The Survivors Podcast
The Survivors Podcast is hosted by Lisa Sugarman, a suicide loss survivor, author, crisis counselor, and mental health advocate, alongside Natasha J. Layton, a multiple suicide attempt and loss survivor, advocate, sexual abuse survivor, and former FLDS polygamy cult member. They explore suicide, survival, trauma, grief, abuse, and mental illness through raw, unfiltered conversations. The show aims to change how people talk about these subjects by offering honesty, hope, and humanity. It creates a stigma-free space where difficult stories are shared with compassion and vulnerability. Listeners are invited to reflect, connect, and heal while considering how life after darkness can still hold meaning and hope.
Episodes
Family Secrets, Donor DNA & 1,000 Siblings: Lee Freeman’s Extraordinary Story
*WARNING: This podcast mentions sexual abuse, CPTSD & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
UK-based psychotherapist Lee Freeman shares his story of surviving childhood abuse, being diagnosed with CPTSD, and the life‑shifting discovery that he was donor‑conceived with over 1,000 biological half‑siblings.
This emotional conversation explores family secrets, reclaiming identity, buildi
Leaving the FLDS: Ange Johnson on Marriage, Escape, and Rebuilding (Part 2)
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In part two of our conversation with Ange Johnson, Ange continues her story about leaving the FLDS polygamist community, the unexpected reunion with her teenage husband after a year apart, navigating early parenthood, finding sobriety and a career in labor and delivery, and using her voice to help others
Child Bride at 16: Ange Johnson’s FLDS Story (Part 1)
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
This week we're sharing part one of a two-part conversation with Ange Johnson. Ange, raised in the FLDS polygamous cult and married as a child bride, shares how she was raised, the beliefs that shaped her, the arranged marriage and unusual laundromat legal ceremony, and the early steps toward questioning
Turning Grief into Purpose: Jake & Joe Sharp on Loss, Shame, and Advocacy
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
This week on The Survivors, Lisa & Natasha continue their conversation with Jake and Joe Sharp about the 2020 suicide of their brother Sam and how they channeled their grief into advocacy, mental health work, and a fitness-focused platform, jduofit.
The episode covers shame, men's mental health, thera
Jake & Joe Sharp Remember Their Brother Sam: Part 1 of Life, Loss & Suicide
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
Part one of a two-part conversation with twins Jake and Joe Sharp about losing their 16-year-old brother Sam to suicide. They focus on who Sam was—his humor, kindness, athleticism, and faith—and share the shock, confusion, and enduring grief their family experienced.
The episode explores sibling loss, the
Season 6 Launch: A Raw Conversation for Suicide Prevention Month
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
Lisa & Natasha kick off Season 6 during Suicide Prevention Month with a candid, real-time conversation about lived experience—suicide attempts, multiple losses, childhood trauma, and the daily reality of mental health. And Natasha shares recent suicidal thoughts, and the episode models h
The Survivors Season 5 Recap: 14 Stories of Survival, Resilience & Hope
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
Season Five of The Survivors took us into some of the hardest, most honest conversations we’ve had yet.
Across 14 episodes, we talked about what happens after someone says “I’m fine.” We explored how our identities change after life changes us, what it means to live with suicide loss, grief as it’s
The Conversation After “I’m Fine” — How to Help Someone in Crisis
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In the final regular episode of Season Five of The Survivors, we’re talking about what happens after someone says, “I’m fine.”
Because when you have a feeling they’re not fine, the most important part of the conversation may be what comes next.
How do you move beyond “I’m fine” and create enough space for
Silent Killer: A Christmas Tragedy and One Man’s Fight to Save Others
*WARNING: This podcast mentions grief, loss & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, guest Wes Bruns recounts the 1992 carbon monoxide poisoning that killed 4 of his family members and left him critically ill.
