The Survivors Podcast

By Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. LaytonHealth & Fitness Mental Health

The Survivors Podcast episodes

October 07Leaving 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
September 30Child 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
September 23Turning 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
September 16Jake & 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
September 09Season 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
September 02The 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.
48 min
August 26The 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.
36 min
August 19Silent 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.
42 min
August 12She 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.
42 min
August 05Groomed 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.
36 min

About The Survivors Podcast

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

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The Survivors Podcast

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About The Survivors Podcast