Aug. 6, 2025
Welcome back to "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now," the podcast dedicated to exploring those pivotal moments where hesitation fades and transformation begins. In a recent inspiring episode, our host Jen Ginty sat down with Lisa Sugarman, a passionate mental health advocate and author. This conversation delved deep into Lisa's personal journey through profound loss and grief, revealing how these intensely difficult experiences ultimately shaped her impactful work in suicide prevention.
Lisa shared her raw and honest experiences as a survivor of suicide loss, illustrating how such a devastating event can be a catalyst for a powerful advocacy journey. Her story underscores a core theme of the "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now" podcast: that sometimes the moment you've been waiting for has already arrived, even if it's born from unexpected pain.
A significant aspect of Lisa's healing and advocacy has been the power of writing as a healing tool. Through her evolution as a writer, she found a way to process her grief and communicate her experiences, turning personal pain into a source of connection and understanding for others. This echoes the podcast's mission of sharing diverse stories to help listeners feel less alone in their struggles.
The episode also highlighted Lisa's extensive involvement with crucial organizations like The Trevor Project, which provides essential crisis support for LGBTQ youth. This commitment to community and connection is a vital aspect of mental health support, showcasing how individual experiences can fuel broader efforts to create a safer world. Jen Ginty herself created this podcast to build community and ensure others don't feel alone in their struggles, especially in challenging times.
A major focus of the discussion was the significance of sharing personal stories to break down barriers and stigma. This is the driving force behind Lisa's podcast, "The Survivors," which aims to destigmatize mental health conversations and provide a platform for those impacted by suicide loss. The podcast aligns perfectly with Jen's own goal of offering a space for stories of resilience, transformation, and clarity, allowing people to feel seen and understood.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
• Loss can lead to a powerful advocacy journey.
• Community and connection are vital in mental health support.
• The Trevor Project provides essential crisis support for LGBTQ youth.
• The Help Hub offers a comprehensive resource for mental health.
• Holding space for others is a privilege in crisis counseling.
• You don't have to be suicidal to reach out for help.
Episode Highlights:
[05:39] The Impact of Grief and the Process of Healing
[09:24] The Power of Writing as a Coping Mechanism
[16:44] The Evolution of Lisa's Writing
[19:55] Finding Purpose in Advocacy and Community Engagement
[31:53] The Trevor Project: A Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth
[45:52] The Survivors Podcast: Breaking the Stigma
[52:03] The Help Hub: A Resource for Mental Health
[58:17] Honoring Those We've Lost
This powerful conversation underscores that while life's challenges can be immense, embracing courage and seeking support can lead to profound growth and the ability to help others. Jen Ginty's podcast, "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now," continues to provide a crucial space for these meaningful discussions, inspiring listeners to navigate their own life struggles and find their "right now" moments of healing and transformation.
Resources Mentioned:
You can connect with Lisa Sugarman and "The Survivors" podcast on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Listeners are encouraged to check out the "When Not Yet Becomes Right Now" podcast on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more inspiring stories of resilience and transformation. If you're struggling, remember you're not alone, and resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available.