He shares waking from a 5-day coma, coping with survivor guilt, rebuilding his life, coaching and family, and turning his experience into advocacy and a memoir
She Got Out. Then Her Story Went Viral: Beany Trapani on Breaking Free From Abuse
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse, domestic violence & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
After 10 years in an abusive relationship, Beany Trapani found the strength to get out, start over, and rebuild a life that felt like her own again. But what happened next was something she never expected: she began sharing her story online, her content went viral, and tho
Groomed and Gaslit: One Woman's Decade of Survival
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse, domestic abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
What happens when you finally escape an abusive relationship—only to find yourself facing cancer in the middle of rebuilding your life? In this episode of The Survivors, we sit down with Beany Trapani, founder of Breakthroughs With Beany, to talk about leaving a 10-year abusi
Inside Inpatient: One Woman’s Journey from Crisis to Hope
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Survivors, Lisa & Natasha sit down with influencer and mental health advocate Jessica Shaker about her mental health journey, including her experiences with anxiety, depression, and inpatient care. Jessica shares her story of reaching a breaking point, the challenges she faced i
From Darkness to Advocacy: A Wife’s Journey After Suicide Loss
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
After losing her husband Sean to suicide, Reshma Kearney found herself navigating unimaginable grief while helping her children make sense of a loss that changed everything.
In this episode of The Survivors, Reshma shares Sean's story, the mental health struggles he faced, and the lasting impact his death has had on t
Surviving Estrangement: Choosing Yourself Over a Toxic Family
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
Family estrangement is one of the most painful forms of grief because it asks us to mourn people who are still alive. In this deeply personal episode of The Survivors, Lisa and Natasha explore the complicated reality of walking away from relationships that have caused lasting harm. Through t
Hot Flashes & Hormones: Real Talk on Surviving Perimenopause & Menopause
Episode Summary
This episode of The Survivors dives into surviving perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause through candid personal stories. Lisa and Natasha cover commonly missed symptoms—sleep disruption, brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, urinary changes, and surprising signs like itchy ears—plus conversations about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), treatment access, and self-advocacy wit
Invisible Grief: When the World Keeps Spinning After Loss
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Survivors, we explore what it feels like to carry the invisible weight of loss while the rest of the world keeps moving around you. Whether you're grieving the death of a loved one, navigating a life-changing loss, or supporting someone through one of the hardest seaso
A Reflection on Pride Month: Coming Out, Living Authentically & Finding Your People
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the themes of Pride Month, identity, and authenticity. They talk candidly about the significance of coming out, the essence of pride, and the evolution of personal identities.
This poignant episode emphasizes the importance of representation wit
A Mother’s Loss Part 2 — Finding Purpose After the Unthinkable with Alli Skrbek
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, the loss of a child & substance abuse and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with suicide loss survivor and mental health advocate Alli Skrbek, we continue exploring what it means to live, parent, grieve, and heal after the loss of a child.
Just over a year ago, Alli's oldest son, Alex, died by suicide. In the af
A Mother's Story Part 1: Alli Skrbek Talks About Her Son's Suicide
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In part one of our two-part conversation with mental health advocate, influencer, and mom Alli Skrbek, Alli shares her heartbreaking journey of losing her oldest son Alex to suicide, exploring his life, his struggles with depression and alcohol and drugs, and the tragic circumstances leading
When the Old You Dies: Navigating Identity After Loss
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
This episode of The Survivors explores how major losses and life changes — from suicide and family death to coming out and leaving a polygamous cult — reshape who we are. Hosts share personal stories about identity shifts, isolation, grief, and the hard work of finding new communities and me
When 'I'm Fine' is a Lie: The Burden of Polite Answers
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa & Natasha explore the dangers of the automatic response "I'm fine," and how trauma reshapes honesty in everyday conversations, and practical ways to ask and answer "How are you?" with authenticity and care.
They discuss coping mechanisms like humor, the role of crisi
Season 4 Recap: Real Stories, Raw Survival
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In the Season 4 Recap, Lisa & Natasha blast through the season’s standout moments — from compound grief to breaking mental health taboos, body-centered trauma, women and suicide, and powerful guest interviews with family members and long-time friends.
We also mark personal milestones: ho
Mental Health Awareness Month: When Awareness Isn't Enough
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Lisa and Natasha explore the realities of mental health, the stigma around seeking help, and practical ways to support those in crisis.
They share personal stories, debunk myths about crisis hotlines, and emphasize the importance of honest conversations and action
When Mother's Day Hurts: No Contact, Trauma, and Reclaiming Joy
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this week's episode of The Survivors, Natasha & Lisa explore the complex emotions of Mother's Day — one celebrating a close relationship with her mother, the other navigating no contact after a polygamous, abusive family upbringing. They talk candidly about grief, boundaries, healing,
Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss — Lisa's New Book Drops Everywhere
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Survivors, we celebrate Lisa’s long-awaited book launch, Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books).
