Advertise on podcast: The Grief and Belief Podcast

David Mickelson and KC Cowles welcome Michelle Peterson, a seminary teacher from Idaho, to share the tender story of her daughter, Emma. From a spiritual impression at age fifteen, Michelle held fast to the promise that she would one day mother a daughter named Emma. In January 2024, after years of waiting and raising two sons, Michelle and her husband, Logan, joyfully welcomed baby Emma into the world. The joy was quickly met with a heart-wrenching trial when doctors discovered an inoperable brain tumor on Emma's brainstem. Throughout Emma’s nine precious days of life, the Peterson family learned to reframe their understanding of miracles—noticing heaven’s tender mercies in Emma opening her eyes, sweet visits with her big brothers, and a sacred "father-daughter dance" in the hospital before Emma peacefully passed in her parents' arms. Michelle candidly reflects on the deep waves of grief that followed, navigating loss alongside her family while relying on the Savior's personal Atonement. She testifies that even in the darkest valleys, Christ never leaves us forsaken or forgotten, offering an anchor of hope and the eternal promise of families reunited. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Sister Haeli Wilkins, a Church service missionary who shares her journey of losing her mother, Christy, to stage four breast cancer at age fourteen. Haeli recalls their shared love of riding horses, navigating the unpredictable course of her mother's illness, and spending two precious final months together at home on hospice. Haeli candidly reflects on the weight of grieving as a teenager, trying not to be a burden on her family while taking on extra household responsibilities. She shares how seeking therapy during college led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, helping her process suppressed grief and embrace healing. This personal journey inspired her decision to serve a mission, where she now acts as the hands of the Savior by offering deep empathy to those facing their own trials. Throughout the episode, Sister Wilkins testifies of finding companionship across the veil, feeling her mother's guiding presence in the temple and through quiet daily moments. She shares how becoming more like her mother brings her closer to Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God meticulously places people and experiences in our lives to bring us comfort and peace. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome former BYU basketball player Mike Hall to share a father’s perspective on navigating profound grief and loss. Following his wife Tara’s earlier episode, Mike opens up about the unexpected arrival of their daughter, JoJo, who was born with Cat Eye Syndrome and faced severe medical complications before her passing. Mike candidly recounts the terrifying hospital moments, the challenge of supporting his wife and four older children, and the sacred final hours spent saying goodbye to his daughter. He shares the quiet weight fathers often carry when trying to remain strong for their families, reflecting on how JoJo's brief mortal journey taught their family deep lessons in selflessness, love, and unity. Offering a compassionate outlook on sorrow, Mike emphasizes that "hard is hard" and cautions against comparing one trial to another. Grounded in his convert testimony, he shares his unshakable faith in eternal families and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, looking forward with joyful anticipation to the day he holds a healthy JoJo once again. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Collin Bingham, who shares the inspiring life and legacy of his father—a hardworking Idaho farmer who passed away from kidney cancer when Collin was seventeen. Collin recounts how his father’s gentle guidance and three core maxims—"I still love you," "Just keep smiling," and "Don't you quit"—became a spiritual anchor for him, even saving his life during his darkest moments on the day his father passed away. The conversation highlights how heaven orchestrates quiet miracles through loss. Collin shares the remarkable story of feeling spiritually prompted to graduate high school early and serve a mission, leading to a chance encounter in an airport with a grieving woman that ultimately introduced him to his wife, Kaylee. He also discusses turning outward after his loss by reaching out to a young boy facing the same tragedy, demonstrating the healing power of serving others in grief. Collin concludes with a profound testimony of Jesus Christ, testifying that the Savior’s Atonement is intensely personal and individual. Drawing on the example of Christ weeping with Mary and Martha, Collin reminds listeners that sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer those who mourn is simply sitting with them in their pain and letting them know they are loved. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Scott Mark—a devoted husband, father, bishop, and ultra-runner—to share the poignant story of his sister, Tiffany, and her 22-month-old son, Mark. Described as his closest companion growing up, Tiffany was a vibrant, multi-talented athlete whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident on the final day of Scott's mission in Honduras. Scott candidly recalls the heartbreaking moment in his mission president’s office when the Spirit gently delivered the news before words were even spoken. Returning home to a grieving family, he found the spiritual strength to give his mission farewell talk and testify of the plan of salvation, leaning into scriptural promises and the reality of the resurrection. Years later, as a newly ordained bishop, Scott experienced a flood of long-suppressed tears and a deepened capacity for Christlike empathy. He testifies that grief refined his ability to minister to his flock, witnessing that through the Savior’s Atonement, sudden loss can transform into lasting hope, peace, and eternal connection across the veil. