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The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. This show is about life after suicide—real talk and practical support for grief after suicide: parents, partners, siblings, and friends finding their footing again. Each week, we explore what helps in suicide bereavement so you can keep going with honesty and hope.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son, Alex, died by suicide in 2016, the podcast blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health experts with short solo “Daily Nugget” episodes you can actually use. We cover child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that make life livable again. You’ll hear grounded tools, language that honors your person, and the reminder that you are not broken—you are grieving.
For supporters and educators, these episodes offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support looks like. If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest via my website. 💜
Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about difficult experiences and may feel activating. We avoid method details and graphic description. Please care for yourself as needed. I’m not a doctor or licensed therapist; nothing here is medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Seven Years After Suicide Loss; A Widow & Her New Hopes
Lindsey Doolittle is my guest today. She is the author of a children's book called "Goodnight Mr. Vincent Van Gogh". This book is illustrated by suicide loss survivors and was inspired by the questions of Lindsey's nieces and nephews after her husband - their uncle Brett - died by suicide in 2015.
Lindsey was a guest in Season 1 and while we touch base on some of the same topics - this is a very different conversation almost 2 years later - a lot happens, while some things do remain the same, in a few years! Hear us talk about her book and art exhibition both becoming short films along with many other elements of her journey as well as her plans for the future
LISTEN HERE to our first conversation in 2020
Find Lindsey, her book, and website plus some of the groups she supports here:
Get her children's book "Goodnight Mr. Vincent Van Gogh" here on Amazon. (This book is also a part of the permanent collection at the Vincent Van Gogh library in Amsterdam! :)
Above The Rug Advocate, Activist, Suicide Loss Survivor (Lindsey's website including links to her social media, etc)
Blue H.E.L.P Honoring the Loss of Police Officers who have died by Suicide
Through This Together (Online Support) A Journey Through Grief Together
SASS-MoKan Suicide Awareness Survivor Support serving Kansas & Missouri
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my different SUPPORT SPACE Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022
Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where yo9u will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support
My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you
IN a crisis you can also
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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.