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
Synchronicities and Redefined Motherhood; Reality After Suicide Loss
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Today, at the end of Season 2, I go (deep) 'down the rabbit hole' to discuss reality in this solo episode. Since losing your loved one to suicide have you ever questioned reality? I know the edge of reality -and ‘someplace else’ - is a place I have often found myself firmly standing since the loss of my son Alex to suicide in 2016. This has happened for a few reasons I think.
I think synchronicities are partially to blame & the understanding of life & our connection to the afterlife as well. This is a deep topic - I know I only scratch the surface but hopefully, I give you a lot to think about.
So, just to help, let’s define it, from Webster it is:
1. the world or the state of things as they exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them. My son - his energy- exists.
OR
2. the state or quality of having existence or substance. I will make the same argument as above.
Hmmm…right??? So, find your reality & embrace it. You are not alone. Unfortunately, many of us share this reality - & we understand. Life is all about shifts. Some we make. Some happen to us. Some are welcome, others are our worst nightmare- but what we make of these shifts will define our reality. Sending love always.
- For fun Wikis definition of Synchronicity.
- Afterlife by John Edwards
- Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynn Jackson
A blog post that's an interesting perspective -
My Only Child Died, but I Will Always be his Mother
My first two books (in the Survival series of Life After Suicide Loss) are out. Let me help you survive so that you may find Hope and eventually even start to heal.
A Survival Guide; Facing Life After Suicide Loss
AND
The Story of Your Survival; A Guided Journal to Navigate These Dark, Stormy Days
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💜 The Leftover Pieces is support for life after suicide loss. Click links below
🎙 Leave me a message: Share a question, your story, or your person’s name for a future episode → theleftoverpieces.com/voicemail
🔗 Stay connected: Join my email community for weekly support, resources, and honest conversations.
🛠 Start here: Explore website for suicide loss resources for early grief, family support, and next steps.
🤝 For moms: One-on-one grief coaching for mothers navigating life after child loss.
📞 Need support right now? If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (U.S. & Canada), or text HOME to 741741.