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
Lisa Johnson of Honor Connor; How to Walk & Talk for Hope
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Today I share my talk with Lisa Johnson. She is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Honor Connor - a nonprofit who's mission it is to stop the stigma and start the conversation around mental health, addiction & suicide loss. Honor Connor also provides hope & healing to those affected by suicide loss by providing education & resources. Lisa & her husband Scott started Honor Connor after they lost their son Connor in 2016 to suicide after a struggle with depression, anxiety, cancer and substance abuse.
Lisa talks openly about:
- the total devastation that suicide leaves in its wake
- how isolating this loss can be but until you live it, you just don't understand - hence the need for conversation & education
- how survivors need to find hope and support to start to heal
- how everything changes and that you have to do things differently now
- why they started Honor Connor
- what programs and events Honor Connor is currently providing
To find Lisa and Honor Connor go to the WEBSITE HERE
We also talked a lot about the upcoming 2nd Annual Walk & Talk for Hope. The 2nd Annual Honor Connor Walk & Talk for Hope is an opportunity for all of us to invite our family and/or friends to get together for dedicated time to Walk & Talk about the stuff that really matters.
As one of Honor Connor's signature programs, they encourage everyone to join them virtually or in person at one of the two satellite locations.
Each registered walker will receive Honor Connor’s 'Conversation Starter - Digital Tool Kit' to support you starting the conversation on the day of the walk, and every day.
Register for free and join on
Saturday, November 26th to Walk & Talk for Hope!
GO directly to the Walk & Talk page HERE to register for free
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available. Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where you 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
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💜 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.