Every Body (With Kristen Erekson)

In this episode, Matt Anderson shares the deeply personal story of losing their son Hyrum in a tragic drowning accident. He also offers profoundly moving insights about grief, longing, love, faith, and our Heavenly Father.

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Links from the Interview:

Life After Loss Conference , 2025 Conference

Lament: A Faithful Complaint to God- Michael Huston

Tragedy or Destiny by President Spencer W Kimball

1 Nephi 1:20, Moroni 10:3

This episode features an interview with Kylie Webster, who was diagnosed at a young age with Leigh’s disease (Leigh syndrome), a genetic metabolic disorder affecting the central nervous system. Kylie shares how she has learned to live fully, embrace life’s challenges, and find purpose and meaning through her work, her faith in Christ, and the influence of family and friends.

In this episode, Lara Erekson shares the health journey of her daughter Whitney. It was only after many years of symptoms and distressing experiences and procedures and testing that she finally received the diagnosis: a rare genetic condition known as KDM5C. Their story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with this condition, as well as the emotional and practical difficulties parents experience while seeking answers and care.

Information about the KARES foundation: https://kares.foundation

Katie Willis endured a series of aggravating symptoms and underwent a variety of treatments before ultimately discovering she had a meningioma—a tumor growing in the brain’s meninges. In this episode, she shares her journey with this diagnosis, along with deeply personal experiences she and her family have encountered while navigating complexities (including trauma and tragedy) related to mental health. Katie also offers profound insights on viewing the body as an instrument rather than an ornament, and on embracing its shifting phases and capabilities. Her reflections are insightful and impactful.

In this episode, Wes Rasmussen shares his experience living with MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), describing it as a constant presence, like a shadow (as Aimee Mullins has discussed*). Mountain biking has been a therapeutic intervention for Wes, and has also taught him about the and body’s strength and resilience even in the face of a chronic medical condition. He reflects on the stunning vistas from tough rides and the personal growth gained through challenges, echoing Thich Nhat Hanh's** idea that you can’t have the lotus flower without the mud. Tune in to hear Wes's journey and find inspiration for your own challenges.

*Ted Talk by Aimee Mullins- the Opportunity of Adversity

**Podcast Interview with Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh

In this episode, Emily shares about her experience with breast cancer. She highlights some of the complexity of making medical decisions, the peace from trusting in God’s greater design when things don’t play out the way we hoped, the comfort of having a divine identity when we have a loss of attributes that used to define us, learning to give ourselves and others grace and understanding, and more. Her story and perspectives will inspire listeners.

Tatha Enz's youngest child, Conner, was born with Trisomy 21/Down Syndrome. In this episode, Tatha shares some of her experiences related to her son, including both challenges and joys. She offers perspectives and advice for other parents, family members, and friends who have a loved one with special needs. Through Tatha's insights, the hope is that you can gain perspective on how to confront your own challenges and feel God's awareness of you.

Leticia was diagnosed as a young adult with Type I diabetes. In this episode, she shares her experience with receiving the diagnosis and learning to manage this condition. She also shares insightful reflections about her mental and emotional journey. She highlights the mental and emotional load as well as the grieving process that can be part of a chronic health condition.