.png)
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
New Ways to Heal Together; What’s New at The Leftover Pieces
Welcome today fellow griever. I appreciate you, I see you and thank you so much for listening and if you can, please ---Support the show
You may have seen soft mentions of some new things I’ve been building — maybe in your inbox or on social — and today I’m diving all the way in. If this is the first you’re hearing of it, then welcome — you’re right on time.
In this heart-led episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, I’m walking you through what’s new — and what’s next — here at The Leftover Pieces™. Each of these new offerings has grown out of real conversations with grieving survivors — and from the truth of my own lived experience.
💜 First, I talk about Destination: Me™ — my intimate 12-week 1:1 coaching experience for moms ready to rebuild their identity, release guilt, and walk forward with purpose. This isn’t therapy. It’s future-focused healing. And as of now, there are just 3 open spots.
💜 Next, I share the details of the Because They Are Loved Anthology — a collaborative book of poems and letters written by those left behind after suicide loss. If you want to write for someone you love, you have until June 30 to submit.
💜 Then, for the first time, I reveal the name of my upcoming online community: The Lighthouse Community. This space will offer gentle connection, topic-based resources, and real-time support for grieving moms — all at an affordable monthly cost. It's built to be soft, welcoming, and real.
✨ I also talk briefly about the January 2026 Legacy Writing Project — and why now is the right time to join the waitlist and begin a longer payment plan if it’s been on your heart.
And yes — I still dream of bringing back retreats. 2026, if the world allows.
Come take a listen — not just to learn what’s coming, but to understand the why behind it all.
As always, take what serves you, leave the rest. I’m just so glad you’re here.
Sending love, peace and enough hope for us both! (See, that's just one way community helps -- we need others to be our strength and motivators and accountability partners when we can't get there alone!) "This is so lonely, but you do not have to be alone." - XO Melissa
Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. GET ON MY EMAIL LIST THERE (Blue buttons on home page)
Have you seen the NEW Anthology Book "Becasue They Are Loved" -- submit your poems
__________________________________________________________________________
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.