometimes the next step is simply: Tell one safe person. God loves you—not just the future version of you after you have everything figured out. You. Right now. And whatever you’re struggling with, don’t let it rename you. What you are going through may describe a struggle, but it does not define who you are. You are a beloved son of God. HAVE A QUESTION FOR BRO RICHARDS? This podcast is built around the real questions young men are asking. If there’s something you’re wrestling with about faith, the gospel, church, life, temptation, relationships, doubt, identity, or following Jesus Christ, send it in. You can submit your question 100% anonymously. Submit a question here: https://forms.gle/DyzQkUitT63Y8jyf8 I’ll use these questions to help shape future episodes—because if you’re asking the question, there’s a good chance another young man is asking it too. And if something you hear on this episode gives you a little more strength, perspective, or helps you see how Jesus Christ applies to your life, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men, LDS youth, Latter-day Saints, Aaronic Priesthood young men, parents, and youth leaders. This message is for young men across the United States and anywhere in the world who are trying to build a real relationship with Heavenly Father, follow Jesus Christ, and become the men God needs them to be. SCRIPTURE & TOPICS Scripture: Mosiah 18:8–9 • 3 Nephi 17:21 • Helaman 5:12 • Alma 7:11–12 Topics: helping a struggling friend • mental health • depression • suicide awareness • eating disorders • body image • pornography • peer support • asking for help • faith and mental health • privacy vs. secrecy • friendship • brotherhood • emotional struggles • Jesus Christ • repentance • healing • LDS youth • Latter-day Saint youth • Aaronic Priesthood • young men • Christian teens • Utah youth • Salt Lake City youth You don’t have to carry this alone. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor.

  3. Sep 28

    EP 13 | What Part Do I Play In Gods Plan? | Finding Your Purpose, Making a Difference & Following Jesus Christ

    What part do I play in God’s plan? Have you ever looked at the size of the world, the billions of people around you, and wondered: “What difference can I possibly make?” Maybe you’re 13 or 14 years old and sitting in school wondering what you’re supposed to do with your life. Maybe you’ve wondered if God really has a purpose for you—or if your life is too small to make any real difference. In Episode 13 of Inspired by a Better Cause, Bro Richards tackles that question head-on: You don’t have to change the whole world. You can change the world within your reach. The episode begins with the powerful story of the boy and the starfish—a story about one person choosing to help one life, even when the problem is too big to solve completely. From there, we dive into Moses 1, where Moses sees the enormous scale of God’s creations and realizes how small he is. But being small doesn't mean being worthless. God knows Moses, speaks to Moses, and gives Moses work to do. And that same God knows you. 🔥 GOD HAS A WORK FOR YOU TO DO This episode explores what it actually means to have a purpose as a young man and how God invites each of us to participate in His work. You’ll hear about: Moses 1:39 and God’s work and gloryWhy small does not mean insignificantWhy God invites us into His work even though He doesn’t need us to accomplish itThe garage-and-motorcycle analogy for learning to work beside Heavenly FatherJesus Christ’s command to love God and love peopleThe Good Samaritan and what it means to stop passing byHow to recognize people who need someone to notice themPresident Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s “Lift Where You Stand” messageDoctrine and Covenants 58:26–28 and the power God has given us through agencyWhy you don’t have to wait for someone to give you an assignment before you do something goodWhy your influence matters—even if you don't have thousands of followersWhy your teenage years aren't a waiting room for your “real” lifeBecoming the kind of man God can trustThe Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme: “I am a beloved son of God, and He has a work for me to do.”💪 LIFT WHERE YOU STAND Maybe you’re waiting for some huge calling. Maybe you think your purpose starts someday. Maybe you think you need to become older, stronger, more important, more talented, or more successful before you can really make a difference. You don’t. You’re already standing somewhere. You’re a son. Lift there. You’re a brother. Lift there. You’re a friend. Lift there. You’re in a quorum, on a team, in a classroom, at home, or surrounded by people who need someone to notice them. Lift where you stand. God’s work isn't only about what gets accomplished through you. It’s also about who you become while you’re doing it. 🌎 CHANGE THE WORLD WITHIN YOUR REACH The challenge in this episode is simple: Look at where you are standing right now. Pray. Ask Heavenly Father: “Where can I lift?” “What good can I do?” “What are You asking me to become?” Then listen. And when you see something good that needs to be done… Get up. Go. Do. You don't have to change the entire world. Change the world within your reach. Your home. Your family. Your friends. Your quorum. Your team. Your school. Your community. And someday, your reach will grow. 🎙️ FOR YOUNG MEN WHO WANT TO FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast created especially for young men ages 12–18, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, Aaronic Priesthood quorums, parents, youth leaders, and anyone who wants to help young men build stronger faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Whether you're listening in Utah, Salt Lake City, across the United States, or anywhere in the world, this episode is a reminder that your life matters, your choices matter, your influence matters, and your part has already started. You are not waiting for the important part of your life to begin. This IS the important part. You are a son of God. And He has a work for you to do. 📖 Scripture Focus: Moses 1:10, Moses 1:39; Matthew 22:36–39; Luke 10:29–37; Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–28; Doctrine and Covenants 64:33 🎯 Topics: finding your purpose, God’s plan, purpose as a young man, making a difference, Christian youth, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, young men, Aaronic Priesthood, agency, influence, serving others, discipleship, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, faith, testimony, Good Samaritan, Moses 1, Lift Where You Stand, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, starfish story, becoming a man of God, Christian teens, youth leadership, serving others, following Jesus Christ, and living with purpose. Don’t wait for a bigger place. Lift where you stand. Change the world within your reach. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor. I’ll see you on the next one.

