The Grief and Belief Podcast

Bryan Wilson: Removing the Limitations

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 conversation highlights Bryan’s reliance on temple worship to find a "recharge" and an eternal perspective. He shares how ordinances like sealings reaffirmed his hope for a future reunion and helped him "hold on" through the pain. Bryan also testifies of the ministering of angels, noting how both heavenly messengers and his supportive ward community acted as a "rescue" for his family. Finally, Bryan explores how he learned to stop placing "limitations" on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He discovered that the Savior’s power heals not just sin, but also the deepest trauma and suffering. By surrendering his burden, Bryan has found a personal friendship with Christ and a steadfast hope in the resurrection. Resource: tansee.com [tansee.com] (to download texts and other files from your loved one's phone) Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Ellie DuPaix: A Plan for the Pain

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. The discussion explores Sean’s battle with perfectionism, OCD, and debilitating insomnia, which led to a mental health breakdown. Ellie candidly shares her deep darkness and initial anger toward God when her prayers for physical healing went unanswered. Through the overwhelming service of her community, she eventually witnessed a tangible feeling of Christ’s love, realizing that God can use our suffering for a greater purpose. Today, Ellie finds healing through service, hosting the Her Horizon podcast to integrate faith and psychology. Additionally, her mother founded the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation to provide resources for men struggling with mental illness. Ellie testifies that Jesus Christ knows us personally, providing an eternal perspective that transforms pain into a message of hope. Resources: Her Horizon Podcast [https://herhorizon.libsyn.com/] Stay MENtally Strong Foundation [https://www.staymentallystrong.com/] Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Shad Martin: Embracing the Promises

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 final moments. The discussion explores the doctrinal definition of hope as an abiding trust in God’s promises. Shad explains how "embracing" these promises—such as the reality of the resurrection and eternal families—provides a bridge through the "waves of grief". He emphasizes that while hope doesn't remove sorrow, it persuades us to see mortal trials through a celestial lens. Finally, Shad teaches the comforting doctrine of the ministering of angels, specifically those from our "kindred dead". He shares a sacred experience where he felt his mother’s presence helping his missionary daughter, testifying that our loved ones remain active participants in our lives. The episode concludes with a witness that Christ's Atonement turns "goodbye to goodbyes". Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Chelsea Wilkes: Give It To God

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. Nine months later, Chelsea’s despair led to a mental health crisis and hospitalization. In her "darkest season," she felt abandoned until a spiritual prompting urged her to give her burden to God. Through prayer and studying the life of Christ, she realized the Savior understood her pain perfectly, transforming her bitterness into a "renewed identity" and a purpose to live. Today, Chelsea is a mother of six pursuing a master's degree in social work to help others find healing. She testifies that the Atonement is "tangible," capable of turning darkness into light. Her message to those in despair is to "not confuse a season for a lifetime," trusting that the Savior's grace never leaves us.Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Primary and Secondary Losses

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 poignant account of navigating his daughters' health crises while still processing the earlier loss of his daughter, Kamryn. Jordan categorizes these challenges into areas like loss of function—where daily tasks become overwhelming—and the heavy loss of hopes and dreams, such as missing a child’s future milestones, missions, or weddings. The episode provides strategies for navigating these "intangible" losses, including naming them and finding anchor relationships. Ultimately, the hosts highlight secondary loss as a new avenue to rely on Jesus Christ. Kori shares how a sacred song brought him comfort, testifying that the Savior provides relief and hope throughout the long, rhythmic journey of grief. 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. Click Here for Presentation Slides [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OFdruV3uct3zu4iZKm8Tfdf8fDx9qcD0/view?usp=sharing]