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 get ing 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.


[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.]

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Recent Reviews
  • RM0550
    This podcast has helped me so much
    I lost my ex Travis Oct 9th 2021 and it has been the hardest journey I’ve ever had take. Losing him that way has changed every aspect of my life. It changed everything. I’m not the same person i was. I lost him and myself that day. Like you say, I’m so sorry we all have a reason to be here but I’m so grateful to you for creating this community and a safe place to come and not feel so alone. Thank you! 💕
  • Docmom3460
    A Friend at night who understands…
    I lost my dear son to mental illness and suicide in February 2022. There are many nights when I fall asleep to the kindness of strangers and fellow itinerants on this journey. Melissa combines wisdom, learning, humor, practical tips and a sense of calm, knowing that we would all choose not to be here if we could. One of the best resources I have found, and I’ll be listening tonight….
  • Grieving In Ohio
    Thank you
    My world came crashing down when my youngest died unexpectedly. While faced with finding my way through the most difficult journey of my life, I stumbled across this podcast. I didn’t sign-up to be in the grieving mother club, yet here I am trying to navigate life without my son. Melissa’s podcast and book have been a blessing.
  • Rickeyta 222
    Forever 15 was my son too
    Just losing my son 7/28/23 5 days prior to his 16 birthday this podcast has been a blessing for me. Just knowing and processing that I am not alone. We also have a younger son in grateful to know that our journey is normal and real. Thank you both for sharing
  • Michelle Spurlock
    This podcast helps me face each day
    This podcast has served as my surrogate support group since there are no suicide loss support groups where I live. I listen every morning while I walk - and it helps me face each day without my son, Sam, who I lost to suicide on 4/8/23, 3 weeks before his 16th birthday. It helps so much to hear others’ loss stories and know that others have not only survived a loss of this magnitude, but have gone on to thrive. Melissa, I hope you know how much of a difference you are making in other’s lives - that you are creating so much light from the darkness of Alex’s death. Thank you.
  • Matt_Campbell
    Thank you for this
    So thankful that I came across this podcast. We lost our son to the disease of suicide on January 25th, 2021. He was 18, just a few weeks shy of his 19th birthday. He graduated high school the summer of 2020, delayed from COVID. Grateful for your work to meet this crucial need. We love you Michael, your story isn’t over;
  • BeccaBos14
    My therapy
    On 4-7-2023, my beautiful son took his precious life. It has been barely a month and we are still in a daze. I stumbled on this podcast somehow and it has been such a blessing. I listen almost daily to ground myself as much as possible. Thank you for making this podcast. I have shared it with several of my children and other family members. ❤️
  • Rita Sherms
    Beautiful and insightful
    Beautiful and insightful
  • Lylalaudmom
    Helpful for any grieving parent
    I lost my daughter on 9/6/2022 by suicide. She was 17 and entering her senior year of high school. It’s hard to put in words how difficult the past 4 months have been. Everything that happened was a shock to all of us. She was an amazing student, soccer player, surrounded by friends. I have a very supportive family and friend group, but no one really understands what you are going through as another mom who lost a child to suicide. I was introduced to the podcast 2 weeks ago and have almost finished the episodes. It has been really helpful for me in processing grief and learning skills to cope with day to day things. I am understanding more about signs, looking into yoga, acupuncture, crystals, to gain more tools. I would recommend the podcast to anyone struggling with grief and child loss. Thank you for everything. 💜💜
  • Crys & B 2002
    Best Podcast for Grieving Momma’s
    I cannot recommend this podcast enough. The Leftover Pieces podcast has saved me in so many ways. I lost my daughter, Taylor, Wednesday 12/22/21. I didn’t find this podcast until fall of 2022 but I am so grateful I did. Melissa has done an amazing job at collecting resources and organizing them for those who are grieving. She brings guests onto her podcast that can help people in many ways. I listen to most of her episodes twice because they’re easy to listen to and I want retain everything I hear. She also has thorough show notes with links and resources on each episode. If you are looking to supply tools for your grief toolbox I highly recommend listening to this show. This podcast, along with therapy, self care & Wooville has helped me grow as a griever, momma and woman. Thank you Melissa for everything you do and please continue to advocate for we grievers and those suffering with mental illness. You are a blessing to us all❤️‍🩹
  • Facing the fear
    Lost my nephew to suicide
    Hearing the stories of others who have experienced suicide loss has helped me process the loss of my precious nephew. Thank you for sharing these stories.
  • tomainemcfarland
    Amazing channel
    Hello I am a military spouse stationed in VA, I lost 2 baby brothers due to suicide. Thank you for all you do despite what you have to go through. Everyday I listen to your podcast (started from the very first episode) and it has helped me. I hope people find you and I will help others find you because you are bringing some light into the darkness. Please don’t stop doing what you do, we all need you. Sending all my love to you and your family.
