Surviving-ISH Podcast
"Surviving-ish" is a podcast with a unique and purposeful dual focus. The "Surviving-ish" is our way of creating a space for lightheartedness—it’s about the everyday, petty grievances that are frustrating but also a source of shared, human comedy. These are the moments we survive, like when the laundry pod explodes all over the clothes, your morning coffee isn't quite hot enough, or a passive-aggressive text from a relative ruins your mood. The core mission behind "Surviving-ish" is to show our audience that while we may have been victims of serious circumstances, that does not mean people have to walk on eggshells around us. We believe in the power of laughter and the importance of finding humor in life's small frustrations. By blending serious topics with these minor, everyday grievances, we aim to normalize the idea that it's okay to joke and laugh, even after enduring significant challenges. For further inquiries or to share your own story, please reach out to us at survivingabusepodcast@gmail.com. Together, we can create a network of support and healing for survivors.
Episodes
🚀 THE TRUTH IS COMING OUT—AND IT’S MESSY. 🛑
Dr. Sandy Cox on Surviving Ish: Politics, Trauma, Patriarchy, Community & the Emoji Problem
Host David welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Sandy Cox (who he jokes about calling “Dr. Sandstorm”) to the Surviving Ish podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from mental health to politics, trauma, and community. Dr. Cox shares her background treating conditions acros...
"If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry." We’ve all said it, but Cathy Brusk lives it.
From the terrifying moment a "stomach bug" turned into life-saving heart surgery, to navigating a world that wasn't built for her son, Cathy joins Surviving Ish to pull back the curtain on the reality of special-needs parenting.
We’re diving deep into the stuff people usually whisper about:
- The "R-Word" in Polit...
The System Broke Him. He Broke Back. Ever feel like you’re living in two different worlds? In this episode of Surviving-ISH, we sit down with Daniel Alzate, a man who survived a high-control childhood only to realize that the "real world" comes with its own set of chaotic rules.
We’re diving deep into the psychology of deconstruction—not just of beliefs, but of an entire identity. Daniel opens up about the silen...
"They told us it was God's will... but it was actually a nightmare."
In this episode of Surviving Ish, David sits down with Heather Ford for a conversation that is as raw as it is heartbreaking. Heather finally shares the full, unfiltered truth about her childhood spent inside a restrictive religious cult—from the "prayer closet" punishments to the dramatic escape that changed everything.
But th...
This is heavy, high-stakes material. To get the reach this deserves while staying within social media guidelines (which can be finicky about certain keywords), you need a balance of authority.
In this episode of the Surviving Ish Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Cox to dissect the recently leaked Sasha Riley audios. We’re moving past the tabloid headlines to look at the cold, hard psychological realities of the Epst...
In this episode of Surviving-ISH, we pull back the veil on the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI)—a multi-billion dollar machine built on the broken spirits of children. We are joined by Tabitha, a survivor of the notorious Tranquility Bay in Jamaica and a relentless force for change.
Tabitha isn’t just sharing her story; she is leading a revolution. From the harrowing memories of overseas "treatment" to the system...
Welcome to Surviving Ish, the show where we dive into daily face palms and epic meltdowns! I'm joined by my good friend Ashley from 'Ghost Gossip'. We discuss everything from blending families with teenagers, spooky encounters in haunted houses, setting boundaries with ghosts, to the pettiest things we've ever gotten mad about! Don't miss out on this candid and entertaining conversation. #Surv...
In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the emotional journey of a guest, Ashely, who has been coping with the loss of a friend whose murderer wanted her to be the next victim. The discussion touches upon the importance of being a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves and the enduring memory of a special person named Nathan. The guest also shares personal rituals for maintaining a connection with Nat...
Welcome to the very first episode of 'Surviving Ish,' the podcast where we discuss the little nuances and sometimes the big stuff that we're attempting to survive. Hosted by David, this episode features Jenny from the 'Unholier' podcast and Johnna, a reoccurring guest with a powerful story. Together, they dive into various topics such as the importance of laughter in healing, naming challenges...
In this episode of the Surviving-Ish Podcast, we dive deep into life's daily struggles and more significant mental health challenges with a twist of humor.. David and special guest Johnna discuss their own experiences, the importance of creating a safe space, and the profound impact of Charlie Kirk's recent tragic demise. They explore the societal and emotional ramifications of such events, emphasizing the n...
In this deeply personal and uncomfortable episode, hosts David and Jenny address a serious issue affecting the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI) community. They reveal that a former podcast guest has been embellishing their survival story to gain attention and scam community members, particularly vulnerable women, out of money. Despite the sensitive nature of the topic, David and Jenny provide insights and share their miss...
Join David, Jamie, and Kristy on this hilarious episode of Surviving-ISH as they dive into the true crime world, life’s unexpected bloopers, and the real-life struggles of menopause and finding time for yourself. Find out the shocking backstory of the popular True Crime podcast, Speculating Wildly About Crime (SWAC Pod)! #swacpod #truecrime #survivingish #menopause
Welcome to the Surviving Ish Podcast! In this incredible episode, host David sits down with Charles, a new friend and inspiring guest, to discuss life, struggles, and the art of surviving. Together, they dive into Charles' past experiences with homelessness during his junior year of high school, overcoming adversity, and his journey to success in real estate. Listen as they share personal stories about road rage,...
A Deep Dive into Epstein Emails, Victim Blaming, and Political Cults ✊
Welcome to a special and emotional episode of 'Surviving Ish.' In this candid and unfiltered discussion, we dive into the release of the Epstein emails, victim blaming, and the disturbing trends in current political and social dynamics. Joined by a trusted friend, the host details heated arguments, defends the innocence of young ...
What do a bad nail salon experience and the current political climate have in common? They both require you to find your voice. In this episode of Surviving-ish, host David and his good friend Kris dive into the messy reality of modern life.
Join us as we explore how a small, funny inconvenience can lead to a deeper conversation about the importance of speaking up for yourself. This isn't just a discussion about w...
In this episode of 'The Process of Healing,' David converses with Ann Russo about the complex journey of trauma and recovery. David and Ann discuss various elements of trauma, including personal experiences, the influence of societal norms on emotional expression, particularly in men, and the critical importance of advocacy and authenticity in healing. Ann shares her own background, growing up in a queer hou...
In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Process Appealing Survivor Edition, join the host as they sit down with Ms. Hope Rose. Hope shares her harrowing story of domestic abuse, her tumultuous battle in the family court system, and the profound losses she endured to protect her son. Despite overwhelming challenges, Hope's resilience shines through as she speaks on her journey of healing and her mission to ...
In this powerful episode of 'The Process of Healing', Siamon Emery sits down with David to share his journey through trauma and healing. Siamon, currently residing in Costa Rica, opens up about his tumultuous childhood, being raised by drug-dependent parents, and the path that led him to become a mentor. The conversation delves into understanding trauma as a universal human experience, breaking the stigmas s...
In this episode, mental health expert Judith Belmont, with over 40 years of experience, joins the hosts to discuss her new book '110 CBT Tips and Tools.' The conversation delves into her professional relationship with trauma, the misconceptions surrounding mental health, and the power of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Together, they explore the importance of not comparing traumas, the value of self-comp...
In this heartfelt podcast episode, we welcome Nancy Vega, a brave mother sharing her deeply personal story of loss. Nancy's son, Martin, tragically took his own life, leaving an immense void in her world. Despite her unimaginable grief, Nancy has chosen a path of courage and compassion, dedicating herself to keeping her son's memory alive and raising awareness about the impact of suicide. Through their conve...
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