The Survivors Podcast

Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton

Survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about finding the strength to rebuild, reclaim, and rise. That’s the foundation of The Survivors Podcast, where three-time suicide loss survivor, author, crisis counselor, and mental health advocate Lisa Sugarman joins Natasha J. Layton—a multiple suicide attempt and loss survivor, advocate, sexual abuse survivor, and former member of the FLDS polygamy cult—to change the way we talk about suicide, survival, and mental health. Through raw, unfiltered conversations, Lisa and Natasha explore the realities of surviving trauma, grief, abuse, mental illness, and everything in between—with honesty, hope, and humanity. Their unique perspectives—one shaped by profound loss, the other by unimaginable adversity—create a space where the hardest stories are told with compassion, courage, and vulnerability. By opening up the conversations we’ve been taught to bury, The Survivors invites listeners into a safe, stigma-free community to reflect, connect, and heal. Together, Lisa and Natasha push past stigma, challenge everything we think we know about survival, and reveal that life after darkness can be filled with meaning, connection, and hope. Subscribe now and join the conversation about surviving life, death, trauma, and everything in between.

  1. Compound Grief: When Loss Keeps Piling On

    4D AGO

    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 for self-care. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community support and the need for open conversations about mental health, ultimately highlighting the journey of healing and hope amidst overwhelming challenges.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Compound grief is a layered experience that can feel overwhelming. Disassociation and brain fog are common responses to trauma. It's important to acknowledge the collective stress affecting everyone. Setting boundaries is essential for self-preservation and mental health. Finding grounding techniques can help navigate overwhelming emotions. Engaging with supportive communities can foster healing. It's okay to take a step back from consuming news and information. Prioritizing grief can be challenging but necessary for healing. Emotional release, such as crying, can be therapeutic. Hope and connection are vital for moving forward in difficult times.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Heavy Conversations 03:01 Collective Grief and Emotional Exhaustion 05:58 The Impact of Political and Social Divisions 08:51 Personal Boundaries and Self-Preservation 11:59 Finding Balance in Information Consumption 14:53 Raising Empathetic Children 18:03 The Role of Community and Activism 20:46 Understanding Different Perspectives 23:52 The Importance of Emotional Safety 26:34 Hope for Humanity's Resilience 39:21 S4 E2 Compound Grief Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    34 min
  2. When the World Feels Too Heavy: Surviving Collective Grief

    FEB 11

    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 affect personal relationships and the significance of raising empathetic kids. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of curating information consumption and finding hope in community and activism, while acknowledging the diverse perspectives that shape individual experiences.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Collective grief is impacting everyone right now. Emotional exhaustion is a common experience. Political and social divisions create challenges in relationships. Setting personal boundaries is essential for mental health. Curating news intake can help manage emotional well-being. Raising empathetic children is a priority for many. Community involvement can provide a sense of purpose. Understanding different perspectives is crucial for dialogue. It's okay to disengage from overwhelming information. Hope for humanity is essential for moving forward.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Heavy Conversations 03:01 Collective Grief and Emotional Exhaustion 05:58 The Impact of Political and Social Divisions 08:51 Personal Boundaries and Self-Preservation 11:59 Finding Balance in Information Consumption 14:53 Raising Empathetic Children 18:03 The Role of Community and Activism 20:46 Understanding Different Perspectives 23:52 The Importance of Emotional Safety 26:34 Hope for Humanity's Resilience   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    41 min
  3. Season 3 Finale: Raw Confessions & Hard-Won Hope

