The Survivors Podcast
The Survivors Podcast was created by Gretchen Schoser and Lisa Sugarman—two women brought together by chance, bonded by lived experience, and united by a shared mission: to change the way we talk about suicide, mental illness, and grief. They met through PodMatch, a podcast matchmaking platform that connects hosts with guests based on aligned interests and expertise. And what was meant to be a quick intro call turned into a 2+ hour conversation that uncovered an undeniable connection and shared purpose. Lisa, a three-time survivor of suicide loss, author, and longtime mental health advocate, and Gretchen, co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads and a suicide attempt survivor, decided to create something more—a space for honest, unfiltered dialogue about the human experience. Together, they launched The Survivors Podcast, offering a rare dual lens: one from someone who’s lost loved ones to suicide, and one from someone who’s fought to survive herself. Through deeply human storytelling, The Survivors challenges stigma, explores the nuances of mental health and grief, and empowers listeners to survive life, death, and everything in between. Subscribe now and join the conversation.
Episodes
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...
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: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
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: Yo...
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 ...
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: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
This episode dives into the transformative power of therapy and support groups when navigating the grief of suicide loss or surviving a suicide attempt. Hosts Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser open up about their personal experiences and highlight the safe, accessible mental health resources that help us keep moving forward—even on our hardest days.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:
In this heartfelt episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen delve into the simple yet powerful wellness habits that keep us grounded, especially when life feels overwhelming. From gratitude practices and breathing techniques to setting boundaries and rediscovering joy, they share practical, achievable ways to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
In this raw and emotional episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the deep and often misunderstood feeling of guilt that follows suicide loss and suicide attempts. Through vulnerable storytelling and insight, they show how guilt can be reframed into grace, healing, and renewed strength.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
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What happens when the truth about a loved one’s suicide is revealed decades later? In this profoundly moving episode, Lisa opens up about her own story of “grieving in reverse” after learning that her father's death wasn’t what she had believed for 35 years.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
🎙️ This episo...
In this powerful episode of The Survivors, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the complex, emotional aftermath of losing someone to suicide. They speak from personal experience—offering raw insight, practical support, and the crucial reminder that healing begins with conversation.
Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
This episode i...
This bonus episode marks a major milestone—our very first time recording together in person! We open up about trauma, healing, advocacy, and how one unexpected connection turned into a powerful, life-changing friendship.
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🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
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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 ...
Suicide and mental health in the workplace are still taboo topics—until now. In this powerful and deeply human episode, Lisa and Gretchen break down why silence can be deadly and how one conversation might save a life.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUbB.co This episode is proudly brough...
Words have power, and in the world of mental health, language can either be a bridge or a barrier. In this raw and vital episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack why it's time to retire the phrase "committed suicide" and explore how compassionate language can shift stigma, empower survivors, and spark much-needed change.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@Th...
This powerful Pride Month episode dives deep into the lifesaving work of The Trevor Project. Hosts Lisa and Gretchen get real about crisis support for LGBTQ youth, the importance of validation, and what it truly means to show up as an ally.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
In this deeply personal and heartfelt season finale, Lisa and Gretchen reflect on the powerful conversations, courageous stories, and vital resources shared across 15 transformative episodes. They celebrate the community built, the lessons learned, and the shared mission to end the stigma around mental health and suicide.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTubeA video version of this episode is available here: 📺 YouTube: https://w...
This episode digs deep into the warning signs of suicidal ideation and mental health struggles, both the obvious and the hidden. Lisa and Gretchen share raw, personal stories and provide powerful, actionable advice on supporting someone who might be silently suffering.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their personal coming out stories, the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, and how support, resources, and kindness can truly save lives. From Free Mom Hugs to the Trevor Project, this episode is packed with essential info, tough truths, and beautiful reminders that you are never alone.
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