

DEAD Talks
David Ferrugio
DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio normalizes the conversation around death. Each new guest shares their experience with death in a way that shatters the ”don’t talk about it” taboo. It’s the one thing we all share in common, so let’s talk about.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 15, 2023 • 37min
Grief Is Complicated: Why We Need Better Support Systems (#130)
Grief is messy, complicated, and often leaves people feeling overwhelmed—even when surrounded by support. This episode dives into the reality of navigating loss and the challenges of finding adequate bereavement resources. From the hidden weight of administrative tasks to the lack of accessible support, we explore why grieving can feel so isolating and what can be done to make the journey easier.This conversation offers practical insight into how to better navigate life after loss, untangle the chaos that grief creates, and discover resources that provide true comfort and connection.Follow @untanglegrief for a great grief resource.Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Nov 8, 2023 • 42min
90 Minutes in Heaven: A Near-Death Experience Story (#129)
In 1989, Don Piper was pronounced dead at the scene of a tragic car accident. For the next 90 minutes, he had a profound near-death experience that changed his life forever. In this episode, he recounts where he went, what he experienced, and the extraordinary story that later inspired the bestselling book and feature film 90 Minutes in Heaven.Don Piper’s story continues to spark conversations about life, death, and what might come after. He was also featured in the 2023 theatrical release After Death, a documentary exploring powerful near-death experiences from people around the world.Don Piper is featured in the movie After Death , released in theaters in 2023. It is a fascinating film covering several near-death experience stories and studies of NDE's. Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Nov 1, 2023 • 39min
Free Solo Climber Scaling Skyscrapers Without Ropes (#128)
He scales skyscrapers without ropes, harnesses, or safety equipment—risking his life with every climb. In this episode of DEAD Talks, French stuntman and free solo climber Alexis Landot shares what drives him to conquer towers like La Défense, Montparnasse, and The Mercuriales in Paris. We dive into his battle with death anxiety, how he rationalizes fear, and what facing death at extreme heights teaches him about life, anxiety, and everyday living.. Connect with Alexis:https://www.instagram.com/Alexis.Landot https://www.youtube.com/@UCYR0QtRrn90sNzf1TrpXsgQ Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Oct 25, 2023 • 35min
How to Heal Grief by Feeling It (#127)
Grief can’t be ignored—it has to be felt. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore the power of fully experiencing emotions as a way to heal. Ashley LeMieux, a grief and bereavement expert who has faced the devastating loss of a child, shares how acknowledging emotions without judgment can transform the grieving process. We discuss why society’s pressure to “move on” is harmful, and how allowing yourself to sit with pain can open the door to true healing.Learn more about Ashley: https://ashleylemieux.com/ Connect with Ashley LeMieux: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyklemieux/ Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Oct 18, 2023 • 24min
Grieving at 16: Losing a Best Friend (#126)
Grief doesn’t wait until adulthood. At just 16 years old, Whitney Hanson lost her best friend—and it changed her life forever. In this episode, she opens up about navigating grief as a teenager, the hardest parts of healing at such a young age, and how writing became her way through pain. Her journey offers powerful insight for anyone supporting a grieving child or facing loss too soon.. Whitney has a new book called Harmony: www.whitneyhansonpoetry.com Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Oct 12, 2023 • 40min
What Thousands of Deaths Teach Us About Life (#125)
What can we learn from being present at thousands of deaths? As a hospital chaplain in a 1,000+ bed trauma center, J.S. Park has sat with countless families in their final moments—offering comfort, guidance, and presence when life ends. In this conversation, he shares the profound lessons he’s learned about grief, resilience, and what truly matters while facing death head-on. For more on J.S Park, please visit https://linktr.ee/jspark3000 and check him out on Instagram @jspark3000Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Oct 4, 2023 • 49min
Finding Healing in Community: The New Normal (#124)
