Rephonic
Artwork for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations

The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations

Melissa Bottorff-Arey
Grief
Mental Health
Suicide Loss
Suicide
Healing
Trauma
Motivation
Mindset
Psychedelics
Grief Hangovers
Suicide Prevention
Grief and Loss
Self-Care
PTSD
Military Mental Health
Journaling
Boundaries
Community Support
Support Groups
Stigma In Military

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 challe... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes256Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessAlternative HealthMental Health

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations

Latest Episodes

In this September 2025 episode, in the midst of Suicide Awareness Month, I’m widening the lens from life after loss to awareness and advocacy. (BUT...We are NOT taking the preachy "prevention" angle that comes at us non-stop in Sept., I promise!) Wri... more

Today I speak with a father who lost his son Heston to suicide June 7, 2020

"Andy Campbell’s new book, Overcoming Life’s Toughest Setbacks, distills his 15 core beliefs that helped him keep going when life didn’t let up. His lens is earned: childhoo... more

Check out the BECAUSE THEY ARE LOVED Poetry & Letter Anthology HERE

& Get 10% OFF either (or both) with Code: PODCAST10

Now, for our episode-- Today, I’m joined by Reshma Kearney — a trauma-informed mindfulness and healing guide who helps people na... more

On day one of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we explore how postvention becomes prevention—through families who consent to share a loved one’s device so the Black Box Project can detect real-world patterns that help save lives.

Kim Burditt Bart... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

Jamie Brickhouse
Writer and storyteller, a Suicide Attempt Survivor who lost four friends to suicide.
Episode: The Loop We Don’t See; Jamie Brickhouse on Alcohol & Depression
Reshma Kearney
A trauma-informed mindfulness and healing guide dedicated to helping others navigate grief after losing her husband to suicide.
Episode: Mindfulness Shifts Grief: Reshma Kearney Guides Others
Betsy Thibaut Stephenson
Author and advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention
Episode: Blackbird; A Mother's Reflection on Grief, Loss & Life After Suicide; Betsy Thibaut Stephenson
Lauren Wood
A third year human services student passionate about social justice and suicide prevention.
Northeastern University
Episode: Remembering Her Friend Coble; A Brave Voice on Grief, Growth & Mental Health
Larry Carlat
A writer, author, retired editor, grief coach, and bereaved father
Episode: Hope Dealer Larry Carlat; Rob's Space in the Heart
David James
Father of Peyton, co-founder of The Peyton Heart Project
The Peyton Heart Project
Episode: Dads Grief Matters; David James of The Peyton Heart Project
Michelle Collins
A grief educator, mindfulness teacher, and author who helps individuals navigate grief and trauma.
Inhabit Joy
Episode: Suicide Loss Widow Michelle Collins; What it Looks Like to Inhabit Joy
Lynn Brooks
Certified grief educator, visionary and chief empathy officer for Destined to Thrive Grief Coaching.
Destined to Thrive
Episode: Lynn Lewis is Destined to Thrive; But Denial Isn't Always a Bad Thing
Daniel Brooks-Lewis
Professional firefighter.
Episode: Lynn Lewis is Destined to Thrive; But Denial Isn't Always a Bad Thing

Host

Melissa Bottorff-Arey
Host focusing on conversations surrounding grieving, healing, and mental health since losing her son to suicide.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 150 ratings
  • A lifeline for this grieving mom

    After the loss of my son by suicide, I was lost and felt so alone. Melissa’s podcast has been a lifeline for me as I navigate how to move forward after his loss. Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your story.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Adaple
    United States5 months ago
  • 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! 💕

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RM0550
    United Statesa year ago
  • 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….

