The Survivors Podcast

Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton
  • 5.0 (24)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Choosing Life: Natasha’s Story Part 2 — What Survival Really Looks Like After Trauma

    1D AGO

    Choosing Life: Natasha’s Story Part 2 — What Survival Really Looks Like After Trauma

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering. Episode Summary In this deeply moving episode, the hosts discuss the raw realities of survival after trauma, focusing on Natasha's experiences with suicide attempts and the profound impact of losing five brothers to suicide. The conversation explores the complexities of grief, the importance of support, and the ongoing journey of healing and resilience. Natasha shares her story of pain, loss, and the choices that led her to continue living, emphasizing the need for community and understanding in the face of such 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 Survival is about choosing to keep going every day. Grief evolves and is rooted in love. Each suicide attempt was a different experience for Natasha. The impact of family trauma can be profound and long-lasting. Support systems are crucial in navigating mental health challenges. Healing is a lifelong commitment and looks different for everyone. Talking about trauma can help others feel less alone. Natasha's story highlights the importance of community in healing. Finding meaning in survival is possible, even after great loss. It's okay to have different reactions to trauma and grief.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Survival and Trauma   01:56 The Journey of Suicide Attempts   10:09 The Impact of Family Loss   22:24 Navigating Grief and Healing   31:10 Finding Meaning in Survival   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.   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #TheHelpHUB #NatashaJLayton #FLDS #WarrenJeffs #SexualAbuse #Abuse #Trauma #ChildhoodTrauma #Depression #SuicideLoss #SuicideAttempt #Cults

    39 min
  2. Surviving the Unthinkable: Natasha’s Story of Suicide Loss, Abuse, and Life After the FLDS

    NOV 5

    Surviving the Unthinkable: Natasha’s Story of Suicide Loss, Abuse, and Life After the FLDS

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.   Episode Summary In this episode of The Survivors, Lisa Sugarman introduces her new co-host Natasha J. Layton, who shares her harrowing story of sexual abuse, religious trauma, domestic abuse, and survival after growing up in the FLDS cult as the niece of Warren Jeffs. Natasha recounts her experiences of childhood trauma and the complexities of life within a polygamous community. The conversation dives into the impact of her past on her mental health and the journey towards reclaiming her narrative and healing.   🎙️ 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 - Natasha's story is a powerful testament to survival. - The FLDS cult's impact on individual lives is profound. - Trauma can be a dirty family secret that is hard to confront. - Survivors often grapple with guilt and self-blame. - Naming one's story is a crucial step in healing. - The importance of pacing in sharing traumatic experiences. - Community ties can be severed in the name of faith. - Understanding the dynamics of polygamy is essential. - Healing is a layered process that takes time. - Survival often begins long before it is recognized.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Survivors Podcast 01:39 Natasha's Journey Begins 03:02 Life Inside the FLDS Cult 13:34 Understanding the FLDS and Warren Jeffs 24:18 The Impact of Trauma and Abuse 34:01 Reflections on Survival and Healing   Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help. National Sexual Abuse Hotline 800-656-4673 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 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.   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #TheHelpHUB #NatashaJLayton #FLDS #LisaSugarman #WarrenJeffs #SexualAbuse #Abuse #Trauma #ChildhoodTrauma #Depression #SuicideLoss #SuicideAttempt #Cults

    31 min
  3. The Survivors Season 3 Premiere with Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton: A New Chapter of Survival

    OCT 29

    The Survivors Season 3 Premiere with Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton: A New Chapter of Survival

