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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
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 and letters TODAY!! Be an author-- tell their story! Because legacy matters
Andt he 1:1 Coaching -- Destination Me SEE IT HERE
And what about Legacy? Let's remember your child together!! I start the ONE & ONLY Legacy Project this year (2025) --- and NOW is the time to get on the list for Jan 2026 LET"S CHAT - SCHEDULE A CHAT HERE
If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA