The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
This podcast focuses on surviving life after a suicide loss, an experience that can be devastating and leave you feeling lost as you try to pick up the pieces of your shattered heart. The host, Melissa Bottorff-Arey, lost her 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016, and brings (& often shares) her insights from her personal journey.
In each episode, Melissa engages in honest and challenging conversations with other survivors of loss, healers, and mental health experts. She also produces shorter solo episodes where she reflects on her own thoughts and experiences thus far. The podcast covers a wide range of relevant topics and addresses difficult questions. Melissa explores all aspects of grief, including trauma, hope, healing, self-care, legacy, and stigma. She believes that we learn to live alongside our grief rather than getting over it. Actual change comes through authentic, meaningful connections and mindful choices.
For supporters or educators, these conversations provide valuable insights and shine a light on suicide and grief genuinely and unapologetically. Listeners who are grieving a suicide loss can find comfort in the community and hope for a better tomorrow. Melissa aims to help others, like herself, transition from merely surviving to discovering a life filled with meaning and, potentially, even happiness amid the leftover pieces around you. You can always schedule a time to chat about being a guest from my main website.
[Please NOTE: This podcast is for only relational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It candidly and openly discusses sensitive and sometimes activating topics. There will be no in-depth or graphic descriptions of the method, but merely the possible mention of suicide, murder, rape, and the like. Be guided and care for yourself accordingly. Also, Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing on this podcast should be taken in place of, or as, medical/mental health advice or recommendations.]
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
Heavyweight – Gimlet
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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.