The Survivors Podcast

Gretchen’s Turning Point: What her suicide attempt taught her about living

In this deeply moving episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser dive into Gretchen’s powerful story of survival, sharing the events that led to her breaking point and the path she took to reclaim her life. Together, they explore the importance of boundaries, community, and speaking up—even when it feels impossible.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTubeA video version of this episode is available here:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by CalmerryThis episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month.Because your mental well-being matters. 💙💬 Episode SummaryIn this raw and profoundly human episode, co-host Gretchen shares her emotional journey through depression, grief, and survival after a life-altering series of events in 2022. From early retirement and her spouse’s illness to a terrifying car accident, being catfished, and enduring multiple personal losses, Gretchen found herself on the brink—until a freezing Christmas Day pushed her to reach out to the 988 Lifeline.What followed was a transformational healing journey powered by therapy, boundary-setting, and the bold sharing of her truth. Now a thriving business owner and host of two mental health podcasts, Gretchen’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and reclaiming your voice. 🔑 Key TakeawaysExtroverts Can Be in Crisis, Too:  People who always seem “okay” may hide intense struggles. Don’t overlook them—ask more profound questions.Healing Isn’t Linear:  Growth comes in waves. Gretchen’s journey shows that recovery takes time, tools, and constant learning.Boundaries Are Life-Saving:  Saying “no” and protecting your emotional space is essential—especially for empaths.✅ Actionable ItemsSave & Share 988:  Add the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to your phone and share it with others: https://988lifeline.orgCheck on Your “Strong” Friends:  Go beyond “How are you?” Ask intentional, caring questions and create space for honest answers.Protect Your Peace:  Audit your emotional energy regularly. Gretchen uses a mental “black box” to keep out unnecessary drama.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 - Intro & Content Warning00:24 - Gretchen’s Mental Health Spiral07:03 - Rock Bottom on Christmas Day08:33 - Finding Support & Starting Therapy10:50 - Sharing Her Story Publicly13:20 - Creating a New Purpose24:55 - The Power of Community & Visibility26:40 - Final Thoughts & Resources📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – https://988lifeline.orgThe Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ Youth Crisis Line) – https://www.thetrevorproject.orgSh!t That Goes On In Our Heads Podcast – https://goesoninourheads.netCalmerry – Online Therapy – https://calmerry.comSchoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – https://schosersolutions.comThe HelpHUB™ – https://www.thehelphub.coThe Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.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🎙️ 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

Surviving the Unthinkable: Lisa’s Story of Losing 3 Loved Ones to Suicide

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, Lisa shares her story of surviving suicide loss and the shocking truth she uncovered decades later about her father's death. Joined by Gretchen, the two explore how silence around mental health can span generations—and how sharing our truths can break cycles, foster healing, and create powerful change.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by CalmerryThis episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling. Start your journey at Calmerry.com and use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month. Because your mental well-being matters. 💙Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lisa shares her journey of surviving suicide loss twice—first, losing her cousin and father as a child, then discovering decades later that her father had died by suicide rather than a heart attack. The revelation shattered her world but ultimately led her to advocacy, support work, and co-founding The Survivors Podcast. Lisa and Gretchen discuss how trauma can shape a person’s path, the importance of open conversations about mental health, and how we can all work to break the stigma surrounding suicide.Lessons Learned in This Episode:The long-lasting impact of suicide loss on survivors.The importance of breaking generational cycles of silence around mental health.Why sharing your story can be a powerful tool for healing.The misconception that suicide is selfish and how that mindset needs to change.How community and conversation can help those struggling with loss and grief.Episode Chapters:00:00 - Introduction & Trigger Warning00:40 - Lisa’s Journey: A Complex Story of Loss02:06 - Losing Her Father Twice: The Shocking Truth07:11 -  The Moment of Discovery & Emotional Impact10:07 - The Lack of Mental Health Resources in the Past14:56 - Founding The HelpHUB™: A Mental Health Resource Platform18:05 - Turning Pain Into Purpose22:24 - Changing the Narrative: Suicide is Not Selfish26:23 - Building a Supportive Mental Health Community28:57 - Closing Thoughts: The Journey of Healing📚 Resources for Mental Health & SupportThe 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/Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy: https://calmerry.com/Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/📲 Follow & Connect With Us:📷 Instagram: @the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: The Survivors Podcast🎥 YouTube: @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. 💜

Our Origin Story

In this very first episode of The Survivors Podcast, Gretchen and Lisa share their powerful stories as a suicide attempt survivor and a suicide loss survivor, coming together to break the silence around mental health and grief. With honesty, heart, and hope, they lay the foundation for a podcast rooted in healing, connection, and the belief that no one should ever feel alone in their struggle.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel This episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling. Start your journey at Calmerry.com and use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month. Because your mental well-being matters.💙 Episode Summary:Welcome to The Survivors Podcast, where hosts Gretchen Schoser and Lisa Sugarman dive into the realities of mental health, suicide survival, and grief. They share their journeys—one as a suicide attempt survivor and the other as a three-time suicide loss survivor—to create a safe space for healing, connection, and breaking the stigma. This episode explores why talking about suicide, mental illness, and loss is essential, how their fateful connection on PodMatch led to this podcast, and how vulnerability and resilience can bring hope even in the darkest moments.💡 Lessons Learned:✅ You’re not alone—there’s always someone who understands your journey✅ Talking about suicide & mental health reduces stigma—let’s normalize it✅ Asking for help is strength, not weakness—therapy & support can change lives✅ The 988 crisis hotline can save lives—don’t hesitate to reach out✅ Healing isn’t linear, and finding a community makes a difference🔖 Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & Episode Sponsorship by Calmerry 🎙️03:45 – How Gretchen & Lisa’s Journeys Led to This Podcast 🔄10:30 – Surviving Mental Health Struggles & Suicide Loss 💔18:15 – Ending the Stigma: Why These Conversations Matter 🗣️27:40 – The Power of Community in Healing 🤝35:10 – 988: A Lifeline That Can Save Lives ☎️42:00 – You Are Not Alone—Where to Find Support 🌱50:20 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next on The Survivors Podcast 🚀 📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support🔹 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/🔹 Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast https://goesoninourheads.net/📢 Let’s End the Stigma Together!If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it.📲 Follow & Connect With Us:📷 Instagram: @the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: The Survivors Podcast🎥 YouTube: @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