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, and everything in between.
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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, and everything in between.
In Episode 3: Natasha’s Story Part 2 — Choosing Life, we explore what it means to wake up every day and choose to keep living after deep trauma, abuse, and loss. This raw and honest conversation reveals the strength it takes to survive the hardest moments and find hope again.
*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 of life within a polygamous community. The conversation dives into the impact of her past on her mental health and the journey towards reclaiming her narrative and 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
- Natasha's story is a powerful testament to survival.
- The FLDS cult's impact on individual lives is profound.
- Trauma can be a dirty family secret that is hard to confront.
- Survivors often grapple with guilt and self-blame.
- Naming one's story is a crucial step in healing.
- The importance of pacing in sharing traumatic experiences.
- Community ties can be severed in the name of faith.
- Understanding the dynamics of polygamy is essential.
- Healing is a layered process that takes time.
- Survival often begins long before it is recognized.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Survivors Podcast
01:39 Natasha's Journey Begins
03:02 Life Inside the FLDS Cult
13:34 Understanding the FLDS and Warren Jeffs
24:18 The Impact of Trauma and Abuse
34:01 Reflections on Survival and Healing
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
National Sexual Abuse Hotline 800-656-4673
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
🎵📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcast
See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.
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n the powerful Season 3 premiere of The Survivors, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J. Layton share real, unfiltered stories of loss, resilience, and rebuilding life after trauma. Join them for raw, honest conversations that remind us we don’t just survive what breaks us—we grow through it.
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This episode explores the powerful and often conflicting impact of social media on mental health and suicide prevention. Lisa and Gretchen unpack how digital spaces can offer connection and healing—but also contribute to comparison, misinformation, and emotional burnout.
This World Suicide Prevention Day episode of The Survivors Podcast explores the global impact of suicide, its ripple effect on millions of lives, and the importance of breaking stigma through open conversation. Hosts Gretchen Schoser and Lisa Sugarman share survivor stories, practical prevention tools, and ways we can all support healing and hope.
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In this powerful episode of The Survivors Podcast, hosts Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser explore how therapy and support groups provide life-saving guidance for those grieving suicide loss or navigating life after a suicide attempt. Through personal stories and expert insight, they highlight accessible mental health resources and the importance of not facing these challenges alone.
In this National Wellness Month episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser share simple, powerful wellness habits—like gratitude, mindful breathing, and setting boundaries—that help you stay grounded during grief and life’s heaviest moments. Learn how consistent self-care practices can nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health all year long.
In this powerful episode of The Survivors Podcast, hosts Lisa and Gretchen confront the often-unspoken emotion of guilt following suicide loss and suicide attempts. Through honest storytelling and actionable tools, they explore how reframing guilt can lead to healing, connection, and hope.
In this heartfelt episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa shares her powerful journey of ”grieving in reverse” after discovering the truth about her father’s suicide 35 years later. Through raw reflection and radical acceptance, she unpacks the emotional impact of delayed truth, hidden trauma, and healing through vulnerability.
In this episode of The Survivors, Lisa and Gretchen explore the unique emotional toll of suicide loss, including guilt, isolation, and the often-overlooked trauma survivors carry. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, they break the silence around grief to help others feel seen, supported, and less alone.
In this special bonus episode of *The Survivors Podcast*, Lisa and Gretchen meet in person for the very first time to explore how trauma, grief, and shared experiences have shaped their powerful friendship. They dive deep into the healing power of community, vulnerability, and finding connection after loss, offering hope and insight for anyone navigating mental health challenges.
In this heartfelt episode of *The Survivors Podcast*, hosts Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser explore the complexities of grief during milestone moments like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries after losing a loved one to suicide. They share personal stories, emotional tools, and healing insights to help listeners navigate grief with compassion, connection, and hope.
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In this powerful Pride Month episode, hosts Lisa and Gretchen spotlight The Trevor Project and explore the urgent mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ youth. They share heartfelt stories, actionable resources, and how allies can help save lives by simply showing up.
In this heartfelt season finale of The Survivors Podcast, co-hosts Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser reflect on their powerful first season—sharing personal stories, mental health insights, and the impact of building a global community around suicide awareness. This episode celebrates vulnerability, healing, and the mission to end stigma through authentic conversation and lived experience.
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, and everything in between.
