Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!
Interviews of people who took a break from life at one point or another to get help, grow up, or just to reassess their life direction. Some guests struggled with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, a death in the family, or just decided college was not the place for them. These stories are all-to-real, and yet we don't talk enough about how common it is for those who took a gap year to defer college, went to college and took a break, or those who struggled launching into the workforce post-college graduation. This goes out to all the young adults and parents of young adults who are struggling and contemplating what will happen if they walk away right now.
Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!
Episode 315: Redefining Success Through Compassion and Resilience with Lisa Sugarman
In this week’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with author, mental health advocate, and suicide loss survivor Lisa Sugarman. Lisa’s journey is one of resilience, grief, and transformation—from losing her father at a young age, to later discovering the truth about his death, and ultimately turning her pain into purpose. She reflects on the nonlinear twists of her career, from journalism to parenting columns, and how her lived experiences reshaped her work and calling. Today, Lisa is the author of four books, the founder of The Help Hub, a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, and co-host of The Survivors podcast. Lisa redefines success as impact and authenticity rather than achievement. She speaks to the importance of listening to our kids, creating space for honesty, and embracing life’s twists as part of the journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that showing up vulnerably can inspire hope and healing.
Lisa’s Resources:
Social Media:
- Instagram: @lisa_sugarman
- Facebook: The Lisa Sugarman
- Linktree: linktr.ee/thelisasugarman
- LinkedIn: Lisa Sugarman
Website & Platform:
- The Help Hub — Lisa’s survivor-led platform for mental health resources and community
Books:
- Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (forthcoming, 2026 release) — Lisa’s upcoming mental health book
- How to Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids and Be Okay with It
Podcast:
- The Survivors Podcast — Co-hosted by Lisa Sugarman
Organizations & Affiliations:
- The Trevor Project — Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth
- Samaritans Boston — Grief support and suicide prevention services
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — Mental health education and advocacy
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
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