  4. Sep 20

    EP 12 | The Playbook | Recognizing Satan’s Tactics & Finding Strength in Jesus Christ

    What if you could recognize temptation before it became a problem? Imagine you're getting ready for the big game. You don't wait until game day to learn the plays. You study the game film. You learn the formations. You recognize the tendencies. You prepare so that when the other team lines up, you can look across the field and think: “Wait. I've seen this before. I know this play.” That's one reason we study the scriptures. The scriptures give us game film. In Episode 12 of Inspired by a Better Cause, Brother Richards opens the Book of Mormon and looks at the tactics Satan uses to distract, deceive, discourage, and slowly pull us away from Jesus Christ. This isn't an episode about how powerful Satan is. It's about recognizing the play so you know where to turn. And that is Jesus Christ. 🏈 THE DEVIL'S PLAYBOOK The Book of Mormon gives us powerful warnings about how the adversary works. In 2 Nephi 26:22, Nephi describes Satan leading people with a “flaxen cord”—something that starts tiny, but becomes stronger strand by strand. Then in 2 Nephi 28:21, Nephi warns that the devil leads people “carefully” and gradually pulls them away. That's the pattern. Not always one massive decision. Sometimes it's: Come down a little. Then another little compromise. Then another. By degrees. Brother Richards breaks down eight tactics—or “plays”—that the scriptures repeatedly warn us about: DISTRACT — Fill your life with so much noise that you forget God.DISTORT — Take something true and twist it just enough to make a lie believable.DIMINISH — Convince you that “it's not that big of a deal.”DIVIDE — Isolate you from family, friends, leaders, and people who can help.DEFINE — Convince you that your mistakes are who you are.DISCOURAGE — Make you believe there's no point in trying again.DELAY — “I'll pray tomorrow. I'll repent later. I'll fix it eventually.”DENY & DECEIVE — Convince you there is no enemy, no consequences, and that “all is well.”Once you recognize these, you can start recognizing the formation before the play develops. 🛡️ THE STORY OF LEHONTI One of the most powerful examples comes from Alma 47. Lehonti is on top of a mountain with his army. Amalickiah wants him to come down. Lehonti says no. Again. No. Again. No. So Amalickiah changes the strategy. Instead of asking Lehonti to come all the way down, he gets close and says: “Come down a little.” Lehonti does. He thinks he's still in control. But eventually Amalickiah has him poisoned “by degrees.” Lehonti dies. And Amalickiah takes control. It's one of the clearest pictures in the Book of Mormon of how temptation can work: Come down a little. Just one thread. Just one compromise. Until the thread becomes a cord. 💪 BUT BOUND IS NOT THE END Then Brother Richards turns the story around. Because maybe you've already recognized some of these plays in your own life. Maybe you've come farther down the mountain than you intended. Maybe a habit that started small doesn't feel small anymore. Maybe you're struggling with temptation, sin, doubt, pornography, anger, comparison, secrecy, or something you feel you can't control. Maybe you feel bound. If that's you, hear this: Bound is not the end of the story. Brother Richards shares the story of Nephi being literally bound with cords by his brothers in the wilderness. Nephi doesn't pretend he's strong enough to solve everything himself. He prays: “O Lord…give me strength that I may burst these bands.” And God answers his prayer. The cords are broken. That's where the episode turns from the adversary's playbook to Christ's playbook. 