The Grief and Belief Podcast

David Mickelson and Jordan Robertson explore a wide range of grief resources tailored for the bereaved and their support networks. Jordan outlines how grief manifests across different ages, detailing the emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms that impact adults, teens, and children. The conversation also delves into the biological effects of trauma on the brain and the importance of moving fr...

David Mickelson and Jordan Robertson welcome Bryan Wilson to discuss the legacy of his son, Brooks. A handsome boy who loved motorcycles and dinosaurs, Brooks passed away following a tragic accidental shooting. Bryan candidly describes the "layered process" of his grief, including the crushing guilt he felt as a father and the difficulty of navigating public scrutiny from the media. The...

David Mickelson and guest host KC Cowles welcome Ellie DuPaix, who honors the legacy of her father, Sean Oliverson. A simple man who loved the outdoors, Shawn was a loyal father and orthodontist known for making his family feel safe. Ellie emphasizes that although he passed away by suicide in early 2024, he was defined by his deep love and vibrant personality rather than the tragedy of his death....

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Shad Martin, who honors the legacy of his mother, Glenda Martin. A "boy mom" of four, Glenda was the spiritual anchor of her family, sending her husband and sons to war while maintaining a steadfast devotion to the gospel. Shad recounts her sudden passing from a staph infection following back surgery, highlighting her selfless nature even in her f...

David Mickelson is joined by guest host KC Cowles to welcome Chelsea Wilkes, who shares the heart-wrenching story of a tragic car accident when she was 17. While driving her mother and five younger siblings through the Nevada desert, Chelsea fell asleep at the wheel. The resulting rollover claimed the life of her 12-year-old sister, Becca, leaving Chelsea with a crushing burden of guilt and shame....

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome back Jordan Robertson for her third clinical installment. Jordan defines secondary loss as the "ripple effect" of subsequent losses stemming from a death, such as changes in identity, routine, and financial security. Unlike the immediate impact of a primary loss, these cascading changes often catch the bereaved off guard years later. Kori shares a...

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Tiffany Thurgood, who shares the story of her husband Danny’s battle with an incurable kidney tumor. Tiffany, a self-described extrovert who loves to dance, recounts their "Hallmark" long-distance meeting and the sudden diagnosis that transformed their lives. Despite the "terror" of his final weeks, Tiffany shares a sacred conversation w...

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome George Slaughter, who shares the story of his daughter, Madey. A vibrant athlete and music lover, Madey was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age 14. Despite a year of intense treatments and a hopeful community rallying behind her with "Slaughter Cancer" wristbands, Madey passed away shortly after her 15th birthday. George candidly discusses the str...

David and Kori welcome Anairon Faust, who shares the story of losing his father, Damon, in a 2009 car accident. Years earlier, Anairon felt a spiritual prompting that he would one day need to step in as the "birthright son" to help care for his nine siblings. This preparation became a reality when a tragic accident in Nevada left his mother in a coma and his father deceased. Anairon desc...

David and Kori welcome Amanda Wilkinson, who shares the heart-wrenching yet inspiring story of her daughter, Gracelyn. At 14, Grace was severely injured by live wires in a classroom, leading to six years of progressive, terminal illness. Amanda also reflects on the earlier loss of her toddler son, Bennett, discussing how these distinct grief journeys have "excavated" her soul and expande...

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Jordan Robertson for the second installment of her clinical series. Jordan, a PhD candidate, provides a roadmap for those considering professional help during their grief journey. Drawing from her own experience following her husband’s terminal diagnosis, she demystifies what to expect during a first session, including the initial intake process and goal-se...

David and Kori interview Felipe Pasini, who shares the story of losing his father, Marcelo, to cancer when Felipe was 21. Having drifted from his faith at the time, the sudden loss of both his grandfather and father forced Felipe into a period of deep sorrow and spiritual questioning. Felipe discusses his initial struggle with the lack of a physical miracle and his frustration with God. However, t...

