Just for Today Podcast

di Adriana Sansam

Stagione 1

His Dying Wife Reached Out to the Woman He'd Later Marry

Welcome back to the Just for Today podcast, where we dive deep into the uncomfortable with zero filters. I'm your host, Adriana, alongside co-host Kevin, and in this episode we're joined by Cassie and Nick, two people who each lost a spouse to cancer and then, against every odd, found each other. Cassie, a nurse practitioner, lost her high school sweetheart, Cody, to pancreatic cancer just 66 days after his diagnosis, leaving her to raise their four children. Before he died, Cody told her something she could barely stand to hear: that he'd been praying for her future husband. Nick, a Texas head football coach, spent three and a half years fighting alongside his wife, Anna, as breast cancer spread through her body, before losing her and becoming a single dad to their two young daughters. What neither of them knew was that Anna had quietly reached out to Cassie, a stranger at the time, while she was still sick. In this episode, Cassie and Nick share the raw details of their spouses' final days, what it taught them about advocating inside the medical system, and the almost unbelievable chain of events that brought them together, from a single Facebook message to a wedding just months later. They open up about blending a family of six, parenting as a united front while honoring the two people they lost, and facing a community that judged them for "moving on too fast." Most of all, they talk about how grief and joy can live side by side, and why choosing to love again was the most selfless thing they could do. A heads-up that this conversation covers loss, terminal illness, and grief honestly. I hope this one stays with you. Connect with Cassie & Nick ► Instagram: @rebuildingrogers Connect with Adriana ► TikTok: @justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: @justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: @justfortodaypodcast This podcast was produced by Scufd Studio Pvt. Ltd. For permissions, inquiries, or collaboration, please contact hello@scufdstudio.com Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

S1 · E42

11 ago 2026

1:56:28

He Lost His Wife Hours After Their Son Was Born | Aaron's Story

On this episode of Just for Today, Adriana sits down with Aaron, who lost his wife Natalie just ten hours after she gave birth to their first child, Parker, in February. What began as a precautionary hospital visit for lower back pain turned into an emergency C-section, a placental abruption, and internal bleeding the doctors ultimately couldn't stop. Aaron shares the full story: meeting Natalie at church in 2023, their marriage, the pregnancy, and the surreal walk out of the hospital as a new father and widower. He opens up about grieving while raising a newborn, wrestling with anger toward God, learning to let his emotions out for the first time, and the small, unexpected moments that trigger the loss. He also reflects on Natalie's legacy as a beloved teacher, the daily routines he's built so Parker will know his mother's voice, and what he's learned about how to truly show up for someone who's grieving. This is a raw, honest conversation about faith, fatherhood, and finding a way to keep going. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, please reach out to a trusted person or a mental health professional. Connect with Aaron ► Instagram: @_aamartin Connect with Adriana ► TikTok: @justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: @justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: @justfortodaypodcast This podcast was produced by Scufd Studio Pvt. Ltd. For permissions, inquiries, or collaboration, please contact hello@scufdstudio.com Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

S1 · E41

29 lug 2026

57:57

Trauma Therapist Amy on Eating Disorders, GLP-1s, and Healing What's Stored in Your Body

I'm sitting down with Amy - a nutritionist of nearly 25 years and a licensed EMDR trauma therapist who got into this work the hard way, through her own ten-year battle with anorexia. Amy doesn't hold back. She talks about recovering from an eating disorder in the '80s when there was basically no treatment for it, the abuse and constant moving that marked her childhood, and losing her brother to addiction eight years ago. Along the way she drops the kind of ideas that stick with you: that an addiction is usually the solution, not the problem. That there's a 1940s starvation study showing how restricting food can turn a perfectly healthy person anxious, obsessive, and depressed in three months. That so much of what we call willpower or personality — the overspending, the doom-scrolling, the not being able to sit in a quiet room — traces back to a nervous system that never learned how to settle. We also get into parenting: why eating disorders are showing up in kids younger and younger, the small comments that do more damage than you'd think, and why doing your own work is how you stop passing things down. Amy shares her honest take on the whole GLP-1 wave and what it's like helping people come off it, and she rattles off real resources for anyone who can't afford therapy right now — including warm lines you can text from your bed when you just need someone to pick up. It's a real one. Hope you get something from it. Just for today, keep going. This episode touches on eating disorders, addiction, abuse, and grief. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or a local support line. Connect with Amy ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyleifermancounseling/ Connect with Adriana ► TikTok: @justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: @justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: @justfortodaypodcast This podcast was produced by Scufd Studio Pvt. Ltd. For permissions, inquiries, or collaboration, please contact hello@scufdstudio.com Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

