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. 6d ago

    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 actually happening, Pride and LGBTQ+ experiences, menopause and mental health, family estrangement, inpatient psychiatric care, surviving domestic abuse, surviving carbon monoxide poisoning, and the conversations that can help connect someone who’s struggling with the support they need. But more than anything, this season was about what it means to survive. We heard from people who’ve lived through experiences they never expected to face—and who were willing to talk openly about what happened, what helped, what didn’t, and what life looks like on the other side. Their stories reminded us that resilience doesn’t always look like strength. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Setting a boundary. Leaving. Staying. Starting over. Telling the truth. Or simply getting through the next day. In this Season Five wrap-up, we revisit some of the guests and conversations that stayed with us, the lessons they shared, and the practical takeaways we can all use when we’re struggling—or when someone we care about is. And we celebrate something pretty incredible: The Survivors is now being heard in all 50 states and more than 90 countries. What started as a place for honest conversations has become a growing community of people around the world who understand one simple truth: We’re all surviving something. To every guest who trusted us with their story and every listener who listened, shared an episode, reached out, or came back week after week—thank you for being part of Season Five. And we’re not slowing down. Season Six starts next week, with more real stories, honest conversations, practical resources, and people willing to talk about the things we don’t talk about nearly enough. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for immediate support, and visit TheHelpHUB.co for trauma-informed resources, tools, 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.   Takeaways The lie of being 'fine' and the importance of honesty Dealing with the realization of not being who you used to be The impact of grief and the loneliness it brings Surviving estrangement and toxic relationships The journey of coming out and embracing pride Experiences with menopause and hormonal changes The power of seeking help through inpatient hospitalization Escaping abusive relationships and advocating for change Losing loved ones to suicide and honoring their memory Building resilience through life's hardest challenges   Chapters 00:00 - Season 5 Recap and Highlights 02:04 - The Lie We Tell Ourselves: 'I'm Fine' 04:54 - Realizing You're Not Who You Used to Be 13:52 - The Loneliness of Grief and Loss 21:57 - Estrangement and Setting Boundaries 30:00 - Losing a Spouse to Suicide: Resilience and Hope 37:07 - Surviving and Escaping Abuse 43:51 - The Power of Honest Conversations 46:55 - Season 6 Preview and Gratitude   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/   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.

    The Survivors Season 5 Recap: 14 Stories of Survival, Resilience & Hope
  2. Aug 26

    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 someone to tell you what’s really going on? What do you ask? What do you listen for? And if you’re worried that someone may be thinking about suicide or self-harm, how do you ask the question directly? In this episode, we walk through the conversation that could save a life—from noticing subtle signals and asking better follow-up questions to using clear, direct language about suicide. We talk about what to say if someone tells you they’re struggling, how to listen without judgment or immediately trying to fix the problem, and how to stay present when the conversation gets uncomfortable. And we talk about what happens after that conversation, because checking in once isn’t enough. We share practical ways to keep showing up: set a specific time to check in again, follow through when you say you will, stay connected after a crisis, and remind someone through your actions that they don’t have to carry what they’re going through alone. You don’t need to be a therapist or a crisis counselor to have a meaningful conversation with someone you’re worried about. You just need to be willing to ask another question, listen to the answer, and stay. We also share resources, including 988 and The HelpHUB™, where you can find additional crisis resources, tools, and guidance. Because sometimes the conversation that matters most begins after “I’m fine.”   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 Recognizing signs someone is struggling Effective ways to ask about mental health The role of follow-up after initial support How to support someone at risk of suicide Resources available for mental health support The impact of showing genuine concern The importance of not overstepping boundaries How to read between the lines in conversations The significance of persistent support Personal stories of overcoming mental health crises Takeaways Asking 'Are you thinking about harming yourself?' does not plant the idea but validates pain. Consistent follow-up can be life-saving, especially after crisis moments. Showing up and listening without judgment is crucial. People often mask their pain; trust your gut and look for subtle signs. Support should be ongoing, not just a one-time check-in.   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 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.

