The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. The Leftover Pieces® Podcast explores life after suicide through honest conversations with survivors, experts, and grieving parents learning to live forward after unimaginable loss. Parents, partners, siblings, and friends share what it means to keep living when the world has been forever changed.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son Alex died by suicide in 2016, the show blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health professionals with short solo reflections you can actually use. Together we explore child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that help make life livable again.
At its heart, this podcast is about learning to live forward after loss. We never move on from the people we love, but we can learn to carry the grief differently. This road can feel incredibly lonely—but you are not alone here.
For supporters, educators, and professionals, these conversations also offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support can look like.
If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest through Melissa’s website.
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Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about grief and suicide loss and may feel activating for some listeners. We avoid graphic descriptions and discussion of suicide methods. Please care for yourself as needed. Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing shared here should be considered medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Funerals during a Pandemic; Plus Tools, Signs and Healing from Trauma
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Today I share my SECOND conversation with J India (Jennifer Ciotta) and it is a GIFT! As the title implies - there is a LOT packed into this one! I am fortunate to call Jen my friend now and we just always have such great talks, so it is my pleasure to share this one.
Jennifer Ciotta is a trauma survivor, an intuitive, and a lightworker in the world of energy and healing. She is the producer and host of "Two Inches Off the Ground," a podcast where the metaphysical meets the practical. Her master’s degree in creative writing combined with her former 10-year-career as a book editor bring storytelling and entertainment to the forefront of her podcast content. She loves being a voice for the metaphysical world and hopes that she assists in healing the collective with her words and energy. You can follow her @twoinchesofftheground on Instagram.
LINKS as referenced by J India during our FIRST conversation in
Season 2 Episode 9: HERE is THAT EPISODE (if you haven't heard it - it's a great one too!)
- Ayurveda Diagnosis and Intro” episode 9 of "Two Inches Off the Ground" Podcast
- Ayurveda Experience with Saskia” episode 16 of "Two Inches Off the Ground" Podcast
- Dr. John Douillard of https://lifespa.com - one of the two best AV practitioners in the US.
- Take the dosha quiz to find your dosha (constitution)
- ChakraPro app
- Chakra Dance To Change Your Life” by Natalie Southgate
In case you missed it above, here is HER PODCAST "Two Inches Off the Ground" It is a FABULOUS place to get enlightened - every single time I listen I take something away!
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuild
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Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 The Leftover Pieces is support central for grieving hearts.
🔗 Stay connected: Join my free email community for weekly check-ins, resources, and encouragement.
🌟 For moms: Explore the $9 Lighthouse Community — safe connection, tools, and hope.
🛠 Resources for all grievers: Start here.
🤝 One-on-one grief coaching for moms after child loss to suicide: Learn more here.
📞 Need help now? If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 in the U.S. & Canada, or text HOME to 741741.