S1 · E40

28 lug 2026

1:15:42

They Both Buried Their Spouses — Then Found Each Other | Cassie & Nick Rogers

Cassie and Nick Rogers each buried a spouse — and then found each other. In this episode of Just for Today, Adriana and co-host Kevin sit down with both of them for an honest conversation about grief, faith, blending a family of six kids, and the judgment that comes with finding love again after loss. Cassie's husband Cody — her high school sweetheart and the father of her four children — went from seemingly healthy to a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and passed away just 66 days later. As a nurse practitioner, Cassie carries the weight of having seen his scans before anyone said the word "cancer," and of advocating fiercely when doctors pushed back. Before he died, Cody did something extraordinary: he told her he'd been praying for her future husband — and for the man who would one day help raise their kids. Nick's late wife Anna fought a three-and-a-half-year battle with inflammatory triple-negative breast cancer that spread to her brain, spine, and liver. In one of the most moving parts of their story, it was Anna herself who first reached out to Cassie on social media — months before she passed — asking this young widow to one day be a friend to the family she would leave behind. What unfolds is a raw, faith-driven conversation about: Trusting your gut and advocating inside the medical system Telling your children a parent is dying — and the regrets that linger Why "grief and joy can coexist" The backlash, the lost friendships, and the people who truly showed up How two grieving families became one — and why all six kids now call them Mom and Dad This is an episode about choosing to live again, and the belief that loving again isn't selfish — it's one of the most selfless things you can do. Follow Cassie & Nick: @rebuildingrogers — Content note: This episode discusses terminal illness, the loss of a parent, grief, and accidental overdose. Please take care while listening. If you're struggling, support is available — in the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For grief support, reach out to a local hospice or a licensed grief counselor. — Just for Today is hosted by Adriana Sansam — diving deep into uncomfortable topics with zero filters. New episodes drop regularly. If this one moved you, follow the show and share it with someone who needs it.

S1 · E39

1 lug 2026

2:12:04

What Is EMDR? Two Trauma Therapists Explain the Therapy That's Changing How We Heal

What if a single therapy session could resolve a trauma you've carried for years? In this episode, Adriana sits down with Dina and Julie — two licensed EMDR therapists with over 40 years of combined experience and the team behind EMDR Transformations Counseling in Gilbert, Arizona — to demystify one of the most talked-about and misunderstood trauma treatments out there. They break down what EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) actually is, why trauma gets "stuck" in the brain and body, and how bilateral stimulation helps the logical and emotional sides of the brain finally process what happened — without hypnosis, and while you stay fully awake and in control. They get into why EMDR can work dramatically faster than traditional talk therapy, what it can treat (single-incident trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, phobias, addiction, and more), and what a session actually looks like, including virtual EMDR done from your own home. They also discuss a newer clinical offering in their practice: ketamine-assisted EMDR therapy — what it is and how it's used in a supervised, prescribed setting as part of professional treatment. This portion is educational only and is not medical advice or a recommendation; decisions about any medication or treatment should be made with a licensed medical provider. Plus, a simple grounding technique you can use the next time you feel overwhelmed. Whether you're trauma-curious, considering therapy, or just want to understand how healing actually works in the brain, this conversation makes it click. ⸻ ⚠️ Content & medical disclaimer: This episode discusses trauma, abuse, addiction, and mental health treatment, including ketamine-assisted therapy in a clinical context. It is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not an endorsement or promotion of any medication or treatment. Always consult a licensed medical or mental health professional about your own care. 💛 Mental health support: • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (free, confidential, 24/7, US) • SAMHSA National Helpline (free, confidential treatment referrals) — 1-800-662-4357 • Find a licensed EMDR therapist — emdria.org Outside the US? Find your local helpline at findahelpline.com. ⸻ About the guests Dina and Julie are licensed EMDR therapists and the team behind EMDR Transformations Counseling, LLC in Gilbert, AZ, specializing in EMDR therapy. Follow them: @emdrinaz · emdrtransformationscounseling.com Follow Just for Today: [@justfortodaypodcast] Host: Adriana Sansam [@adrianasansam] New episodes every [day]. If these conversations help you, please like, share, and subscribe — and don't forget: just for today, keep going. 💛

