In this very first episode of The Survivors Podcast, Gretchen and Lisa share their powerful stories as a suicide attempt survivor and a suicide loss survivor, coming together to break the silence around mental health and grief. With honesty, heart, and hope, they lay the foundation for a podcast rooted in healing, connection, and the belief that no one should ever feel alone in their struggle.

A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 

This episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling. Start your journey at Calmerry.com and use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month. Because your mental well-being matters.

💙 Episode Summary:

Welcome to The Survivors Podcast, where hosts Gretchen Schoser and Lisa Sugarman dive into the realities of mental health, suicide survival, and grief. They share their journeys—one as a suicide attempt survivor and the other as a three-time suicide loss survivor—to create a safe space for healing, connection, and breaking the stigma. This episode explores why talking about suicide, mental illness, and loss is essential, how their fateful connection on PodMatch led to this podcast, and how vulnerability and resilience can bring hope even in the darkest moments.

✅ You’re not alone—there’s always someone who understands your journey

✅ Talking about suicide & mental health reduces stigma—let’s normalize it

✅ Asking for help is strength, not weakness—therapy & support can change lives

✅ The 988 crisis hotline can save lives—don’t hesitate to reach out

✅ Healing isn’t linear, and finding a community makes a difference

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Sponsorship by Calmerry 🎙️

03:45 – How Gretchen & Lisa’s Journeys Led to This Podcast 🔄

10:30 – Surviving Mental Health Struggles & Suicide Loss 💔

18:15 – Ending the Stigma: Why These Conversations Matter 🗣️

27:40 – The Power of Community in Healing 🤝

35:10 – 988: A Lifeline That Can Save Lives ☎️

42:00 – You Are Not Alone—Where to Find Support 🌱

50:20 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next on The Survivors Podcast 🚀 📚 Resources for Mental

🔹 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/

🔹 Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy https://calmerry.com/

🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast https://goesoninourheads.net/

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it.

📲 Follow & Connect With Us:

📷 Instagram: @the_survivors_podcast

🔗 LinkedIn: The Survivors Podcast

🎥 YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

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