Best Jill and Chad Podcasts (2025)

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274 | He Will Hold You Fast (Part One) with Julie South 54:25

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5d ago54:25

54:25

“Even in the halls of the hospital, God showed me I was not alone.” I'm excited today to introduce you to my friend Julie South. In this first half of our conversation, Julie shares the story of her daughter Bellah—a joyful, compassionate little girl whose life was marked by both laughter and serious medical challenges. Julie talks about how her da…

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273 | Redeeming the Broken Pieces with Kim Allison 1:08:33

12d ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Kim Allison returns to the While We're Waiting podcast to share more of her story—this time opening up about the loss of her husband, Herb, to suicide, and how God is redeeming the broken pieces of her life. She reflects on her two babies in Heaven, Benjamin and Jeremiah, the vibrant life of her son Timothy, who went to Heaven in 2021, the deep val…

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272 | Tiny Cradle, Eternal Impact (Part Two) with Ashley Opliger 27:58

19d ago27:58

27:58

"The cradle is a temporary comfort—but the eternal comfort comes from the hope of the gospel.” ~Ashley Opliger In this second half of my conversation with Ashley Opliger, she takes us back to the day of Bridget’s birth and describes the tender moments she and her family shared with their tiny daughter, who weighed just 13 ounces. Ashley shares how …

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A Day in the Life of Mindy Fast & Mike Kastner | Navigating the Multiple Myeloma Journey 24:23

20d ago24:23

24:23

A Day in the Life of Mindy Fast & Mike Kastner | Navigating the Multiple Myeloma Journey by International Myeloma FoundationBy International Myeloma Foundation

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The (White) House Always Wins 21:38

25d ago21:38

21:38

This week on Bad Bets, we are mad, and with good reason. Trump’s family just spun a $5B crypto empire out of thin air, ICE is deporting honor students and firefighters mid-wildfire, and the Shanghai Summit is quietly rearranging the global order. We dig into why anger is rarely a primary emotion, how cruelty is the policy, and why Trump’s grift coi…

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271 | Tiny Cradle, Eternal Impact (Part One) with Ashley Opliger 32:19

26d ago32:19

32:19

“Lament is slowing down to sit in the sadness and bring it to God.” ~Ashley Opliger The importance of lament is just one of the topics I discussed with Ashley Opliger on the podcast this week. Ashley is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and the founder of Bridget’s Cradles, a nonprofit ministry she started in memory of her daughter, Bridget. In this fi…

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Thanos Dusted Half the Universe and All We Got Was Jill Stein 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

This week on Bad Bets, we ask the question no one has bothered to Google: Where in the world is Jill Stein? (Spoiler: not organizing, not helping, yaddayaddayadda). We unpack the dangers of political apathy, Chris Pratt’s limp defense of RFK Jr., and why villains like Magneto, Killmonger, Daenerys, and even Thanos all have a point, until they reall…

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270 | God Was There (Part Two) with Kelly Uribe 49:03

1M ago49:03

49:03

In this second half of our conversation, Kelly opens her heart about the unique challenges of losing a child to suicide and the long road of learning to live with deep grief. She reflects on the endless “what if” questions, the weight of not knowing, and the disorientation that comes with walking through such profound loss. Kelly also shares about …

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Look What You Made Me Redraw 18:12

1M ago18:12

18:12

Texas Republicans are trying to grab 5 extra seats, Gavin Newsom said “bet,” and I’m here to explain why map-rigging matters, and why your boyfriend’s media diet might be just as sus. 👀 Also featuring: a rant about Taylor Swift’s billionaire vinyl scam, and the Barbie Test™ for men. 🎙️ Bad Bets is live. Place yours now.…

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269 | God Was There (Part One) with Kelly Uribe 53:29

1M ago53:29

53:29

Kelly Uribe joins me today to share the story of her son Ernesto—a vibrant, adventurous, and deeply loved young man. She describes his big personality, his penchant for "people gathering", and the artistic eye that set him apart. She also shares about the spring when everything began to change, leading their family into a long and arduous journey t…