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.   Episode Summary In Episode 1 of Season 3, Lisa is joined by Natasha J. Layton, the new cohost of The Survivors. And together, they explore their shared experiences with suicide, grief, and childhood trauma and the profound impact of loss. The niece of Warren Jeffs, incarcerated prophet of the polygamy cult the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), Natasha shares her harrowing story of surviving and being excommunicated from the FLDS, the loss of 5 brothers to suicide, her own multiple suicide attempts, and her ongoing struggle to keep surviving. The conversation highlights the power of community and the ongoing journey of healing.   🎙️ 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 podcast aims to discuss heavy topics like grief and suicide without filters. - Connection is a powerful motivator for sharing stories of survival. - How Lisa's personal experiences as a 3x survivor of suicide loss shaped her advocacy work. - Natasha's background in the FLDS polygamy cult adds depth to her survival story. - Humor can be a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma. - The impact of losing multiple family members to suicide is profound. - Community support is essential for healing and survival. - Sharing stories can help others feel seen and validated. - Healing is not linear; it can be cyclical and unpredictable. - Survival often begins with acknowledging one's struggles.    Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Season Three 02:26 - Meeting Natasha J. Layton 05:18 - Lisa's Journey of Loss and Advocacy 07:42 - Natasha's Story of Survival 09:55 - Understanding the FLDS Cult 12:11 - The Impact of Trauma and Humor 18:44 - The Ripple Effect of Loss 21:38 - Navigating Grief and Mental Health 23:18 - The Importance of Sharing Stories 27:05 - Final Reflections   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/   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.   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories   #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #TheHelpHUB #NatashaJLayton #FLDS #WarrenJeffs #SexualAbuse #Abuse #Trauma #ChildhoodTrauma #Depression #SuicideLoss #SuicideAttempt #Cults

    28 min
  4. The Survivors Podcast Season 2 Recap: Powerful Stories of Suicide Loss, Healing & Resilience

    OCT 1

    The Survivors Podcast Season 2 Recap: Powerful Stories of Suicide Loss, Healing & Resilience

    This week, Lisa and Gretchen reflect on the journey through Season 2—15 powerful episodes filled with grief, advocacy, healing, and raw conversations around suicide, mental health, and support. From language shifts and identity to rituals and support systems, this finale is a heartfelt recap of the stories and lessons that have shaped this season.   🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel   🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.co This episode is proudly brought to you by TheHelpHUB.co Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to TheHelpHUB—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools to help you navigate whatever mental health challenges you face. At The HelpHUB, we offer individualized resources tailored to your unique needs and community, with over 16 different categories to find exactly the kind of personalized help you need when you need it most. Even though we all deal with many of the same challenges, we don’t always experience those struggles the same way. So, we've got you whether you're looking for crisis support, downloadable resources, or an extensive archive of mental health-related articles and videos. From episodes of The Survivors Podcast for suicide loss survivors and lived-experience blogs to interactive tools and professional connections, The Help Hub meets you where you are—and helps you move forward with strength and support. 💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙     🎧 Episode Summary Lisa and Gretchen close out Season 2 with deep reflections on every episode, highlighting how each conversation impacted them and their community. From powerful discussions about language, grief, guilt, and caregiver burnout to underrepresented topics like suicide in the workplace and reverse grieving, this recap offers a compassionate look at what it means to survive—and thrive—after loss.     ✨ Lessons Learned Language matters: Say "died by suicide," not "committed." Grief has many faces—some look like guilt, others like rituals or silence. Mental health in the workplace is non-negotiable. Being a survivor isn't a destination—it’s a continual process of healing, connection, and advocacy.     ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Trigger Warning & Welcome 01:30 – Reflecting on Season 2 03:00 – LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Pride 06:00 – Stop Saying "Committed Suicide" 08:00 – Suicide in the Workplace 10:00 – Dealing with Trigger Days 12:00 – The Ripple Effect of Suicide on Families 14:00 – Reverse Grieving & Reframing Truth 17:00 – When Grief Feels Like Guilt 19:00 – National Wellness Month Reflections 20:30 – Therapy, Support Groups & Safe Spaces 23:00 – Creating Rituals to Honor Loss 25:00 – Suicide Prevention Month Impact 27:00 – World Suicide Prevention Day Global View 28:30 – The Role of Social Media in Prevention 29:30 – Caregiver Burnout & Compassion Fatigue 32:00 – Final Reflections, Gratitude & Season 3 Tease     📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support 🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/     📲 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     🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜     #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser

    34 min
  5. Caregiver Burnout: How To Support Others Without Losing Ourselves

    SEP 24

    Caregiver Burnout: How To Support Others Without Losing Ourselves

    In this episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen get candid about caregiver burnout—the exhaustion, guilt, and compassion fatigue that often accompany supporting others. Together, they explore personal stories, lessons learned, and practical ways to take care of yourself while caring for someone else.   🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel     🌟 Episode Summary Being a caregiver is one of the greatest acts of love—but it can also take a massive toll on your body, mind, and heart. In this conversation, Lisa and Gretchen talk openly about the reality of burnout: the warning signs, the weight of empathy, and the guilt that often keeps caregivers from putting themselves first. They share deeply personal experiences of caring for loved ones, navigating grief, and rediscovering boundaries. The episode closes with practical steps you can take to protect your energy, prioritize self-care, and remind yourself that you are not alone on this journey.     💡 Lessons Learned Burnout is more than just being tired—it can show up as irritability, withdrawal, compassion fatigue, or even physical illness. Self-care is not indulgent; it’s survival. Whether it’s a nap, a boundary, or asking for help, it matters. Breaking big challenges into smaller, manageable parts can ease overwhelm and help you move forward. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re an act of love for yourself and for those you support. No one is meant to caregive alone—support systems, therapy, and community are essential.     ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction 01:20 – Caregiving as an Act of Love (and Exhaustion) 04:00 – Lisa’s Story: Growing Up as a Caregiver 06:20 – Gretchen’s Story: Empathy, Anxiety, and Caregiving Burnout 08:00 – Signs of Burnout Beyond “Tired” 10:30 – Overwhelm and the Power of Focusing on One Thing 13:40 – The Weight of Guilt and Self-Care Myths 17:00 – Defining Self-Care and Boundaries 20:00 – The Importance of Asking for Help 21:30 – Supporting Others Through Grief and Loss 24:00 – Boundaries as the Key to Healing 26:00 – Final Takeaways: Warning Signs, Self-Love, and Support Systems 28:30 – Closing Reflections & Season Finale Tease     📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support 🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/     📲 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   🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

    29 min
  6. Social Media, Suicide Prevention & Mental Health

    SEP 17

    Social Media, Suicide Prevention & Mental Health

    In this powerful episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the complex relationship between social media and suicide prevention. From uplifting connections to harmful comparisons, they explore how our digital spaces can either support or sabotage mental health.   🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel     🎙️ This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions Struggling with employee burnout, high turnover, or clunky onboarding processes? Feeling overwhelmed by change or unsure how to support your team’s mental health in the workplace? You’re not alone. Welcome to Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions—your all-in-one partner for building healthier, more resilient organizations. At Schoser Solutions, we blend decades of expertise in talent strategy, employee wellness, and HR technology to help small and mid-sized businesses thrive. We specialize in optimizing UKG Recruiting and Onboarding systems—transforming how you attract, hire, and welcome new talent—while offering custom-built mental wellness programs, stress management toolkits, and change readiness assessments. Whether you're navigating rapid growth or simply want better support for your employees' well-being, we meet you where you are—with practical tools, strategic insight, and a deeply human approach. Because when your systems run smoothly and your people feel supported, everyone wins. 🌐 Visit https://schosersolutions.com today. 💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙     🔍 Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Lisa and Gretchen take a raw, honest look at the powerful impact of social media on mental health and suicide prevention. They share personal reflections, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable advice on how to curate your feed, build boundaries, and use your digital world to lift yourself—and others—up. They discuss how social media can offer connection, comfort, and resources for those struggling, while also being a space of misinformation, comparison culture, cyberbullying, and emotional overwhelm. With stories, strategies, and humor, they help listeners navigate the digital landscape with intention and self-compassion.     ✨ Lessons Learned: You control your feed—mute, unfollow, block, or snooze anything that doesn’t serve your well-being. Not everything online is therapy—real support comes from real connection, not chatbots or AI-based advice. Boundaries = self-love—setting digital boundaries is one of the most powerful acts of self-care. Comparison is a thief of joy—don’t measure your worth by curated highlight reels. Hope is contagious—share content that inspires, uplifts, and supports.   ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 – Intro & Lisa’s Graphic Tee Era 1:00 – Why Social Media Deserves a Mental Health Conversation 3:00 – Compassion Fatigue & Conscious Posting 5:30 – Online Kindness: The Power & Harm of Words 9:30 – Influencers, Comparison Culture, and Teen Vulnerability 13:20 – Finding Comfort in the Feed 14:00 – Safe Virtual Communities for Survivors 16:30 – UKG Recruiting & Onboarding Tools (Schoser Ad Segment) 18:00 – Curate Your Space With Intention 20:30 – Funny Animal Videos: The Joy in Simple Content 22:00 – Boundaries Online and Offline 24:00 – Digital Detox & No-Phone Zones 26:00 – Where You Get Your News Matters 28:00 – Final Thoughts: Post With Purpose, Set One New Boundary 30:00 – Wrap-Up: You Are Enough 💜     📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support 🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/     📲 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     🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜     #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