Lisa reveals learning decades later that her father died by suicide, and describes how writing the memoir—now featuring her mother's voice and a built-
When Grief Rewires You: Surviving After the Unthinkable
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode Lisa & Natasha talk about how grief permanently rewires who we are — how loss changes identity, priorities, and relationships. The hosts share personal stories of multiple suicide losses, how friendships shifted, and what it feels like to carry grief day to day.
They offe
Surviving the Scale: From 300+ Pounds to a New Life
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Natasha shares her journey from severe obesity to losing over 100 pounds, examining how childhood trauma, medications, stress, and coping behaviors shaped her body and mental health.
Lisa & Natasha discuss treatment options (including GLP‑1 medications), the role of ther
Surviving Loss & Addiction: From Tragedy to 40 Years of Recovery
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa's lifelong friend Caleb Powers recounts losing his father in the 1983 sinking of the SS Marine Electric—a tragedy he narrowly escaped—how that loss fueled teenage drinking and drug use, led to rehab, and eventually became the catalyst for decades of sobriety, healing, a
The Night the SS Marine Electric Sank: A Survivor's Story
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa speaks with her lifelong friend Caleb Powers as he tells, for the first time publicly, the story of the SS Marine Electric sinking on February 12, 1983 and his father being lost at sea. Caleb recounts the phone call that changed everything, his father Richard Powers' ro
I Thought My Dad Died of a Heart Attack — The Truth Changed Everything
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In Part 2 of their deeply emotional conversation with her mother Sandy, Lisa and her mom reflect on a story their family carried quietly for decades. Together, they revisit the painful moment when Lisa’s father died by suicide and the decision Sandy made in the late 1970s to tell her young d
The Secret He Left Behind: My Mom Finally Speaks
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
When Lisa was 10 her mother told her her father had died of a heart attack; 35 years later she discovered the truth — he died by suicide. In this episode Lisa and Natasha sit down with Lisa's 87-year-old mother, Sandy, to talk for the first time on the pod about loss, secrecy, and the silenc
Invisible Labor, Invisible Pain: Mothers, Burnout, and Suicide
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha dive into the complexities of women's mental health, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked issues of suicide rates among women, the invisible emotional labor of caregiving, and the societal pressures that contribute to burnout and anxiety.
They
When Stress Shows Up: Mental Health, Isolation & the Power of Vulnerability
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the themes of mental health, vulnerability, and the impact of stress and isolation. They discuss the importance of sharing our struggles, the role of humor as a coping mechanism, and the necessity of listening to our bodies.
The conversation emp
Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud: When Survival Feels Heavy
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha delve into the complexities of mental health, exploring themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the importance of communication.
Natasha shares her real-time struggle with depression and self-isolation, emphasizing the need for open dialogue a
Compound Grief: When Loss Keeps Piling On
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of compound grief and the layers of trauma that we all face in today's world. They discuss the importance of acknowledging personal and collective grief, the impact of external stressors, and the necessity of setting boundaries
When the World Feels Too Heavy: Surviving Collective Grief
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In the Season 4 kick-off episode of The Survivors, Lisa and Natasha get candid about the overwhelming emotional weight of current global events, the importance of personal boundaries, and the need for self-preservation amidst collective grief.
They explore how political and social divisions
Season 3 Finale: Raw Confessions & Hard-Won Hope
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this reflective episode, Lisa and Natasha recap the emotional journey of Season 3 of The Survivors. They reflect on their origin stories, the various types of trauma and survival stories shared throughout the season, and the importance of storytelling in healing. The conversation touches
When Life Doesn’t Turn Out the Way You Expected: Mourning the Life You Expected
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and the unexpected paths life can take. They reflect on their personal experiences of having a child move abroad, the impact of toxic family cycles, and the importance of gratitude and presence in navi
Permission to Feel: Finding Joy After Trauma
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa and Natasha explore the complex relationship between grief and joy, particularly after experiencing trauma and loss. They talk openly about the feelings of guilt that often accompany moments of happiness following a loss, and how individuals can navigate these emotions.