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268 | Writhing, Wrestling, and Worshiping (Part Two) with Chad and Ronni Fellers 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

In last week’s conversation with Chad and Ronni Fellers (listen HERE), we heard the story of their son Paxton—his adoption, his joy-filled spirit, and the day their lives changed forever. We also heard how grief has forced them to wrestle deeply with their faith and the goodness of God in the wake of profound loss. In today’s episode, part two of o…

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The Costco Sample Tray of Oppression 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

This week on Bad Bets, we dive headfirst into the political circus that is August 2025. From Trump’s suspicious Epstein file cover-up and the unprecedented federal takeover of DC’s police force, to South Park’s pitch-perfect roast of Kristi Noem, JD Vance, and Charlie Kirk, we’re connecting dots the podcast bros hopes you miss. We break down ICE’s …

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267 | Writhing, Wrestling, and Worshiping (Part One) with Chad and Ronni Fellers 40:47

2M ago40:47

40:47

We’re beginning a two-part series today with Chad and Ronni Fellers, who invite us into their story and help us understand what it means to grieve with both faith and honesty. In today’s episode, Chad and Ronni share about their son Paxton, a young man his dad describes as “all gas, no brakes”—his adoption story, his bold and fearless personality, …

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Nick Blaine Deserved Better (And So Does Your Non-AI Wife, Chad) 26:21

2M ago26:21

26:21

This week on Bad Bets, we scream into the dystopian void about Nick Blaine’s unjust downfall in The Handmaid’s Tale, ask why Serena Joy keeps getting girlboss redemption arcs, and argue that June and Nick were mirrors, not moral opposites. Plus, we dive into the weird future of emotionally cheating on your wife with ChatGPT and why Sam Fender is th…

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The Summer I Turned Delusional 25:48

2M ago25:48

25:48

Smart takes. Stupid predictions. You decide which is which. In this inaugural spiral, I unpack why The Summer I Turned Pretty is just Twilight with beach waves and passive-aggression, how Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad accidentally soft-launches a eugenics campaign, and why Trump cheating at golf is the least surprising and most American thing …

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266 | A Lifeline for Bereaved Siblings ... with Bobby Bisterfeldt and Gabby Bisterfeldt 1:28:46

2M ago1:28:46

1:28:46

As bereaved parents, one of the most pressing questions we grapple with is this: How do I help my surviving children? We want to support them well, but sometimes we’re met with silence or withdrawal. It can feel like we’re walking blind through their grief. That’s why I’m so honored—and genuinely excited—to share this episode with you today. In thi…

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265 | Hope Comes to Stay with Clarissa Moll 29:41

2M ago29:41

29:41

I'm so pleased today to be joined by Clarissa Moll—an award-winning writer, podcaster, and author of the bestselling book Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving After Loss. While Clarissa is not a grieving parent, I invited her to the show because of the practical insights she offers about parenting grieving children…

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264 | Blessings for Barrett (Part Two) with Katy Bone 28:58

3M ago28:58

28:58

In this second half of my conversation with Katy Bone, we explore how grief has not only reshaped her life, but also refined her faith and revealed a deeper sense of purpose. Nearly six years after her son Barrett went to heaven, Katy reflects on the ways his short life continues to make an impact. Katy shares how her grief has evolved over time—fr…

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263 | Blessings for Barrett (Part One) with Katy Bone 37:05

3M ago37:05

37:05

In today's episode, I’m joined by my new friend Katy Bone, a wife and mother whose story is marked by both profound loss and enduring hope. In this first part of our conversation, Katy shares the early chapters of her motherhood journey—beginning with the heartbreaking miscarriage of her first son, whom she affectionately nicknamed “Little Bit.” Sh…

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262 | The Empty Chair Endeavor (Part Two) with Greg and Cathy Buffkin 46:06

