This is the definitive “START HERE” episode. Welcome.

If you’re a new listener, absolutely begin here.
 If you’re not new—but haven’t listened to this “first” episode since before February 2025 or earlier—I’ve updated it again as of August 2025, and you just might learn something new. I hope you’ll give it another listen.

Welcome to The Leftover Pieces: Suicide Loss Conversations podcast.
My name is Melissa Bottorff-Arey, and I am both the creator and host of this show, which I launched in 2020 amid an unprecedented global pandemic that was both being shadowed by and working in tandem with an even more pervasive global crisis: suicide.

Today, I want to take a moment to share my story with you—a story that transformed my life in an instant, and my response so far that has ultimately brought me here, to this space, talking to you. Knowing me a little is essential if you are to trust me enough to listen to me talk about possibly the worst thing you could ever be asked to carry in life. If you are to allow me into your sacred space of grief, you deserve to hear it.

This podcast exists because having persistent, consistent, and meaningful conversations about suicide, mental health, stigma, trauma, and grief helps others feel seen and supported—and it is how we will bring about awareness and, ultimately, change.

And because we need community. It is essential in this sacred work of grief.

So, for today, this is where I’ll leave you. This episode shares who I am—and why I’m doing this. I’m so sorry you’re here, but I’m honored to hold space for you. Thank you for being here—it truly means so much.

On this podcast, we will continue to explore the questions that haunt us, seek the courage to uncover the healing tools within us, and offer the comfort of a community we all need. Come along with me—because this is so very lonely, but we do not have to be alone. Together, let’s choose to find meaning and even happiness amid the leftover pieces before us.

New in 2025:
I now also release Daily Nuggets mini-episodes multiple times a year—offering short, soul-centered reflections for grief support you can carry in your pocket.

💻 You can find me—and everything I offer—at theleftoverpieces.com:
– My 1:1 grief coaching programs (Destination: Me™ & Soul Tides™)
– The $9/month Lighthouse Community (for moms)
– Retreats, books, and grief resources (for moms and all survivors)
 – The multi-volume Legacy Project (moms)
 – Grief playlists, podcast submission info, and more ways to connect (all)

You can find me, the online support & growth groups I lead, the retreats I host, the books I have written

Support the show

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My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada