
Hosted by David Keck · EN
"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.

Send us Fan MailLet’s be honest: life is rarely clean, perfect, or entirely figured out. Most of the time, we’re all just surviving the "ish"—the messy, chaotic, uncertain gray areas of being human. 🤷♂️In this episode of Surviving Ish, host David is joined by author, teacher, and Air Force veteran Shawn Helgerson to talk about what happens when the rigid, black-and-white rules we're handed collapse, and we're forced to live in the messy middle.Sure, it starts with the everyday "ish"—like fighting with glitchy Bluetooth earbuds—but it quickly evolves into a masterclass on navigating life’s biggest blindspots. Shawn shares how a deployment to Iraq shattered his neatly boxed-up worldview, and how losing his marriage, his home, and his stability forced him to stop looking for clean, magical answers.If you are tired of toxic positivity, fake "perfect life" formulas, and the pressure to have it all together, this raw conversation is for you. David and Shawn break down how to stop waiting for an external savior, how to embrace your own "shadow self," and why finding peace in the middle of the absolute chaos is the ultimate superpower.Life isn't perfect. It's "ish." Let's talk about it.🧠 INSIDE THE MESSY MIDDLE:The Glitchy Reality: Why everyday annoyances (like bad tech) are the perfect metaphor for lifeWhen the Plan Fails: Surviving the collapse of your marriage, your home, and your worldviewThe "Answers to Prayer" Illusion: Moving past rigid formulas and learning to trust yourselfEmbracing the Shadow: Why integrating your messy, unpolished side is the only way to healThe Power of "Ish": How letting go of absolute certainty actually makes life infinitely better#SurvivingIsh #EmbraceTheMess #EmpathyAndGrowth #ShadowWork #InnerChild #RealTalkPodcast #LifeHardTruths #MindsetShift• Substack: substack.com/@shawnhelgerson• The Abundance Institute: skool.com/the-abundance-institute-2294• Wordsmiths Guild: skool.com/wordsmiths-guild-6221Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhen Andrea Leeb finally spoke the truth about her childhood, her mother’s physical reaction was so intense it defied medical explanation. What followed was decades of denial, a secret that nearly broke her, and a reckoning that changed everything.👇 Subscribe to Surviving-ISH for more raw, unfiltered stories of survival: [Insert Link]ABOUT THIS EPISODE:In this gripping episode of Surviving-ish, David sits down with USA Today bestselling author and memoirist Andrea. Prepare to be moved as Andrea opens up about the horrific grooming and abuse she suffered from her father starting at just four and a half years old—and the shocking "hysterical blindness" her mother suffered the moment she found out.From a sudden mental health crisis at age 33 that forced her into inpatient treatment, to a literal rain-soaked book launch that couldn't stop her memoir from going viral during the MeToo movement, Andrea’s story is the ultimate blueprint for turning pain into power.Today, she is a powerhouse advocate working with the UCLA Rape Treatment Center and RAINN, proving that you can reclaim your inner child, find joy through movement, and truly thrive after the unthinkable.https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/622896https://books.google.com/books/about/Such_a_Pretty_Picture.html?id=gB5GEQAAQBAJRESOURCES & HELP:If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or abuse, please know you are not alone.National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673 / rainn.orgUCLA Rape Treatment Center#SurvivingIsh #TraumaRecovery #MeToo #RAINN #HealingJourney #Inspiration #MemoirSupport the show

Send us Fan MailEver received a single “K” text and immediately felt the passive-aggressive wrath? Or had your spellcheck completely ruin your life by changing it to an “L”?In this wildly unfiltered episode of Surviving-ish, we are jumping from hilarious everyday frustrations straight into some of the heaviest realities facing our world today. Joining the conversation is Dee from the incredible Umbrella Rebellion podcast, and no topic is off-limits.We kick things off with the ultimate ADHD tangents—debating the true meaning of “K” vs “KK,” arguing over infuriatingly wide delivery windows, skyrocketing utility bills, and a chaotic TVA home energy inspection. But things take a raw and deeply serious turn as we dive into the dark side of fundamentalism.Dee opens up about the immense strain of supporting a neurodivergent family member dealing with chronic suicidal ideation, completely isolated by a lack of community support after escaping a cult. We tackle the terrifying reality of how political targeting impacts the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities, while the host shares a deeply personal reflection on losing a stepfather to suicide and surviving his own traumatic past.If you want to understand the terrifying truth behind Christian nationalism, the deep-seated misogyny in fundamentalist groups, and how Dee is actively fueling a rebellion against the harms of the IBLP and IFB, you cannot afford to miss this episode.Hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your thoughts on the "K" text, and join the rebellion.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/umbrella-rebellion/id1600802861#SurvivingIsh #UmbrellaRebellion #ReligiousTrauma #IBLP #IFB #Deconstruction #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Neurodivergent #ADHDBrain #LGBTQVoices #ChristianNationalism #CultSurvivor #PodcastRebellionSupport the show

