The Survivors Podcast

What Happens When You Call 988: Real Talk from Both Sides of the Line

In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and G open up about the lifesaving power of the 988 crisis lifeline. From personal stories to professional insights, they explore how these services are changing—and saving—lives every day.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.coThis episode is proudly brought to you by TheHelpHUB.co.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, content, and tools to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing. With over 16 categories of support and a deeply inclusive approach, you’ll find the personalized help you need when you need it most. Visit https://www.thehelphub.co/ today. 💙📄 Episode SummaryMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode is a heartfelt homage to the value of crisis support. Hosts Lisa and G share emotional firsthand experiences, provide behind-the-scenes insight into what really happens when you call 988, and amplify the importance of accessible support through platforms like The HelpHUB, Trevor Project, and the Crisis Text Line. With raw vulnerability, they debunk misconceptions, highlight the impact of human connection, and call us all to action—because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and safe.📘 Lessons Learned988 is more than a number—it's a gateway to connection, compassion, and lifesaving support.You don't need to be suicidal to call; any form of emotional distress is valid.Creating a personal safety plan can provide essential clarity in moments of crisis.Sharing our stories not only heals us, but can save someone else's life.Awareness is key—amplifying resources ensures they’re accessible to those who need them most.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Episode Introduction & Trigger Warning01:30 – The Power of Mental Health Awareness Month03:00 – Discovering 988 and Why It Matters06:45 – What Happens When You Call a Lifeline10:00 – The Role of Lifeline Volunteers13:30 – From Crisis to Clarity: Personal Testimonies17:10 – International Support Resources20:15 – Safety Plans & Why You Need One24:00 – The Role of Community in Mental Health26:30 – Final Reflections & 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. 💜

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month — Let’s Talk About What Actually Helps

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their respective mental health advocacy platforms—The HelpHUB, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads podcast, and Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions. They highlight the urgent need for inclusive, accessible mental health resources that speak to people across different communities, life stages, and identities. If you’ve ever Googled “mental health help” and felt overwhelmed, this episode offers hope and clarity.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.coStruggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to TheHelpHUB.co—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools to help you navigate your mental health challenges. At The HelpHUB, you’ll find individualized tools tailored to your unique needs. Over 16 curated categories cover crisis support, grief, mindfulness, LGBTQ+ support, workplace mental health, and more. Whether you need downloadable toolkits, peer stories, or just a starting point to feel seen, this is where healing begins. Visit https://www.thehelphub.co/ today.💙Because your mental well-being matters. 💙💡 Lessons LearnedPersonalized mental health support matters. Not everyone experiences trauma or heals similarly; resources should reflect that diversity.You don’t have to be a professional to help someone heal. Lived experience, open dialogue, and community can be just as transformative.Laughter is healing. Sometimes the best therapy is an honest conversation with a friend—and a moment to laugh through the pain.No one is alone. From TheHelpHUB to weekly podcast episodes, there are always free tools, stories, and safe spaces to turn to.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Content Warning00:25 – Why May Matters: Mental Health Awareness Month01:06 – Advocating 140%: Our Year-Round Commitment03:30 – Normalizing Conversations Through Resources05:00 – Lisa’s Journey to Building TheHelpHUB10:55 – Personalized Support by Category14:00 – Gretchen’s Experience Using TheHelpHUB15:10 – The Power of Sharing: Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads18:00 – Building Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions20:00 – From Suicide to Survival: Why We Do This Work23:30 – Listener Homework & Final Thoughts25:00 – Community, Courage, and Showing Up📚 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. 💜