S1 · E38

24 giu 2026

1:08:25

"Diagnosed Saturday. Gone Monday." A Young Widow's Story

Annie (@annieafter_) met Zach doing summer sales in California and married fast, the way you do when you just know. He was 26 and healthy — until sudden symptoms led to a rare, aggressive cancer diagnosis. The doctor said it was "95% curable." Two days later, Annie was a widow. In this episode, Annie shares the timeline most people never hear: the hospital, the moment she watched his heart rate fall when she hugged him, the question he asked her on the way to chemo, the phone she spent six months unlocking after he died, and why she refuses to "get over" her grief — because her grief is just her love for Zach. Heavy, honest, and at moments even funny, because that's the reality of grief. Content note: This episode discusses terminal illness, sudden death, and grief, and includes some strong language. Please listen with care. If you're struggling, you're not alone: • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (US, 24/7) • Modern Widows Club — modernwidowsclub.org • Soaring Spirits International — soaringspirits.org Outside the US: findahelpline.com Follow the show: @justfortodaypodcast Host: Adriana Sansam @adrianasansam

S1 · E36

10 giu 2026

1:12:18

"I Felt His Last Breath": Kelle's Story of Grief, Addiction, Recovery & Placing Her Son for Adoption

Esplicito

In this raw and unforgettable episode of the Just For Today Podcast, host Adriana Sansam sits down with Kelle Bott for one of the most emotional conversations of the season — a story of grief, alcohol addiction, recovery, and a mother's love that defies words. Kelle was just 18 when she lost her father, Jared, after he was hospitalized with pneumonia and put on a ventilator. She shares the harrowing details of being by his side as her family made the impossible decision to let him go — and how the day she felt his last breath, a piece of her "died with him." What followed was a two-year battle with alcohol addiction that nearly killed her. Kelle opens up with zero filter about drinking to numb her grief, life-threatening alcohol withdrawals, being wrongly discharged from treatment, hitting rock bottom, and the moment she finally surrendered and checked into detox and residential treatment at 20 years old. She explains the difference between numbing pain and actually grieving, why she calls herself "clean" rather than an addict, and how she learned to grieve experiences she'll never get back. In the second half, Kelle bravely shares her adoption journey — discovering she was pregnant just before one year clean, choosing to place her son for adoption, and finding the family that felt "meant to be." She named her baby after her late father, and the open adoption she describes is a heartbreaking, beautiful testament to selfless love. This episode covers: Losing a parent young and anticipatory vs. sudden grief How unresolved grief can lead to alcohol addiction What alcohol withdrawal and detox are really like (and why they can be deadly) The road through residential treatment, surrender, and self-forgiveness Breaking the stigma around addiction: "Why don't they just stop?" Choosing open adoption and parenting from a place of love Finding hope at the lowest of lows Whether you're navigating grief, supporting a loved one through addiction, in recovery yourself, or considering adoption, Kelle's story is a powerful reminder that the dark days end — and that "everything happens for you, not to you." 🎙️ Hosted by @AdrianaSansam CONNECT WITH US: ► TikTok: justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justfortoday-podcastI f you want to continue to be part of these conversations, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe — and remember, just for today, keep going. ⚠️ Content Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics that may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners, including addiction, substance abuse, death, mental health struggles, and trauma. The stories shared are personal experiences intended for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional counseling or treatment. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available through SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

