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
I Don't Want You to Miss Out!; Updates & Holiday Tips from The Rabbit Hole
Hello! Can you believe that 2022 is nearly over? That brings sooo many emotions for those of us grieving the loss of our child. I mean there's the holiday season of course, but the very 'leaving behind' of another year brings its own complication, yes??
Today I am just popping in for some updates and announcements that I want to be sure are made know to my entire listening audience as I know not everyone is on my email list (trust me, I get it - we get so much email that the thought of one more can be just too much!
In this episode I will discuss:
- My Dec.5 "Growth in Grief; Healing Trauma in our Mind, Body & Spirit" series - Go HERE for more info and to sign up Healing starts with knowledge!
- The upcoming "Moms Legacy Compilation Project" - one of the biggest desires we have as a parent is that the world know our child. That their name is said, and their story known. there is also SO much healing to be had from this project. Check it out HERE.
- Upcoming Downloadables for various alternative healing modalities
- Upcoming new tools - the next 2 books are officially come - The HOPE series!
- Exciting new episode styles and a fun addition to the podcast in Jan.
- A few tips to help navigate this season a bit better
If you are a mom, have you tried one of my support group options? This is not your typical 'support group'.... this is a welcoming and supportive community of friends, all walking this same path but not wanting to do it alone. Look at the options HERE
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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" support central - MY HUB - and that means my different SUPPORT GROUP Options are available. Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where you will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support. My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
CALL 988
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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.