The Grief and Belief Podcast

Kori Andrews and David Mickelson
  • 4.8 (48)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Grief and Belief shares heartfelt stories of those who have faced loss and found healing through faith in Jesus Christ. Each episode explores how individuals and families navigate grief, uncover moments of hope, and discover the Savior as the ultimate source of comfort and relief. Through personal experiences and honest conversations, this podcast offers inspiration, connection, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, faith and love can bring light and peace. Sponsored by Hi Five Live and produced by Misty Howard.

  1. 6d ago

    Scott Mark: He'll Show Us How to Breathe Again

    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

    Scott Mark: He'll Show Us How to Breathe Again

  2. Sep 22

    Brent L. Top: Your Questions Answered, Episode 3

    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

    Brent L. Top: Your Questions Answered, Episode 3

  3. Sep 15

    Brent L. Top: Your Questions Answered, Episode 2

    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

    Brent L. Top: Your Questions Answered, Episode 2

  4. Sep 8

    Brent L. Top: Your Questions Answered, Episode 1

    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

    Brent L. Top: Your Questions Answered, Episode 1

  5. Sep 1

    Laura Smith: Partnering Across the Veil

    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

    Laura Smith: Partnering Across the Veil

  6. Aug 25

    Tara Hall: Be Still My Soul

    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

    Tara Hall: Be Still My Soul

  7. Aug 18

    Clare Thomas: I'll Make You Proud, Mom

    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

    Clare Thomas: I'll Make You Proud, Mom

  8. Aug 11

    Crystal Bowman: A True Relationship with God and Ministering Angels

    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

    Crystal Bowman: A True Relationship with God and Ministering Angels
See All (83)

4.8
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Grief and Belief shares heartfelt stories of those who have faced loss and found healing through faith in Jesus Christ. Each episode explores how individuals and families navigate grief, uncover moments of hope, and discover the Savior as the ultimate source of comfort and relief. Through personal experiences and honest conversations, this podcast offers inspiration, connection, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, faith and love can bring light and peace. Sponsored by Hi Five Live and produced by Misty Howard.

Information

  • Creator
    Kori Andrews and David Mickelson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kori Andrews and David Mickelson
  • Show Website
    The Grief and Belief Podcast

You Might Also Like