Send us Fan MailI used to have ABSOLUTELY ZERO empathy for the MAGA movement. As a gay man living in a deep-red Southern state and a survivor of a brutal hate crime, my anger wasn’t just justified—it was a survival mechanism. But recently, everything shifted.In this raw, unfiltered mini-episode of Surviving Politics-ish, I'm stepping back from the terrifying realities of #Project2025 to look at how we actually fight back. For years, my voice was fueled by pure contempt for anyone wearing a red hat. Then, two incredible podcasts completely rewired my approach, and we need to talk about them.First, IHIP News (from the brilliant minds behind the I’ve Had It podcast) validated my rage. They reminded me why we have to "go for the jugular" when it comes to the architects of this movement. But the real game-changer was A Necessary Conversation. Watching liberal siblings debate their MAGA parents—and seeing real signs of breakthrough after a family healthcare crisis—exposed the deep, psychological dynamics of cult indoctrination.Can you hold two truths at once? Can you demand ruthless accountability for political leaders while maintaining empathy-with-boundaries for the voters caught in the crossfire?Listen in as we break down why exposing policies with facts matters now more than ever, and why you need to add #IveHadIt and #ANecessaryConversation to your playlist immediately.Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation.#Project2025 #IveHadIt #ANecessaryConversation #IHIPNews #SurvivingPoliticsIsh #TrueStories #PoliticalPsychology #EmpathyWithBoundaries #Accountability #PodcastRecommendations #LGBTQVoicesSupport the show

Send us Fan MailEver get that chilling feeling that you’ve already lived this exact day? This week, David talks with Jenny Smith, the host of Unholier Podcast, and drops a bombshell about a recurring vision of his own death that has us questioning reality. Are we trapped in a looping timeline, or did David just unlock a memory from a past life? 👁️👁️We start off normal—laughing about aging, David being called out as a "Papaw," and Jenny’s literal lifelong battle with Florida humidity and Amazon hair extensions. But things take a massive, unhinged turn into the supernatural.David reveals a highly specific, disturbing vision of dying in a highway rollover accident that he can't shake. This opens up a massive rabbit hole on:The Glitch in the Matrix: Why your deja vu might actually be a timeline reset.Soul Trauma: How a past life (and maybe a connection to a historic assassination?) shapes your empathy today.Project Looking Glass & Stargates: A sneak peek into the government tech that allegedly views future timelines.Hollywood Programming: Why apocalyptic movies feel a little too realistic lately.Are we being programmed, or is the simulation glitching? Drop your wildest deja vu story in the comments—we need to know if anyone else is experiencing the same timeline reset.[Call to Action]🔔 Subscribe to Surviving-ish for more weekly chaos, and make sure to turn on notifications for our upcoming LIVE conspiracy stream!#ProjectLookingGlass #DejaVu #PastLives #SimulationTheory #Stargate #ConspiracyPodcast #SurvivingIsh #TimelineGlitch #MandelaEffectSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSHE ALMOST DIDN’T MAKE IT OUT… 💔 (Mariel's Story)In this episode of Surviving-ish, we are sitting down with the incredibly brave Mariel, who opens up about a journey that will leave you absolutely speechless. From surviving the dark reality of the troubled teen industry to escaping a highly abusive relationship ruled by coercive control, Mariel’s story is a masterclass in human resilience.How do you rebuild your entire life and rediscover your self-worth after someone tries to completely erase who you are? We dive deep into the red flags most people miss, the terrifying emotional rollercoaster of leaving an abusive partner, and how to find lighter moments and humor even in the darkest chapters of your life.If you or anyone you know is navigating a toxic situation, this conversation is proof that survival is possible. Watch until the very end to hear the exact moment everything changed for Mariel. 🌟👇 What part of Mariel's journey resonated with you the most? Let’s talk in the comments.If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please know you are not alone. Help is available 24/7: 📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788.#DomesticAbuseSurvivor #CoerciveControl #TroubledTeenIndustry #TraumaHealing #SurvivingIsh #SelfWorth #Resilience #HealingJourney #OvercomingAbuse #InspiringStorieshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-ish-podcast/id1572182113?i=1000609750100Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe host frames the episode as a non-expert, trauma-informed attempt to understand politics and then argues that by May 2026 Project 2025 has become the governing blueprint, despite Donald Trump publicly claiming in 2024 he didn’t know its authors. They describe Project 2025 as a roughly 900-page Heritage Foundation “mandate for leadership” written by many Trump-aligned former officials, and point to cabinet staffing—naming FCC head Brandon Carr and Attorney General Pam Bondi—as evidence the authors are now in power. The episode focuses on “Schedule F” reclassification, describing an executive order that turns tens of thousands of civil servants into fireable political appointees, prompting an exodus of about 50,000 professionals replaced by a vetted loyalist database. It also warns about Department of Education plans like universal school choice, phasing out Title I funding, and federal investigations of curriculum around gender identity and systemic racism. The host previews part two on “Operation Restore” and a mass deportation plan and invites discussion. #Project2025 #ScheduleF #Trump #HeritageFoundation #FCC #DepartmentOfEducation #SchoolChoice #TitleI #Politics #MAGA #ExecutiveOrders #Media #CivilService #CultureWar #DeportationSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIs the comedy industry FINALLY fixing its "bro" problem? 🚨In this episode of Surviving Ish, David sits down with the legendary Lynn Harris—journalist, comedian, and founder of Gold Comedy—to expose the toxic "bro vibe" dominating stand-up and how she’s completely flipping the script for women and non-binary creators.But first... we're talking full-blown CABIN FEVER. ❄️ From being trapped indoors by massive snowstorms to dealing with the absolute nightmare of automated phone prompts and David’s disastrous furniture-measuring fails, we are diving deep into the hilarious frustrations of just trying to survive everyday life.Then, things get real. Can you actually laugh at trauma? 🎭 Lynn breaks down the exact science of how humor helps us heal from pain without making light of the tragedy. We’re tackling the golden rules of comedy:How The Onion handled 9/11 (and why it worked)The difference between "punching up" vs. "punching down"How to brutally shut down hecklers and master crowd workWhy being hyper-specific is the secret weapon to making people laughIf you’ve ever used humor to get through a dark time, or if you're just sick of the same old gatekeepers in comedy, you cannot afford to miss this episode!✨ SMASH that subscribe button, leave a comment with your worst customer service horror story, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! ✨https://goldcomedy.com/#comedy #secrets #womenincomedy #non-binarycomedians #trauma #hecklersSupport the show

