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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
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 (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After S
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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.