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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
Because Legacy Matters; The Little Tin Man & His Big Heart
NEW EPISODE DROP! Today is MOTHER’S DAY 2024. As a special Down the Rabbit Hole episode and to honor a piece of my own journey in motherhood, I am reading my chapter “The Little Tin Man and His Big Heart” - a chapter written (by me) about parts of my son Alex’s life. Alex died by suicide on August 7, 2026, but his legacy continues as we tell his stories and speak his name.
You can find this story in the book series Because They Lived, plus stories of other amazing kids gone way too soon. Memories and Stories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide as Told by the Moms They Left Behind. There is a link on my website and in my Instagram Bio. There are three Volumes out, and a fourth will be out in June.
That’s 14 Moms who have left permanent legacies of their kids in the world! If you are a mom, there is still time to sign up for the last project of the year - starting in August. Email me today and we will set a time to talk about whether this is right for you....and read all about it (or watch a video) on my website. You can do this too!
Remember to take care of yourself and have a gentle day. Talk Soon!
Also, look for me again WEEKLY with a mixture of longer conversational episodes and shorter, solo, down-the-rabbit-hole episodes, roundtables, and more... I have missed you, friends, and I am glad to be back
Find ALL Legacy BOOKS HERE
Check out the LEGACY PROJECT HERE
THANK YOU for listening to this episode. It means so much to me!
Like what you hear? Support the show
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.
PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 is under way BUT you can get on the wait list for the August 7 group NOW!!
For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HERE
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
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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.