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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
This is NOT a Suicide Prevention Podcast; Does that Even Matter?
Today I am feeling a bit feisty! I have been wanting to talk about this for a while. The Leftover Pieces:; Suicide Loss Conversations Podcast is NOT a suicide prevention podcast. And it is OKAY to say that. I support suicide prevention - naturally. And I often come alongside people to do prevention type work. That makes sense. BUT my podcast is for suicide loss survivors. The podcast is to have hard conversations and to try and help us make a meaningful life from the shattered pieces we have found ourselves sitting in... what used to be our life, and our future and everything that made sense.
Today I talk about:
- Why I am willing to say this outloud
- How we approach or see grief - let's talk about the history of grief
- Ancient philosophy and how that helps me (and could help you)
- (I get a little 'up on a pedestal in the end --- but I am not even sorry!)
The following is a list of ways (with links) that you might be able to be seen, heard and supported!
- My Dec.5 "Growth in Grief; Healing Trauma in our Mind, Body & Spirit" series - Go HERE for more info and to sign up Healing starts with knowledge! You can STILL ENROLL and catch up at your leisure!!
- The upcoming "Moms Legacy Compilation Project" - one of the biggest desires we have as a parent is that the world know our child. That their name is said, and their story known. there is also SO much healing to be had from this project. Check it out HERE.
- Upcoming Downloadables for various alternative healing modalities
- Upcoming new tools - the next 2 books are officially come - The HOPE series!
- Exciting new episode styles and a fun addition to the podcast in Jan.
If you are a mom, have you tried one of my support group options? This is not your typical 'support group'.... this is a welcoming and supportive community of friends, all walking this same path but not wanting to do it alone. Look at the options HERE
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available. Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where you will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support. My first two books
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Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
💜 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.