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
Serendipities & Synchronicities; An Essay to (My) Alex
This episode (the 3rd of 3 in the initial drop of Season 5) is releasing on SUNDAY, Feb 4, 2024. I am honored to be back behind the mic talking with other loss survivors and experts....so that I can share these conversations with you, fellow griever.
So, yes, I AM BACK!!! AND I did take a bit of a “pause” and I can’t wait to share with you why...(psst, episode 2 episode tells why if you haven't listened in order)
THIS episode is me reading my recently published essay to (my) Alex “Serendipities & Synchronicities; An Essay to Alex” from the most recent legacy book (see next paragraph)
I launched Season 5 with a very exciting episode directly from the book launch Zoom event for the latest legacy book “Because They Lived; Stories & Memories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide. As Told by the Moms They Left Behind” (Volume 3) AND I will be releasing TWO Down the Rabbit Hole episodes as well (I mean episode 2 was really just an update -- but an episode nonetheless)
Now you can look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and the shorter solo down the rabbit hole episodes, roundtables and more.... I have missed you friends and am glad to be back.
THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means the world to share Alex with you!
Check out ALL of my books including the latest legacy book (and there's more on the way!) -- CLICK HERE!!
PS....LAST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project for 2023 began August 16 BUT you can get on the wait list for the February 7, 2024, group NOW!!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
______________________________________________________________________
My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central.
The latest Legacy projects are NOW published BOOKS -- GET THEM HERE!!!
ALSO, my first two books (tools I have created for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
__________________________________________________________________________
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.