#233 Recovery After School Shootings and Mass Violence | Life After | WE ARE WITH YOU.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
WE ARE WITH YOU.
Seven days ago, 9/10/25 at 12:24pm (MST), Evergreen was shaken by the tragedy of another school shooting—the 47th in the United States this year. This is unacceptable, and no community should ever have to endure such pain. While this episode is not about the event itself, it focuses on recovery and the difficult journey that follows such trauma.
Joining the conversation are Brandon and Elliot Young, a father and daughter who experienced the 2019 STEM School shooting in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Elliot was in one of the affected classrooms. Rather than retelling the details of that day, this episode explores what comes after—the ongoing path of healing, navigating PTSD, and finding strength to move forward as a family.
Brandon Young is a principal at Applied Leadership Partners, an author, former U.S. Army Ranger, and combat veteran who has built his life around leadership and resilience. His daughter, Elliot Young, a survivor of the STEM School shooting, is now a CU Boulder graduate and marketing professional, pursuing her MBA at Northern Colorado. Together, they share their perspective on life after violence, offering hope, honesty, and the tools to keep going.
This conversation is hosted by Bobby Marshall, Evergreen High School class of 1998 and host of The Mountain Side. Bobby is deeply committed to supporting his community and raising awareness of the families across the United States who are impacted by the epidemic of school shootings and unacceptable acts of mass violence.
This episode is about healing, resilience, and the power of moving forward—even after the darkest moments.
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In the face of unimaginable tragedy, there is strength in vulnerability. In episode #233 of The Mountain Side Podcast, a heartfelt conversation unfolds that resonates deeply with anyone impacted by school shootings or mass violence. This somber discussion reflects on personal experiences, the healing journey, and the importance of community support.
Understanding the Impact The conversation opens with a compelling narrative from individuals directly affected by a school shooting. These voices, including those of Brandon Young and Elli Young, recount their experiences with raw honesty, illuminating the personal and communal impact of such a tragedy. As they share, it's evident that the aftermath extends beyond immediate victims—it ripples through entire communities, shaking the very foundation of everyday safety and security.
Community and Support The power of community shines through as a recurring theme. In the wake of disaster, the support from friends, family, and even strangers becomes a lifeline. It's this outpouring of love and solidarity that offers hope amidst despair. The podcast emphasizes the importance of connection—reminding us that while no one can fully solve or erase the pain of such events, being present for one another can provide immense comfort.
Listening and Validation Listening is a powerful tool in the healing process. The podcast highlights how validating feelings and experiences, rather than trying to fix or rationalize them, creates a safe space for those affected. It’s about offering a listening ear and an open heart—actions that speak volumes in moments when words may falter.
Navigating Media and Information Overload In our media-saturated world, it’s crucial to manage our intake of information during traumatic events. The podcast advises limiting exposure to sensationalized media, which can exacerbate anxiety and fear. Instead, focusing on verified, factual sources, such as official statements from authorities, helps maintain perspective and reduces unnecessary stress.
Moving Forward with Courage Returning to a semblance of normalcy is a gradual process. Re-engaging in daily activities, whether it's attending school or participating in community events, requires courage. The journey involves small, brave steps toward embracing life, enriched by the understanding that it’s okay to feel fear, sadness, and anger—all emotions that deserve recognition.
Finding Strength in Faith and Connection For many, faith becomes a cornerstone of resilience. It provides a framework for understanding the incomprehensible and offers solace in times of turmoil. Moreover, surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family—those who pour love into you—can be transformative. As the podcast guests highlight, finding your tribe is crucial to emotional well-being and healing.
Empathy and Kindness Empathy is a vital ingredient in aiding those who are grieving or in distress. Just as the podcast guests experienced, displaying kindness and understanding towards others fosters a nurturing environment for healing. It’s about acknowledging everyone's unique journey through pain without diminishing or dismissing their experiences.
A Call to Action In light of recent tragedies and knowing that such events may, unfortunately, persist, the podcast serves as a call to action. Communities are encouraged to come together, advocate for mental health support, and proactively engage in safeguarding and empowering those around us.
This episode of The Mountain Side Podcast is a poignant reminder of the collective strength that arises when we stand with those in pain. Through genuine conversation, acknowledgment of emotions, and unwavering support, we can help pave the path to healing—not just for ourselves, but for everyone impacted.
Join the Conversation The podcast, available for free, is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking understanding, connection, and comfort in the wake of tragedy. As a timestamp of collective resilience, it remains a beacon of hope for communities facing the aftermath of violence. Let us be with each other, not just for each other, as we navigate through these challenging times together.