[New August 2025] START HERE; Meet Melissa, Intro Episode

This is the definitive “START HERE” episode-- the trailer if you will.

Welcome. Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE

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 resour

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

💜 The Leftover Pieces is support for life after suicide loss. Click links below

🎙 Leave me a message: Share a question, your story, or your person’s name for a future episode → theleftoverpieces.com/voicemail

🔗 Stay connected: Join my email community for weekly support, resources, and honest conversations.

🛠 Start here: Explore website for suicide loss resources for early grief, family support, and next steps.

🤝 For moms: One-on-one grief coaching for mothers navigating life after child loss.

📞 Need support right now? If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (U.S. & Canada), or text HOME to 741741.