Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Jordan Robertson, who shares the powerful story of losing her husband, Jake Robertson, to Glioblastoma Multiforme almost ten years ago. Jake was an attorney, a devoted BYU Cougar fan, and described as the perfect girl dad to their four young children. Jordan recounts the shocking and sudden terminal diagnosis, which occurred in January 2014, shortly after the birth of their son.

Despite the initial life expectancy of 14 months, Jake’s life was mercifully extended for over two years after they found a neurosurgeon willing to operate and participate in a clinical trial. Jordan shares that Jake chose to live a normal life with his family while making special memories. Following Jake’s death and a subsequent move, Jordan experienced a period of profound bereavement, describing the emotional state as sitting in the destruction after a "nuclear bomb" had gone off.

Jordan explains how she found healing through intellectual study of grief, through movement (like taking up skiing), and by serving others through hospice work, which led her to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology. Ultimately, she testifies that Jesus Christ is the ultimate healer who companioned her through the pain, emphasizing the message of Isaiah 53. She finds hope in His suffering, concluding with the powerful lyrics: "Hope did not die here but here was given. Here is hope".

Resources: Because of Jesus by Jordan Robertson

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast, featuring the talented artist and social media personality, Jenedy Paige, who is also known for her appearance on American Ninja Warrior. Jenedy joins David Mickelson and Kori Andrews to share the profound story of losing her three-year-old son, Victory Morgan. She beautifully describes her early life as a "Disney princess" living in a metaphorical "Garden of Eden," before tragedy moved her to a place of immense pain and disappointment.

Jenedy recounts the tragic seven-week struggle after Victory Morgan fell into their family pool in Tucson. Despite having a deep, evidence-based relationship with God, built upon years of daily journaling and prayer, she was left "severely disappointed" when her desperate prayers for a miracle were not answered as she wished. She learned that God never intends for us to rewind the clock, but rather for us to go forward.

Through this devastating loss, Jenedy discovered that sorrow had "carved her out," creating a cavity—which she called her "Grand Canyon"—that now had a capacity for joy. She shares how painting became a survival tool, pouring out her grief onto the canvas. Jenedy testifies that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer who can bring the Grand Canyon together, healing the soul and transforming the grieving into a "2.0 version" of themselves.

Resources:

Coming Full Circle Book by Jenedy Paige (highly recommend!)

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

How Can I Find God's Love in My Grief? YouTube Video

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Jessica Westover, a practicing marriage and family therapist, who shares how her education combines with her personal loss experiences to help bring hope to others. Jessica recounts her first traumatic grief experience: a missed miscarriage during her initial pregnancy. This profound loss was compounded when her grandpa passed away the very next day, creating a difficult "surrounding of grief" during her master's program.
Jessica dives deep into the concept of ambiguous loss, defined as a loss that lacks clarity or finality. She explains how a miscarriage fits this definition (physical absence with psychological presence) and the unique challenges, such as facing a "roller coaster of hope," lacking normative community support, and struggling with guilt or embarrassment. Jessica emphasizes that there is not a "right way to live life to not feel pain," and that shame often adds "optional pain" to difficult situations.
After struggling with depression and anger, Jessica found a path to healing by writing a heartfelt letter to her little one. She shares the symbolic act of placing the letter in a bottle and releasing it into the river, representing a choice to trust the Savior. This spiritual experience helped her develop a three-step healing process: Writing (for catharsis and validation), Feeling/Doing (a unique action guided by the spirit), and Remembering. She testifies that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer who is intimately aware of our healing and that we never walk alone.

Resources: Books by Pauline Boss, PhD

How to add a miscarried child or stillborn in FamilySearch

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