The Survivors Podcast

The Survivors Podcast

By Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. LaytonHealth & FitnessMental Health
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The Survivors Podcast episodes

  • A conversation with Kaitlin Palmieri on Navigating Love and Loss After Multiple Tragedies

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

     

    Episode Summary

    In Part 1 of a powerful conversation with Kaitlin Palmieri, Kaitlin recounts two devastating losses: the drowning of her boyfriend Mike at her 30th birthday and the sudden death of her fiancé Eric on their wedding day. Then, three years later, Kaitlin discovered another unimaginable truth: her fiancé Eric was living a secret double life with other women.

    The episode explores shock, grief, betrayal, and the long, complicated road toward healing.

    Raw and honest, this episode offers a glimpse into what it takes to keep going after unimaginable events and reminds listeners that healing is always possible.

     

    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

    • Kaitlin Palmieri's experience of losing her fiancé Mike on her 30th birthday
    • The discovery of her fiancé's double life and betrayal in 2018
    • Her journey through grief, trauma, and healing over the years
    • The impact of her story going viral and sharing her truth
    • The importance of community, connection, and self-love in recovery
    • Her reflections on trust, betrayal, and forgiveness
    • The role of therapy and support groups in her healing process
    • Her current life with her husband Sean and moving forward
    • Topics

      • Sharing your story can be a powerful step in healing
      • Community and connection are vital in overcoming trauma
      • Trusting your instincts is crucial in abusive or manipulative situations
      • Healing is a non-linear process that requires patience and self-compassion
      • Allowing yourself to grieve fully is essential for true healing
      • Survivors can find love and happiness again after tragedy
      • Chapters

        00:00 - Introduction to Kaitlin's extraordinary story
        04:07 - The day Kaitlin's fiancé Mike tragically died
        12:09 - Discovering the betrayal and double life of Mike
        19:56 - Kaitlin's journey through grief, trauma, and healing
        29:56 - The viral story and sharing her truth
        39:57 - Her relationship with Sean and finding love again
        49:57 - Reflections on trust, betrayal, and resilience
        01:00 - The message of survival and community
         

        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.

           

          32 min
        • When Joy and Grief Collide: Losing Both Parents and Then a Husband to Suicide While Pregnant

          *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.

           

          Episode Summary

          Liverpool-based grief coach Rachel Hart-Phillips shares her profound journey through multiple layers of grief, including losing both of her parents and then her husband to suicide while she was pregnant with their first child all before she turned 40.

          Rachel shares how she transformed her experiences into a mission to support others through her grief coaching and support practice The AfterGlow Space.

          In a raw and deeply personal conversation, Rachel opens up about what it meant to become a widow and a mother at the same time—carrying the devastating loss of her husband while preparing to welcome their baby. She talks about the realities of grieving a suicide, the questions that don’t always have answers, and how she learned that healing isn’t about leaving grief behind. It’s about finding a way to carry it while continuing to live, love, grow, and make space for joy again.

          This episode explores the complex coexistence of grief and joy, resilience, and the power of community and holistic 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.

           

          Key Topics

          • Rachel's experience with layered grief including losing both parents and her husband to suicide
          • The impact of early loss on identity and sense of belonging
          • The importance of community and shared experience in healing
          • Holistic and somatic approaches to grief recovery
          • The concept of building a life around grief rather than trying to 'move on'
          • The significance of hope and resilience in difficult times
          • The role of self-awareness and personal growth through trauma
          • How grief influences personal confidence and priorities
          • The origin and meaning of the name 'Afterglow' in Rachel’s work
          • Resources and support networks for those experiencing grief
          •  

            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 Rachel at https://www.theafterglowspace.com/
            •  

              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.

              50 min
            • Her Hero Died by Suicide. Then She Had to Keep Choosing Life

              *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.

               

              Episode Summary

              In this deeply personal episode of The Survivors, hosts Lisa and Natasha sit down with Heather Tobin, one of Lisa’s oldest friends, to remember someone Heather and Lisa both loved deeply: Heather’s first cousin and one of Lisa’s dearest lifelong friends, Steven Fox.