    The Conversation After “I’m Fine” — How to Help Someone in Crisis
  3. Aug 19

    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 called "When Life Changes the Game." The episode includes practical safety reminders about carbon monoxide detectors and resources for grief and recovery.   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 Carbon monoxide as the silent killer Personal story of loss and survival The importance of safety detectors Turning tragedy into purpose through writing and advocacy Resilience and mental health after trauma The role of community and support in healing Lessons learned from a near-death experience The process of writing a memoir about trauma   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:27 - Expanding the scope of the podcast to include survival stories 00:56 - Introduction to Wes Bruns and the dangers of carbon monoxide 01:23 - Wes shares his personal experience with CO poisoning 02:25 - Wes discusses his life after the incident and his mission 03:18 - Connection through shared loss of fathers 04:16 - Wes talks about his family and current life 05:11 - The impact of the 1992 tragedy on Wes’s life 07:46 - The night of the tragedy 09:31 - The events leading up to the CO poisoning 11:28 - Detection signs and the night of the incident 16:27 - The rescue and aftermath of the tragedy 20:20 - Medical treatment and Wes’s recovery 21:50 - The upcoming book and its purpose 24:48 - Reflections on survival and purpose 27:02 - Survivor guilt and coping mechanisms 28:18 - The impact on Wes’s mental health 29:58 - Advice for those experiencing loss 42:05 - The importance of safety and prevention 46:24 - Wes’s book release details and advocacy 47:24 - Final thoughts and message of hope   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html  Connect with Wes Bruns https://wes-bruns.com/ Order your copy of Wes's book When Life Changes The Game: A story of survival, second chances, and the power of perseverance on Amazon. Release Date: Thursday, August 20th 2026. Book Signing at NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids, IA. Aug 20th, 4-6PM   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.

    Silent Killer: A Christmas Tragedy and One Man’s Fight to Save Others
  4. Aug 12

    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 thousands of women started seeing their own experiences reflected in hers. In this episode of The Survivors, Beany opens up about what it took to finally leave, how she rebuilt her confidence and identity, and how telling the truth about what she survived transformed her into a social media influencer and advocate helping women break trauma bonds, recognize abuse, and find their way back to themselves.   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 Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of background or strength. Recognizing the cycle of abuse and trauma bonds is crucial for breaking free. Social media can be a powerful tool for awareness and support. Healing is possible through self-awareness, support, and advocacy. Sharing your story can empower others and create change.   Chapters   00:00 - The turning point: cancer diagnosis and escape 01:55 - The power of social media in her advocacy 07:00 - Helping other women and spreading awareness 15:01 -  How to find support and take the first step 25:02 - The importance of resilience and purpose 36:22 - Closing thoughts and message of hope   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ Beany Trapani on TikTok Beany Trapani on Instagram YouTube Channel - Breakthroughs with Beany 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.

    She Got Out. Then Her Story Went Viral: Beany Trapani on Breaking Free From Abuse
  5. Aug 5

    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 abusive relationship, breaking trauma bonds, surviving breast cancer, and learning how to trust herself and reclaim her identity again. Beany also shares how telling her story online unexpectedly went viral, building a powerful community on Instagram and TikTok and turning her lived experience into a mission to help other women rebuild after abuse and life’s hardest transitions. It’s an honest conversation about survival, starting over, finding your voice, and discovering who you are on the other side of what tried to break you.   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 Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of background or strength. Recognizing the cycle of abuse and trauma bonds is crucial for breaking free. Social media can be a powerful tool for awareness and support. Healing is possible through self-awareness, support, and advocacy. Sharing your story can empower others and create change.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Beany Trapani's story 01:55 - Her background and life before abuse 07:08 - The cycle of abuse and grooming tactics 14:59 - Recognizing the early signs of an unhealthy relationship 20:07 - The escalation to violence and control 33:56 - The turning point: cancer diagnosis and escape 43:01 - The power of social media in her advocacy 55:00 - Helping other women and spreading awareness 01:04 - How to find support and take the first step 01:11 - The importance of resilience and purpose 01:13 - Closing thoughts and message of hope   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ Beany Trapani on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@breakthroughswithbeany?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Beany Trapani on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/breakthroughswithbeany?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== YouTube Channel - Breakthroughs with Beany https://www.youtube.com/@breakthroughswithbeany   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.

