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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
“Movies, Shows & Books, Oh My; What to Watch ...Or Not “
Are you a late-night grief-insomniac like me? Do you need to escape, or maybe think deeply? I have it all! New today and a few more on the way...a long overdue episode about what I have watched or read etc. and what my take is on these shows, movies, books & more. There are a few honorable mentions (HM) in most categories that I will not say as much about, but I do talk briefly about why they are mentioned.
My Past Podcasts on this same topic (all different shows, etc... mostly):
Must Have APP - Does the Dog Die
Movies:
- Love, Liza (Philip Seymor Hoffman 2002)
- What Dreams May Come (Robin Willimas 1998)
- Roadrunner; The Story of Anthony Bourdain (2021)
- (HM) Coco (2017)
- (HM) Steel Magnolias (1989)
- (HM) The Big Chill (1983)
TV Shows/Series:
- The Bear (FX on Hulu at the time of recording - 2 Seasons out, 3# coming in June 2024 with more planned)
- Dead to Me (Netflix at time of recording - 3 Seasons)
- (HM always) Scattering CJ (documentary)
- (HM) Blue Bloods (2010 - current CBS - stream on paramount & Prime) good handling of grief
- (HM) Somebody Feed Phil - 7 seasons - lighthearted & entertaining (some legacy/honoring of grief) Netflix currently
- (HM) Friends - ('94-2004; 10 seasons -for caution/curious observation & entertainment) Max currently has all
Books/Reads:
- Get Griefy Magazine available online OR Amazon
- Suicidal- why we kill ourselves by Jesse Bering
- Dying to be Free by Beverly Cobain
- Because They Lived...(# Volumes and more on the way)
Other:
- Gaia TV Streaming Service
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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.