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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
“Movies, Shows & Books, Oh My; What to Watch ...Or Not “
Are you a late-night grief-insomniac like me? Do you need to escape, or maybe think deeply? I have it all! New today and a few more on the way...a long overdue episode about what I have watched or read etc. and what my take is on these shows, movies, books & more. There are a few honorable mentions (HM) in most categories that I will not say as much about, but I do talk briefly about why they are mentioned.
My Past Podcasts on this same topic (all different shows, etc... mostly):
Must Have APP - Does the Dog Die
Movies:
- Love, Liza (Philip Seymor Hoffman 2002)
- What Dreams May Come (Robin Willimas 1998)
- Roadrunner; The Story of Anthony Bourdain (2021)
- (HM) Coco (2017)
- (HM) Steel Magnolias (1989)
- (HM) The Big Chill (1983)
TV Shows/Series:
- The Bear (FX on Hulu at the time of recording - 2 Seasons out, 3# coming in June 2024 with more planned)
- Dead to Me (Netflix at time of recording - 3 Seasons)
- (HM always) Scattering CJ (documentary)
- (HM) Blue Bloods (2010 - current CBS - stream on paramount & Prime) good handling of grief
- (HM) Somebody Feed Phil - 7 seasons - lighthearted & entertaining (some legacy/honoring of grief) Netflix currently
- (HM) Friends - ('94-2004; 10 seasons -for caution/curious observation & entertainment) Max currently has all
Books/Reads:
- Get Griefy Magazine available online OR Amazon
- Suicidal- why we kill ourselves by Jesse Bering
- Dying to be Free by Beverly Cobain
- Because They Liv
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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.