🕊️ CHRIST'S PLAYBOOK — STRENGTH Brother Richards gives eight words that spell: S T R E N G T H S — SEEK HIM When Satan says DISTRACT, seek Jesus Christ. T — TRUTH When Satan says DISTORT, go to truth. R — REPENT When Satan says DIMINISH, repent and turn around. E — EACH OTHER When Satan says DIVIDE, don't isolate yourself. Get help. N — NEVER FORGET WHO YOU ARE You are not your worst mistake. You are a son of God. G — GRACE When Satan says DISCOURAGE, remember the grace of Jesus Christ. T — TODAY When Satan says DELAY, choose today. H — HEAR HIM When Satan says DENY AND DECEIVE, learn the Savior's voice. Because the two playbooks lead in completely different directions. Satan's playbook leads toward bondage. Christ's playbook leads toward freedom. 🏆 ARE YOU WEARING THE JERSEY OR PLAYING THE GAME? Going to church doesn't automatically mean we're running Christ's plays. You can wear the jersey on Sunday… …and run DISTRACT on Monday. DIMINISH on Tuesday. DIVIDE on Wednesday. DELAY on Thursday. The challenge isn't just to wear the jersey. Get in the game. Study the scriptures. Recognize the formation. Know the play. And when temptation comes: Run the counterplay. If it's still a thread— break it. If it's become a cord— get help. And if you feel bound, remember Nephi's prayer: “Give me strength.” Jesus Christ breaks cords. His grace is sufficient. There is always a way back. This episode is for young men ages 12–18, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, parents, Young Men leaders, and anyone wanting to better understand temptation, Satan's tactics, repentance, spiritual strength, and how to stay close to Jesus Christ. Whether you're listening in Utah, Salt Lake City, across the United States, or anywhere in the world, the message is the same: You don't have to be afraid of the adversary. Learn to recognize the play. Don't come down even a little. Be careful of degrees. And when you feel bound— turn to Jesus Christ. You are a son of God. And He has a work for you to do. 🎙️ Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men focused on Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, faith, courage, identity, repentance, spiritual strength, temptation, leadership, resilience, and becoming the men God needs us to be. 📖 Scripture Focus: 2 Nephi 26:22; 2 Nephi 28:21; Alma 47; 1 Nephi 7; Helaman 5:12 🎯 Topics: Satan's tactics, temptation, recognizing temptation, spiritual warfare, flaxen cord, Lehonti, Alma 47, Nephi, repentance, grace, Jesus Christ, Book of Mormon, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, young men, Young Men's, spiritual strength, overcoming sin, overcoming temptation, pornography, peer pressure, discouragement, identity, prayer, hearing God, and becoming a son of God. Know the play. Run the counterplay. Choose Jesus Christ. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor. I'll see you on the next one.

