Kenzie Erikson & Brandee Gordo - Mental Health Advocates

Just Stay--A Mental Health Podcast

Health EN ↓ 39 episodes

Just Stay is a raw and heartfelt podcast about the realities of grief, mental health, and resilience. Hosted by a mother navigating life after the suicide of her son and her close friend facing her own battle with depression, this podcast is a space for honest conversations, shared struggles, and hope. Through personal stories, expert insights, and candid discussions, Just Stay seeks to break the silence around mental health, offer support to those who feel alone, and remind listeners that even in the darkest moments, there is still a reason to just stay.

Author

Kenzie Erikson & Brandee Gordo - Mental Health Advocates

Category

Health

Podcast website

www.juststay.net

Latest episode

Mar 10, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

Young Mental Health Advocate: Tatiana's Journey and Insights 10.03.2026

In this heartfelt interview, 16-year-old Tatiana shares her personal journey with mental health, coping strategies, and the importance of open conversations about mental well-being among youth. Discover her insights on overcoming anxiety, supporting peers, and advocating for mental health awareness.

How Grief and Faith Shape Personal Growth 24.02.2026

  This episode explores resilience in the face of adversity, personal growth through grief, and spiritual maturity. The hosts share their journey of overcoming challenges with podcast platform issues, personal life changes, and deep reflections on faith and peace.  

Melissa Schrade: Turning Grief Into Prevention 11.02.2026

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, we sit down with Melissa Schrade, a board member of Community Suicide Prevention (CSP) in Southeastern Idaho. Melissa shares the mission and purpose behind CSP — an organization dedicated to education, awareness, and support in suicide prevention efforts within our community.  Melissa bravely shares her personal story. Three years ago, she lost her c...

The Power of Connection in Times of Grief 03.02.2026

In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the hosts discuss their personal experiences with grief, healing, and the importance of human connection during difficult times. They explore the challenges of managing stress, especially during the holiday season, and the narratives we create around our stress and anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the significance of identifying underlying emotions, th...

Mental Health Habits: The Key to Well-Being 26.01.2026

  In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, the hosts discuss various challenges they face in podcasting, including technical issues and the importance of mental health. They explore the impact of habits on well-being, the journey of self-love, and the significance of embracing sensitivity. The conversation also touches on physical limitations, the process of facing trauma, and the power of choice...

Understanding Grief and Trauma with Stephanie Toldson 12.01.2026

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Toldson, Brandee’s personal therapist and an Advanced Grief and Loss Counseling Specialist, for an incredibly insightful and meaningful conversation. Stephanie shares her own journey into this work and what led her to choose a career centered around grief, trauma, and healing. We also dive into EMDR therapy....what it is, how it works, and why it can be...

Unexpected Challenges 22.12.2025

In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the Brandee and Kenzie discuss the challenges they have faced recently, including trademark issues that have affected their podcasting journey. They share their experiences with grief, the importance of human connection during difficult times, and how they manage stress and anxiety, especially during the holiday season. Their conversation emphasizes the va...

The Power of Meaningful Friendships 08.12.2025

In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the hosts explore the significance of friendships, the impact of negative conversations, and the importance of mental health awareness. They discuss the need for deeper connections, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the courage required to engage in meaningful conversations about beliefs. The episode emphasizes the value of community support and th...

Meet Nate Holloway: A Journey of Inspiration 01.12.2025

  In this episode of the Just Stay Podcast, the hosts welcome Nate Holloway, the owner of Elite Prodigy Training (EPT). Nate shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a mentor for youth through sports training. He discusses the importance of building confidence in kids, the impact of mentorship, and the significance of creating a supportive community. The conversation a...

Finding Freedom in Self-Care 24.11.2025

  In this episode of Just Stay, the hosts reflect on their recent break, discussing the importance of self-care and coping mechanisms during colder months. They share personal experiences of anxiety related to leaving their children behind and the freedom found in taking time for oneself. The conversation delves into themes of growth through life's challenges, the impact of trauma, and the struggl...

The Resilience of a Military Family 10.11.2025

In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, host Kinsey and her mother, Renn Randall, explore the complexities of motherhood, mental health, and resilience. They discuss the challenges of growing up in a military family, the impact of frequent moves on mental well-being, and the importance of therapy and medication in navigating life's difficulties. Renn shares her reflections on parenting, the emot...

The 5 H's with Kody Aldrich 04.11.2025

This week, we sit down with Kody Aldrich, a licensed professional counselor with a background in law enforcement and a friend of Brandee’s family. We dive into the unique challenges of balancing empathy and emotional strength in such demanding roles, and how Kody has learned to carry compassion in his work while protecting his own mental health at home. He also shares valuable insight into somethi...

