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 Roundtable Discussion; 8 Brave Moms Speak about Grief, Healing & their Amazing Kids
Today's episode is 8 x as special --- because you will hear from EIGHT moms, it is A LONG EPISODE SO BUCKLE UP -- but it's soooo worth it!!! These ladies are near & dear to my heart as they are all a part of my all-access membership community. These ladies are between 11 months & 3 years in their journey of life after the suicide loss of their child. This community has absolutely surpassed any hopes I had when I started it... these women interact daily & meet weekly plus they get to peek at products early & gain special discounts as new projects & classes roll out. They welcome every new mom with tender hearts & open arms.....
Find out more, or join our mom's community of Super Support HERE
In this episode you will hear from:
Vickie - Calvin (31); Cerita - Gage (17); Kerilyn - Taylor (22); Betty - Tyberius (32); Barb - Donavon (16); Marcie - Kara (23); Crystal - Taylor (18); Rachel -Jane (20)
We talk about our loss, healing and community after loss. And while I know this is a group of moms, I do think that there is great wisdom and nuggets for anyone in this episode!
Watch for UPCOMING ROUNDTABLES with Siblings, Friends and (hopefully) Dads.
Some Links of things that were mentioned in this episode:
- EMDR
- Tim Braun - medium, book and more
- Peyton Heart Project (Vickie calls them 'joy bombs)
- Alliance for Hope
- Faith's Lodge
- Eric's House
- Paul Denniston / Grief yoga
- Dr. Peter Levine - Somatic Experiencing
- Dr. David Kessler - Grief.com
- Totally Got Out of Bed Podcast
- Disney Pixar movie "Inside Out"
- Rebecca Jax Healing
- The Body Keeps the Score Book
My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support cent
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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.