  5. Sep 14

    EP 11 | Did God Hear Me? | When God Feels Silent, Remember the Light & Go Forward

    Have you ever REALLY prayed about something… …and then waited? No obvious answer. Nothing seems to change. And eventually you start wondering: “Did God even hear me?” Or maybe you prayed, felt peace, thought you knew what God wanted you to do—and then everything got HARD. Now you're wondering: “Was that actually God?” “Did I get it wrong?” “If God really wanted me doing this…why is this so hard?” In Episode 11 of Inspired by a Better Cause, Brother Richards gets real about a question he's wrestling with himself: What do you do when you're trying to follow God…but you can't see what He's doing? This episode is about prayer, revelation, patience, doubt, fear, spiritual strength, and trusting Heavenly Father when the answer doesn't come when—or how—you expected. 🙏 DID GOD HEAR ME? In Mosiah 24, Alma and his people are suffering under heavy burdens and are even forbidden from praying out loud. But they still pour out their hearts to God. And God knows the thoughts of their hearts. The powerful part? Their situation hadn't changed yet. They were still in bondage. The burdens were still there. But— God knew. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking: “Nothing changed, so God must not have heard me.” But those are two completely different things. You may not see the answer yet. That doesn't mean Heavenly Father isn't listening. 🌅 WHEN REVELATION FEELS LIKE A SUNRISE Sometimes an answer comes immediately. Other times, revelation comes slowly. A thought keeps returning. A scripture hits differently. Peace grows around a decision. Something begins making sense little by little. Sometimes God gives us light… a little at a time. And sometimes it's okay to not know yet. Keep seeking. 💪 SOMETIMES GOD'S ANSWER IS STRENGTH Alma's people prayed for relief, but God didn't immediately remove their burdens. Instead, He strengthened them so they could bear them. Sometimes we're praying: “Heavenly Father, take this away.” And the answer is: “I'm going to help you carry it.” Sometimes God's first answer isn't deliverance. Sometimes it's strength. Don't mistake God's timing for God's absence. ⚔️ HARD DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN WRONG What if you thought you received an answer from God… …and then everything started going wrong? Difficulty doesn't automatically mean you misunderstood God. Hard doesn't always mean wrong. Opposition doesn't always mean stop. Fear doesn't always mean go back. Brother Richards shares a powerful reminder about remembering the peace and spiritual experiences you've already had instead of allowing fear to rewrite them. 🌊 REMEMBER THE LIGHT Think about the children of Israel standing at the Red Sea. Water in front. Pharaoh's army behind. And suddenly they wonder: “Maybe we were wrong.” But what about everything God had already done? One Red Sea can make you forget a whole history of miracles. We can do the same thing. One failure. One unanswered prayer. One closed door. One difficult season. And suddenly: “Maybe none of it was real.” Young men— don't let one hard moment make you forget all the light God has already given you. Remember the moments when you felt Him. Maybe it was at FSY, the temple, while reading the Book of Mormon, during a priesthood blessing, or in a moment when you felt Jesus Christ's forgiveness and love. Maybe it wasn't some massive spiritual experience. Maybe it was just… a little piece of light. But it was light. 