    Groomed and Gaslit: One Woman's Decade of Survival
  6. Jul 29

    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 in seeking help, and the stigma surrounding mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, support, and the need for better mental health resources. Jessica's mission is to help others feel less alone and to break the stigma associated with mental health struggles. And in this conversation, Jessica shares her personal journey through mental health challenges, highlighting the importance of effective support systems and the need for advocacy in mental health policies. Jessica talks candidly about her experiences with various programs, the role of social media in her recovery, and the significance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for change in how mental health resources are navigated and the importance of reminding individuals in crisis that they are not burdens.   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 The stigma around mental health can prevent people from seeking help. Inpatient care can be a traumatic experience but may be necessary for survival. The lack of support and understanding in the mental health system is concerning. Natural light and outdoor access are crucial for mental health recovery. It's crucial to have a seamless process for mental health support. Many individuals in crisis feel abandoned by the systems meant to help them. Support from loved ones can significantly impact recovery. Social media can serve as a platform for connection and healing. Navigating mental health resources can be overwhelming without guidance. Advocacy for better mental health policies is essential. The stigma surrounding mental health discussions needs to be addressed. Finding purpose in sharing experiences can aid in personal recovery. Community support is vital for those struggling with mental health issues. It's important to remind those in crisis that they are not a burden.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Mental Health Journeys 03:10 - Jessica's Mental Health Crisis 05:46 - The Inpatient Experience 08:57 - First Day in Inpatient Care 11:49 - Daily Life in Inpatient Treatment 15:04 - Navigating Emotions and Therapy 17:59 - The Last Day and Release 20:58 - Post-Inpatient Challenges 26:46 - Navigating Mental Health Programs 32:14 - The Importance of Support Systems 39:32 - Finding Purpose Through Social Media 46:50 - Advocacy and the Need for Change   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ Connect with Jessica Shaker Instagram: @jessicaglowuplivehost TikTok: @jessicaglowuplivehost 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.

    Inside Inpatient: One Woman’s Journey from Crisis to Hope
  7. Jul 22

    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 their family. She opens up about the difficult conversations she had with her children, why honesty and age-appropriate transparency mattered, and how vulnerability became an important part of their healing. Together, we explore the unique challenges of suicide loss, the urgent need for more open conversations about men's mental health—especially within the military—and the importance of creating communities where people feel safe asking for help. Reshma also shares how she's transforming her grief into purpose through advocacy, building supportive spaces for suicide loss survivors, and developing new resources for solo moms and children living with profound loss. This is a conversation about heartbreak, resilience, hope, and the courage to keep moving forward—even after life changes forever.   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 Reshma emphasizes the importance of discussing how loved ones lived, not just how they died. The conversation highlights the challenges of recognizing mental health struggles in high-functioning individuals. The stigma surrounding mental health in the military can prevent people from seeking help. The importance of open communication about mental health within families is stressed. Reshma's experience shows the complexities of grief and the different ways children cope with loss. The conversation underscores the need for societal change regarding mental health discussions and that navigating grief with children requires honesty and transparency. Vulnerability can lead to powerful healing experiences. Finding small bits of joy is essential in the grieving process. Community support is crucial for those dealing with loss. Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone. Grief is a unique journey for everyone, even within the same family. Mindfulness practices can aid in emotional healing. Creating safe spaces for grief discussions fosters healing. It's important to educate others about grief to prevent unintentional harm. Hope and healing are possible, even after profound loss.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Raish McCarney's Story 05:36 - The Life and Legacy of Sean 10:06 - The Circumstances of Sean's Passing 16:01 - Understanding Mental Health in the Military 22:19 - Navigating Grief with Children 30:08 - The Power of Vulnerability in Healing 33:27 - Finding Joy Amidst Grief 39:13 - The Journey of Healing and Advocacy 43:36 - Creating Community and Support 46:13 - Future Endeavors 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/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ Connect with Reshma Kearney Website: www.reshmakearney.com Instagram: @reshmakearney Email: 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.

    From Darkness to Advocacy: A Wife’s Journey After Suicide Loss
  8. Jul 15

    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 their own lived experiences, they talk about the emotional toll of toxic family dynamics, the loneliness that can come with choosing yourself, and the courage it takes to break generational cycles in pursuit of healing. Together, they unpack why estrangement is rarely a single moment, but often the result of years of unresolved pain, broken trust, and repeated wounds. They discuss the role of accountability in reconciliation, the importance of setting healthy boundaries without guilt, and why protecting your mental health is never something you need to apologize for. Whether you've experienced estrangement yourself or you're trying to better understand someone who has, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and hope that healing is possible—even when the path forward looks different than you imagined.   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 Estrangement is often a slow process, like death by a thousand cuts. Prioritizing your mental health may mean walking away from family. Sharing your truth can lead to feelings of isolation but is essential for healing. Accountability from family members is crucial for reconciliation. You have the right to set boundaries and protect your peace.   Chapters 00:00 - Understanding Estrangement: A Complex Topic 03:21 - Personal Experiences with Estrangement 06:23 - The Pain of Estrangement: Grieving Living Relationships 09:23 - Family Dynamics and Toxicity 12:29 - The Impact of Estrangement on Mental Health 15:24 - Navigating Estrangement: Self-Preservation and Boundaries 18:38 - The Loneliness of Estrangement 21:43 - Finding Freedom in Estrangement 24:50 - The Importance of Prioritizing Self-Care 27:52 - Hope and Healing Beyond Estrangement 30:37 - Final Thoughts on Estrangement 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/ National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)  Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/   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.

    Surviving Estrangement: Choosing Yourself Over a Toxic Family
5
out of 5
26 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.