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome back former BYU religious education professor Brent L. Top for a comforting discussion on navigating silence from behind the veil. In this episode, the hosts ask what restored gospel teachings and near-death accounts reveal about how our departed loved ones communicate with us and remain aware of our daily lives. Addressing this question, Brother Top explains that communication primarily occurs through the spirit of revelation speaking gently to our minds and hearts. The conversation explores whether departed family members receive divine assignments to watch over us, drawing a tender parallel to parents supporting a child serving a mission. Brother Top also shares personal moments of feeling his parents' quiet encouragement during major life milestones. Finally, Kori and David ask what specific doctrines or experiences can help alleviate personal anxiety about our own eventual passing. Brother Top highlights Joseph Smith’s vision of the resurrection, the joyful promise of mothers raising departed children, and the doctrine of rest. He concludes by testifying that holding to the iron rod enables us to taste the ultimate sweetness of the Savior's love. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome back former BYU religious education professor Brent L. Top for a deep dive into listener questions about mental health, physical struggles, and the spirit world. The hosts ask what happens to physical addictions and mental impairments after death, whether spirits remember harsh words spoken during mental decline, and if those who die suddenly or tragically experience fear or suffering in their final moments. Shifting to temple worship, the interview explores how temple covenants unlock angelic ministry in our daily lives. The hosts ask how vicarious temple ordinances impact spirits directly—specifically whether receiving ordinances moves someone from spirit prison to spirit paradise. Brother Top offers comforting perspectives on the "doctrine of anticipation" and shares an illuminating analogy comparing the spirit world's diverse states to a vibrant city. Finally, Kori and David inquire about daily life in the spirit world, asking if the church is organized similarly to earth and how time functions beyond mortality. Brother Top explains that earthly life is patterned after spiritual realities and emphasizes that spirits never run out of time or chances, only desire. Through every question, Brother Top highlights a loving Savior whose Atonement brings ultimate healing, peace, and hope. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome former BYU religious education professor Brent L. Top for a highly anticipated Q&A episode answering listener-submitted questions about death and the spirit world. Drawing from his forty years of research and his devotional books, Brother Top addresses how near-death experiences and our understanding of the afterlife correspond with the restored gospel. While acknowledging he has not personally experienced deep, sudden loss, he offers profound scriptural insights to comfort those who are mourning. Brother Top dives into the delicate balance between Joseph Smith’s invitation to study the plan of salvation and President Dallin H. Oaks’s warning against excessive doctrinal speculation. He humorously recounts finding himself footnoted in a general conference talk where President Oaks quoted his article stating that we do not know as much about the spirit world from the scriptures as we think. This leads to a crucial discussion on the "hierarchy of doctrine" and the importance of staying grounded in official teachings. The episode covers several comforting themes, including the timing of death, premortal councils, and whether spirits can be more mature than their earthly parents. Addressing the difficult reality of unanswered prayers and "untimely" losses, Brother Top shares comforting perspectives on how the Savior utilizes our loved ones in the next life. He ultimately testifies that while our mortal understanding is limited, lasting comfort and healing reside securely in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Laura Smith of Prescott, Arizona, to share the vibrant life and legacy of her son, Owen. At just 16 years old, Owen was a beautiful mix of rowdy and reverent—deeply devoted to Jesus Christ while maintaining an unforgettable passion for harmless mischief, from creative pranks to riding street motorcycles with his dad. Tragically, Owen lost his life in a motorcycle accident just a mile from home. Laura candidly describes the agonizing experience of arriving at the crash scene and saying her final goodbyes under the same hospital roof where Owen was born. Yet, even in their deepest shock, the Smith family honored Owen's joyful personality at his service, featuring a massive youth choir and a final, lighthearted QR code prank. Through her grief, Laura has discovered a vital lifeline by volunteering as a temple worker, where she continues to partner with her son across the veil. She bears a powerful testimony of a loving Savior who understands the pain of a parent’s "no", comforting her through tender, personal miracles like an unexpected abundance in her flower garden. Resource: Video of Owen Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Tara Hall to share the inspiring life and legacy of her youngest daughter, Jordan (JoJo). Born unexpectedly after Tara felt prompted to surrender her own plans to God’s will, JoJo was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called cat eye syndrome. Despite facing intensive medical challenges—including jaw surgeries, a feeding tube, a tracheostomy, and specialized hearing devices—JoJo brought a sweet, quiet presence into her family's home.At just seven months old, JoJo tragically passed away from pneumonia and cardiogenic shock. Tara opens up about the painful reality of saying goodbye in the hospital, navigating the deep shock of loss, and the heartbreaking moment of returning home to share the news with her four older children. She candidly describes how their family had to adjust to the sudden silence of a master bedroom that had been transformed into a mini-hospital.Through the devastating weight of grief, Tara found profound comfort in the divine reminder to "be still and know that I am God". She testifies of the tangible strength felt through the prayers of others and the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. By choosing hope, recognizing "love notes" from heaven, and keeping an eternal perspective, Tara witnesses that death is not the end, but a temporary separation before a glorious reunion. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community⁠ ***Sign up or donate to Ava⁠⁠'s Bigfoot Stomp at ⁠livelikeava.org⁠