🚀 GO FORWARD Hebrews 10 reminds us not to cast away our confidence and that we have need of patience. Because sometimes there is space between: Prayer → Answer Answer → Understanding Doing what God asked → Seeing why He asked We live in a world that expects everything NOW. But— God isn't Amazon. Prayer isn't Prime shipping. Heavenly Father isn't trying to give you the fastest possible answer. He's trying to develop you into a great man. Sometimes waiting isn't wasted time. Sometimes waiting is training. And when the way forward isn't obvious? Go forward. ❤️ “LORD, I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF.” Maybe you're listening and thinking: “Brother Richards…I still don't know.” Maybe part of you believes and part of you is struggling. That's okay. In Mark 9, a father brings his son to Jesus Christ and honestly cries: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” He doesn't hide his doubt from Jesus. He brings his doubt TO Jesus. You don't have to fake it with God. He already knows the thoughts of your heart. Give Him the real prayer. 🎯 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE: REMEMBER THE LIGHT Think of ONE experience when you felt God. One prayer you felt was answered. One moment of peace. One scripture that changed you. One experience with the Book of Mormon. One moment when you felt Jesus Christ help you. Write it down. Because there will be days when things get dark. Fear will get loud. Doubt will ask: “Was that actually God?” When that happens— Remember the light. Remember what you knew. Remember what you felt. Remember what God already showed you. You may not know how the Red Sea is going to open. You may not have the answer yet. You may still be scared. That's okay. Remember the light. And then— GO FORWARD. This episode is for young men ages 12–18, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, parents, Young Men leaders, and anyone learning how to trust God through unanswered prayers, difficult seasons, fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Whether you're listening in Utah, Salt Lake City, across the United States, or anywhere in the world, the message is the same: God hears you. His timing may not be your timing. His answer may not look like the answer you expected. Sometimes He removes the burden. Sometimes He strengthens you underneath it. Sometimes He gives you enough light for the next step. But— Don't mistake God's timing for God's absence. 🎙️ Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men focused on Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, faith, prayer, identity, courage, purpose, spiritual strength, overcoming doubt, resilience, revelation, repentance, leadership, and becoming the men God needs us to be. 📖 Scripture Focus: Mosiah 24; Mark 9:14–27; Hebrews 10:35–36; Exodus 14 🎯 Topics: unanswered prayers, hearing God, revelation, trusting God, God's timing, spiritual strength, faith, doubt, fear, patience, Alma and his people, Mosiah 24, the Red Sea, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, Book of Mormon, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, young men, Utah youth, Salt Lake City youth, Christian youth, spiritual resilience, overcoming fear, and going forward with faith. Keep praying. Keep listening. Keep working. Keep choosing Jesus Christ. Remember the light. GO FORWARD. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor. I'll see you on the next one.

