The Survivors Podcast

The Survivors Podcast

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.

Episodes

July 18, 2025 22 mins

This bonus episode marks a major milestone—our very first time recording together in person! We open up about trauma, healing, advocacy, and how one unexpected connection turned into a powerful, life-changing friendship.

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🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

 

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    In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and Gretchen talk candidly about how milestone days like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays impact those living with grief, especially suicide loss survivors. Through laughter, tears, and lived experience, they offer real-life tools, comfort, and hope for navigating the pain of remembrance while keeping the love alive.

     

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode ...

    Mark as Played

    Suicide and mental health in the workplace are still taboo topics—until now. In this powerful and deeply human episode, Lisa and Gretchen break down why silence can be deadly and how one conversation might save a life.

     

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

     

    🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUbB.co This episode is proudly brough...

    Mark as Played

    Words have power, and in the world of mental health, language can either be a bridge or a barrier. In this raw and vital episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack why it's time to retire the phrase "committed suicide" and explore how compassionate language can shift stigma, empower survivors, and spark much-needed change.

     

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@Th...

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    This powerful Pride Month episode dives deep into the lifesaving work of The Trevor Project. Hosts Lisa and Gretchen get real about crisis support for LGBTQ youth, the importance of validation, and what it truly means to show up as an ally.

     

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

     

    🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.co This epis...

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    In this deeply personal and heartfelt season finale, Lisa and Gretchen reflect on the powerful conversations, courageous stories, and vital resources shared across 15 transformative episodes. They celebrate the community built, the lessons learned, and the shared mission to end the stigma around mental health and suicide.

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube

    A video version of this episode is available here: 📺 YouTube: https://w...

    Mark as Played

    This episode digs deep into the warning signs of suicidal ideation and mental health struggles, both the obvious and the hidden. Lisa and Gretchen share raw, personal stories and provide powerful, actionable advice on supporting someone who might be silently suffering.

     

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

     

    🎙️ This episode is...

    Mark as Played

    In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their personal coming out stories, the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, and how support, resources, and kindness can truly save lives. From Free Mom Hugs to the Trevor Project, this episode is packed with essential info, tough truths, and beautiful reminders that you are never alone.

     

    🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of...

  • Mark as Played
    In this heartfelt Mental Health Awareness Month finale, Lisa and Gretchen discuss the powerful but often overlooked necessity of self-care, boundary-setting, and finding joy. From hilarious pet videos to meditation and morning laughter, they explore the diverse paths to healing and wholeness. Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel ...
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    In this heart-opening episode, Lisa and Gretchen dive deep into the transformative power of therapy. From speed-dating therapists to redefining grief, they share personal stories about discovering the kinds of support that helped them reclaim their mental well-being.   📺 🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel   🎙️ Epi...
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    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.co This episode is...
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    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 ...
    Mark as Played
    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 ...
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    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: @TheSurvivorsPodcastCh...
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    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...
    Mark as Played
    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/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChanne...
    Mark as Played
    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/@Th...
    Mark as Played
    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 YouTube A video version of this episode is available here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com...
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    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 her...
    Mark as Played
    March 12, 2025 31 mins
    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...
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