Elizabeth Smith shares the story of her husband, Jonny, a Southern California surfer and patent attorney who was serving as a Bishop when he passed away suddenly at age 39. Jonny’s death from cardiac arrest left Elizabeth and their three young children to navigate an unexpected and devastating journey through loss. Throughout the interview, Elizabeth emphasizes her core belief that “grief needs to...

In this episode, David and Kori welcome Amy Ostler, a therapist who shares the story of her husband Trent’s battle with glioblastoma. Amy describes Trent as a man of intellect and adventure who faced a terminal diagnosis while they were raising two young children. After a series of medical complications and a prolonged coma, Trent passed away, leaving Amy to navigate the profound "winter&quot...

David and Kori welcome BYU PhD candidate Jordan Robertson to launch a monthly series bridging clinical research with lived experience. Jordan, a counselor with over 1,500 clinical hours, introduces eight grief frameworks to help listeners navigate their unique journeys. She discusses theories like the Tasks of Mourning and the Dual Process Model, which focus on moving between processing loss and r...

Join David Mickelson and Kori Andrews for the Season 2 premiere of the Grief and Belief podcast. Celebrating one year and over 50 interviews, the hosts reflect on the blessing of providing a hopeful resource for those navigating loss. This season introduces an exciting new monthly segment featuring Jordan Robertson, a PhD candidate, counselor, and author from episode 42. On the first Tuesday of ev...

Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Shad Anderson to the season one finale. Shad shares the story of his mother, Glenda, on the 20th anniversary of her passing. He describes her as a "rock solid" foundation who raised six boys with a "fiery" personality and unwavering faith. Glenda’s influence was defined by her directness and her constant efforts to keep her sons on...

Erica Kiefer joins hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews to share the story of her son, Ty, who passed away from SIDS at four months old. Erica, a former rugby player and recreation therapist, recounts her deep connection to the biblical story of Hannah. She reflects on the joy of Ty’s arrival and the devastating morning she discovered him in his crib. In the hospital, Erica and her husband found...

Ellie Robertson joins hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews to share the story of losing her father, Jake, to brain cancer when she was just eight years old. She remembers her dad as a goofy, sports-loving man who played Van Halen on the piano and took her on a memorable father-daughter trip to a BYU football game. Ellie discusses the difficulty of navigating major life milestones, like turning 1...

Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews sit down with Richard Davis, father of Kiplyn Davis, to discuss a tragic story that has touched the Spanish Fork community for over 30 years. Richard shares the history of the Christmas Box Angel monument, a sacred tradition he helps lead to honor "lost little ones" and provide a space for grieving families to find warmth and spirit. The interview d...

In this episode, hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome 17-year-old Scout Malufau, a "ball of energy" and "sunshine," to share her unique perspective on loss and faith. Following the interview with her mother, Cassidy, Scout discusses the impact of losing her older sister, Cael, and her father, Ammon, when she was only ten. She reflects on the "divine intervention&...

In this episode of the Grief and Belief podcast, hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Cassidy Nelson to share her powerful journey of loss and hope. Cassidy recounts the heartbreaking passing of her firstborn daughter, Cael, who lived for only six days, and the sudden death of her husband, Ammon, in 2018. Cassidy reflects on navigating life as a young widow while six months pregnant with...

David and Kori interview Hayden Limb, a close friend of David’s daughter, Ava, who passed away from leukemia during high school,. Hayden reflects on their friendship formed through cross country and Ava’s legacy of purposeful service. He recounts the sudden shock of her diagnosis and the spiritual impression to trust God despite the pain. Hayden discusses the "dichotomy of healing the body an...

Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Scot Irwin, a former seminary and institute teacher who shares the powerful story of losing his younger brother, Chad, when Chad was 18 and Scot was 25 and married with two children. Chad, described as a quiet, conservative, and good-looking blonde athlete, developed a side ache that quickly led to the discov...

Jensen Parrish Hall shares the tragic story of losing her parents and two younger brothers to carbon monoxide poisoning while she and her brother, Ian, were serving missions. She recounts the surreal moment her mission president delivered the news and the immediate, distinct spiritual impression she received to choose trust over bitterness. Jensen discusses her healing process through her blog, &q...