*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™ 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 podcast aims to discuss heavy topics like grief and suicide without filters. - Connection is a powerful motivator for sharing stories of survival. - How Lisa's personal experiences as a 3x survivor of suicide loss shaped her advocacy work. - Natasha's background in the FLDS polygamy cult adds depth to her survival story. - Humor can be a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma. - The impact of losing multiple family members to suicide is profound. - Community support is essential for healing and survival. - Sharing stories can help others feel seen and validated. - Healing is not linear; it can be cyclical and unpredictable. - Survival often begins with acknowledging one's struggles.

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

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

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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

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

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.

• Burnout is more than just being tired—it can show up as irritability, withdrawal, compassion fatigue, or even physical illness.
• Self-care is not indulgent; it’s survival. Whether it’s a nap, a boundary, or asking for help, it matters.
• Breaking big challenges into smaller, manageable parts can ease overwhelm and help you move forward.
• Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re an act of love for yourself and for those you support.
• No one is meant to caregive alone—support systems, therapy, and community are essential.

00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction 01:20 – Caregiving as an Act of Love (and Exhaustion) 04:00 – Lisa’s Story: Growing Up as a Caregiver 06:20 – Gretchen’s Story: Empathy, Anxiety, and Caregiving Burnout 08:00 – Signs of Burnout Beyond “Tired” 10:30 – Overwhelm and the Power of Focusing on One Thing 13:40 – The Weight of Guilt and Self-Care Myths 17:00 – Defining Self-Care and Boundaries 20:00 – The Importance of Asking for Help 21:30 – Supporting Others Through Grief and Loss 24:00 – Boundaries as the Key to Healing 26:00 – Final Takeaways: Warning Signs, Self-Love, and Support Systems 28:30 – Closing Reflections & Season Finale Tease

🔹 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/

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

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

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.

• Suicide is a universal crisis that transcends race, religion, and geography.
• Every loss to suicide impacts at least 135 people, creating waves of grief and trauma.
• Open, honest conversations about suicide reduce shame and isolation.
• Small actions—sharing a story, posting resources, volunteering, or checking in on someone—can save lives.
• Compassion, connection, and collective responsibility are essential to changing the narrative.

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/ 🔹 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/

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

🎙️ 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 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: In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Lisa and Gretchen dig into what it really means to take action—not just spread awareness—when it comes to saving lives. With compassion, lived experience, and hard-won wisdom, they explore how empathy, connection, and vulnerability can change the course of someone’s tomorrow.

Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions Struggling with employee burnout, high turnover, or clunky onboarding processes? Feeling overwhelmed by change or unsure how to support your team’s mental health in the workplace? You’re not alone. Welcome to Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions—your all-in-one partner for building healthier, more resilient organizations. 👉 Visit: https://schosersolutions.com

• Awareness is not enough—action saves lives.
• Connection is protection. A text, call, or check-in can be life-changing.
• Take off the mask. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it's healing.
• Reframe the narrative. Practice positive self-talk and challenge shame.
• You are not alone. The 988 Lifeline and countless resources are here for you.
• Baby steps count. Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it starts with one brave step.

0:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions 1:06 – Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters 3:44 – Powerful Stats that Demand Action 5:24 – Gretchen’s Story: The Call that Changed Her Life 7:06 – Connection as a Lifeline 10:32 – How to Support Others (and Ourselves) 14:41 – Break the Cycle: Speak Up, Share, Support 18:25 – Positive Self Talk & Therapy Tools 22:08 – Prioritizing Yourself Without Guilt 25:26 – The Call to Action: Reach Out, Check In 27:39 – Final Words: Baby Steps, Always Forward 30:20 – Outro: You Are Enough 💜

🔹 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/

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

🎙️ 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