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
A Mother's Love is Forever; Calvin's Legacy Lives On
Today, I have the unique privilege of having a conversation with a podcast listener. Vickie Stam and I began messaging earlier this year after she reached out to tell me that she was enjoying the podcast. Vickie lost her 31 year old son Calvin to suicide on Dec 9, 2019. She is a bubbly, genuine and warm soul. It became obvious to us fairly soon after she reached out that our sons connected us and they continue to communicate that through music shared for us! I appreciate our connection so much and am honored to share her brave journey through grief.
If you wish to connect with Vickie, you can do so here vickie stam (@vickiestam) • Instagram photos and videos
AND her ETSY Page (Hand crafted, one of a kind crochet apparel) BeachButteflyStudio
Here are some links from items Vickie and discussed AND some that I am sharing per her requests Thanks Vickie!!
Matt Haig (books)
Barbara Erskine (fiction book author) - Her Author Page
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown – Mayim Bialik
Good Mourning – Sally Douglas & Imogen Carn
Grief Seeds – Shelby Forsythia
Grief Dreams Podcast – Dr. Joshua Black
Life, Death & The Space Between – Dr. Amy Robbins
We Can Do Hard Things With Glennon Doyle
Death Is Hilarious – Tawny Platis
Where’s The Grief – Jordon Ferber
Grief Unfiltered – Jayme Aills
Portraits of Grief – Tiffany Bernal & Thera Storm
Drift With Erin Davis
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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.