The Survivors Podcast
The Survivors Podcast
Podcast Description
The Survivors Podcast was born out of a serendipitous connection between Gretchen and Lisa—two individuals with powerful, lived experiences in mental health and suicide survival. Gretchen, co-host of the award-winning Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads met Lisa through PodMatch while searching for podcast guests. What was meant to be a short pre-call turned into a two-hour conversation that revealed a shared mission: to change the narrative around suicide, mental illness, and grief.Together, they created The Survivors to bring honest, unfiltered conversations about mental health into the mainstream. This podcast offers a unique dual perspective—one of surviving the loss of loved ones to suicide and the other of surviving one’s mental health challenges.By tackling topics often considered taboo, The Survivors provides a safe, empathetic space where the complexities of mental health, grief, and loss are explored with authenticity and hope. Join Gretchen and Lisa as they break down barriers, challenge stigma, and empower listeners to survive life, death, and everything.Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast covers various critical topics within the realm of mental health, including suicide survival, grief, and stigma. Episodes often focus on personal narratives, such as Lisa’s impactful story of losing three loved ones to suicide and the discussion around how trauma affects individuals, as well as the importance of open dialogues to promote healing and reduce stigma.
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.
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 Gretchen dig into what it really means to take action—not just spread awareness—when it comes to saving lives. With compassion, lived experience, and hard-won wisdom, they explore how empathy, connection, and vulnerability can change the course of someone’s tomorrow.
Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:
A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions
Struggling with employee burnout, high turnover, or clunky onboarding processes? Feeling overwhelmed by change or unsure how to support your team’s mental health in the workplace? You’re not alone. Welcome to Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions—your all-in-one partner for building healthier, more resilient organizations.
👉 Visit: https://schosersolutions.com
Episode Lessons & Key Takeaways:
- Awareness is not enough—action saves lives.
- Connection is protection. A text, call, or check-in can be life-changing.
- Take off the mask. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s healing.
- Reframe the narrative. Practice positive self-talk and challenge shame.
- You are not alone. The 988 Lifeline and countless resources are here for you.
- Baby steps count. Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it starts with one brave step.
Chapters:
0:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions
1:06 – Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters
3:44 – Powerful Stats that Demand Action
5:24 – Gretchen’s Story: The Call that Changed Her Life
7:06 – Connection as a Lifeline
10:32 – How to Support Others (and Ourselves)
14:41 – Break the Cycle: Speak Up, Share, Support
18:25 – Positive Self Talk & Therapy Tools
22:08 – Prioritizing Yourself Without Guilt
25:26 – The Call to Action: Reach Out, Check In
27:39 – Final Words: Baby Steps, Always Forward
30:20 – Outro: You Are Enough 💜
📚 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
🎙️ See You Next Week!
Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜
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