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" of her life.

Amy candidly discusses the "agony and deep sorrow" that followed, which challenged her previous views of the gospel as transactional. Through therapy, she learned to visualize Christ in her moments of pain, often seeing Him carrying her when she felt powerless. She emphasizes that spiritual peace can coexist with intense mortal suffering, as the Savior meets us exactly where we are.

Concluding with a powerful testimony, Amy shares that she now knows Christ walks with us daily. He provides an infinite, healing love that listens without judgment or agenda, especially when others tire of the heaviness of grief. Her experience illustrates how a relationship with Christ becomes a lifting, enabling force through mortality's hardest trials.Follow along on social media:

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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 rebuilding life.

The conversation highlights how clinical tools complement faith in Jesus Christ, helping believers manage the painful "in-between" stage of bereavement. Jordan also suggests volunteering as a way to "dip your toe" into helping others. Finally, she explores meaning reconstruction, emphasizing that resilience is the most common response to loss. Jordan concludes by showing how grief can uniquely connect us to Christ.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Although a therapist in training is featured, no therapy or counseling services are being provided, and no therapist-client relationship is formed. If you need support, please contact a qualified mental health professional or, in a crisis, reach out to local emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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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 every month, she will provide a clinical and scholarly perspective on grief, covering research-based frameworks and the benefits of counseling.

In honor of Easter, this episode features a special message centered on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. David and Kori explore how sharing stories of heartbreak can invite the Savior to "draw near," transforming grief into a journey of discovery and healing. To conclude, the hosts invite the audience to participate in a new community discussion by answering the question: "What do you now know about Jesus Christ?". Join the conversation via email or social media as the podcast continues its mission to find hope in the wake of loss.

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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 the "bus" toward their spiritual goals.

The family faced a "bombshell" when Glenda was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Despite a six-month prognosis, she passed away just three weeks later. Shad recounts the sacred experience of teaching seminary immediately after receiving the news and the powerful realization at the funeral home that his mother’s body was merely a mortal shell, as her spirit lived on.

Shad reflects on the "veil-thin" experiences of the first year, including feeling his mother’s presence and blessing during his father’s remarriage. He testifies that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can find peace in the reality of the resurrection. His story serves as a witness that God’s plan is "fabulous" and that our loved ones remain intimately involved in our lives.

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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 peace through the Samoan word "taumafai," meaning to persevere through all things with Christ. Erica navigated her grief through journaling, eventually writing the book Borrowed Angel to help others see the spiritual side of loss. She emphasizes that grief can be a conversion process, allowing individuals to feel a "spiritual buoyancy" even in the depths of sorrow.
Erica testifies that God fulfills His promises, mirroring Hannah’s story through her own growing family. Her youngest daughter, Eliana, whose name means "God has answered," serves as a reminder of God's timing. Using a metaphor of waves in Thailand, Erica concludes that while Christ doesn't always stop the storm, He is in the water with us.Resources: Borrowed Angel by Erica Kiefer

"Pe a faigata le ala Taumafai" sung by Moni Aumua (Spotify Artist) and other missionaries

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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 18 and graduating, without her father there. She recalls the "overwhelming relief" the Plan of Salvation brought her as a young girl, providing certainty amidst the unknowns of grief. Playing competitive soccer and reflecting on her baptism—performed by her father shortly before his death—remain vital sources of peace and strength.

Ultimately, Ellie testifies that Jesus Christ is the reason the "garage door of life" will open again. She believes Christ has felt her specific pain and that, through Him, her family will be reunited eternally. Her message offers hope that there is "always good after the bad" and that God provides no trial we cannot overcome.

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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 delves into the harrowing details of Kiplyn’s disappearance and the decades-long search for closure. Despite the agony of not finding her remains, Richard shares his "sweet assurance" through the gospel that Kiplyn is currently serving as a teacher in the spirit world, fulfilling her earthly goals of being an angel for others.

Richard reflects on his profound spiritual transformation from bitterness and inactivity to serving as a bishop. He offers a poignant witness of the Savior’s atonement, testifying that Jesus Christ provides the strength to carry on with joy and the promise that all families can be made whole again.

Resources:

Book - ⁠When an Angel Leaves Your Life

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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" of her sister, whose short life led specialists to identify a condition that saved Scout’s own life.
Scout recounts the "doozy" of a night in 2018 when her father passed away during the Christmas season. She describes navigating intense feelings of anger and resentment toward God before choosing to "flip the switch" and find the path again. A central theme of her journey is the belief that discomfort is not punishment but a divine opportunity for growth and an increased capacity for joy.
Now a high school senior preparing for a mission, Scout shares her philosophy that "life becomes magical" when everything is appreciated and nothing is expected. She emphasizes the importance of not grieving alone and allowing the Savior to multiply our small efforts. Ultimately, Scout testifies that Jesus Christ provides "covenant confidence" and the promise of a "happily ever after" for those who try.

Resources: Hallmarks of Happiness by Elder Sabin

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