3M ago46:06

46:06

Welcome back to the second half of my conversation with Greg and Cathy Buffkin. In today's episode, the Buffkins speak directly to the grieving parent—especially the one who has lost a child to suicide and is wondering how to take the next breath, let alone the next step. With transparency and tenderness, they offer hard-won wisdom from their own j…

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261 | The Empty Chair Endeavor (Part One) with Greg and Cathy Buffkin 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

Greg and Cathy Buffkin join me on the podcast today to share the story of their son Ryan—a funny and tenderhearted young man who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. As we get to know Ryan through their memories, we also learn about the hidden struggles he carried and the heartbreaking loss they experienced when he died by suicide in th…

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260 | Desperate Prayers (Part Two) with Rachel Wojo 37:07

3M ago37:07

37:07

Rachel Wojo is my guest once again, and today we shift from her story of parenting her daughter Taylor through a terminal illness to the deeper spiritual lessons that followed her death—lessons about grief, surrender, and the hard, holy work of prayer when God’s answer is “no.” Rachel shares the story behind her latest book, Desperate Prayers, and …

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259 | Desperate Prayers (Part One) with Rachel Wojo 31:31

4M ago31:31

31:31

In this first half of our two-part conversation, author and speaker Rachel Wojo shares her journey with her daughter Taylor, who was diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition. Rachel opens up about the challenges and the joys of parenting a special needs child, walking through divorce and disappointment, and holding onto her faith as Taylor's he…

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258 | Questions About Heaven (Part Two) with Austin DeArmond 41:12

4M ago41:12

41:12

In this second half of our two-part conversation, Austin DeArmond returns to the mic to continue exploring some of the most common myths and misunderstandings people have about heaven—especially those that surface in grief and longing after child loss. Austin brings deep scriptural knowledge and a tender heart shaped by personal experience as a ber…

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257 | Questions About Heaven (Part One) with Austin DeArmond 38:05

4M ago38:05

38:05

My friend, Austin DeArmond, returns to the podcast today to explore some of the most common myths and misconceptions people have about Heaven. As a bereaved Dad, Bible translation consultant, and faithful follower of Christ, Austin brings both personal insight and biblical depth to this important discussion. We talk about questions many of us have …

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256 | Lamenting in the Waiting ... with Josh and Nicole Kingsbury 43:29

4M ago43:29

43:29

As we continue our conversation from the previous episode, Josh and Nicole Kingsbury open up about how they’ve walked through grief as a couple after the loss of their daughter, Amber, to suicide in 2021. They share the early commitment they made to protect their marriage amidst the pain and the ways they’ve learned to communicate through their dif…

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255 | Wrestling in the Waiting ... with Josh and Nicole Kingsbury 39:50

5M ago39:50

39:50

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Josh and Nicole Kingsbury as they shared the beautiful and heartbreaking story of their daughter Amber. A vibrant, creative, and compassionate young girl who loved Jesus, Amber touched the lives of everyone around her. Josh and Nicole reflect on her love for art, her deep bond with her brother, and …

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254 | Sacred Circles with Michael and Peggy Mages 44:50

5M ago44:50

44:50

Welcome to Episode #254, which is a continuation of my conversation with Michael and Peggy Mages. In our last episode, we were introduced to their son Mason—a bold, kindhearted, and faith-filled young man—and the tragic day they lost him in a drowning incident. In this second half, Michael and Peggy open up about life in the aftermath of loss. They…

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253 | An Eternal Hope with Michael and Peggy Mages 51:35

5M ago51:35

51:35

Today, I’m honored to welcome Michael and Peggy Mages to the podcast to share the story of their son, Mason—a deeply thoughtful young man often referred to as an "old soul", who loved everything John Deere and Star Wars, was always prepared with a pair of pliers, and displayed confidence in exactly who God created him to be. In this first half of o…

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252 | See the Good (Part Two) with Brad and Karen Nadolson 42:10

