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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Lisa and Natasha explore the complex relationship between grief and joy, particularly after experiencing trauma and loss. They talk openly about the feelings of guilt that often accompany moments of happiness following a loss, and how individuals can navigate these emotions.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing grief and joy to coexist, and the necessity of giving oneself permission to feel both without guilt. They also touch on the significance of honoring memories and finding ways to celebrate the lives of those lost while continuing to live fully.

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

• Finding joy after trauma is challenging but essential.
• Guilt often accompanies happiness after a loss.
• Grief and joy can coexist and should be allowed to do so.
• It's important to give ourselves permission to feel joy.
• The experience of grief is not linear and can fluctuate.
• Sharing memories of lost loved ones can help in healing.
• Emotional resilience is built over time and through experiences.
• It's okay to feel guilty, but don't let it dictate your happiness.
• Honoring memories can bring joy and keep loved ones alive in spirit.
• Living authentically means feeling what you feel without editing for others.

Chapters

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.

*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 emotional and mental toll of post-holiday burnout, reflecting on how the transition into the new year can feel overwhelming. They explore the importance of recognizing burnout, the power of intentions and words, and the necessity of self-care.

The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize well-being, learn to say no, and create a mindset of relaxation and reset for January. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for listeners to navigate their own experiences of burnout and emotional fatigue.

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

• Burnout is a common experience after the holidays.
• It's important to acknowledge feelings of exhaustion and flatness.
• Setting intentions for the new year can be more effective than resolutions.
• The word of the year can help focus your goals.
• Saying no is a powerful tool for managing burnout.
• Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for self-care.
• Prioritizing self-care is not a weakness, but a necessity.
• January should be a time for relaxation and reset.
• Surviving the holiday season takes a toll on mental health.
• Listening to your body is essential for well-being.

Chapters

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.

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

Episode Summary

This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting while grieving, exploring personal experiences of loss and the impact on family dynamics. Lisa & Natasha share their stories of navigating grief, the importance of vulnerability, and how to teach children about emotions and loss. They emphasize the cyclical nature of grief and the necessity of allowing children to witness their parents' struggles, fostering compassion and understanding.

In this conversation, they explore the complexities of grief, family dynamics, and parenting. They reflect on personal experiences with loss, the importance of emotional expression, and the impact of generational patterns on parenting styles. The discussion emphasizes the significance of unconditional love and the necessity of being real with children, especially during difficult times. They also touch on the upcoming conversation about life in the FLDS community, highlighting the emotional weight of sharing personal stories.

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

• Parenting is challenging even on the best days.
• Grief adds an overwhelming layer of stress to parenting.
• Moms often bear the brunt of emotional labor in families.
• Grief can be cyclical and affect parents long after a loss.
• It's important to allow children to see their parents' emotions.
• Vulnerability can teach children compassion and understanding.
• The impact of grief can change family dynamics significantly.
• Talking about mental health is crucial for families.
• Modeling emotional honesty helps children navigate their own feelings.
• Grief can create a sense of disconnection from reality. It's okay to cry and express emotions.
• Unconditional love is vital in parenting.
• Breaking generational patterns can empower children.
• Grief can coexist with joy and meaningful relationships.
• Presence is more important than performance in parenting.
• Children need to see their parents as human.
• Showing vulnerability teaches resilience to children.
• Parenting through grief requires self-compassion.
• Children are witnesses, not caretakers of parental grief.
• Life is hard, but love and kindness can guide us.

Chapters

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.

*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 grief during the holiday season, particularly as we enter the New Year. They discuss the emotional challenges of celebrating while mourning loved ones, the guilt that can accompany joy, and the importance of honoring memories.

The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in supporting those who are grieving, as well as the significance of allowing oneself to feel and express grief in a personal way. Ultimately, they highlight the balance between carrying grief and finding hope as they step into a new year.

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

• Grief can intensify during the holidays, making celebrations feel bittersweet.
• It's common to feel out of sync with others during festive times when grieving.
• Traditions can shift dramatically after a loss, creating a sense of disconnection.
• Feeling guilty for experiencing joy while grieving is a common struggle.
• Honoring lost loved ones through memories can be a healing practice.
• Support for those grieving should be compassionate and proactive.
• It's important to allow space for grief during celebrations and not force participation.
• Choosing intentions rooted in compassion can ease the pressure of New Year expectations.
• Surviving another year after a loss is a significant achievement.
• Healing from grief does not mean forgetting; it means living in a way that honors those lost.

Chapters

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.

*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.

*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

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.

*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

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.

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Lisa and Natasha discuss the complexities of family abuse, particularly within polygamous communities.

Natasha shares her personal experiences growing up in the FLDS polygamy cult as the niece of Warren Jeffs, highlighting the hidden abuse and the pressure to maintain a facade of perfection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse and finding strength in vulnerability.

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

• Family abuse often remains hidden behind closed doors.
• Growing up in a polygamous community, Natasha faced unique challenges.
• The pressure to maintain a facade of perfection was immense.
• Abuse is not always loud; it can be subtle and insidious.
• Breaking the cycle of abuse requires courage and support.
• Vulnerability can be a source of strength and healing.
• It's important to remember that abuse is never the victim's fault.
• Support systems and community can play a crucial role in healing.
• Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone.
• Healing is a journey that requires time and patience.

Chapters

00:00:01 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:01:48 Discussing Family Abuse

00:09:12 Natasha's Personal Experiences

00:21:08 Breaking the Cycle and Healing

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.