What Grief Looks Like After Losing a Son to Fentanyl | EP 29 | Just for Today Podcast

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

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-podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@justfortoday-podcast]I 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)

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

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 [hello@scufdstudio.com] Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

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 [hello@scufdstudio.com] Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

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 [hello@scufdstudio.com] Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.

Why We Can't "Just Stop": The Real Science of Trauma and Addiction | EP 31 | Just for Today Podcast

In this episode of the Just For Today podcast, Adriana sits down with Dr. Storage, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, to explore the deep connections between grief, trauma, and addiction. Adriana shares her personal journey of navigating the loss of her husband Eric and raising three young, grieving children. Dr. Storage explains that mental health is physical brain health, breaking down how emotionally traumatic experiences can literally alter blood flow and activity in the brain. This conversation dives deep into: - The reality that trauma gets locked into the brain at the specific developmental age at which it occurred. - Why children often experience and display grief as behavioral changes, anger, or developmental regression rather than just sadness. - The science behind addiction, explaining how substances hijack the brain's dopamine system, causing individuals to chase a feeling of normalcy rather than a high. - Why treating addiction requires addressing underlying root causes, such as unprocessed trauma or untreated ADHD. - Practical parenting advice for helping grieving or frustrated children, emphasizing the concept of connection over correction. - Three foundational pillars for protecting and healing your brain: sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Connect with Dr. Steven Storage ► Instagram: @drstevenstorage 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 [hello@scufdstudio.com] Like and subscribe if this episode gave you chills, changed your perspective, or brought you comfort.