              For the first time since Steven died by suicide on April 12, 2021, Lisa and Heather compare their experiences of receiving the devastating news, the shock of those first moments, and what it has meant to grieve the same person through two very different relationships. Heather knew Steven as her cousin, her hero, and someone she had looked up to throughout her life. Lisa knew him as one of her and her husband Dave’s oldest and closest friends—a friendship that stretched from childhood through adulthood, including living together after college and raising families whose lives remained deeply connected.

              Together, Lisa and Heather remember who Steven was beyond the way he died and explore the complicated emotions that often follow suicide loss: disbelief, guilt, anger, unanswered questions, and the endless cycle of wondering what if?

              Heather also opens up about her own struggles with depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts—and how her lived experience shaped the way she understood and grieved Steven’s death.

              This is an honest conversation about sharing the same profound loss, surviving unbearable pain, finding the courage to ask for help, and the role that advocacy, connection, and community can play in healing. Most importantly, it’s a chance to remember Steven not for how his life ended, but for how deeply he was loved and the impact he continues to have on the people he left behind.

               

              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 impact of losing a loved one to suicide
              • Heather Tobin's personal journey and mental health struggles
              • The importance of compassion and understanding in mental health
              • Breaking stigma around suicide and mental illness
              • The role of community and support in healing
              • The significance of recognizing mental health issues early
              • Strategies for coping with grief and loss
              • The importance of self-care and seeking help
              •  

                Chapters

                00:00 - Introduction and Heather's connection to Steven
                01:58 - Remembering Steven: His personality and heroism
                05:53 - The shock of Steven's death and immediate reactions
                09:57 - The moment Heather received the news and her emotional response
                15:01 - Shared grief and the impact on Heather's mental health
                19:59 - The importance of support and community in recovery
                24:47 - Breaking the stigma: Suicide is an illness, not selfishness
                30:08 - Heather's journey through mental health challenges and attempts
                35:02 - Caring for mental health today: Self-care and ongoing support
                40:03 - The power of vulnerability and advocacy in mental health awareness
                44:56 - Final thoughts: Hope, healing, and continuing the conversation

                 

                Mental Health Resources

                • If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
                • The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/
                • 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.

                   

                  56 min
                • Surviving Divorce with Michelle Dempsey-Multack: Grief, Guilt, and Growing Forward

                  *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

                   

                  Episode Summary

                  Michelle Dempsey‑Multack, author of Moms Moving On, joins Lisa & Natasha to explore the hidden grief of divorce, the challenges of co‑parenting, and how childhood trauma shapes adult choices.

                  They discuss practical strategies for protecting your emotional well‑being, setting boundaries, and helping children through the transition while accepting what you cannot control.

                  Honest, compassionate, and hopeful, this conversation offers real guidance for anyone navigating separation, rebuilding identity, and moving forward.

                   

                  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

                  • Michelle's personal journey through divorce and motherhood
                  • The grief attached to divorce and how to process it
                  • The importance of boundaries and intentionality in co-parenting
                  • Radical acceptance as a tool for emotional peace
                  • The impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships
                  • The role of therapy and self-awareness in healing
                  • Managing expectations of a 'perfect' divorce and co-parenting
                  • Supporting children through divorce and understanding their unique experiences
                  • Takeaways

                    • Divorce is a long process of grief that can take four to five years.
                    • Women often feel they can't grieve their divorce because they initiated it.
                    • Supporting the relationship between children and their other parent is crucial, but not your responsibility to control.
                    • Radical acceptance helps in reacting to what you can control and reduces stress.
                    • Children's experiences of divorce are unique and influenced by each parent's behavior.
                    • Healing from childhood trauma is essential for healthy adult relationships.
                    • Setting boundaries and focusing on your own well-being benefits your children and yourself.
                    •  