  6. Sep 7

    EP 10 | Do Hard Things: Hard Doesn’t Mean Can’t | Finding Strength, Faith & Courage Through Jesus Christ

    What if the thing you’re calling “too hard” is actually the thing God can use to build you? Hard doesn’t mean can’t. In this episode of Inspired by a Better Cause, Brother Richards challenges young men to stop running from discomfort, failure, difficult situations, and things they don't yet know how to do—and start learning what they're capable of. Drawing from his years of racing dirt bikes through the Utah and western desert, Brother Richards shares what it feels like to be exhausted, frustrated, uncomfortable, and ready to quit...but keep riding anyway. Because sometimes confidence doesn't come from knowing you'll succeed. Confidence comes from having evidence that you've survived hard things before. And that lesson applies far beyond dirt bikes. School gets hard. Friendships get hard. Sports get hard. Relationships get hard. Faith can sometimes feel hard. Repentance can be hard. Standing for what you believe can be hard. And eventually, life will hand you hard things you never chose. But discomfort isn't always a warning sign. Sometimes it's a growth sign. 🛠️ “WHERE'S THE ORE?” One of the most powerful lessons in this episode comes from Nephi building a ship in the Book of Mormon. God commanded Nephi to build a ship—even though Nephi wasn't a shipbuilder, didn't have modern tools, and didn't have an easy path laid out in front of him. Nephi didn't respond: “I can't.” Instead, he asked: “Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools...?” — 1 Nephi 17:9 Nephi understood something powerful: Before he could build the ship, he needed tools. Before he could make the tools, he needed metal. Before he could make the metal, he needed ore. Ore → Metal → Tools → Ship God gave Nephi the assignment, but He didn't hand him the finished product. And sometimes God works with us the same way. When you look at something in your life and think: “There's no way I can do that.” Try asking a different question: “Where's the ore?” What do I need to learn? Who can teach me? Who can help me? What is the next step? What tool do I need? What can I do today? You don't have to build the entire ship today. Find the ore. Make the tool. Take the next step. 💪 DO HARD THINGS This episode explores why doing hard things can build: CourageDisciplineResilienceConfidenceFaithWork ethicPatienceLeadershipCharacterYou'll hear why failure isn't the opposite of success—it's part of learning, why being a beginner isn't something to be embarrassed about, and why you shouldn't decide what you're incapable of becoming before you've been willing to do the work. You'll also learn an important distinction: Reaching your limit isn't the same thing as reaching discomfort. Sometimes you haven't reached your limit. You've just reached the place where it gets uncomfortable. 🕊️ YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE “Do hard things” doesn't mean you have to pretend you're invincible. In the story of Peter walking on water, Peter steps out of the boat, begins to sink, and cries: “Lord, save me.” And Jesus immediately reaches for him. That's the gospel of Jesus Christ. You can believe: “I can do hard things.” And at the same time say: “Jesus Christ, I need You.” Asking for help isn't weakness. Sometimes asking for help is how you keep going. Talk to your parents. Talk to a teacher. Talk to a coach. Talk to a Young Men leader. Talk to your bishop. Talk to a trusted friend. And above everything else: Talk to Heavenly Father. Reach for Jesus Christ. You don't have to become strong by yourself. 🎯 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE: DO ONE HARD THING Pick one good, worthwhile thing you've been avoiding because it's uncomfortable. Maybe you need to: 📱 Put your phone away 📖 Read your Book of Mormon 🙏 Pray 🏫 Study 💬 Talk to somebody 🤝 Sit with someone new 🏋️ Work out 🏃 Try out 📝 Finish something you've been avoiding ❤️ Apologize 🙋 Ask for help 🕊️ Repent 🛡️ Stand up for somebody 🎯 Try something you've been afraid to fail at Pick ONE. Then do it. And when you don't know how: Where's the ore? When you want to quit: Ride the next mile. And when you start sinking: Reach for Christ. This episode is for young men ages 12–18, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, parents, Young Men leaders, and anyone trying to build faith, confidence, discipline, resilience, courage, and a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether you're listening in Utah, Salt Lake City, across the United States, or anywhere in the world, the message is the same: You can do hard things. Hard doesn't mean you're incapable. You might need to learn. You might need to practice. You might need to fail. You might need to ask for help. You might need Jesus Christ. You might just be growing. And maybe the hard thing in front of you isn't standing in the way of who God wants you to become. Maybe it's part of how He's building you. So... Find the ore. Make the tool. Take the next step. Ride the next mile. Reach for Christ. And become the kind of man God can count on. 🎙️ Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men focused on Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, faith, courage, identity, purpose, discipline, resilience, leadership, service, and becoming the men God needs us to be. 📖 Scripture Focus: 1 Nephi 17; Matthew 14:22–33; Helaman 5:12 🎯 Topics: doing hard things, hard things, resilience, discipline, confidence, overcoming failure, embracing discomfort, personal growth, courage, faith, young men, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, Utah youth, Book of Mormon, Nephi, Nephi building the ship, finding ore, Peter walking on water, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, prayer, repentance, spiritual strength, overcoming challenges, school, sports, friendship, leadership, work ethic, and becoming a man of God. Keep pushing. Keep working. Keep choosing Jesus Christ. This week... DO HARD THINGS. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor.

