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. Invisible Labor, Invisible Pain: Mothers, Burnout, and Suicide

    5D AGO

    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 talk in depth about the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges, the need for self-compassion, and the value of community support in navigating the struggles of motherhood and mental wellness.   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 Women die by suicide at a lower rate than men but attempt it more often. Invisible emotional labor is a significant burden for women. Mothers often feel burnt out and overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities. Comparison culture exacerbates feelings of inadequacy among mothers. High functioning anxiety can be invisible but deeply impactful. Women often internalize the belief that they must manage everything. Self-compassion is crucial for mental health and well-being. Decentralizing responsibilities in relationships can alleviate pressure. Community support is essential for mental wellness. Recognizing and naming our struggles is the first step towards healing.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Women's Mental Health and Suicide Rates 06:35 The Burden of Perfection and Comparison Culture 12:19 High Functioning Anxiety and Its Consequences 18:21 Decentralizing Responsibilities in Relationships 25:08 Embracing Change and Self-Compassion   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.

    40 min
  2. When Stress Shows Up: Mental Health, Isolation & the Power of Vulnerability

    MAR 4

    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 emphasizes the need for support, setting boundaries in conversations, and recognizing early warning signs of stress. They encourage small, manageable steps towards self-care and personal growth, highlighting the significance of being honest about one's feelings and 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 Sharing vulnerabilities can lead to real support. Stress often manifests in our bodies before our minds acknowledge it. Humor can be a powerful coping mechanism. It's okay to admit when you're not okay. Setting boundaries in conversations is essential. Listening to our bodies can help us manage stress better. Small daily changes can lead to significant improvements. Curiosity about our mental health is a great starting point. It's important to balance sharing and listening in conversations. You are not alone in your struggles.   Chapters 00:00 Breaking Mental Health Taboos 02:58 The Impact of Stress and Isolation 05:48 The Importance of Vulnerability and Support 09:03 Coping Mechanisms and Humor 11:57 Listening to Our Bodies 14:51 Finding What Works for You 17:49 The Pressure to Appear Strong 20:48 The Balance of Sharing and Listening 23:38 Setting Boundaries in Conversations 26:39 Recognizing Early Warning Signs 29:19 Small Steps Towards Change 32:29 Curiosity and Learning 35:39 Homework for Self-Regulation   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.

    42 min
  3. Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud: When Survival Feels Heavy

    FEB 25

    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 about mental health challenges. The episode highlights the significance of building a support system, seeking therapy, and embracing imperfection in the journey of healing. Through their candid and emotional exchange, they encourage listeners to express their feelings and seek help, fostering a sense of community and understanding. This is a raw one.   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 okay to not be okay. Self-isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression. Talking about mental health is crucial. Vulnerability can lead to healing. Finding joy amidst struggles is important. Building a support system is essential. Therapy can provide necessary tools for coping. It's okay to ask for help. Embracing imperfection is part of the journey. Community support can make a difference.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Emotional Turmoil 03:03 The Weight of Isolation 05:45 Understanding Triggers and Stressors 08:31 The Importance of Communication 11:34 Coping with External Pressures 14:34 The Power of Vulnerability 16:20 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles 18:55 Building a Support System 21:54 Creating a Safety Plan 24:26 The Journey to Self-Compassion 26:47 The Role of Therapy 29:23 Embracing Imperfection 32:14 The Power of Speaking Out 35:29 Finding Light in Darkness 38:06 Next Steps for Healing 41:13 A Community of Support   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.

    47 min
  4. Compound Grief: When Loss Keeps Piling On

    FEB 18

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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.