Send us Fan MailAre you avoiding this one conversation that could completely shatter your family? 🛑In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Surviving-ish, we sit down with Jermaine Ee, a tech founder who built a groundbreaking app after a devastating personal loss. Now, he’s calling us ALL out for our biggest, most dangerous habit: completely avoiding our wills.If you think you’re "too young" or "not rich enough" to plan for the end, you are making a massive mistake. 😳From the host's raw confession about how surviving an attempted murder still didn't get him to write a will, to Jermaine’s terrifying updates on his girlfriend's family navigating the war zone in Kyiv, this episode pulls zero punches. We dive deep into productivity hacks, overcoming the toxic urge to work 24/7, and how to stop letting fear control your legacy.Don't wait until it's too late. Click play right now to find out why your avoidance is putting everything you love at risk.Support the show

Send us Fan MailNavigating Trauma, Dating, and the Gay Agenda 🤪 | Surviving-ISHWelcome back to Surviving-ISH! In today’s episode, David sits down with the incredible A (you might recognize them from TikTok or their appearance on the Un Holier podcast) for a conversation that is as raw as it is necessary.We’re diving deep into the messy, beautiful, and often exhausting reality of navigating life while queer. From the workplace to the bedroom, no topic is off-limits.🎙️ In This Episode:Career & Identity: The reality of transitioning at work and finding that elusive work-life balance.Healing Out Loud: Candid reflections on trauma recovery and moving past sexual trauma.Modern Romance: Unpacking relationship dynamics and the "Gay Agenda."Kink & Safety: A nuanced look at consent, safe communication, and setting boundaries in BDSM.The Big Picture: How religion and societal norms impact our personal freedoms and lived experiences.This episode is a journey through the struggles and insights that come from living authentically in a world that doesn't always make it easy.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains honest discussions regarding sexual trauma and recovery. Please listen with care.Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to keep surviving with us! 🔔https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/un-holier-than-thou-podcast/id1800066919?i=1000729215699#SurvivingIsh #TraumaRecovery #LGBTQ #Podcast #Dating #MentalHealth #GayAgenda #WorkLifeBalanceSupport the show