                      Chapters

                      00:00 - Introduction and Michelle's background
                      02:08 - The start of Michelle's journey with divorce and social media
                      04:11 - The creation of the 'Moms Moving On' book and community
                      07:58 - The emotional impact and grief of divorce
                      09:45 - Understanding the grief women experience when initiating divorce
                      11:12 - The 'death by a thousand cuts' analogy in emotional exhaustion
                      13:14 - Supporting children through divorce and managing their relationship with the other parent
                      17:20 - The importance of focusing on your own orbit and boundaries
                      20:49 - The stress of managing relationships with ex-partners and second marriages
                      23:09 - Radical acceptance and reacting to what you can control
                      25:13 - Managing your own reactions and expectations in co-parenting
                      30:06 - The impact of childhood trauma and family dynamics
                      36:30 - The importance of discernment in sharing information with children
                      44:26 - Michelle’s reflection on surviving childhood trauma
                      45:20 - Final thoughts on moving forward and community support

                       

                      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 Michelle Dempsey-Multack here: instagram.com/themichelledempsey
                      •  

                        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.

                         

                        50 min
                      • Family Secrets, Donor DNA & 1,000 Siblings: Lee Freeman’s Extraordinary Story

                        *WARNING: This podcast mentions sexual abuse, CPTSD & trauma and may be triggering.

                         

                        Episode Summary

                        UK-based psychotherapist Lee Freeman shares his story of surviving childhood abuse, being diagnosed with CPTSD, and the life‑shifting discovery that he was donor‑conceived with over 1,000 biological half‑siblings.

                        This emotional conversation explores family secrets, reclaiming identity, building chosen family, and the lifelong work of healing and resilience.

                         

                        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

                        • Childhood trauma and abuse
                        • Discovering over a thousand siblings through DNA testing
                        • The impact of family secrets on identity
                        • Building a new family and community
                        • Therapy and healing from complex PTSD
                        • The importance of resilience and strength in overcoming adversity
                        • The role of therapy in unlearning negative beliefs
                        • The journey of self-discovery and acceptance
                        • The power of shared stories and community support
                        • Lee’s work as a therapist helping others navigate trauma
                        •  

                          Chapters

                          00:00 - Introduction to Lee Freeman’s story and background
                          01:56 - Childhood trauma and family secrets revealed
                          05:12 - Discovering over a thousand siblings through DNA testing
                          10:03 - Building a new family and the annual reunions
                          14:56 - Dealing with family betrayal and disowning toxic relationships
                          20:06 - The impact of trauma and therapy on healing
                          25:01 - Lee’s journey as a therapist and survivor
                          30:00 - Unlearning negative beliefs and building self-confidence
                          35:09 - The role of resilience and strength in overcoming adversity
                          39:57 - The importance of community and shared stories
                          45:00 - What being a survivor means to Lee today
                          46:51 - Closing thoughts and gratitude
                          47:45 - End of episode and final remarks

                           

                          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/
                          • Find Lee Freeman and his work here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-freeman-45a353238/
                          •  

                            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.

                            48 min
                          • Leaving the FLDS: Ange Johnson on Marriage, Escape, and Rebuilding (Part 2)

                            *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.

                             

                            Episode Summary

                            In part two of our conversation with Ange Johnson, Ange continues her story about leaving the FLDS polygamist community, the unexpected reunion with her teenage husband after a year apart, navigating early parenthood, finding sobriety and a career in labor and delivery, and using her voice to help others heal from cult trauma while rebuilding a life of safety and freedom.

                             

                            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

                            • Ange Johnson's childhood in the FLDS cult
                            • Her marriage and escape at age 16
                            • The trauma bonding with her ex-husband Cade
                            • Her journey of healing and sobriety
                            • Her advocacy and social media presence
                            • The ongoing influence of the FLDS community
                            • Breaking cycles of abuse and control
                            • The importance of sharing stories for healing
                            • Takeaways

                              • Healing is a lifelong process that involves facing pain and growth.
                              • Sharing your story can empower others and foster community.
                              • Breaking cycles requires courage and support.
                              • Resilience is built through honesty, therapy, and community.
                              • Leaving a cult involves complex emotional and social challenges.
                              • Chapters

