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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In this episode of the Grief and Belief podcast, hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Cassidy Nelson to share her powerful journey of loss and hope. Cassidy recounts the heartbreaking passing of her firstborn daughter, Cael, who lived for only six days, and the sudden death of her husband, Ammon, in 2018.

Cassidy reflects on navigating life as a young widow while six months pregnant with her fifth child. She describes the raw reality of feeling inadequate for her children's needs during such intense sorrow. Through "sacred moments" in her grief, she discovered that when she was not enough, the Savior was there to fill the gaps and provide strength.

The interview explores how Jesus Christ provides "tailormade" support, illustrated by a touching experience involving a primary song that calmed her grieving daughter. Cassidy’s testimony serves as a powerful reminder that the Savior does not "casually step in" but "dives right in" to sustain us through our most difficult trials.

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David and Kori interview Hayden Limb, a close friend of David’s daughter, Ava, who passed away from leukemia during high school,. Hayden reflects on their friendship formed through cross country and Ava’s legacy of purposeful service. He recounts the sudden shock of her diagnosis and the spiritual impression to trust God despite the pain.

Hayden discusses the "dichotomy of healing the body and the soul," explaining that while physical recovery is an inward effort, healing the soul requires turning outward. He describes how running served as a therapeutic outlet and how serving a mission in Washington helped him find "beauty for ashes". By serving others, he discovered that Jesus Christ is the master healer who provides peace when we feel most out of control.

The episode also honors Elder Holland, whose teachings on discipleship continue to provide hope. Hayden testifies that Christ is his best friend and that His light makes the hope of a celestial reunion real. He encourages those struggling with grief to acknowledge their pain while choosing to act as agents in their own healing.

Resources:

Video - Lift

Transcript of Hayden's Talk at Ava's Funeral - Link

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Scot Irwin, a former seminary and institute teacher who shares the powerful story of losing his younger brother, Chad, when Chad was 18 and Scot was 25 and married with two children. Chad, described as a quiet, conservative, and good-looking blonde athlete, developed a side ache that quickly led to the discovery of a malignant, grapefruit-sized tumor. The cancer progressed rapidly, and Chad passed away that night after Scot prayed that he would no longer suffer.

Scot recounts the immense guilt he felt because he was uncomfortable giving Chad a priesthood blessing, despite being the only Melchizedek Priesthood holder in the family, and because he prayed for Chad's death to end the suffering. Scot struggled with the guilt of prioritizing his full-time teaching job, school, and young family over being there for his brother. His guilt began to ease following a vivid dream in which Chad appeared to him, conveying the message: "I'm in a great place. I'm at peace. This is God's will and it's my will too. I'm happy and you shouldn't feel guilty. You're a great brother and I love you".

Through this experience, Scot gained a profound personal appreciation for the role of the Holy Ghost as a bringer of peace, healing, and sanctification. Scot testifies that Jesus Christ is the Savior who connects with him in his grief, emphasizing that Christ suffered so that He could "sucker us" (Alma 7). Scot concludes that healing from grief comes when he quits focusing on himself and turns his heart and mind outward to serve others.

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Jensen Parrish Hall shares the tragic story of losing her parents and two younger brothers to carbon monoxide poisoning while she and her brother, Ian, were serving missions. She recounts the surreal moment her mission president delivered the news and the immediate, distinct spiritual impression she received to choose trust over bitterness.

Jensen discusses her healing process through her blog, "A New Normal," and the visual sign language for "grief" and "belief". She explains how 2 Nephi 2:2 taught her that God can "consecrate" or dedicate her deepest afflictions for a sacred purpose, transforming pain into spiritual gain.

Finally, Jensen offers a powerful metaphor of the gospel as an "umbrella" that doesn't stop the rain of life’s trials but protects her testimony. Her message emphasizes that by choosing Christ, individuals can find the strength to navigate grief with the hope of eternal family reunions.

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In part two of their interview, Troy and Deedra Russell discuss the far-reaching impact of their story. Troy shares how his home teacher’s persistent invitation to play basketball helped him navigate the "unrelenting" grief of losing their son, Austen. This experience of dedicated ministering was later shared by Elder Holland in General Conference, leading to a video viewed by millions.
Deedra recounts her journey through physical suffering following a catastrophic head-on collision. She details her 137-day hospital stay—matching Joseph Smith’s time in Liberty Jail—and complications from a kidney transplant that left her in "darkest despair". Dedra views her previous trials, including clinical depression and the loss of her mother, as "stepping stones" that prepared her to endure these later challenges.
Despite ongoing medical struggles, the Russells testify that Jesus Christ understands their specific mental and physical agony because of His suffering in Gethsemane. They describe their most difficult trials as "sacred holy ground" where they felt God’s presence most profoundly. Their message emphasizes that by keeping covenants, individuals can view their refining experiences with an eternal perspective.

Resources:

One-on-One - YouTube Video

A Saint Through the Atonement of Christ the Lord - Elder Holland talking about Deedra's car accident

Remember Lot's Wife - Elder Holland BYU Speech

Lessons from Liberty Jail - Elder Holland BYU Speech

Heavenly Answers for Earthly Questions - Book about a Near-Death Experience

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast, where hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Troy and Deedra Russell. The Russells share the tragic story of losing their son, Austen, when he was just nine years old after he was accidentally run over by Troy's truck in May 2015. Austen, the third of five children, was a beloved, fun-loving "phenom" athlete, especially talented in basketball, who had a special bond with his father over sports and with his mother when he was younger due to a severe speech impediment.
The Russell's recount the immediate, unrelenting grief that felt like a "house was just absolutely crushing me". Troy received a powerful revelation from Heavenly Father, affirming that he could keep the nine years he had with Austen, even if it meant enduring the pain. Deedra and Troy received numerous tender mercies, including Austen writing the scripture "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God" just days before he passed away, and their youngest daughter seeing "big Austen" (an adult-sized spirit) who performed a calming sign above their bed.
Their sorrow led to meaningful community outreach. Since Austen was known for his dedication to sports and the number three (which he adopted after BYU stars), the community created the logo AR3. They honored Austen by hosting a successful annual community event—an "Austen Russell birthday party"—for ten years, which features a court named Austen Russell Court. The Russells continue to focus on using this experience to strengthen their covenants and ensure they will be an eternal family with Austen again.Resources: One-on-One - YouTube Video

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. David and Kori interview Sandy Smith, a friend and experienced therapist. Sandy shares the story of her daughter, Stephanie, who passed away 35 years ago in 1990 at only 14 months old. Stephanie, the youngest of nine, was adored by her older siblings. Sandy recounts the traumatic moment Stephanie drowned in the family pool in Argentina, followed by the challenges of arranging her burial in Arizona.

Sandy focuses on the concept of the refiner's fire (Malachi 3:3). She explains that the Savior holds us in the "hottest part of the fire" but will not let us be destroyed. The refining process is complete when He sees His own countenance reflected in us. This refining experience led Sandy to become a mental health therapist, working in diverse settings, including running emotional groups for gang members in the prison system.

Sandy found that loss allows for personal growth, finding joy in creation through activities like music and pottery. She affirms there is life after loss and encourages others to choose happiness and growth. She testifies that Jesus Christ is her brother who loves her, offering peace and healing through the Atonement.

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