6 Harmful Myths About Suicide—And the Truth Survivors Need You to Know

In this deeply raw and heartfelt episode, hosts Gretchen and Lisa delve into the heavy topic of suicide, unpacking personal stories, public perceptions, and the damaging power of stigma. They offer unflinching honesty, resilience, and hope, reminding us all that healing begins when we start speaking out. 🎥 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.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month.💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙🔍 Episode SummaryGretchen and Lisa crack open the emotional complexities surrounding suicide, from attempted survival to loss, and share their journeys with unfiltered vulnerability. They explore how language shapes stigma and how powerful conversations can unravel decades of misunderstanding, shame, and silence.🎓 Lessons LearnedWords Matter: The way we discuss suicide ("committed" vs "died by") can either reinforce stigma or dismantle it.You’re Not Alone: Those who survived attempts and those grieving a suicide loss are not only survivors—they are parents, professionals, friends, and leaders.Be kind, always: You never know what battle someone may be fighting internally.Trust Falls Are Real: Opening up about mental health can feel like a trust fall, but there is a community ready to catch you.Mental Illness Is Not a Moral Failure: Suicide is often a result of mental illness, not a sign of weakness, sin, or selfishness.⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Trigger Warning & Crisis Resources1:20 – What Bugs Us: Stigma Around Suicide5:40 – From Silence to Sharing: Personal Stories of Attempt Survival12:30 – Language and Labels: Changing the Narrative17:00 – Workplace Stigma and Healing in Public Spaces20:10 – Generational Beliefs and Breaking the Cycle24:00 – Final Reflections: Humanity, Hope, and Community📚 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/🔹 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: 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. 💜

The 3 P’s That Could Save a Life: Dr. Janine Ellenberger on Suicide Prevention

In this powerful episode, Dr. Janine Ellenberger joins Lisa and Gretchen to talk about the missing links in suicide prevention—namely, aftercare, family support, and community. Together, they unpack real stories, systemic gaps, and the “3 P’s” that could make all the difference: People, Place, and Purpose.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: 🎬 A video version of this episode is available here:YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by Calmerry This 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 Summary Dr. Janine Ellenberger returns to The Survivors to share insights from her career in digital mental health, personal observations from the field, and reflections on what’s missing in America’s response to mental illness and suicide. The conversation tackles the painful gaps in aftercare, the burden on families, and how communities can fill the void for those who feel most alone. Dr. Ellenberger champions an empathetic approach, grounded in accessibility, connection, and purpose-driven recovery.🌟 Lessons LearnedSuicide recovery is possible. Like any chronic illness, mental illness requires sustained care, not just emergency treatment.The “3 P’s” matter: People, Place, and Purpose are foundational for anyone reentering life after crisis.Support must extend beyond the ER. Real change starts when communities show up and family systems are empowered with education and tools.Accessible therapy saves lives. Platforms like Calmerry are breaking cost and location barriers.We all have a role. Whether it's a listening ear or soup on the doorstep, support doesn’t have to be clinical to be lifesaving.🕰️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Trigger Warning01:00 – Welcome Back Dr. Janine Ellenberger03:00 – America’s Mental Health Gaps06:00 – Suicide Recovery Needs More Than Medicine10:00 – Teletherapy, Insurance & Accessibility14:00 – Family Burnout and Support18:00 – The Power of Community21:00 – Lisa’s Personal Story of Loss24:00 – What To Do After Crisis28:00 – Supporting the Homeless with Mental Illness29:30 – Call to Action for Compassion & Systemic Change30:00 – Wrap-Up & Resources📚 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/🔹 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: 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. 💜 

How to Spot the Signs: Suicide Awareness & Support with Dr. Janine Ellenberger

Lisa and Gretchen sit down with Dr. Janine Ellenberger—physician, mental health tech innovator, and autism mom—for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about suicide prevention, parenting through mental illness, and the life-changing impact of accessible therapy. Together, they unpack the hard stuff—grief, trauma, and hope—and explore how digital tools like Calmerry are reshaping mental wellness support.🎥 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.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/ 🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙🎧 Episode Summary In this raw and resonant episode, Dr. Janine Ellenberger opens up about her personal experiences as a parent of a child with autism and her professional mission to make mental health support more accessible. Lisa, also a suicide loss survivor, and Gretchen, a suicide attempt survivor, guide the conversation toward actionable insights on recognizing the signs of crisis, advocating for mental health in the workplace, and how technology like Calmerry helps meet people where they are—emotionally and digitally.💡 Lessons LearnedAsking deeper, open-ended questions can be the first step toward saving someone in crisis.Access to therapy—especially in real time—is critical and possible through platforms like Calmerry.Matching with the right therapist can take time, but the right fit is transformative.Mental health care is never one-size-fits-all—there are multiple modalities and pathways to healing.⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction02:30 – Meet Dr. Janine Ellenberger05:10 – Parenting a Child with Autism & Suicide Risk12:00 – Why Access to Timely Therapy Matters18:45 – Calmerry’s Mission & Digital Mental Health Tools24:00 – Therapy Options: Tapping, Journaling & Matching30:00 – Breaking Generational Stigma Around Mental Health35:50 – Supporting Colleagues & Friends in Crisis40:15 – Workplace Mental Health & EAPs Explained46:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Teaser📚 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/🔹 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: 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 #JanineEllenberger🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