                                00:00 - Introduction to Ange Johnson's story
                                02:37 - Marriage and escape from the FLDS cult
                                04:14 - Rekindling connection and trauma bonding
                                06:22 - Moving to Utah and falling in love again
                                08:36 - First experiences of intimacy and pregnancy
                                10:01 - Parenting and breaking free from religious control
                                12:38 - Living in the Pacific Northwest and family ties
                                15:30 - Sharing her story and advocacy work
                                19:41 - Healing journey and ongoing recovery
                                23:11 - Supporting others and breaking the cycle

                                 

                                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/
                                • To follow and connect with Ange, find her on Instagram at angemfj and on TikTok at cadesbabe
                                •  

                                  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
                                • Child Bride at 16: Ange Johnson’s FLDS Story (Part 1)

                                  *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.

                                   

                                  Episode Summary

                                  This week we're sharing part one of a two-part conversation with Ange Johnson. Ange, raised in the FLDS polygamous cult and married as a child bride, shares how she was raised, the beliefs that shaped her, the arranged marriage and unusual laundromat legal ceremony, and the early steps toward questioning and leaving that life.

                                  Tune in for a raw, personal first half of Ange’s journey toward healing, escape. and ultimately freedom.

                                   

                                  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

                                  • Growing up in the FLDS community
                                  • Marriage at age 16 in the cult
                                  • The process of leaving the FLDS and healing
                                  • The impact of polygamous cults on families and individuals
                                  • Ange Johnson’s personal journey of resilience and recovery
                                  •  

                                    Chapters

                                    00:00 - Introduction to Ange Johnson's Story
                                    01:52 - What is the FLDS and its impact on families
                                    11:59 - Ange’s childhood and family dynamic in the FLDS
                                    22:06 - The arranged marriage and wedding in the laundromat
                                    32:58 - The viral story and public exposure
                                    40:51 - Leaving the FLDS and rebuilding life
                                    49:59 - Reflections on trauma, healing, and resilience

                                     

                                    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 Ange Johnson on Instagram at angemfj and on TikTok at cadesbabe
                                    • 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.

                                      56 min
                                    • Turning Grief into Purpose: Jake & Joe Sharp on Loss, Shame, and Advocacy

                                      *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.

                                       

                                      Episode Summary

                                      This week on The Survivors, Lisa & Natasha continue their conversation with Jake and Joe Sharp about the 2020 suicide of their brother Sam and how they channeled their grief into advocacy, mental health work, and a fitness-focused platform, jduofit.

                                      The episode covers shame, men's mental health, therapy, the evolving nature of grief, tips for supporting someone who is grieving, and where to find Jake and Joe’s resources. 

                                       

                                      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 impact of losing a brother to suicide
                                      • The journey from grief to advocacy
                                      • The importance of honesty and connection in mental health
                                      • Breaking stigma around men's mental health
                                      • The role of social media in mental health awareness
                                      • The significance of shared stories in healing
                                      • The evolution of grief over time
                                      • The importance of community and support systems
                                      • Takeaways

                                        • Sharing pain openly can foster healing and connection
                                        • Men's mental health needs more honest conversations
                                        • Loss can be a catalyst for positive change and advocacy
                                        • Connection and community are vital in overcoming shame
                                        • Grief evolves but never fully disappears, it changes form
                                        • Authenticity in sharing stories can inspire others to seek help
                                        • Small steps every day contribute to healing
                                        • Breaking societal stigma around mental health is crucial
                                        •  

                                          Chapters

                                          00:00 - Introduction to Jake and Joe Sharp's story
                                          02:25 - The loss of Sam and initial reactions
                                          05:27 - From grief to purpose: starting on social media
                                          08:14 - Men's mental health and societal expectations
                                          11:32 - Open communication about pain and mental health
                                          14:53 - Addressing shame and mental health struggles
                                          18:46 - The power of connection and shared vulnerability
                                          22:08 - How grief changes over time
                                          25:40 - Memorial traditions and honoring loved ones
                                          29:30 - Advice for men struggling with mental health
                                          33:22 - Words of comfort for siblings left behind

                                           

                                          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/
                                          • To connect with Jake & Joe, find them at @jduofit on all social platforms.
                                          •  

                                            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
                                          • Jake & Joe Sharp Remember Their Brother Sam: Part 1 of Life, Loss & Suicide

                                            *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & trauma and may be triggering.