S1 · E35

3 giu 2026

1:17:42

Her Husband Died 5 Weeks After She Gave Birth | EP 34 | Just for Today Podcast

Esplicito

In this deeply emotional episode of the Just for Today Podcast, Adriana sits down with Maddie Davidson, a young widow, mother of two little boys, and woman of faith, who lost her husband Austin in the most unimaginable way. Austin was a wildland firefighter, a duck-hunting jokester, and the love of Maddie's life for almost ten years. Then, just five and a half weeks after their second son was born, a freak bee attack at work triggered a massive heart attack that took him in seconds. One moment he was teasing her in the living room. The next, she was performing CPR on her bathroom floor. This conversation is raw, faith-filled, and unflinchingly honest about what sudden loss really looks like when you're young, in love, and holding a newborn. Connect with Maddie ► Instagram: @maddscott13 Connect with Adriana ► TikTok: @justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: @justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: @justfortodaypodcast This podcast was produced by Scufd Studio Pvt. Ltd. For permissions, inquiries, or collaboration, please contact hello@scufdstudio.com Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

S1 · E34

27 mag 2026

1:04:30

How Mushrooms, Ketamine, and AI Therapy Saved My Life | EP 33 | Just for Today Podcast

In this episode, Adriana sits down with Marilyn, a nurse she met during her time at a ketamine clinic. Marilyn shares her deeply raw and ongoing journey of healing from profound childhood trauma, which included domestic violence and sexual abuse. She opens up about the struggles of her early life, fleeing across the country to escape her abusive father, and later falling into a highly controlling religion that eventually kicked her out. This conversation dives into the realities of living with complex PTSD and battling suicidal ideation. Marilyn bravely recounts her suicide attempts and the miraculous moment a microdose of mushrooms stopped her from taking her own life. She also discusses how ketamine therapy ultimately cured her suicidal thoughts and shifted her entire worldview. Connect with Adriana ► TikTok: @justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: @justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: @justfortodaypodcast This podcast was produced by Scufd Studio Pvt. Ltd. For permissions, inquiries, or collaboration, please contact hello@scufdstudio.com Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

S1 · E33

29 apr 2026

1:15:13

The Secret That Broke Me: Surviving Childhood Abuse & Addiction | EP 32 | Just for Today Podcast

In this deeply emotional episode of the Just For Today podcast , Adriana sits down with Daniel Goulding from Echoes Church for an unfiltered conversation about trauma, addiction, and redemption. Daniel bravely opens up about the childhood abuse that derailed his life at just 9 or 10 years old. He explains how carrying that heavy secret pushed him into a dark spiral of manipulation , living a completely fake life , and battling a severe cocaine addiction. He recounts his terrifying rock-bottom moment in a bathroom with a weapon , and the unexplainable wave of peace that ultimately saved his life. Adriana also shares her own heartbreaking vulnerability, discussing the tragic loss of her husband Eric to an overdose and the unexpected peace she felt when seeing him at the funeral home, knowing his suffering was finally over. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of parenting after experiencing severe trauma. Daniel explains his strict rule against childhood sleepovers to protect his kids , and they both discuss the absolute necessity of bringing dark secrets into the light to break their power. Connect with Daniel ► Instagram: @danielmgoulding Connect with Adriana ► TikTok: @justfortodaypodcast ► Instagram: @justfortodaypodcast ► YouTube: @justfortodaypodcast This podcast was produced by Scufd Studio Pvt. Ltd. For permissions, inquiries, or collaboration, please contact hello@scufdstudio.com Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

S1 · E32

22 apr 2026

1:08:54

1 di 5