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
Sibling Roundtable Talk; Cara, Sienna & Parker Talk Suicide Loss of Their Siblings
Today I take on the topic of sibling loss by suicide with 3 younger (now older?) siblings - Cara lost her big sister Leah in 2018; Sienna lost her big brother Macoy in 2019 and Parker lost his big brother Alex in 2016. This is a long one -- so prepare yourself - but you will find that it is ALL. SO. GOOD.
Hear them talk about - and relate with each other-with things like:
- The attention they receive now (does their sibling seem 'sainted' or put up on a pedestal now?)
- How their stories - their very life - feels like people's worst nightmares; and that. How people avoid being IN their reality.
- Do they have anger toward their sibling? What does this look like for them?
- Unrecognized and suppressed feelings ...
- How they feel about being around people that know vs. people that don't (the before and after)
- How you definitely find out who really cared for your sibling (and you) after.
- Do they lean in, or avoid, discussing their loss and suicide in general.
- Dealing with the stupid things people say - whether they know, or whether they don't
- The heartbreak AND relief when people don't know your sibling.
- HOW do they grieve.... or DO they?
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
This is such a dynamic - and yes, lengthy (BUT in such a necessary way) - conversation!
I hope you will listen and even pass it along to a sibling or parent that needs to take in this valuable
Want to connect with these amazing people??
Find Cara & Esther and Astor HERE or on IG HERE
Find HicksStrong HERE
AND if you have real estate needs in the Kansas City area, find Parker 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.
ALSO, my first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
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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.