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Clare Thomas, host of the Convert Devotionals podcast and mother of six children—including two adopted from foster care. As the youngest of 15 in a close-knit family, Clare reflects on her parents' unique love and the profound impact of her mother's sudden passing from a heart attack and stroke. Her mother's death occurred just one week after the birth of Clare’s daughter, Lucy, sending Clare into a dark period where she battled severe panic attacks and returned to alcoholism. Yet, driven by the final promise she made at her mother's bedside, Clare turned back to Jesus Christ. With the compassionate, non-judgmental support of her bishop, husband, and family, she began a courageous journey back to faith and daily sobriety. Clare also opens up about the recent, unexpected loss of her father, Craig, and navigating his funeral from afar. Through these layered trials, Clare bears a powerful testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, essing that the Savior will never let us go and will ultimately heal every mortal infirmity. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community ***Sign up or donate to Ava's Bigfoot Stomp at livelikeava.org

David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome family therapist Crystal Bowman to honor the vibrant legacy of her oldest daughter, Jena. An exceptionally bright and fierce 24-year-old, Jena had recently discovered a deep love for national parks, finding that spending time in nature brought her closer to God’s love. Tragically, while driving home from BYU, Jena’s car struck black ice in Spanish Fork Canyon, resulting in a fatal accident that thrust her family into immediate shock. Crystal discusses her role as a director of BYU’s "Life After Loss for Teens" camp, illustrating how youth heal by sharing their raw stories, finding witnesses to their pain, and playing hard. She also opens up about her own family's coping mechanisms, including a bittersweet "white elephant" gift exchange where they gathered in Jena's room to open her final, undelivered Christmas packages. This honest approach allowed them to keep Jena’s funny, snarky spirit active in their home from the very beginning. Finally, Crystal shares how this tragedy stripped away a transactional belief in God, replacing it with a deeply relational, evolved faith. She highlights the comfort she receives from the doctrine of ministering angels, while tenderly validating the real, agonizing longing of mortal motherhood. Ultimately, Crystal testifies of a Savior who does not require us to sanitize our pain, but who perfectly "gets it" because He wept, too. Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community

David Mickelson and Jordan Robertson explore practical ways to help the bereaved, addressing the common feeling of helplessness when supporting others. Jordan introduces "Ring Theory," a framework for providing "comfort in" to those at the center of a crisis while sharing personal struggles with those in outer circles. The episode provides specific guidance on what to say—emphasizing listening and using the loved one's name—and what to do. The hosts suggest taking care of basic necessities like laundry and meals or offering specific, timely help with childcare and errands to take the burden of planning off the grieving. Ultimately, they testify that sincere prayer and the guidance of the Holy Ghost can empower anyone to lighten another's burden effectively. 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.

David Mickelson and KC Cowles welcome Jim Neeley to honor the legacy of his son, Brett. A vibrant young man who served a mission among the Kuna Indians in Panama, Brett was a pilot and outdoor enthusiast who shared a deep bond with his father. Jim recounts how Brett, upon returning home, shared a prophetic prompting that his mortal life would be short, leading to sacred father-son discussions about the afterlife. The conversation centers on Jim’s profound spiritual experience where the “Plan of Salvation” seemed to rain down on him for days. This overwhelming feeling ceased the instant he learned of Brett’s accidental death, providing Jim with immediate divine preparation. Jim also shares miraculous encounters where others felt Brett’s presence, including a young woman who miraculously spoke to request a priesthood blessing Brett had previously promised her. Finally, Jim reflects on the “off-the-charts” joy he felt when hearing his son’s voice from across the veil. He testifies that because of Jesus Christ, death is merely a brief separation, transforming grief into a witness of hope. Jim’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our loved ones remain active participants in our lives as we wait for a joyful reunion. Resources: The Plan of Happiness As Taught By My Son Brett (Jim's book on Amazon) The Burning Within by Ranelle Wallace (Amazon) Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community

David Mickelson and guest host KC Cowles welcome Ken Alford, a retired Army Colonel and BYU professor, to honor the legacy of his wife, Sherilee. A woman of profound faith, Sherilee supported Ken through 15 military moves while raising four children. She was beloved for her kindness and a 12-year tradition of baking thousands of cookies for her husband’s students at West Point and BYU.The conversation explores Sherilee's 12.5-year battle with a rare "malignant benign" cancer, a journey she faced with a conscious choice to remain happy despite ten major surgeries. Ken shares how his children remember her for never once raising her voice, reflecting her commitment to a peaceful, Christ-centered home. He also introduces a poignant metaphor involving a "grandmother clock" used to navigate the rhythmic "waves of grief".Ultimately, Ken testifies that while widowhood is a "zero-star event," the Gospel provides a sure hope for a future reunion. He reflects on the many "tender mercies" received since her passing and witnesses that Jesus Christ knows our specific circumstances. His story serves as a powerful reminder that through the Atonement, "death cannot stop true love". Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community