Caregiving changes every part of your life—and it's a role millions of people take on without ever being prepared for it.

In this episode of Saucy Not Bossy,  @shannaferrigno sits down with @JesseBrisendine to discuss what it was like becoming the primary caregiver for his partner, Amanda, after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Jesse shares the realities of caregiving that often go unseen: the emotional weight, the physical exhaustion, the uncertainty, and the challenge of supporting someone you love while trying not to lose yourself in the process.

What makes Jesse's story so powerful isn't that he ignores the hardship—it's that he chooses to meet it with perspective, purpose, and gratitude. Throughout Amanda's journey, he remained committed to finding joy in the moments they still had together, offering a refreshing and deeply human outlook on resilience, hope, and what it means to truly show up for another person.

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 U.S. adults is an unpaid caregiver, and research shows that one-third of people caring for a spouse or partner report that caregiving has negatively affected their own health. Yet caregivers are often the invisible patients, carrying immense emotional and physical burdens while putting their own needs aside.

Whether you're caring for a loved one with cancer, navigating a serious illness, supporting a partner through a difficult diagnosis, or simply looking for inspiration on how to face life's hardest seasons, this conversation offers practical insight, honesty, and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

– What it's really like to care for a partner with glioblastoma
– The emotional and mental health impact of caregiving
– How caregiving affects relationships and identity
– Finding hope and purpose during life's most difficult moments
– Why resilience isn't about staying positive—it's about choosing how you respond 
– Lessons on love, loss, and living fully

More About Jesse:

Jesse Brisendine is an award-winning speaker, strategic coach, and trusted advisor to Hollywood icons, Members of the Forbes ”Wealthiest” list, and everyday humans navigating life’s biggest transitions.

Jesse is an adoring cat dad, life long fan of professional wrestling, and devoted seeker of silver linings.

He is well known for his powerful TEDx talk, “Grief is Not a Life Sentence,” and for helping people uncover what matters most so they can build lives rooted in purpose, meaning, and intentional action.

Links to Jesse: 

TED TALK | www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCMnjXPdos
Website | www.jessebrisendine.com/
Facebook | www.facebook.com/jessebrisendine/
Twitter | @JesseBris
You Tube | JesseBrisendine
Instagram | @jessebrisendine
LinkedIn | jessebrisendine

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear that caregivers deserve support, too.

If Jesse and Amanda's story touched you and you'd like to support their journey, please consider making a donation to help Amanda access life-extending cancer treatment.

Support Jesse & Amanda's GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-amanda-access-life-extending-cancer-treatment-overseas/

Every share and contribution makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for supporting these incredible humans.

WHERE TO LISTEN:
Spotify: @SaucyNotBossy  
Apple: @SaucyNotBossy

More About Shanna + SNB:

Saucy Not Bossy—where real talk meets bold flavor! Get ready for a podcast that’s unapologetically honest and packed with unfiltered conversations. 

Hosted by Shanna Ferrigno — mental health advocate, behavioral coach, and wellness trainer — this podcast opens up honest, thought-provoking conversations with experts who go beyond the surface limitations of conventional medicine. Each episode invites listeners into a space of reflection and offers empowering insights to navigate life with greater clarity and purpose.
 
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a community where we celebrate growth, share stories, and lift each other up. Whether you’re craving fresh perspectives or some extra motivation, tune in for expert insights, life-changing strategies, and plenty of flavor to spice up your life!

Follow Shanna's personal channels as well: 
IG| @shannaferrigno  + IG| @Saucy.Not.Bossy 
FB| https://www.facebook.com/shannafitness
Website: https://www.shanna-ferrigno.com

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