Navigating Grief and Family Dynamics 27.10.2025

In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, the hosts delve into the complexities of grief, parenting, and the dynamics of family relationships. They share personal experiences of navigating loss, the different ways family members cope with grief, and the challenges of maintaining connections with teenagers. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, self-discovery, and the journey of he...

Deep Talk with Brandee and Kenzie 20.10.2025

In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep...literally. We play the "Best Self Icebreaker Series: Deep Talk" game and draw random questions that spark some pretty meaningful conversations. From life lessons and legacy to kindness, love, and what truly matters, we open up about the things that shape who we are and how we see the world. Some answers made us laugh, others made us pause… and all of the...

The Struggles with Guilt and Shame 13.10.2025

In this week’s episode, we reflect on our experience at Lights on the Lake, an event that deeply moved us and our families. We talk about what it meant to stand in that space, surrounded by love, remembrance, and community. We also open up about something more personal...the guilt and shame that we can sometimes put on ourselves when it comes to our relationships with God. From not being afraid to...

The Weight of Advocacy 29.09.2025

n this episode of Just Stay, the hosts delve into the emotional complexities surrounding suicide awareness and advocacy, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of creating lasting memories with loved ones. They discuss the stigma associated with mental health issues, the toll it takes on advocates, and the need for open conversations. The hosts also reflect on their personal experiences,...

Hard is Hard: Hollin's Story 22.09.2025

This week we sit down with our friend, Hollin Parkinson--a wife, mother, and social media influencer who has never shied away from sharing both the highs and lows of her journey. Hollin opens up about the impact social media has on her mental health, the weight that comes with navigating mental illness, and the reminder that hard is hard, no matter what your circumstances look like from the outsid...

Be like Em; Emily Grover's Why 15.09.2025

In this episode we dive into what drives Emily to do what she does.  High school teacher, Hope Squad advisor, Mom and Wife, this woman does it all.  In this episode, we discuss the impactful work of the Hope Squad, a peer support program in schools aimed at promoting mental health awareness and fostering connections among students. Emily Grover, a teacher and advisor for the Hope Squad, shares her...

Living with ADHD 08.09.2025

In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, the hosts reflect on their journey of creating 20 episodes, the impact of their discussions on mental health, and the importance of listener engagement. They delve into personal experiences with ADHD, coping mechanisms, and the significance of mindfulness and nature in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, establishing morning ri...

The Emotional Connection to Physical Health, Destin and Nathan 01.09.2025

In this episode of Just Stay, hosts discuss the integration of emotional and mental health into holistic medical practices with Dr. Destin Thane and Nathan Furman. They explore the importance of addressing emotional well-being alongside physical health, the innovative hand scan technology used in their clinic, and the profound impact of trauma on physical ailments. The conversation emphasizes the...

Resilience in the Face of Adversity; Jaidas Story 25.08.2025

In this episode of the Just Stay podcast, hosts Kenzie and  Brandee sit down with Brandee's daughter Jaida to talk about Jaida’s mental health journey, focusing on her experiences with anxiety and the coping strategies she's learned along the way. Their conversation touches on themes of resilience, navigating loss, and the value of having a strong support system. Jaida also shares her excitement a...

New Life Sprouting: Stories of Growth 18.08.2025

In this episode, Brandee and Kenzie reflect over how hard this episode is to record, because it's the episode right before the one year of Brandee's son, Eliah's, passing. With some heavy conversations comes some feelings of sadness, but also honesty and vulnerability. Join them for some beautiful life experiences they share, and to learn how they hold onto hope.

The Sunrise After Suicide Story With Matt and Tess 11.08.2025

In this episode, we explore the mission behind Sunrise After Suicide, an organization founded to support families affected by suicide. We discuss the critical importance of postvention—providing compassionate care and resources to those navigating the complex journey of grief after such a loss. With mental health support often lacking in these situations, the episode emphasizes the power of practi...

From Pain to Purpose: Todd's Story 04.08.2025

  In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of mental health, sharing personal experiences and discussing the stigma surrounding mental illness. They emphasize the importance of open dialogue, education, and community support in addressing mental health issues, particularly among youth. The discussion highlights the need for better training for educators, the role of faith in...

Mental Health, Grief, and Brotherhood: The Story of Sam 28.07.2025

In this moving conversation, the hosts sit down with Jake and Joe Sharp as they open up about the loss of their brother Sam to suicide. They reflect on their personal journey through grief, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and the healing power of vulnerability. The discussion explores their emotional experiences, the role of spiritual awakenings, and the ongoing challenges o...

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