                                             

                                            Episode Summary

                                            Part one of a two-part conversation with twins Jake and Joe Sharp about losing their 16-year-old brother Sam to suicide. They focus on who Sam was—his humor, kindness, athleticism, and faith—and share the shock, confusion, and enduring grief their family experienced.

                                            The episode explores sibling loss, the blend of grief and gratitude, and how Sam’s memory has shaped their advocacy; part two will cover men's mental health, shame, and how they turned pain into purpose.

                                             

                                            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 impact of losing a brother to suicide
                                            • The journey from grief to advocacy
                                            • The importance of honesty and connection in mental health
                                            • Breaking stigma around men's mental health
                                            • The role of social media in mental health awareness
                                            • The significance of shared stories in healing
                                            • The evolution of grief over time
                                            • The importance of community and support systems
                                            • Takeaways

                                              • Sharing pain openly can foster healing and connection
                                              • Men's mental health needs more honest conversations
                                              • Loss can be a catalyst for positive change and advocacy
                                              • Connection and community are vital in overcoming shame
                                              • Grief evolves but never fully disappears, it changes form
                                              • Authenticity in sharing stories can inspire others to seek help
                                              • Small steps every day contribute to healing
                                              • Breaking societal stigma around mental health is crucial
                                              •  

                                                Chapters

                                                00:00 - Introduction to Jake and Joe Sharp's story
                                                02:25 - The loss of Sam and initial reactions
                                                05:27 - From grief to purpose: starting on social media
                                                08:14 - Men's mental health and societal expectations
                                                11:32 - Open communication about pain and mental health
                                                14:53 - Addressing shame and mental health struggles
                                                18:46 - The power of connection and shared vulnerability
                                                22:08 - How grief changes over time
                                                25:40 - Memorial traditions and honoring loved ones
                                                29:30 - Advice for men struggling with mental health
                                                33:22 - Words of comfort for siblings left behind
                                                 
                                                 

                                                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/
                                                • To connect with Jake & Joe, find them at @jduofit on all social platforms.
                                                •  

                                                  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
                                                • Season 6 Launch: A Raw Conversation for Suicide Prevention Month

                                                  *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

                                                   

                                                  Episode Summary

                                                  Lisa & Natasha kick off Season 6 during Suicide Prevention Month with a candid, real-time conversation about lived experience—suicide attempts, multiple losses, childhood trauma, and the daily reality of mental health. And Natasha shares recent suicidal thoughts, and the episode models honest vulnerability and peer support.

                                                  The episode highlights practical steps for safety and connection, encourages reaching out (including calling or texting 988), and offers a message of community, hope, and the importance of showing up for each other.

                                                   

                                                  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

                                                  • Personal experiences with suicide and trauma
                                                  • The importance of lived experience in understanding mental health
                                                  • Misconceptions about suicide and how to address them
                                                  • The role of community and support systems in prevention
                                                  • Practical steps for helping someone in crisis
                                                  •  

                                                    Chapters

                                                    00:00 - Introduction and Season Kickoff
                                                    02:06 - Sharing Personal Loss and Lived Experience
                                                    05:03 - Misunderstandings About Suicide
                                                    08:01 - The Impact of Words and Beliefs
                                                    12:00 - The Role of Support and Resources
                                                    17:03 - The Power of Vulnerability and Honesty
                                                    21:55 - Rewiring Beliefs and Changing Perspectives
                                                    27:04 - Community Support and Ongoing Conversations
                                                    30:55 - Self-Care and Grounding Techniques
                                                    35:50 - The Importance of Listening and Showing Up
                                                    41:07 - Hope, Resilience, 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.

                                                      53 min

                                                    About The Survivors Podcast

                                                    From the publisher's feed

                                                    Survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about finding the strength to rebuild, reclaim, and rise.