Scarlett Lewis on Sandy Hook, School Shootings, and Choosing Love (#57)

Scarlett Lewis is the mother of Jesse Lewis, one of the children killed in the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012. In the aftermath of losing her son, Scarlett founded the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation, inspired by a message Jesse left on their family’s kitchen chalkboard shortly before he died: “Nurturing Healing Love.”

In this episode, Scarlett shares her journey of grief and resilience, her mission to bring social and emotional learning into schools, and how choosing love has become a transformative formula for healing. She speaks candidly about the worst day of her life, the legacy Jesse left behind, and how compassion can be a powerful force for change in the face of violence and tragedy.

This conversation is heart-wrenching yet profoundly hopeful, offering lessons on love, forgiveness, and the human capacity to turn unimaginable pain into a movement for good.

Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G5LQqUZBQK8

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  DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio approaches death differently. Each guest shares raw stories of grief, loss, or unique perspectives that challenge the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn’t end—it evolves. After losing his father on September 11th at just 12 years old, David discovered the power of conversation. Through laughter, tears, and honest dialogue, DEAD Talks helps make it a little easier to talk about death, mourning, trauma, and the life that continues beyond it.

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