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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
Surviving Early Suicide Loss: Honoring Austin’s Legacy Through Art, Horses, and Advocacy
In this episode of The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations, I’m joined by Jacquelyn Dickey, a mother navigating early suicide loss after the death of her son, Austin, who died on April 4, 2025, at the age of 30. Austin left behind a loving family — his mom, dad, younger sister Victoria, girlfriend Rachel, and his beloved dog Luna — as well as an extraordinary body of photographic work that continues to speak to his creativity and spirit.
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Jacquelyn’s journey through grief has been uniquely courageous. Within weeks of Austin’s death, she leaned into movement, connection, and purpose — returning to horse training and immersion in things that grounded her — not to bypass her grief, but to survive alongside it. In the process, she brought Austin’s work into the world through a beautiful and powerful book, The Dash, honoring his legacy while also inviting others into honest conversation around suicide loss.
You will want to add this book to your Amazon Cart -- It is incredible!
We explore early grief and survival, creativity as connection, the varied ways people find a way forward, and how advocacy — through art, horses, and community — can be both deeply personal and broadly meaningful.
This episode also highlights Jacqueline’s advocacy work, including the Austin Dickey Creativity in Advocacy Fund, which supports young creatives advancing mental-health awareness, and her moving freestyle performance at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover with her horse Donner — a moment that was widely shared for its message of resilience and hope.
Episode Links & Resources
📖 The Dash — Book & Austin’s Photography
📷 Austin Dickey Creativity in Advocacy Fund
🐎 Thoroughbred Makeover 2025 — Donner & Jacqueline (YouTube)
To learn more about Austin’s life, Jacqueline’s advocacy, and the legacy being built in his name, check out the links above and take time to witness the creativity, love, and meaning that continue to move forward.
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💜 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.