The Survivors Podcast
Survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about finding the strength to rebuild, reclaim, and rise. That’s the foundation of The Survivors Podcast, where three-time suicide loss survivor, author, crisis counselor, and mental health advocate Lisa Sugarman joins Natasha J. Layton—a multiple suicide attempt and loss survivor, advocate, sexual abuse survivor, and former member of the FLDS polygamy cult—to change the way we talk about suicide, survival, and mental health. Through raw, unfiltered conversations, Lisa and Natasha explore the realities of surviving trauma, grief, abuse, mental illness, and everything in between—with honesty, hope, and humanity. Their unique perspectives—one shaped by profound loss, the other by unimaginable adversity—create a space where the hardest stories are told with compassion, courage, and vulnerability. By opening up the conversations we’ve been taught to bury, The Survivors invites listeners into a safe, stigma-free community to reflect, connect, and heal. Together, Lisa and Natasha push past stigma, challenge everything we think we know about survival, and reveal that life after darkness can be filled with meaning, connection, and hope. Subscribe now and join the conversation about surviving life, death, trauma, and everything in between.
Episodes
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha delve into the complexities of mental health, exploring themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the importance of communication.
Natasha shares her real-time struggle with depression and self-isolation, emphasizing the need for open dialogue about mental health challenges. The ...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of compound grief and the layers of trauma that we all face in today's world. They discuss the importance of acknowledging personal and collective grief, the impact of external stressors, and the necessity of setting boundaries for self-care.
The dialogue emphasi...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In the Season 4 kick-off episode of The Survivors, Lisa and Natasha get candid about the overwhelming emotional weight of current global events, the importance of personal boundaries, and the need for self-preservation amidst collective grief.
They explore how political and social divisions affect personal relationships and ...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this reflective episode, Lisa and Natasha recap the emotional journey of Season 3 of The Survivors. They reflect on their origin stories, the various types of trauma and survival stories shared throughout the season, and the importance of storytelling in healing. The conversation touches on themes of gratitude amidst grief...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and the unexpected paths life can take. They reflect on their personal experiences of having a child move abroad, the impact of toxic family cycles, and the importance of gratitude and presence in navigating life's challenges.
This conv...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa and Natasha explore the complex relationship between grief and joy, particularly after experiencing trauma and loss. They talk openly about the feelings of guilt that often accompany moments of happiness following a loss, and how individuals can navigate these emotions.
The conversation emphasizes the im...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J. Layton discuss the emotional and mental toll of post-holiday burnout, reflecting on how the transition into the new year can feel overwhelming. They explore the importance of recognizing burnout, the power of intentions and words, and the necessity of self-care.
The discussio...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting while grieving, exploring personal experiences of loss and the impact on family dynamics. Lisa & Natasha share their stories of navigating grief, the importance of vulnerability, and how to teach children about emotions and loss. They emphasize the cyclical natur...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of navigating grief during the holiday season, particularly as we enter the New Year. They discuss the emotional challenges of celebrating while mourning loved ones, the guilt that can accompany joy, and the importance of honoring memories.
The conversa...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J Layton discuss the various pressures surrounding the holiday season, particularly focusing on the financial burdens that many families face.
They explore the emotional toll of trying to keep up with societal expectations, the importance of creating meaningful traditions, and p...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J Layton delve into Natasha's experiences growing up in the FLDS, a polygamous cult. They discuss the unique dynamics of her family life, the influence of Warren Jeffs, and the emotional climate of the community. Natasha shares personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges an...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of navigating the holiday season, particularly for those dealing with grief and mental health challenges. They discuss the societal pressures to appear joyful, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the importance of setting boundaries. The ...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lisa and Natasha discuss the complexities of family abuse, particularly within polygamous communities.
Natasha shares her personal experiences growing up in the FLDS polygamy cult as the niece of Warren Jeffs, highlighting the hidden abuse and the pressure to maintain a facade of perfection. The conversation ...
*WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide & grief and may be triggering.
Episode Summary
In anticipation of Thanksgiving, Lisa and Natasha dive into the complicated intersection of grief and gratitude during the holiday season—especially around the holidays, when the world feels hyper-focused on joy, family, and celebration.
They talk openly about how the pressure to “be grateful” can feel almost suffocating for people who are ...
*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 childhood sexual abuse. Natasha opens up about her experience as a survivor of childhood abuse — how it shaped her sense of safety, her nervous system, and h...
*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 r...
*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 ...
*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 ...
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: A video version of this episode is available...
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: @TheSurvivorsPodcast...
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