Healing Happens Together: The Power of Building a Community for Suicide Survivors

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Lisa and Gretchen unpack the importance of building community after surviving suicide loss or attempt. They share their personal stories and how finding — and creating — safe spaces for connection helped save their lives and transform their grief into healing.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A 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 Summary In a profoundly raw and moving conversation, Lisa and Gretchen dive into the stigma of suicide and the life-changing strength of finding — or building — community. They discuss their healing journeys, from the silence and shame of mental health struggles to the breakthroughs that come with vulnerability and shared space. Whether it's a support group, a therapy session, or a circle of close friends, this episode reminds us that we don’t have to walk through the most challenging moments alone. 💡 Lessons LearnedCommunity is a lifeline: Having a group — even a small one — makes navigating grief and mental health more bearable.Vulnerability is powerful: Telling your story can unlock someone else’s pain and start their healing.There’s no “right” way to engage: Whether you speak up or listen, being part of a community matters.Help is always within reach: Therapy, crisis lines, and online support can meet you where you are — even from home.⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Trigger Warning1:00 – Why Community Matters5:30 – Gretchen’s Story of Survival9:40 – Therapy, Friends, & Finding Support14:00 – Creating Safe Spaces to Share18:00 – Lisa’s Journey: Loss, Silence & the Breakthrough23:00 – Survivor Stories & the Ripple of Openness28:00 – Virtual Groups & the Power of Showing Up35:00 – Actionable Ways to Build or Find Community40:00 – Final Reflections & 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/🔹 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: 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

Why These Conversations Matter: Breaking the Silence on Suicide

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser break the silence around suicide, grief, and mental health with unflinching honesty and compassion. Through powerful personal stories and meaningful insights, they remind us that speaking up can save lives—and that no one should have to struggle alone.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube Catch the full video version of this episode here:🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannelIn this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser open up about why conversations around suicide, grief, and mental health are not just meaningful—they're essential. With raw honesty and compassionate storytelling, the hosts reflect on their journeys, the stigma around mental illness, and how simply saying “I’m not okay” can be the first step toward healing. From discussing the unseen pain people carry to the power of holding space for someone struggling, this episode is a beacon of light for anyone who feels alone in their mental health journey. This is it if you’ve ever needed a reason to speak up. 🎙️ 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 SummaryWhy do these conversations matter? Because lives depend on them. Lisa and Gretchen share survivor stories, personal revelations, and practical advice for those navigating grief, loss, depression, or the aftermath of a suicide attempt. They also highlight how gratitude, community, and connection can create powerful ripples of healing. 📝 Lessons Learned💬 Talking saves lives—just one conversation can make a life-changing difference.🧩 You’re not alone—we all carry grief, pain, or sadness differently.🤝 Holding space matters—being present for someone can reduce suicide risk by over 40%.🧘 Healing is not linear—progress looks different for everyone, and that’s okay.🌱 Gratitude is a superpower—small moments of appreciation can shift your mindset.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Trigger Warning & Intro02:00 – Why Conversations About Suicide Matter06:30 – Survivor Stories & Shame Around Mental Illness11:20 – The Power of Speaking Up15:45 – Grief, Humor & Healing19:00 – Personal Story: Losing a Parent to Suicide22:30 – Holding Space for Others26:00 – Tools for Mental Wellness29:45 – The Importance of Community33:00 – Why Gratitude Shifts Everything36:15 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps 📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/🔹 The HelpHUB™ – https://www.thehelphub.co/🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – https://schosersolutions.com/🔹 Calmerry – https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads 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. 💜

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