  • FTCrazy
    Thank you
    Thank you so much for doing this work. As a mom who has lost her son to suicide, hearing your words and thoughts and guests provides me with little glimmers of hope for my life going on without my son. I am even visiting Wooville every so often. I like it there. Big hugs to you, Mama. You are making a real difference. Saying Alex’s precious name. 💗
  • Sad in Virginia
    Comforting and informative
    I find myself turning to your podcast a lot, and I have learned so much since I started listening. I lost an old friend (who was also an ex-boyfriend) to suicide and have been haunted by his traumatic death and my not finding out about it until months after the fact. I especially appreciate your episodes where you have discussed the loss of partners and ex-partners and the other ways grief can be traumatic and disenfranchised. Thank you so much for what you do. Whenever it is difficult just remember that what you’re doing is making a difference to people who feel lost and don’t know where to turn. My condolences on the loss of your son Alex in the world.
  • ktcgman
    Grateful
    Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am listening for the first time. I have a personal connection to your guest on Season 3, Episode 12. I have known JJ and her family for over 26 years. She is truly one of the most amazing, incredible, beautiful, and kindest people that I know and have had the honor and blessing of working with. Everything she said about Eric was spot on. He was an amazing young man! Thank you for the time and effort that you put into this amazing podcast. I lost my brother to suicide on 1/30/20. I don’t think that I have ever fully grieved his loss. Thanks to JJ, I am going to start at the beginning of your podcast and listen to them all. My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your son Alex. Thank you Melissa.
  • MarcieDMP
    Thankful
    Finding Melissa’s podcast has been a huge help to me. We lost our daughter to suicide in April of 2022. It is tragic & unfortunate that we need sources and help like this, but we do. Melissa has great insight & is real and down to earth. I’m so thankful for the time she puts into this. MDMPP
  • Teenagedreamer7
    Leftover Pieces
    This podcast has been a real help for me. It is very relatable and helps with the process of healing.
  • debby sb
    Relatable & Relevant
    The interviews and Melissa’s “Rabbit Hole” insights help me to continue telling myself that I am not alone and need to keep taking steps. I can unfortunately relate to a lot of the content and appreciate the information and feelings that are shared. My sincerest condolences that we are in this space. And my true gratitude for Melissa and her podcast. Thank you
  • Basingsing
    Melissa gets it
    I’m thankful that someone like Melissa is not hesitant to ‘go there’ for those of us on this in-asked-for journey, and for those who wish to support us.
  • Alex's Mom ❤️
    Heartfelt Grief Support ❤️
    Your podcast has gotten me through some really tough days during the first year without my son.
  • Princess Kim White
    Thank you for being so incredible and sharing
    You are such an amazing human and bringing hope, healing and kindness to the world. Thank you for changing the way this loss is seen. Great wisdom shared with no judgment!
  • Ipwolfu
    Major tool in my grief toolbox
    In august of 2020 the unthinkable happened. My daughter Zoe, age 16, died by suicide. Zoe was the center of my world and the blazing light of our family. Overnight my world went from color to a wasteland of blacks and greys. It’s been 15 months and each day is just as hard as the one before. Melissa’s podcast reminds me that I’m not alone, that it’s ok to feel lost, and that there is still so much to explore in life and what comes after. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone dealing with loss by suicide. Thank you Melissa.
  • Gecogirl
    Beautiful soul on a mission
    Melissa is a beautiful soul and provides a safe place for support. As a loss survivor herself she shares her experience and gives support to a community of survivors. These hard conversations are brought to light and change is happening. Melissa taught me that putting the pieces back together can be a still be beautiful. Thank you for all you do. 😍
  • JLC444
    Vulnerable, Heartbreaking, Uplifting
    Melissa’s journey of losing her beloved son to suicide is one of inspiration and uplift, with, of course, vulnerability and heartbreak interwoven. I commend her for telling her raw story to help others heal from grief and loss. She also delves into what to expect from those who are enduring this tragedy, meaning we need to have patience, even years after the event, for those who are healing from this loss. The episode with her younger son Parker is beautiful and poignant. If you are suffering from this type of grief or you are interested in the subject like me, please listen and learn.
  • aubrielynn699
    Stopping the stigma
    While suicide is very difficult to discuss, this podcast helps listeners to better understand mental health and what it can be like to lose a loved one to suicide. These topics are often stigmatized in our society but conversations like the ones Melissa has are crucial to stopping the stigma. With a wide variety of guests, Melissa unpacks the various tools that can be used to guide one through the grief that comes with losing someone to suicide. Thank you Melissa for having tough conversations and using your own experiences to help others.
  • Mare Bear 37
    Melissa is getting the word out about suicide loss.
    It’s a terribly tough subject to talk about. Suicide. Melissa does a great job of making it easy to share your experience and your feelings about it. It’s not easy being a survivor of suicide loss. She’s sharing tools for getting through this life altering event.
  • {POPS}
    A light in the Darkness
    Melissa is doing incredible work allowing those who are in their darkest times to feel, grieve and sometimes find light even when it may feel “wrong.” Weather you’ve been affected by suicide loss or not you need to hear these episode. They helped me understand those suffering in such a real and human way that I hadn’t before. Thank you Melissa!
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