    FEB 4

    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 on themes of gratitude amidst grief, navigating domestic abuse, holiday expectations, and the complexities of joy and loss. They also look ahead to Season 4, sharing their excitement for new voices and interactive engagements with their audience.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways It's been a whirlwind, absolutely. The podcast has provided a platform for diverse survivor stories. Sharing personal experiences can help others heal. Gratitude can coexist with grief. Navigating domestic abuse is a shared struggle. Holiday expectations can be overwhelming. Life in a polygamy cult shapes unique survival stories. Financial stress during holidays is a common burden. Parenthood while grieving presents unique challenges. Complicated joy is a valid emotional experience.   Chapters 00:00 Season Three Reflection and Connection   02:57 Origin Stories and New Beginnings   06:03 Diving Deep into Trauma   09:01 The Power of Sharing Stories   11:46 Gratitude Amidst Grief   14:45 Breaking the Silence on Domestic Abuse   17:55 Holiday Expectations and Realities   20:50 Life in a Polygamy Cult   23:58 Financial Pressures During Holidays   25:02 Navigating Parenthood and Personal Identity   26:35 Grieving While Parenting: A Unique Challenge   28:38 The Impact of Grief on Family Dynamics   29:53 Burnout After the Holidays   31:53 Understanding Complicated Joy After Trauma   34:11 Grieving the Life You Thought You'd Have   38:31 Finding Community and Connection in Grief   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    45 min
  4. When Life Doesn’t Turn Out the Way You Expected: Mourning the Life You Expected

    JAN 28

    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 navigating life's challenges. This conversation emphasizes the need to mourn the life we thought we would have while also finding joy in the present and keeping ourselves open to new possibilities.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Life often unfolds differently than we expect. Grief can stem from the loss of imagined futures. Daily communication can strengthen family bonds despite distance. Toxic family dynamics can necessitate difficult choices. Support from friends can sometimes outweigh family support. Creating stability is possible even amidst constant change. Gratitude can help us appreciate what we have now. Mourning the past is a natural part of moving forward. New opportunities can arise from unexpected changes. Hope is essential for navigating life's uncertainties.   Chapters 00:00 Reflections on Life's Expectations   03:13 Navigating Family Dynamics and Grief   06:04 The Impact of Distance on Relationships   09:07 Understanding Grief and Loss   11:58 Breaking Away from Toxic Family Cycles   14:55 The Complexity of Family Support   18:08 Creating Stability Amidst Change   21:08 Finding Joy in Unexpected Paths   24:01 Embracing Change and New Beginnings   27:07 The Power of Gratitude and Presence   30:07 Hope and Moving Forward   33:02 Closing Thoughts on Life's Journey   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    38 min
  5. Permission to Feel: Finding Joy After Trauma

    JAN 21

    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. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing grief and joy to coexist, and the necessity of giving oneself permission to feel both without guilt. They also touch on the significance of honoring memories and finding ways to celebrate the lives of those lost while continuing to live fully.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Finding joy after trauma is challenging but essential. Guilt often accompanies happiness after a loss. Grief and joy can coexist and should be allowed to do so. It's important to give ourselves permission to feel joy. The experience of grief is not linear and can fluctuate. Sharing memories of lost loved ones can help in healing. Emotional resilience is built over time and through experiences. It's okay to feel guilty, but don't let it dictate your happiness. Honoring memories can bring joy and keep loved ones alive in spirit. Living authentically means feeling what you feel without editing for others.   Chapters 00:00 Finding Joy After Trauma   05:57 The Complexity of Grief and Guilt   12:13 Navigating Happiness and Disloyalty   18:00 The Coexistence of Grief and Joy   24:10 Honoring Memories and Moving Forward   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    35 min
  6. January Burnout: Surviving the Post-Holiday Crash

    JAN 14

    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 necessity of self-care. The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize well-being, learn to say no, and create a mindset of relaxation and reset for January. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for listeners to navigate their own experiences of burnout and emotional fatigue.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Burnout is a common experience after the holidays. It's important to acknowledge feelings of exhaustion and flatness. Setting intentions for the new year can be more effective than resolutions. The word of the year can help focus your goals. Saying no is a powerful tool for managing burnout. Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for self-care. Prioritizing self-care is not a weakness, but a necessity. January should be a time for relaxation and reset. Surviving the holiday season takes a toll on mental health. Listening to your body is essential for well-being. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on Time and Change   02:46 Navigating Post-Holiday Burnout   06:09 The Power of Intentions and Words   08:57 Understanding Burnout and Its Triggers   11:58 Recognizing Signs of Burnout   14:59 The Importance of Saying No   17:42 Prioritizing Self-Care and Well-Being   20:47 Creating a Relax and Reset Mindset   23:50 Takeaways and Moving Forward   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    33 min
  7. Parenting Through Grief: How to Show Up When You’re Shattered