    31 min
  7. World Suicide Prevention Day: Global Solutions & Local Actions to Save Lives

    SEP 10

    World Suicide Prevention Day: Global Solutions & Local Actions to Save Lives

    In this moving episode released on World Suicide Prevention Day, Gretchen and Lisa open up about the global crisis of suicide and its far-reaching ripple effects on families, communities, and cultures. Together, they share survivor stories, lessons from around the world, and practical ways we can each be part of prevention and healing.     🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel     Episode Summary This week’s conversation honors World Suicide Prevention Day with a heartfelt exploration of how suicide affects every culture, every community, and every family. Gretchen shares her personal survival story, Lisa reflects on her own losses, and together they challenge the stigma around saying the word suicide out loud. From the devastating statistics—over 700,000 lives lost each year and more than 94 million left grieving—to the simple yet powerful actions like sharing stories, holding space, and posting the 988 Lifeline, this episode reminds us that prevention starts with awareness and compassion.     Lessons Learned Suicide is a universal crisis that transcends race, religion, and geography. Every loss to suicide impacts at least 135 people, creating waves of grief and trauma. Open, honest conversations about suicide reduce shame and isolation. Small actions—sharing a story, posting resources, volunteering, or checking in on someone—can save lives. Compassion, connection, and collective responsibility are essential to changing the narrative.     Chapters 00:00 – Trigger warning & opening thoughts 01:13 – Why World Suicide Prevention Day matters 04:15 – The global impact of suicide and the ripple effect 07:04 – Survivor guilt, shame, and the importance of opening up 10:00 – Cultural differences in prevention and awareness 13:39 – Communities, resources, and raising awareness 15:27 – Using social media as a prevention tool 17:36 – How sharing personal stories reduces stigma 18:45 – The radiator metaphor: releasing heavy thoughts 20:58 – Learning from global practices 22:26 – Volunteering, advocacy, and journaling for reflection 24:23 – Changing the narrative one conversation at a time 25:14 – Suicide prevention as a shared human responsibility 26:06 – Closing reflections & reminders     📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support 🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/     📲 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     🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

    25 min
  8. National Suicide Prevention Month: Awareness, Action & the Power of Connection

    SEP 3

    National Suicide Prevention Month: Awareness, Action & the Power of Connection

    In this candid episode, Lisa and Gretchen reunite to mark National Suicide Prevention Month with an unfiltered conversation about the realities of mental health struggles. Together, they explore the power of connection, the critical importance of vulnerability, and how small acts, like a text, a call, or asking “How are you really?”—can literally save a life.     Episode Description: In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Lisa and Gretchen dig into what it really means to take action—not just spread awareness—when it comes to saving lives. With compassion, lived experience, and hard-won wisdom, they explore how empathy, connection, and vulnerability can change the course of someone’s tomorrow.     Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel   This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions Struggling with employee burnout, high turnover, or clunky onboarding processes? Feeling overwhelmed by change or unsure how to support your team’s mental health in the workplace? You’re not alone. Welcome to Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions—your all-in-one partner for building healthier, more resilient organizations. 👉 Visit: https://schosersolutions.com     Episode Lessons & Key Takeaways: Awareness is not enough—action saves lives. Connection is protection. A text, call, or check-in can be life-changing. Take off the mask. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it's healing. Reframe the narrative. Practice positive self-talk and challenge shame. You are not alone. The 988 Lifeline and countless resources are here for you. Baby steps count. Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it starts with one brave step.     Chapters: 0:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions 1:06 – Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters 3:44 – Powerful Stats that Demand Action 5:24 – Gretchen’s Story: The Call that Changed Her Life 7:06 – Connection as a Lifeline 10:32 – How to Support Others (and Ourselves) 14:41 – Break the Cycle: Speak Up, Share, Support 18:25 – Positive Self Talk & Therapy Tools 22:08 – Prioritizing Yourself Without Guilt 25:26 – The Call to Action: Reach Out, Check In 27:39 – Final Words: Baby Steps, Always Forward 30:20 – Outro: You Are Enough 💜     📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support 🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/     📲 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   🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

    30 min
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5
out of 5
24 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Survivors Podcast

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