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The Survivors Podcast

The Survivors Podcast

By: Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton
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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, trauma, and everything in between.

2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Surviving the Financial Stress of the Holidays

    Surviving the Financial Stress of the Holidays
    Dec 24 2025

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

    Episode Summary

    In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J Layton discuss the various pressures surrounding the holiday season, particularly focusing on the financial burdens that many families face.

    They explore the emotional toll of trying to keep up with societal expectations, the importance of creating meaningful traditions, and practical tips for navigating the holidays without succumbing to financial stress. The discussion emphasizes the value of presence over presents and encourages listeners to prioritize what truly matters during the holiday season.

    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

    • We want to broaden the conversation beyond just surviving mental illness.
    • The financial burden of the holidays can add significant stress.
    • It's important to navigate family dynamics during the holidays.
    • Many families spend thousands on holiday celebrations.
    • Social media can create pressure to keep up with others.
    • Financial stress can take an emotional toll on parents.
    • Creating meaningful traditions can be more valuable than expensive gifts.
    • It's okay to prioritize what matters most during the holidays.
    • Families should set realistic budgets for holiday spending.
    • It's important to ask for support when feeling overwhelmed.

    Chapters

    00:00 Broadening the Conversation on Survival

    00:30 Surviving the Financial Burden of the Holidays

    02:47 Navigating Family Dynamics During the Holidays

    05:09 The Cost of Holiday Celebrations

    10:35 The Pressure of Keeping Up with Social Norms

    15:51 The Emotional Toll of Financial Stress

    20:41 Creating Meaningful Holiday Traditions

    26:50 Practical Tips for Surviving Holiday Financial Stress

    Mental Health Resources

    • If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
    • The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/
    • The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Life Inside the FLDS: Growing Up in the Polygamy Cult When Your Uncle is Warren Jeffs

    Life Inside the FLDS: Growing Up in the Polygamy Cult When Your Uncle is Warren Jeffs
    Dec 17 2025

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

    Episode Summary

    In this conversation, Lisa Sugarman and Natasha J Layton delve into Natasha's experiences growing up in the FLDS, a polygamous cult. They discuss the unique dynamics of her family life, the influence of Warren Jeffs, and the emotional climate of the community. Natasha shares personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and complexities of her upbringing, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes. In this conversation, Natasha J Layton shares her experiences growing up in a polygamous community under the control of Warren Jeffs.

    The discussion highlights the growing tension within her family as her mother began to assert her independence, the challenges faced when transitioning to public school, and the emotional bonds formed with her brother Ward. The conversation also touches on the financial stress experienced during the holidays and the importance of self-care amidst trauma.

    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

    • This conversation is like a teaser episode.
    • Natasha's brother has never shared anything publicly.
    • The FLDS community had a unique emotional climate.
    • Natasha's family was an anomaly in the polygamous world.
    • Their household ran like a well-oiled machine.
    • Warren Jeffs was a significant authority figure in their lives.
    • The family dynamics were complex with multiple mothers.
    • Natasha's father chose his children over the church.
    • The community prepared for the end of the world.
    • School days were heavily influenced by Warren Jeffs' rules. Warren Jeffs had a controlling presence in the community.
    • Natasha's mother began to break away from community norms.
    • The family faced tension as they navigated their identities.
    • Public school was a challenging experience for Natasha.
    • Bullying was a significant issue for Natasha in public school.
    • Natasha and Ward share a strong bond despite family challenges.
    • Financial stress can impact holiday experiences.
    • Coping mechanisms are essential for dealing with trauma.
    • The importance of self-care during difficult times.
    • The family's story is a complex mix of trauma and resilience.

    Chapters

    00:00 Setting the Stage for Powerful Conversations 03:00 Life in the FLDS: A Unique Perspective 05:52 The Dynamics of a Polygamous Household 08:57 Warren Jeffs: The Authority Figure 12:04 The Impact of Excommunication 14:53 School Days Under Warren Jeffs 18:04 Growing Up in a Controlled Environment 18:43 The Growing Tension in the Community 23:01 The Shift in Family Dynamics 28:00 Navigating Public School and Bullying 30:02 Preparing for the Next Chapter with Ward 34:07 Financial Stress During the Holidays

    Mental Health Resources

    • If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
    • The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/
    • The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • When Holidays Hurt: Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Surviving

    When Holidays Hurt: Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Surviving
    Dec 10 2025

    *WARNING: This podcast mentions suicide, sexual abuse & trauma and may be triggering.

    Episode Summary

    In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Natasha explore the complexities of navigating the holiday season, particularly for those dealing with grief and mental health challenges. They discuss the societal pressures to appear joyful, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity, self-care, and the significance of meaningful connections during a time that can often feel overwhelming.

    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

    • The holiday season can amplify feelings of grief and loss.
    • It's okay to not feel joyful during the holidays.
    • Social media often portrays a curated version of happiness that can be misleading.
    • Setting boundaries is crucial for mental well-being during the holidays.
    • Family dynamics can add pressure to conform to expectations.
    • It's important to honor your feelings and not feel obligated to attend events.
    • Authenticity in relationships is key; true friends will support you in tough times.
    • Children remember the time spent together more than material gifts.
    • You don't have to perform happiness for others' comfort.
    • Self-care should be prioritized over societal expectations.

    Chapters

    00:00 Navigating the Holiday Season 02:56 The Pressure to Be Joyful 05:53 Understanding Grief and Loss 08:53 The Impact of Social Media 12:02 Setting Boundaries During the Holidays 15:05 The Reality of Family Dynamics 18:03 The Struggle of Pretending to Be Fine 20:48 Parenting Through Difficult Times 23:45 Creating Meaningful Holiday Memories 27:04 Embracing Authenticity and Presence

    Mental Health Resources

    • If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
    • The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/
    • The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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