  7. Aug 31

    Ep 09 | Don’t Play Their Game: Stop Chasing Popularity & Remember Who You Are

    Who decides whether you're cool? Who decides whether you're good enough? Who decides whether you're worth knowing? If you're a young man navigating school, friendships, sports, social media, popularity, peer pressure, dating, comparison, and the pressure to fit in, there's a game being played all around you. And you don't have to play it. In this episode of Inspired by a Better Cause, Brother Richards takes on one of the biggest battles young men face in school—not necessarily fitting in, but letting other people's opinions determine your worth. Who has the best clothes? Who has the nicest truck? Who makes the team? Who gets the girls? Who has the most followers? Who's funny? Who's popular? Who's invited? And somewhere along the way, we start using somebody else's scoreboard to measure ourselves. Brother Richards shares a personal story from his own high school years about wanting the cool truck, the right clothes, the attention, and the approval of other people—and realizing later that he had started measuring himself by everybody else's scoreboard. But here's the problem: The finish line keeps moving. There's always somebody stronger. Someone better looking. Someone funnier. Someone richer. Someone with more followers. Someone with a nicer truck. Someone getting more attention. If you need those things to tell you that you're enough, you'll spend your entire life chasing an answer they're incapable of giving you. This episode explores the difference between popularity and discipleship, and what happens when we stop looking sideways at everyone else and start looking UP to God and AROUND to the people who need us. Using powerful stories from the Book of Mormon and the Bible, Brother Richards looks at two incredible examples of what real strength looks like: 🛡️ AMMON — STRENGTH FOR A PURPOSE In Alma 17–18, Ammon enters the land of the Lamanites and becomes a servant to King Lamoni. When Lamoni offers Ammon status and even the opportunity to marry one of his daughters, Ammon responds: “Nay, but I will be thy servant.” Ammon wasn't chasing status. He was looking for someone to serve. And when the king's flocks were attacked at the waters of Sebus, Ammon used his incredible strength not to show off, but to protect and serve. That's the kind of strength this episode challenges young men to develop: Strong enough to stand. Secure enough to serve. 🌳 JESUS CHRIST — SEE THE PEOPLE OTHERS MISS Then we look at Jesus Christ and Zacchaeus in Luke 19. While the crowd had already decided who Zacchaeus was, Jesus saw him. Jesus didn't let the crowd decide who deserved His attention. And that's the challenge: Stop asking, “Do they notice me?” Start asking: “Who did I notice?” Instead of asking, “Did they include me?” Ask: “Who did I include?” Instead of asking, “Do they think I'm cool?” Ask: “Did I make somebody feel valuable?” Instead of asking, “Where do I rank?” Ask: “Who can I lift?” 🎯 THE NOTICE ONE CHALLENGE This week's challenge is simple: Notice one. Find one person who could use a friend. Maybe it's the kid sitting alone. Maybe it's the new kid. Maybe it's someone outside your normal friend group. Maybe it's somebody who's being picked on. Maybe it's someone you've known forever but have never really taken the time to know. You don't have to preach. You don't have to pull out your scriptures. You don't have to make a big announcement. Just notice. Say hi. Learn their name. Sit by them. Invite them. Defend them. Make them feel like they matter. Because they do. This episode is for young men ages 12–18, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, parents, Young Men leaders, and anyone struggling with peer pressure, popularity, comparison, insecurity, bullying, loneliness, friendship, social media, or questions about their identity and self-worth. And if you've ever wondered whether you're cool enough, strong enough, good looking enough, popular enough, talented enough, or important enough, remember this: Your worth was never theirs to give you. You are a son of God. Your worth didn't go down because somebody didn't invite you. It didn't go down because a girl wasn't interested. It didn't go down because you didn't make varsity. And it doesn't go up because you get the truck, the followers, the shoes, the attention, or the popularity. God has already told you who you are. You are His son. And He has a work for you to do. That's bigger than being cool. That's bigger than being popular. That's bigger than getting noticed. That's a better cause. So don't play Satan's game of comparison, pride, jealousy, insecurity, and division. Play Christ's game. Serve. Love. Include. Protect. Forgive. Stand. Notice. Look UP to God to remember who you are. Then look AROUND to see who needs you. 🎙️ Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men focused on Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, faith, courage, identity, purpose, discipline, resilience, leadership, service, and becoming the men God needs us to be. 📖 Scripture Focus: Alma 17–18; Luke 19; Helaman 5:12 🎯 Topics: peer pressure, popularity, high school, comparison, self-worth, confidence, insecurity, bullying, friendship, social media, fitting in, identity, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, young men, Jesus Christ, Book of Mormon, Ammon, Zacchaeus, service, kindness, courage, leadership, discipleship, faith, and becoming a man of God. Whether you're listening in Utah, across the United States, or anywhere in the world, remember: Satan wants you ranking people. Jesus wants you loving people. Satan wants you comparing. Jesus wants you serving. Satan wants you wondering whether you're enough. God has already answered that question. You are His son. And He has a work for you to do. Don't play their game. Choose Jesus Christ. Notice one. Keep pushing. Keep working. Keep choosing Jesus Christ. Until next time, brothers... Strength and honor.