5M ago42:10

42:10

In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Brad and Karen Nadolson continue sharing the story of their daughter Bethany—this time focusing on how life has unfolded in the wake of her homegoing. With honesty and grace, they talk about walking through the earliest days of grief, how their relationship with God has deepened, and the ways they've learn…

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251 | See the Good (Part One) with Brad and Karen Nadolson 38:57

6M ago38:57

38:57

In this first part of a two-part conversation, Brad and Karen Nadolson share the story of their daughter Bethany—a vibrant, faith-filled young woman whose life was defined by compassion, courage, and an unwavering desire to serve others. Listeners will get to know Bethany through her parents’ eyes—from her love of travel and missions, to her selfle…

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250 | Butterflies and Grace (Part Two) with Brian and Danna Mayhall 34:25

6M ago34:25

34:25

Welcome to Episode #250, which is a continuation of my conversation with Brian and Danna Mayhall. Their daughter Amelia went to Heaven in July of 2013 after sustaining a devastating brain injury due to a woman’s deliberate decision to drive the wrong way down the freeway. In last week’s episode, we came to know Amelia’s beautiful and compassionate …

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249 | Butterflies and Grace (Part One) with Brian and Danna Mayhall 41:53

6M ago41:53

41:53

I was honored to sit down with Brian and Danna Mayhall recently, who joined me to share the story of their daughter, Amelia—a young woman whose life was characterized by kindness and compassion. Amelia sustained a devastating injury after a woman made a deliberate choice to drive the wrong way down the freeway and crashed into her car. In today’s e…

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248 | Jeffrey Is With Jesus (Part Two) ... with Jeannie Williams 32:07

6M ago32:07

32:07

Last week I introduced you to my friend Jeannie Williams, and we heard the story of her precocious and compassionate 11-year-old son Jeffrey, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a hotel room in 2013, an incident that left her with permanent after-effects as well. In today's episode, Jeannie shares how grief has impacted her relationships wit…

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247 | Jeffrey is With Jesus (Part One) ... with Jeannie Williams 40:23

6M ago40:23

40:23

Today, I have the privilege of introducing you to Jeannie Williams, a mother, wife, and "retired" homeschool teacher, whose life took an unimaginable turn in June of 2013. Jeannie will share the story of her son, Jeffrey—his kind heart, his love for reading and Lego (with no “S”), and the joy he brought to those around him. She’ll also open up abou…

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Bonus 200 | Finale 5:14

7M ago5:14

5:14

Thank you for joining me for the final bonus episode in this series in which I’ve been sharing our family’s experiences in the last year of our daughter Hannah’s life, which spanned from February 2008 through February 2009. I’ll be completing the series today with a wrap-up about the ministry which developed out of Hannah’s homegoing. As always, my…

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Bonus 199 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 8 ) 4:56

7M ago4:56

4:56

A friend of ours got us connected with an architect who donated his time and drew up a plan for our dream retreat center. The facility would incorporate the existing house, adding a large dining room, a commercial kitchen, and ten private guest rooms, each with its own bathroom. No more bunk beds with creaky plastic mattresses or shared bathrooms! …

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Bonus 198 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 7) 4:00

7M ago4:00

4:00

For three years, we had wonderful bereaved-parent retreats at Family Farm. As awareness began to grow about the ministry via word-of-mouth, internet searches, and our Facebook presence, our waiting lists also began to grow. Even with adding more retreat dates at other locations, we could no longer keep up with the demand for these events. And as wo…

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246 | Nail-Scarred Hands ... with Nanette Klinect 30:55

7M ago30:55

30:55

Last week, we heard the story of Nanette's beautiful daughter Katie’s life and the day everything changed for their family. Today, we continue our conversation, diving into what life has been like in the years since that time. Nanette shares the scriptures that became her anchor, the importance of sound theology, the challenges of navigating siblin…

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Bonus 197 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 6) 4:34

