The Survivors Podcast

When Grief and Joy Coexist: Surviving Milestones After Loss


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In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and Gretchen talk candidly about how milestone days like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays impact those living with grief, especially suicide loss survivors. Through laughter, tears, and lived experience, they offer real-life tools, comfort, and hope for navigating the pain of remembrance while keeping the love alive.

 

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

A video version of this episode is available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

 

🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.co

This episode is proudly brought to you by TheHelpHUB.co
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📝 Episode Summary:

Lisa opens up about losing her father to suicide 47 years ago and how milestone days—like birthdays, Father’s Day, and August 1st (his death anniversary)—still hit hard. Gretchen shares her own grief experiences, including how she transformed Valentine’s Day, the anniversary of her mother’s funeral, into a new chapter through podcasting. Together, they hold space for listeners navigating their own grief, emphasizing that there is no “right” way to mourn. Whether you're years into your grief or fresh in the pain, this episode is for you.

 

💡 Lessons Learned:

  • Grief doesn’t have an expiration date—it evolves.
  • You’re allowed to feel joy, sadness, anger, or all three at once.
  • Rituals can offer comfort and connection to loved ones lost.
  • Talking to someone—friends, family, a therapist, or a warmline—can ease the weight.
  • Grieving is not weakness; it’s love in motion.
  •  

     

    📖 Chapters:


    00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction
    01:00 – Lisa’s Birthday & Father’s Day Reflections
    02:30 – Gretchen's Story: Valentine’s Day & Her Mother’s Passing
    04:00 – Building Relationships with Lost Loved Ones
    06:00 – The Power of Rituals and Letters
    08:00 – Suicide Attempt Reflections & Christmas Grief
    09:00 – Navigating Special Occasions Alone
    11:00 – There's No Wrong Way to Grieve
    14:00 – Journaling & Safe Spaces
    16:00 – Lisa on Loneliness & Community Support
    18:30 – The Importance of Warm Lines
    20:00 – Therapy as Ongoing Support
    22:00 – Grief as a Sign of Love
    23:00 – Book Recommendation: Grief Is Love by Marisa Renee Lee
    26:00 – A Friend’s Tribute: Honoring the Memory of Lisa’s Dad
    29:00 – Remembering with Love & Living the Legacy
    30:00 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement

     

     

    📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support

    🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website: https://thesurvivors.net/
    🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks: https://www.thehelphub.co/
    🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support: https://schosersolutions.com/
    🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/

     

     

    📲 Follow & Connect With Us

    📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast
    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast
    🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

     


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

     

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

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    The Survivors PodcastBy Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton

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