    JAN 7

    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. They emphasize the cyclical nature of grief and the necessity of allowing children to witness their parents' struggles, fostering compassion and understanding. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of grief, family dynamics, and parenting. They reflect on personal experiences with loss, the importance of emotional expression, and the impact of generational patterns on parenting styles. The discussion emphasizes the significance of unconditional love and the necessity of being real with children, especially during difficult times. They also touch on the upcoming conversation about life in the FLDS community, highlighting the emotional weight of sharing personal stories.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Parenting is challenging even on the best days. Grief adds an overwhelming layer of stress to parenting. Moms often bear the brunt of emotional labor in families. Grief can be cyclical and affect parents long after a loss. It's important to allow children to see their parents' emotions. Vulnerability can teach children compassion and understanding. The impact of grief can change family dynamics significantly. Talking about mental health is crucial for families. Modeling emotional honesty helps children navigate their own feelings. Grief can create a sense of disconnection from reality. It's okay to cry and express emotions. Unconditional love is vital in parenting. Breaking generational patterns can empower children. Grief can coexist with joy and meaningful relationships. Presence is more important than performance in parenting. Children need to see their parents as human. Showing vulnerability teaches resilience to children. Parenting through grief requires self-compassion. Children are witnesses, not caretakers of parental grief. Life is hard, but love and kindness can guide us. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Parenting and Grief   03:09 The Weight of Grief on Parenting   05:55 Personal Stories of Loss and Grief   09:04 The Impact of Grief on Family Dynamics   12:04 Teaching Children About Grief   15:09 The Role of Vulnerability in Parenting   18:01 Breaking the Cycle of Silence Around Grief   24:27 Reflections on Grief and Family Dynamics   30:27 Breaking Generational Patterns in Parenting   35:34 Navigating Grief While Parenting   39:49 Upcoming Conversations on Life in the FLDS   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    41 min
  8. Grief During the Holidays: Carrying Loss, Guilt, and Hope Into the New Year

    12/31/2025

    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 of honoring memories. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in supporting those who are grieving, as well as the significance of allowing oneself to feel and express grief in a personal way. Ultimately, they highlight the balance between carrying grief and finding hope as they step into a new year.   Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™  Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB™—your online destination for mental health resources, treatment options, content, and tools to help meet you exactly where you are in the moment. Visit TheHelpHUB.co to get started.   Takeaways Grief can intensify during the holidays, making celebrations feel bittersweet. It's common to feel out of sync with others during festive times when grieving. Traditions can shift dramatically after a loss, creating a sense of disconnection. Feeling guilty for experiencing joy while grieving is a common struggle. Honoring lost loved ones through memories can be a healing practice. Support for those grieving should be compassionate and proactive. It's important to allow space for grief during celebrations and not force participation. Choosing intentions rooted in compassion can ease the pressure of New Year expectations. Surviving another year after a loss is a significant achievement. Healing from grief does not mean forgetting; it means living in a way that honors those lost.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Grief During the Holidays   11:50 The Weight of New Beginnings   20:00 Supporting Those Who Grieve   29:58 Finding Hope Amidst Grief   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast   See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.

    33 min
5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about finding the strength to rebuild, reclaim, and rise. That’s the foundation of The Survivors Podcast, where three-time suicide loss survivor, author, crisis counselor, and mental health advocate Lisa Sugarman joins Natasha J. Layton—a multiple suicide attempt and loss survivor, advocate, sexual abuse survivor, and former member of the FLDS polygamy cult—to change the way we talk about suicide, survival, and mental health. Through raw, unfiltered conversations, Lisa and Natasha explore the realities of surviving trauma, grief, abuse, mental illness, and everything in between—with honesty, hope, and humanity. Their unique perspectives—one shaped by profound loss, the other by unimaginable adversity—create a space where the hardest stories are told with compassion, courage, and vulnerability. By opening up the conversations we’ve been taught to bury, The Survivors invites listeners into a safe, stigma-free community to reflect, connect, and heal. Together, Lisa and Natasha push past stigma, challenge everything we think we know about survival, and reveal that life after darkness can be filled with meaning, connection, and hope. Subscribe now and join the conversation about surviving life, death, trauma, and everything in between.