The Grief and Belief Podcast

Tiffany Thurgood: "You Need Me More Than You Need Him"

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 where she learned that her need for the Savior surpassed even her need for her husband. The discussion explores the difference between the faith to be healed and the "forest of mustard trees" required to endure lifelong loss. Tiffany candidly describes the difficulty of parenting through bereavement and the importance of being "patient in long-suffering". She highlights the power of vulnerability through a tearful encounter at a sporting goods store, where a stranger’s offer of prayer provided an unexpected spiritual connection. Currently, Tiffany finds purpose in pursuing a degree in family history work, a path she feels was divinely prepared for her. She testifies that while some mountains do not move, Jesus Christ provides the strength to climb them and see a "different view". Her story serves as a witness that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, peace is possible even when life does not turn out as planned.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 ]

George Slaughter: Hold on Thy Way

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 struggle of not receiving the physical miracle the family sought. He introduces their powerful "hold on" phrase: “It might not be okay right now, but it will be”. George reflects on the "extra portion of the spirit" that sustained them, emphasizing that while grief remains real, faith provides the strength to keep moving even when answers feel elusive. Ultimately, George testifies that Jesus Christ is hope. He shares how turning outward and expressing honest feelings—including frustration—allows for joy amidst sorrow. Looking forward to a future reunion, he finds peace in the promise of the resurrection, trusting that the Savior's love is sufficient to carry us through every mountain. 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 ]

Anairon Faust: Everything Is As It Should Be

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 describes the "divine design" of God’s comfort, including a miraculous hospital encounter with a stranger who had faced the exact same trial. He reflects on the "Savior knocking on his door" through community members who provided months of essential food and service. These experiences taught him that while grief involves mourning lost future milestones, God actively prepares us for the "when," not just the "if," of life's trials. Finally, the discussion explores how healing requires "time and the Atonement of Jesus Christ". Anairon testifies that facing pain head-on allows the Savior to tend to our wounds, creating a sacred connection with the Lord. He emphasizes that no loss is outside of Christ’s power to compensate, turning bitter sorrow into an enduring hope for future reunions. 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 ]

Amanda Wilkinson: Walking with Grace

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 expanded her capacity for empathy. The conversation focuses on Amanda’s multimedia book, Walking with Grace. Through journal entries and QR codes linking to Grace’s original music and art, listeners encounter a young woman who chose to turn outward in service despite intense physical pain. Amanda emphasizes that Grace’s identity was defined by her unconquerable spirit and creativity, rather than just the tragedy she endured. Finally, Amanda explores shifting from a "transactional faith" to a relationship-based hope in Jesus Christ. She describes the "wrestle" with God as an act of love and introduces the concept of a "daily resurrection". Through the Savior's atonement, she finds the power to live meaningfully in the "mess," testifying that the Savior provides a healing light that never truly ends. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://rememberingjonathansmith.com/]Walking with Grace (Amazon [https://a.co/d/0gDcLhBk]) 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 ]

Grief Counseling: What to Expect

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-setting. The discussion highlights key differences between professional counseling and talking to friends, emphasizing the value of a neutral, non-reciprocal space for emotional release. Jordan and the hosts also explore how clinical therapy complements ecclesiastical support. While church leaders focus on the spiritual dimension and community resources, therapists address skewed thinking patterns and provide specific tools to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. Finally, the episode offers practical advice on finding and paying for a therapist. Jordan suggests resources like PsychologyToday.com, while explaining various certifications and payment options such as insurance or sliding scales. The hosts conclude that while healing is possible alone, professional counseling can expedite the process, helping individuals move toward "graduation" and a return to living life fully. 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.