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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Lisa and Natasha sit down for one of the most honest and emotionally layered conversations of the season as they explore what it really means to survive domestic abuse. Natasha opens up about her experience as a survivor of childhood abuse — how it shaped her sense of safety, her nervous system, and her understanding of herself. She talks about the silence she carried for years, the moments that broke her open, and the slow, nonlinear path she’s walked toward reclaiming her life.

Together, Lisa and Natasha unpack the realities survivors face long after the abuse ends: learning how to trust again, rebuilding relationships, navigating triggers, and understanding that healing doesn’t follow a timeline. They talk about the power of speaking your truth, even when your voice shakes, and the importance of creating a world where survivors are believed without having to offer the graphic details of their trauma.

This conversation reminds listeners that surviving domestic abuse isn't a single moment — it’s an ongoing process of reclaiming your voice, your body, and your power. And no survivor ever has to walk that journey alone.

🎙️ Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™ 

Takeaways

- Survivors have the autonomy to share their stories on their own terms.

- The impact of childhood trauma can manifest in various ways throughout life.

- Healing is a daily choice and can take many forms.

- Community support is crucial for survivors of abuse.

- It's important to listen to your body and its signals during the healing process.

- Therapy can play a significant role in processing trauma and its effects.

- Survivors should seek help from those who will listen and support them.

- Reclaiming one's voice is a powerful step in the healing journey.

- Healing isn't linear and can involve ups and downs.

- Hypersexualization can be a coping mechanism for those who have experienced sexual trauma.

Chapters

Mental Health Resources

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 #DomesticViolence #DomesticAbuse

*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

Chapters

Mental Health Resources

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

*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™ 

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

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

*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™ 

Takeaways

- The podcast aims to discuss heavy topics like grief and suicide without filters.

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

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

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:

🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.co

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.

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.

00:00 – Trigger Warning & Welcome

🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

🎙️ See You Next Week!

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:

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.

00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction

🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

🎙️ 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

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:

🎙️ This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions

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.

0:00 – Intro & Lisa’s Graphic Tee Era

🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

🎙️ See You Next Week!

#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

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:

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.

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

🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

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

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:

Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions

0:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions

🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

🎙️ See You Next Week!

#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

In this heartfelt episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen explore how rituals help us stay connected after suicide loss. Together, they share personal practices, lessons learned, and ways to honor loved ones while continuing to heal.

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUbB.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. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Visit https://www.thehelphub.co today.

This week, Lisa and Gretchen dive into the importance of grief rituals after suicide loss. From writing letters to lighting candles, from laughing at memories to acts of kindness, they discuss how rituals can ground us, create connection, and bring meaning to the healing journey. Together, they remind us that there’s no “right” way to grieve—only the ways that feel authentic to you.

00:00 – Introduction & Sponsor Message

🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

🎙️ See You Next Week!