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. A Mother's Story Part 1: Alli Skrbek Talks About Her Son's Suicide

    1d ago

    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 to his death. This candid and raw conversation offers insights into mental health, warning signs, and the importance of awareness and intervention. Allie talks openly and emotionally about grief, family dynamics, substance use, and she speaks about her journey into mental health advocacy and suicide prevention.  She's a warrior, and she's sharing Alex's story—and her grief—with the world to help normalize the conversations so many families are afraid to have. Through her honesty, vulnerability, and advocacy, Alli is breaking down stigma, shining a light on the realities of mental illness and suicide loss, and reminding other grieving parents that they are not alone. This is one of our most powerful conversations ever about love, loss, survival, and the courage it takes to keep telling the stories that matter.   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 Alex's personality and passions Signs of depression and warning signs Circumstances leading to Alex's suicide Family dynamics and mental health challenges The impact of trauma and substance abuse Recognize early warning signs of depression and suicidal ideation Seek professional help for loved ones showing signs of distress Create a safety plan for at-risk individuals Advocate for mental health awareness and education   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Allie's Story 03:39 Remembering Alex: A Tribute to His Life 06:34 Understanding the Signs of Struggle 09:11  The Impact of Relationships on Mental Health 11:53  Navigating Family Dynamics and Mental Health 14:33  The Struggles of Young Adulthood 17:33  Crisis Moments and Warning Signs 20:10  The Consequences of Substance Abuse 23:17  Seeking Help and Facing Challenges 26:12  The Journey of Healing and Reflection 28:00  The Turning Point: A Mother's Struggle 29:42  Unraveling the Truth: The Hidden Struggles 37:10  The Tragic News: A Life Cut Short 43:36  The Aftermath: Seeking Answers and Justice   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)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) Follow Alli on TikTok at @alli_mom (Alex's Sky)   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
  2. When the Old You Dies: Navigating Identity After Loss

    Jun 3

    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 meaning. Through candid conversation, Lisa & Natasha offer compassion, resources, and hope for anyone learning to live with a changed self.   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.   Key Topics Moments of identity realization Impact of loss and trauma on self Coming out as pansexual after years of marriage Exiting polygamous cults and redefining self The importance of language in healing and identity Key Takeaways Identity is fluid and constantly evolving. Loss can lead to profound self-discovery. Open communication about identity fosters healing. Support systems are crucial during life transitions. Embracing change can lead to personal empowerment. Chapters 00:00 Identity Shifts and Realizations 06:37 Navigating Relationships After Loss 12:32 Coming Out and Embracing Sexuality 18:27 The Importance of Language in Identity 25:34 Excommunication and Loss of Community 31:12 Embracing Change 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)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books)   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.

    37 min
  3. When 'I'm Fine' is a Lie: The Burden of Polite Answers

    May 27

    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 crisis resources such as 988, the meaning behind the semicolon tattoo, dealing with triggers, and how to create safer spaces for vulnerability and support.   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.   Key Topics The danger of saying 'I'm fine' Alternative ways to respond to 'How are you?' The role of trauma and triggers in communication The importance of honesty and vulnerability Using symbols like the semicolon for mental health awareness Key Takeaways Saying 'I'm fine' often masks true feelings and can lead to emotional disconnection. Asking 'What's new with you?' encourages more genuine conversations. Sharing honest feelings can foster trust and support. Body language and microexpressions are key to understanding true emotions. Symbols like the semicolon serve as powerful reminders of resilience.   Chapters 00:00 The Dangers of Saying 'I'm Fine' 02:59 Navigating Vulnerability in Conversations 06:01 Coping Mechanisms: Humor and Trauma 08:50 The Importance of Honest Communication 12:08 Understanding Crisis and Support Systems 15:01 The Semicolon: A Symbol of Survival 18:00 Living with Trauma and Grief 19:37 Understanding Triggers and Personal Responsibility 22:15 Navigating Friendships and Communication 25:46 The Power of Shared Experiences 29:11 Redefining Responses to 'How Are You?' 36:28 Honesty in Conversations and Emotional Safety   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)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books)   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
  4. Season 4 Recap: Real Stories, Raw Survival

