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
Dr. Lenore Matthew; Melding Science & Spirit in Healing after Suicide Loss
Life after the suicide loss of a loved one- there is so much we could say about the SCIENCE of it. There is so much that we could say about the SPIRIT side of it all. BUT... can they overlap? Do they? Today I have a conversation with someone who feels like an old friend. She definitely is a friend (she is NOT old) but we are indeed new friends in the sense that we have only known each other a few years yet, the 'old friend' feeling comes from the deep connection we share where our souls have collided. Trust me - she is phenomenal! Dr. Lenore (Lenny to most) shares with us how she became a young widow with the loss of her beloved husband Bruno by suicide and how this has transformed her, her beliefs, and her life's purpose.
Today, you will hear Lenore and I talk about
- Her story as a young widow and the past few years
- Post-Traumatic Growth (over PTSD)
- Melding Science & Spirit
- What are medium vs psychic readings
- How often can/should we have readings?
- How to find a medium … and SO. MUCH. MORE.
You can find her and ALL of the wonderful work she is doing in the world at -->
Dr. Lenore Matthew - Melding Science and Spirit to Heal through Trauma and Grief
Her FIRST visit to my podcast (Season 1 Ep 30) - CLICK to LISTEN HERE
Other places or people we discussed---->
Forever Family Foundation
Journey Within
Arthur Findlay College (UK)
Angel the Medium (the medium I have a great connection with - besides Lenore!)
A bit more about Dr. Lenore Matthew in her own words --
Lenore Matthew, Ph.D., MSW is a Doctor of Social Work and a trauma and grief specialist, as well as a psychic medium and intuitive healer. Her intuitive gifts suddenly opened up when her husband, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, unexpectedly took his own life. Today, she blends her scientific background with her intuitive abilities, to help others heal through trauma and grief.
Her writing has been featured by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and The Mighty: Community for Mental Health Awareness, among others. Learn more about Dr. Matthew and her work at www.drlenorematthew.com and on Instagram at @drlenorematthew and on Facebook at facebook.com/delenorematthew
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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.