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Docmom3460
    United States2 years ago
  • Much needed help & advice

    Thank you Melissa i truly do not know what I would be doing without your podcast I stumbled on it out of sheer desperation we lost our son Daniel age 26 he was everything to us and his 3 sisters we deeply miss & love him & this has forever changed our world.I listen to you in my darkest moments & you always help in some way this podcast is a must for anyone in the horrific situation.Also better than 2 phycologist that I have been talking too

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kim Matthews
    Australia2 years ago
  • 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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Grieving In Ohio
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners express deep gratitude for the emotional support provided through shared experiences of loss.
Overall, the podcast is viewed as a lifeline for many parents dealing with similar tragedies.
Many highlight the therapeutic nature and healing journey facilitated by candid discussions on grief.
The intuitive understanding shown by the host resonates well with those in need of community and validation during tough times.
Critiques point to the podcast's handling of sensitive topics as a vital resource for those navigating complex emotions.

Top Mental Health Podcasts

We're Out of Time
We're Out of TimeRichard Taite
Decoded | Unlock The Secrets of Human Behavior, Emotion and Motivation
Decoded | Unlock The Secrets of Human Behavior, Emotion and MotivationBizzie Gold | Mental Health Innovator and Break Method Founder
Therapy and Theology
Therapy and TheologyLysa TerKeurst
Sleep With Me
Sleep With MeSilver Sleeper Productions LLC
Secondhand Therapy
Secondhand TherapyPonyBear Studios

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mindfulness Shifts Grief: Reshma Kearney Guides Others
Q: How have your children been coping with their grief?
Reshma discussed her children's varying responses to grief and how they've been encouraged to express their emotions and seek support.
Mindfulness Shifts Grief: Reshma Kearney Guides Others
Q: Can you talk about Sean's case and the challenges he faced?
Reshma elaborated on Sean's struggles with childhood trauma and the pressures of being in the Army, which contributed to his mental health challenges leading up to his death.
Blackbird; A Mother's Reflection on Grief, Loss & Life After Suicide; Betsy Thibaut Stephenson
Q: How did your family respond to Charlie's struggles when he opened up about them?
Betsy talks about the direct conversations they had with Charlie, expressing their concern and support, and how they missed understanding the depth of his struggles until it was too late.
Blackbird; A Mother's Reflection on Grief, Loss & Life After Suicide; Betsy Thibaut Stephenson
Q: What was the inspiration behind your book, Blackbird?
Betsy explains that being open about Charlie's suicide helped relieve some burdens and opened conversations within their community, leading to her decision to write the book as a therapeutic outlet.
Blackbird; A Mother's Reflection on Grief, Loss & Life After Suicide; Betsy Thibaut Stephenson
Q: Can you share a little bit about your lost story and the circumstances surrounding your son's death?
Betsy shares that her son Charlie, a rising senior in college, struggled with motivation and depression, which he only revealed shortly before his death by suicide in July 2022. Despite seeking help through therapy, he ultimately succumbed to his struggles, leaving his family devastated.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the aftermath of suicide loss, this show provides a platform for both candid discussions and personal reflections centered around healing, grief, and resilience. The host shares her experiences of navigating the deeply painful journey after the loss of her son while engaging with experts and fellow survivors who offer insights into coping with trauma, hope, and the ongoing process of grief. Unique in its approach, the podcast emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and honesty, fostering an environment of shared understanding and support.

Listeners can expect to engage with a range of topics that explore mental health, self-care, legacy, and the complexities of grief. Each episode serves as a powerful reminder that i... more

Where can I find podcast stats for this podcast?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to this podcast and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does this podcast get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for this podcast, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for this podcast?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for this podcast, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does this podcast have?

To see how many followers or subscribers this podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Daily
2. WE DON'T DIE® Radio with host Sandra Champlain
3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
4. Thanks For Asking
5. 10% Happier with Dan Harris

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 256 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact this podcast?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for this podcast?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for this podcast from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for this podcast?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of this podcast. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Jamie Brickhouse
2. Reshma Kearney
3. Betsy Thibaut Stephenson
4. Lauren Wood
5. Larry Carlat
6. David James
7. Michelle Collins
8. Lynn Brooks

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days