    May 20

    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: honest talks about suicidal ideation, a 100-pound weight-loss journey, and the launch of Lisa's memoir about surviving suicide loss, Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books). Resources, crisis guidance, and invitations to keep the conversation going are shared throughout. Thanks for being part of the Survivors community — keep surviving with us.   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.   Topics Different ways of surviving grief and trauma The impact of collective grief and societal division Breaking mental health taboos and sharing personal struggles The power of storytelling and community in healing   Chapters 00:00 Season Four Recap Introduction   02:30 Exploring Different Types of Survival   03:56 The Weight of the World: Collective Grief   07:36 Understanding Compound Grief   10:37 Breaking Mental Health Taboos   14:04 The Impact of Stress on the Body   16:20 Women and Suicide: A Critical Conversation   19:08 Personal Stories of Loss and Healing   21:59 Surviving Trauma: Caleb's Story   24:14 Weight Loss as a Form of Survival   27:36 The Lasting Changes of Grief   29:05 Launching a Book on Suicide Loss   31:46 Navigating Mother's Day and Mental Health Awareness   34:10 Final Reflections and Looking Ahead to Season Five   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)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) 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. Mental Health Awareness Month: When Awareness Isn't Enough

    May 13

    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 during Mental Health Awareness Month.   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.   Topics The disconnect between awareness and action in mental health Personal stories of mental health struggles and recovery How crisis hotlines work and debunking myths The importance of honest conversations and support Practical steps to help someone in crisis   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Awareness   02:53 The Loneliness Epidemic   07:18 Breaking the Silence on Mental Health   10:44 Navigating Crisis Conversations   16:15 The Importance of Seeking Help   20:29 Understanding Crisis Hotlines   25:11 Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Awareness   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
  6. When Mother's Day Hurts: No Contact, Trauma, and Reclaiming Joy

    May 6

    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, and parenting through trauma, and share practical compassion and resources for anyone facing similar struggles.   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.   Topics The emotional complexity of Mother's Day Natasha's background in the FLDS cult The impact of family trauma on relationships The importance of boundaries and self-care Building healthy relationships with children   Chapters 00:00 Navigating Mother's Day Emotions   02:09 Contrasting Mother-Child Relationships   06:29 Understanding Natasha's Complex Family Background   11:18 The Impact of No Contact on Relationships   14:49 Grieving and Thankfulness on Mother's Day   18:28 The Pain of Living with No Contact   23:49 Finding Strength in New Family Dynamics   30:25 Celebrating Mother's Day with New Traditions   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.

    37 min
  7. Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss — Lisa's New Book Drops Everywhere

    Apr 28

    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-in resource directory and toolkit—became a healing journey. Lisa & Natasha discuss grief, stigma, therapy, crisis counseling, and practical supports like 988 and The HelpHUB™, and invite listeners to the launch event on Saturday, May 2 at Shubie's Marketplace, 16 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA, while encouraging anyone struggling to seek help and community.   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 personal stories can help break the taboo around suicide and mental health. Understanding that mental illness is an illness like any other fosters compassion and reduces stigma. Creating a support network and resources is crucial for survivors of suicide loss. Healing is a process that involves revisiting pain, seeking support, and finding hope. Open communication within families can strengthen bonds and aid in collective healing. Lisa's upcoming book launch event in Marblehead, MA on May 2.   Chapters 00:00 Book Launch Celebration   01:36 The Journey of Writing a Memoir   03:11 Revisiting Grief and Loss   06:11 Changing Perspectives on Suicide   08:21 Incorporating Family Voices   12:52 The Urgency of Mental Health Awareness   18:18 Healing Through Shared Stories   22:22 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations   29:25 The Impact of Sharing Experiences   32:02 A Message of Hope and Resources   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) Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books)  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.

    36 min
  8. When Grief Rewires You: Surviving After the Unthinkable

    Apr 22

    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 offer practical ways to show up for someone who is grieving (just show up, bring meals, mention the person who died) and discuss coping strategies like compartmentalizing, scheduled grieving, and learning to live alongside the pain. For immediate support, listeners are reminded that the 988 Crisis & Suicide Helpline and The HelpHUB™ are available.   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 is a permanent rewiring of our emotional landscape. Loss can change our relationships and reveal true friends. Time does not heal all wounds; it changes our relationship with grief. Grief can feel isolating, especially when others don't know how to respond. Childhood grief often goes unacknowledged, leading to feelings of isolation. Living alongside grief means accepting it as a part of life. Education on grief can help others support those who are grieving. It's important to talk about lost loved ones to keep their memory alive. Grief can be an invisible companion that we learn to coexist with. Surviving grief is about holding both the pain of loss and the joy of life.   Chapters 00:00 The Transformative Power of Grief 02:56 Navigating Relationships Through Loss 06:02 The Ebb and Flow of Grief 08:59 The Impact of Time on Grief 12:00 Who Shows Up in Times of Grief? 14:58 The Isolation of Grief 17:52 Childhood Grief and Isolation 22:00 Living Alongside Grief 25:00 Educating Others on Grief 28:10 The Ongoing Nature of 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
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.

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