7M ago4:34

4:34

That first bereaved-parent retreat in April of 2011 turned out to be above and beyond all we could have ever asked or imagined. We knew from our experience at the Respite Retreat what God could do when a group of like-minded bereaved parents got together ... but this first While We're Waiting Weekend was such a sweet confirmation of what we believe…

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Bonus 196 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 5) 4:16

7M ago4:16

4:16

Over the next few months, we met frequently to discuss plans and pray about our upcoming retreat for bereaved parents. Several times we drove out to Family Farm and included Stan and Donna May in our planning meetings. Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode in this series in which I’ve been sharing our family’s experiences in the last y…

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Bonus 195 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 4) 4:50

7M ago4:50

4:50

Brad and I returned home from the Respite Retreat still basking in the glow of the new relationships we'd formed, the things we'd learned from spending time with other bereaved parents, and a renewed hope that it was still possible to have joy in life in spite of our great loss. We had a strong sense that God was calling us into a similar type mini…

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Bonus 194 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 3) 6:32

7M ago6:32

6:32

Even though I didn't really want to go, and this thing was way outside my comfort zone, Brad and I signed up for the Respite Retreat scheduled for Labor Day Weekend in September of 2010. We couldn't have known at the time what a profound impact it would have on our lives. Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode in this series in which I’…

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Bonus 193 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 2) 4:24

7M ago4:24

4:24

During the final days of Hannah's life, many people dropped by the hospice center and left books, gifts, food, and other items for our family. These kindnesses were so greatly appreciated. Most of these gifts were accompanied by a card indicating who had given them. But one gift, a book called "Holding On To Hope" by Nancy Guthrie, was accompanied …

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Bonus 192 | The Origin of While We're Waiting (Part 1) 3:16

7M ago3:16

3:16

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode in this series in which I’ve been sharing our family’s experiences in the last year of our daughter Hannah’s life, which spanned from February 2008 through February 2009. This series would not be complete without a discussion of the ministry which developed out of Hannah’s homegoing. If you’ll indu…

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245 | Fractured and Fragmented ... with Nanette Klinect 44:48

7M ago44:48

44:48

Today’s episode features a conversation with my friend Nanette Klinect. We discuss the beautiful and miraculous story of her daughter Katie’s adoption, the tragic accident that changed everything, and the hard and holy privilege she had to walk her home to Heaven. With honesty, faith, and even a touch of humor, Nanette reflects on grief, healing, a…

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Bonus 191 | The Dead in Christ Shall Rise 5:36

7M ago5:36

5:36

There never really was any question where Hannah's body would be buried. There's a beautiful cemetery in Briggsville, Arkansas, where the Sullivan family farm is located. Hannah spent many happy days at the farm ... hunting, riding 4-wheelers, and just hanging out with her cousins. Occasionally, we would stop at that cemetery and visit the graves o…

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Bonus 190 | Celebrating a Life 6:11

7M ago6:11

6:11

Hannah's life was celebrated at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs on this date sixteen years ago. We had two goals for the service -- to honor Hannah's life and to point people to Jesus. I remember stepping into the church building feeling so very raw and exposed. Even though Hannah's death was not a surprise, it was a shock, and I was very much …

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Bonus 189 | Snow Showers and Sweet Hugs 6:17

7M ago6:17

6:17

As I've been looking back through all the emails passing back and forth between the newspaper, our friends and family, the church staff, etc., that went on in those days immediately following Hannah's homegoing, I'm struck by how "together" I appeared to be. My communication skills were intact and I was generally coherent, but I remember none of it…

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Bonus 188 | From Anger to Peace 5:37

7M ago5:37

5:37

Most families don't have the opportunity to prepare for their child's death the way we did. We had known for a year that Hannah's cancer could be fatal, and even though we prayed earnestly for earthly healing, we knew from the beginning that God may choose to heal her in Heaven. And, of course, we eventually reached the point where we knew her deat…

Jill And Chad Podcasts