  8. Aug 24

    Ep 08 | The Devil Loves the Noise: How to Hear God When Life Gets Loud

    What if the biggest threat to your faith isn't something obviously bad? What if it's just... noise? School. Homework. Sports. Friends. Girls. Grades. Social media. Gaming. College. Expectations. Comparison. FOMO. Your schedule gets packed. Your phone never stops. Everyone wants your attention. And somewhere in the middle of all that noise, you can slowly stop making time for God. The Enemy Loves the Noise. In this episode of Inspired by a Better Cause, Brother Richards kicks off a three-part series for young men about navigating the pressure, distractions, temptations, friendships, expectations, and challenges that come with a new school year. And it starts with one important question: Can you still hear God when your life gets loud? Brother Richards shares a personal story from his own teenage years—dirt bikes, snowboarding, friends, work, school, girls, and FOMO—and how he eventually realized that he wasn't running away from God. He was simply running so fast in every other direction that he wasn't walking toward Him. That's the sneak attack. Satan doesn't always have to convince you to do something terrible. Sometimes he just needs to keep you so busy, distracted, entertained, exhausted, worried, and focused on everyone else that you don't stop long enough to pray, read the scriptures, listen to the Spirit, or remember who you are. This episode explores: 📱 How social media and constant entertainment can compete for your attention 🎒 How to keep your faith strong during a busy school year 🙏 Why prayer and scripture study need to be priorities—not leftovers 🔥 How good things can become spiritual noise when they take the place of better things 👊 How to prepare for temptation before it arrives 💭 Why comparison and FOMO can pull you away from your identity ⚔️ The difference between Satan's game plan and Jesus Christ's game plan 📖 What the Stripling Warriors teach us about spiritual preparation 🎯 How to decide who you want to become instead of simply deciding what you want to accomplish ✝️ How Jesus Christ offers peace, purpose, identity, courage, hope, and strength in the middle of life's noise The message isn't to quit sports. It's not to stop having fun. It's not to throw away your phone or stop chasing your dreams. Good things are good. The question is: What place do they have in your life? You can get straight A's and still be spiritually drifting. You can make the team and lose yourself. You can have hundreds of followers and feel completely alone. You can be busy every second and never stop long enough to ask: “Am I becoming the person God wants me to become?” That's the question. Jesus Christ doesn't promise you a life without noise. He teaches you how to find peace in the middle of it. He doesn't promise that temptation won't come. He teaches you where to turn when it does. He doesn't promise that you won't fail. He teaches you how to get back up. And He reminds you: You are not alone. YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL BATTLE PLAN Before your schedule gets crazy, take ten minutes. Put your phone away. Get somewhere quiet. And ask Heavenly Father: “What do You want from me this year?” Then make a plan. Put Jesus Christ first. Protect your attention. Protect your sleep. Choose your priorities before your schedule chooses them for you. And most importantly: Decide who you're becoming. Because this school year isn't just something you have to survive. It's an opportunity to become. The world is going to get loud. Your phone will get loud. Your friends will get loud. Your fears will get loud. Your doubts might get loud. But in the middle of all of it... Jesus Christ is still there. Still speaking. Still loving you. Still inviting you closer. Still offering you peace. So when the noise gets loud... Get quiet. Pray. Open the scriptures. Take a breath. Remember who you are. Remember whose you are. And don't let the noise choose for you. This episode is for young men ages 12–18, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, parents, Young Men leaders, and anyone trying to stay close to Jesus Christ while navigating school, sports, friendships, social media, peer pressure, temptation, and the pressures of everyday life. Whether you're starting a new school year in Utah, across the United States, or anywhere in the world, the challenge is the same: Do great things. Do hard things. Have fun. Love people. Work hard. Be a light. But don't get so busy chasing everything around you... that you miss the Savior who is trying to lead you. 🎙️ Inspired by a Better Cause is a Christian podcast for young men focused on Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, faith, courage, identity, purpose, discipline, resilience, and becoming the men God needs us to be. 📖 Scripture Focus: Alma 53; Helaman 5:12 🎯 Topics: back-to-school, school stress, young men, LDS youth, Latter-day Saint youth, Jesus Christ, faith, prayer, scripture study, social media, FOMO, peer pressure, temptation, Satan, spiritual preparation, Stripling Warriors, Book of Mormon, identity, purpose, discipline, distraction, comparison, mental noise, and hearing the voice of God. Keep pushing. Keep working. Keep choosing Jesus Christ. Until next time, brothers… Strength and honor.

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About

Welcome to Inspired by a Better Cause—where average isn't the goal.This is for young men who want to know Jesus Christ, build a real relationship with their Heavenly Father, discover their identity as Sons of God, and live with strength, honor, and purpose.Live bold.Live unashamed.Live inspired by a better cause.

Information

  • Creator
    Bro Richards
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inspired by a Better Cause
  • Show Website
    Inspired by a Better Cause

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