January Burnout: Surviving the Post-Holiday Crash
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J. Layton discuss the emotional and mental toll of post-holiday burnout, reflecting on how the transition into the new year can feel overwhelming. They explore the importance of recognizing burnout, the power of intentions and words, and the ne
Parenting Through Grief: How to Show Up When You’re Shattered
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting while grieving, exploring personal experiences of loss and the impact on family dynamics. Lisa & Natasha share their stories of navigating grief, the importance of vulnerability, and how to teach children about emotions and loss
Grief During the Holidays: Carrying Loss, Guilt, and Hope Into the New Year
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of navigating grief during the holiday season, particularly as we enter the New Year. They discuss the emotional challenges of celebrating while mourning loved ones, the guilt that can accompany joy, and the importance
Surviving the Financial Stress of the Holidays
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J Layton discuss the various pressures surrounding the holiday season, particularly focusing on the financial burdens that many families face.
They explore the emotional toll of trying to keep up with societal expectations, the importance of cr
Life Inside the FLDS: Growing Up in the Polygamy Cult When Your Uncle is Warren Jeffs
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J Layton delve into Natasha's experiences growing up in the FLDS, a polygamous cult. They discuss the unique dynamics of her family life, the influence of Warren Jeffs, and the emotional climate of the community. Natasha shares personal anecdot
When Holidays Hurt: Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Surviving
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of navigating the holiday season, particularly for those dealing with grief and mental health challenges. They discuss the societal pressures to appear joyful, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the imp
Surviving Family Abuse: Challenges and Healing
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa and Natasha discuss the complexities of family abuse, particularly within polygamous communities.
Natasha shares her personal experiences growing up in the FLDS polygamy cult as the niece of Warren Jeffs, highlighting the hidden abuse and the pressure to maintain a faca
Grieving During the Holidays: How to Navigate Thanksgiving After Loss
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & grief and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In anticipation of Thanksgiving, Lisa and Natasha dive into the complicated intersection of grief and gratitude during the holiday season—especially around the holidays, when the world feels hyper-focused on joy, family, and celebration.
They talk openly about how the pressure to “be grateful” can feel alm
Surviving Sexual Abuse: The Hidden Reality Behind Closed Doors
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa and Natasha sit down for one of the most honest and emotionally layered conversations of the season as they explore what it really means to survive childhood sexual abuse. Natasha opens up about her experience as a survivor of childhood abuse — how it shaped her sense o
Choosing Life: Natasha’s Story Part 2 — What Survival Really Looks Like After Trauma
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this deeply moving episode, the hosts discuss the raw realities of survival after trauma, focusing on Natasha's experiences with suicide attempts and the profound impact of losing five brothers to suicide. The conversation explores the complexities of grief, the importance of support, and t
Surviving the Unthinkable: Natasha’s Story of Suicide Loss, Abuse, and Life After the FLDS
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Survivors, Lisa Sugarman introduces her new co-host Natasha J. Layton, who shares her harrowing story of sexual abuse, religious trauma, domestic abuse, and survival after growing up in the FLDS cult as the niece of Warren Jeffs. Natasha recounts her experiences of chi
The Survivors Season 3 Premiere with Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton: A New Chapter of Survival
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In Episode 1 of Season 3, Lisa is joined by Natasha J. Layton, the new cohost of The Survivors. And together, they explore their shared experiences with suicide, grief, and childhood trauma and the profound impact of loss.
The niece of Warren Jeffs, incarcerated prophet of the polygamy cult
The Survivors Podcast Season 2 Recap: Powerful Stories of Suicide Loss, Healing & Resilience
This week, Lisa and Gretchen reflect on the journey through Season 2—15 powerful episodes filled with grief, advocacy, healing, and raw conversations around suicide, mental health, and support. From language shifts and identity to rituals and support systems, this finale is a heartfelt recap of the stories and lessons that have shaped this season.
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A video ve
Caregiver Burnout: How To Support Others Without Losing Ourselves
In this episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen get candid about caregiver burnout—the exhaustion, guilt, and compassion fatigue that often accompany supporting others. Together, they explore personal stories, lessons learned, and practical ways to take care of yourself while caring for someone else.
