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
Forever 15; A Lasting Tribute to Rader
Today I want to share my conversation with Susan Ward. Susan lost her son Rader on June 7, 2017 to suicide just one week shy of his 16th birthday on June 13. Rader was a creative, intuitive & intelligent child who thrived in Montessori school. Susan & her husband William first noticed Rader's struggles after Rader entered public school. We talk about how they sought 'help' in every way they could yet, it somehow wasn't enough. We also discuss Susan's "tools" for living with her grief.
Rader's college fund was put to work & became The Rader Ward Foundation. The foundation serves as a lasting tribute to their son Rader...& Susan's wish is that in his memory they can reach as many kids in their area as possible that would thrive in a Montessori environment - kids who possibly could be saved by such an environment. She also actively uses her platform to promote resources for mental health & suicide awareness ... in fact it is the soul purpose of the foundations Instagram feed.
This is a thought provoking conversation. I am sorry you are here, but glad you have found us.
You can find & connect with Susan at
Rader Ward Foundation - there are tons of resources for mental health & suicide prevention both here and on her Instagram Page
You can also find them at Facebook at Rader Ward Foundation
You can find & connect with me at:
The Leftover Pieces Instagram
or
The Leftover Pieces Podcast Webpage
If you or someone you know is struggling PLEASE reach out & talk to someone
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you
IN a crisis you can also TEXT
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258
And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on Instagram at The Leftover Pieces
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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.