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 get ing 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.
[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
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
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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