When Fate Strikes Twice (S1 -E10 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

Guest: Sandi Pleeter

Episode Overview:

This episode features the incredible story of Sandi Pleeter, who recounts how her life changed in an instant when her husband suffered a massive stroke at age 36. From emergency hospital visits and years of rehabilitation to the impact on her children and her own personal and professional journey, Sandi describes in detail the ripple effects of trauma. Later, she opens up about finding love again, only for tragedy to strike a second time when her partner Alan passed away suddenly. Together with host Kathryn Lancioni, Sandi explores the realities of grief, single motherhood, personal growth, and the power of community support. Listeners are left with practical wisdom for getting back up—again and again—no matter what life throws their way.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Life Can Change Instantly—And No One is Immune:

Sandi Pleeter shares how routine moments can become unexpected turning points, like her husband’s stroke on a normal morning. Her story is a stark reminder that none of us are exempt from sudden upheaval. Rather than feeling entitled to an easy path, she encourages embracing life’s unpredictability and approaching it with acceptance and flexibility.

2. Resilience Is Rooted in Adaptation, Not Perfection:

After tragedy, Sandi had to shift into “survival mode”: single-handedly managing parenting, finances, and her own career. She describes how surviving is not about always thriving or putting on a brave face; it’s about doing what you can each day, seeking help, letting go of the need for perfection, and finding gratitude in small victories like a walk in the mall or a shared meal.

3. Community Support Matters—Receiving Is as Powerful as Giving:

The outpouring of practical help—from casseroles to pizza deliveries organized by neighbors—was life-changing for Sandi and her family. The episode highlights how being willing to receive help is vital in times of need, and how those moments of generosity can fundamentally shift our understanding of service, empathy, and connection to others.

4. Grief and Growth Coexist—Pain Can Fuel Personal Transformation:

Sandi’s journey through loss, both with her husband and later her partner Alan, reveals how each gut punch brings a perspective shift and opportunity for deeper growth. She admits to the long-lasting effects of trauma—including hypervigilance and fear for her children—but also how facing pain head-on can cultivate new strengths, career paths, and appreciation for the present.

5. Honesty and Vulnerability Are Essential in Healing:

Throughout the episode, both Sandi and Kathryn Lancioni emphasize the need for honest conversations, rather than the filtered “good, great, awesome” society often expects. Sharing unfiltered realities about hardship allows for meaningful connection, reduces isolation, and helps normalize the fact that setbacks and disappointments are part of every human experience.

If you or someone you know is facing tough times, you’re not alone. Tune in for a real conversation on how we pick ourselves back up—even when the waves keep coming.

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.