The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Suicide loss changes everything. The Leftover Pieces® Podcast explores life after suicide through honest conversations with survivors, experts, and grieving parents learning to live forward after unimaginable loss. Parents, partners, siblings, and friends share what it means to keep living when the world has been forever changed.
Hosted by Melissa Bottorff-Arey, whose 21-year-old son Alex died by suicide in 2016, the show blends intimate conversations with survivors, healers, and mental health professionals with short solo reflections you can actually use. Together we explore child loss, trauma and nervous-system care, anniversaries and seasons, stigma, faith and meaning, legacy, and the everyday practices that help make life livable again.
At its heart, this podcast is about learning to live forward after loss. We never move on from the people we love, but we can learn to carry the grief differently. This road can feel incredibly lonely—but you are not alone here.
For supporters, educators, and professionals, these conversations also offer insight into the realities of suicide grief and what genuine, non-fixing support can look like.
If you’d like to share your story or expertise, you can request to be a guest through Melissa’s website.
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Content Note
This podcast speaks candidly about grief and suicide loss and may feel activating for some listeners. We avoid graphic descriptions and discussion of suicide methods. Please care for yourself as needed. Melissa is not a doctor or licensed therapist, and nothing shared here should be considered medical or mental-health advice.
The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations
Healing Through the Holidays After Suicide Loss; Caro Brookings Interview Series
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Today I am sharing a BONUS EPISODE midweek because I really believe in the work this young woman is doing in the suicide bereavement field. Caro Brookings lost her mum to suicide in November on 2013 and she has been navigating this journey as a loss survivor since then. She is a neuro coach and believes deeply in the science behind healing the trauma in our brains. She also hosts Interview Series twice a year and it's that time of year again!
I am honored to be a speaker in this event called "Healing Through the Holidays After Suicide Loss". I will be in the company of approximately 23 other people that live, work, and breathe helping other loss survivors just like themselves. You won't want to miss this one as you get ready to face - and brace for - the holiday season as a griever!
Click here to save your seat by CLICKING HERE IT"S FREE!!
"After losing her beloved Mum to suicide in November 2013, Caro quickly realized that there isn't enough support out there for suicide loss survivors. She struggled with the complex grief that comes with losing a loved one to suicide, including feelings of guilt. After trying every healing strategy under the sun, Caro finally found the one which works when she learned all about refuting untrue and unhelpful thoughts, as well as rewiring the brain.
It had such a profound impact on her life that Caro decided to help others who suffered the same fate as her. Caro is now a Certified NeuroCoach and also completed the ILCT Grief Coaching Course. She uses brain-based, science-backed methods, as well as drawing from her vast experience, to support her clients to find inner peace and even joy again - for good."
“I wish I could just skip the holidays completely.” Has this gone through your mind when you think about the upcoming festive period?
I am so grateful to be part of this FREE 5-day interview series, and I can’t wait to share my wisdom with you!
Healing Through The Holidays After Suicide Loss starts on November 7. Don’t miss out!
AGAIN ---> Click here to save your seat by CLICKING HERE
And you can find Caro and ways to get to all she does through her private
Facebook Community HERE
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Re
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💜 The Leftover Pieces is support for life after suicide loss. Click links below
🎙 Leave me a message: Share a question, your story, or your person’s name for a future episode → theleftoverpieces.com/voicemail
🔗 Stay connected: Join my email community for weekly support, resources, and honest conversations.
🛠 Start here: Explore website for suicide loss resources for early grief, family support, and next steps.
🤝 For moms: One-on-one grief coaching for mothers navigating life after child loss.
📞 Need support right now? If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (U.S. & Canada), or text HOME to 741741.