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A video version of this episode is available h
Social Media, Suicide Prevention & Mental Health
In this powerful episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the complex relationship between social media and suicide prevention. From uplifting connections to harmful comparisons, they explore how our digital spaces can either support or sabotage mental health.
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A video version of this episode is available here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastC
World Suicide Prevention Day: Global Solutions & Local Actions to Save Lives
In this moving episode released on World Suicide Prevention Day, Gretchen and Lisa open up about the global crisis of suicide and its far-reaching ripple effects on families, communities, and cultures. Together, they share survivor stories, lessons from around the world, and practical ways we can each be part of prevention and healing.
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A video version of
National Suicide Prevention Month: Awareness, Action & the Power of Connection
In this candid episode, Lisa and Gretchen reunite to mark National Suicide Prevention Month with an unfiltered conversation about the realities of mental health struggles. Together, they explore the power of connection, the critical importance of vulnerability, and how small acts, like a text, a call, or asking “How are you really?”—can literally save a life.
Episode Description:
In honor of
Creating Rituals After Suicide Loss: How Daily Habits Can Ground Us in Grief
In this heartfelt episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen explore how rituals help us stay connected after suicide loss. Together, they share personal practices, lessons learned, and ways to honor loved ones while continuing to heal.
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A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
How Therapy & Support Groups Help Heal After Suicide Loss
This episode dives into the transformative power of therapy and support groups when navigating the grief of suicide loss or surviving a suicide attempt. Hosts Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser open up about their personal experiences and highlight the safe, accessible mental health resources that help us keep moving forward—even on our hardest days.
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National Wellness Month & Grief: Tiny Habits for Lasting Strength
In this heartfelt episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen delve into the simple yet powerful wellness habits that keep us grounded, especially when life feels overwhelming. From gratitude practices and breathing techniques to setting boundaries and rediscovering joy, they share practical, achievable ways to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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Survivor Guilt After Suicide Loss: How to Reframe, Heal, and Let Go
In this raw and emotional episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the deep and often misunderstood feeling of guilt that follows suicide loss and suicide attempts. Through vulnerable storytelling and insight, they show how guilt can be reframed into grace, healing, and renewed strength.
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A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtub
The Hidden Trauma of Suicide Secrecy: Grieving in Reverse and Finding Truth
What happens when the truth about a loved one’s suicide is revealed decades later? In this profoundly moving episode, Lisa opens up about her own story of “grieving in reverse” after learning that her father's death wasn’t what she had believed for 35 years.
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The Emotional Toll of Suicide Loss: What No One Talks About
In this powerful episode of The Survivors, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the complex, emotional aftermath of losing someone to suicide. They speak from personal experience—offering raw insight, practical support, and the crucial reminder that healing begins with conversation.
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A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivor
Bonus Episode: Creating Community from Loss – Our First Face-to-Face Conversation
This bonus episode marks a major milestone—our very first time recording together in person!
We open up about trauma, healing, advocacy, and how one unexpected connection turned into a powerful, life-changing friendship.
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When Grief and Joy Coexist: Surviving Milestones After Loss
In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and Gretchen talk candidly about how milestone days like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays impact those living with grief, especially suicide loss survivors. Through laughter, tears, and lived experience, they offer real-life tools, comfort, and hope for navigating the pain of remembrance while keeping the love alive.
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The Silent Crisis at Work: Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide & Mental Health Struggles
Suicide and mental health in the workplace are still taboo topics—until now. In this powerful and deeply human episode, Lisa and Gretchen break down why silence can be deadly and how one conversation might save a life.
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https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUbB.
Why We Need To Stop Saying 'Committed Suicide': Changing the Language of Mental Health
Words have power, and in the world of mental health, language can either be a bridge or a barrier. In this raw and vital episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack why it's time to retire the phrase "committed suicide" and explore how compassionate language can shift stigma, empower survivors, and spark much-needed change.
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A video version of this episode is available
Saving LGBTQ+ Lives: Why The Trevor Project Matters More Than Ever
This powerful Pride Month episode dives deep into the lifesaving work of The Trevor Project. Hosts Lisa and Gretchen get real about crisis support for LGBTQ youth, the importance of validation, and what it truly means to show up as an ally.
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A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
🎙️ Episode Spo
The Survivors Podcast Season 1 Finale: Suicide, Stigma, and the Fight to Find Hope
In this deeply personal and heartfelt season finale, Lisa and Gretchen reflect on the powerful conversations, courageous stories, and vital resources shared across 15 transformative episodes. They celebrate the community built, the lessons learned, and the shared mission to end the stigma around mental health and suicide.
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A video version of this episode is ava
Recognizing the Warning Signs: How to Help Prevent Suicide and Support Mental Health
This episode digs deep into the warning signs of suicidal ideation and mental health struggles, both the obvious and the hidden. Lisa and Gretchen share raw, personal stories and provide powerful, actionable advice on supporting someone who might be silently suffering.
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A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPo
LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Real Talk for Pride Month To Saves Lives
In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their personal coming out stories, the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, and how support, resources, and kindness can truly save lives. From Free Mom Hugs to the Trevor Project, this episode is packed with essential info, tough truths, and beautiful reminders that you are never alone.
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Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: The Truth About Self-Care & Mental Health
In this heartfelt Mental Health Awareness Month finale, Lisa and Gretchen discuss the powerful but often overlooked necessity of self-care, boundary-setting, and finding joy. From hilarious pet videos to meditation and morning laughter, they explore the diverse paths to healing and wholeness.
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A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtub
Why Therapy Matters: Finding the Right Support for Mental Health, Healing & Growth
In this heart-opening episode, Lisa and Gretchen dive deep into the transformative power of therapy. From speed-dating therapists to redefining grief, they share personal stories about discovering the kinds of support that helped them reclaim their mental well-being.
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What Happens When You Call 988: Real Talk from Both Sides of the Line
In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and G open up about the lifesaving power of the 988 crisis lifeline. From personal stories to professional insights, they explore how these services are changing—and saving—lives every day.
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🎙️ Episode Sponsored
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month — Let’s Talk About What Actually Helps
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their respective mental health advocacy platforms—The HelpHUB, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads podcast, and Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions. They highlight the urgent need for inclusive, accessible mental health resources that speak to people across different communities, life stages, and identities. If you’ve ever Goo
6 Harmful Myths About Suicide—And the Truth Survivors Need You to Know
In this deeply raw and heartfelt episode, hosts Gretchen and Lisa delve into the heavy topic of suicide, unpacking personal stories, public perceptions, and the damaging power of stigma. They offer unflinching honesty, resilience, and hope, reminding us all that healing begins when we start speaking out.
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A video version of this episode is available here: You
The 3 P’s That Could Save a Life: Dr. Janine Ellenberger on Suicide Prevention
In this powerful episode, Dr. Janine Ellenberger joins Lisa and Gretchen to talk about the missing links in suicide prevention—namely, aftercare, family support, and community. Together, they unpack real stories, systemic gaps, and the “3 P’s” that could make all the difference: People, Place, and Purpose.
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🎬 A video version of this episode is available here
How to Spot the Signs: Suicide Awareness & Support with Dr. Janine Ellenberger
Lisa and Gretchen sit down with Dr. Janine Ellenberger—physician, mental health tech innovator, and autism mom—for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about suicide prevention, parenting through mental illness, and the life-changing impact of accessible therapy. Together, they unpack the hard stuff—grief, trauma, and hope—and explore how digital tools like Calmerry are reshaping mental wel
Healing Happens Together: The Power of Building a Community for Suicide Survivors
In this heartfelt episode, hosts Lisa and Gretchen unpack the importance of building community after surviving suicide loss or attempt. They share their personal stories and how finding — and creating — safe spaces for connection helped save their lives and transform their grief into healing.
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A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.yout
Why These Conversations Matter: Breaking the Silence on Suicide
In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser break the silence around suicide, grief, and mental health with unflinching honesty and compassion. Through powerful personal stories and meaningful insights, they remind us that speaking up can save lives—and that no one should have to struggle alone.
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Gretchen’s Turning Point: What her suicide attempt taught her about living
In this deeply moving episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser dive into Gretchen’s powerful story of survival, sharing the events that led to her breaking point and the path she took to reclaim her life. Together, they explore the importance of boundaries, community, and speaking up—even when it feels impossible.
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A video version of this episode is availabl
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