Are mental health disorders increasing over time, or are we just getting better at diagnosing them? Or, to play devil’s advocate for a minute: are we categorizing normal emotional responses as mental health issues?

Statistics from the World Health Organization show a 13% increase in reported mental health disorders over the past 10 years. Additionally, global suicide rates are extremely high among young adults – suicide is the second-most common cause of death reported for those age 15-29.

Today on Dylan’s Public Journal: what is the state of mental health in society, and where do we see it going from here?

Today's episode was produced and edited by Dylan Thomas Blaha.

Today on Dylan’s Public Journal: the Trump administration’s attacks on science – how did we get here, and where do we go from here?

Want more? Check out my website at https://dylans-public-journal.beehiiv.com/

Today's episode was produced and edited by Dylan Thomas Blaha.

Have you been wondering, “How did we get to where we arenow, as a society?” Is it the internet, social media, or these glowing rectangles in our hands?

Media Matters for America, a web-based nonprofit, progressive research and information center, monitors analyzes and corrects misinformation in the United States media. On March 14, they published an article on the online media ecosystem, which showed the alarming dominance of right-wing opinions. The analysis found 9 out of the 10 top online shows assessed are right-leaning.

Today on Dylan’s Public Journal: Polarization – how did we get here, and where do we go from here?

Want more? Check out my blog athttps://dylans-public-journal.beehiiv.com/

Today's episode of News, Reimagined was produced andedited by Dylan Thomas Blaha.

Welcome to another episode of Dylan’s Public Journal - a heartfelt space where I share personal stories, explore life’s ups and downs, and offer honest reflections on the journey toward healing and self-discovery. You’ll get to know a bit about my background, what motivates me to speak so candidly, and why I believe transparency can foster genuine connections among us all. In this episode, I discuss my definition of PTSD, common ways to cope, and one key way I challenged my perceptions about the world.

Join me as I share the lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) in real time. My goal with Dylan’s Public Journal is to remind us all that healing is possible, personal growth is achievable, and that our stories, when told freely, can help each other feel less alone. Thank you for tuning in to this episode, and I look forward to traveling this winding road of self-improvement alongside you.

In last year’s presidential election, Democrats lost support from nearly every kind of voter: rich, poor, black, white, Asian American, and Hispanic. However, the defection that alarmed party strategists the most was that of young voters, especially young men. In 2020, Donald Trump lost the young male vote by fifteen points, yet he won the category by fourteen points in 2024 – a nearly thirty-point swing.

Today on Dylan’s Public Journal: What is the manosphere, what is toxic masculinity, and what made young, American men turn to MAGA?

Want more? Check out my blog at dylans-public-journal.beehiiv.com/

Today's episode of News, Reimagined was produced andedited by Dylan Thomas Blaha.

On the show today, I discuss the evolution of the American Dream over time, the current state of the American Dream, and where we go from here.

If you’re listening to this podcast for the first time, here’s a little background about me: I’m a 31-year-old US Army veteran and scientist from Lemont, Illinois. I’ve always possessed a passion for journalism and public education,which led me to start this public journal, along with a new, independent, nonprofit newsroom, called A Dream Reimagined.

Welcome to the very first episode of Dylan’s Public Journal - a heartfelt space where I share personal stories, explore life’s ups and downs, and offer honest reflections on the journey toward healing and self-discovery. In this debut episode, I introduce myself and explain the inspiration behind creating a podcast that feels like an open diary. You’ll get to know a bit about my background, what motivates me to speak so candidly, and why I believe transparency can foster genuine connections among us all.

As the episode unfolds, I discuss the foundational steps I’ve taken to start overcoming PTSD, focusing on the wisdom found in The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. These four guiding principles have profoundly influenced my mindset, helping me redefine my reactions to daily challenges and reshape how I see myself. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey or simply curious to learn new ways to find clarity, you’ll discover insights on how applying these agreements can offer peace and direction.

Join me as I share the lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) in real time. My goal with Dylan’s Public Journal is to remind us all that healing is possible, personal growth is achievable, and that our stories, when told freely, can help each other feel less alone. Thank you for tuning in to this first episode, and I look forward to traveling this winding road of self-improvement alongside you.