Grief can feel isolating—but what happens when strangers come together to share their pain openly? That’s the idea behind The New Normal Charity, a community-driven space changing how we approach grief, mental health, and healing. In this episode, founder Benjamin May shares his personal journey of loss and trauma, why he started the movement, and how free, honest conversations can sometimes do what traditional therapy can’t.Please visit www.thenewnormalcharity.com to get involved or read more on the cause.Follow The New Normal Charity on Instagram: @tnncharitySupport the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD Talks YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Sep 27, 2023 • 29min
Living 100 Years of Wisdom, Death & Longevity With Uncle Jack (#123)
At 100 years old, Uncle Jack shares the secrets to longevity, joy, and facing death with wisdom. He's become a viral influencer with over 2 million followers, his century of life lessons will inspire anyone searching for meaning, resilience, or perspective on aging and dying.Born in 1923, Uncle Jack has lived through an entire century of change — from growing up with a backyard “zoo,” to serving heroically as a World War II Army Veteran, to becoming a modern-day mega influencer with over 2 million followers worldwide. At 100 years old, Uncle Jack continues to capture hearts with his infectious joy, raw honesty about life and death, and his timeless perspective on what it really means to live.In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with his uncle to uncover the secrets to longevity, his reflections on grief and dying, and the lessons learned over a century of living. From the battlefield to the digital age, Uncle Jack’s story proves that resilience, humor, and human connection are more valuable than perfection.👉 Listen now to learn from Uncle Jack’s 100 years of wisdom, and don’t forget to subscribe for more raw conversations about life, death, grief, and the afterlife.Ask Uncle Jack: 100 Years of Wisdom (launched September 26, 2023 everywhere books are sold) Website (book also can be purchased from Amazon, Target, Good Reads, Barnes & Noble, etc.) Follow Uncle Jack and learn more here: https://linktr.ee/askunclejack Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Sep 20, 2023 • 57min
Living by Paradox: Grief, Death & Inspiration With Sah D’Simone (#122)
Why does our society avoid talking about death and grief? Sah D’Simone breaks down the stigma, exposing how silence around mortality leaves us unprepared for loss. This powerful conversation blends spirituality, emotional healing, and raw truth about what it means to face death directly. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Sah D’Simone joins David Ferrugio to explore the paradox of life and death — why grief is avoided in our culture, and how facing mortality head-on can transform the way we live. Sah shares his insights on navigating grief, normalizing conversations about death, and finding inspiration in life’s most difficult moments.They also tackle the hidden burdens of loss, from managing funeral costs and the deceased’s affairs to the emotional weight of saying goodbye. Sah D’Simone calls for a cultural shift: more education on mortality, deeper acceptance of grief, and better preparation for end-of-life realities.If you’ve struggled with grief, questioned how to talk about death, or want to live with more meaning, this episode offers wisdom, healing, and hope.👉 Subscribe for more episodes that break the silence around death, grief, and the afterlife. Connect with Sah D'Simone https://shor.by/sahdsimonehttps://www.tiktok.com/@sahdsimonehttps://www.instagram.com/sahdsimonehttps://www.facebook.com/sah.dsimone/ Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Sep 13, 2023 • 45min
Losing Her Father, Healing, and Finding Perspective With Gabby Reece (#121)
Gabby Reece lost her father in a tragic plane crash when she was just five years old — a loss that shaped her entire perspective on life, grief, and resilience. In this candid conversation, the former professional beach volleyball star, fitness leader, bestselling author, and podcast host opens up about growing up without her father, the lessons she’s carried through loss, and how she’s turned pain into purpose.Together with David Ferrugio on DEAD Talks, Gabby shares her unique perspective on grief, healing, and success, while also bringing humor and wisdom to a topic often avoided. This episode is as heartfelt as it is inspiring — proof that grief can be both a teacher and a motivator for living fully.If you’ve ever struggled with loss, searched for meaning after tragedy, or needed perspective on healing, this conversation will move you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more raw and powerful episodes about life, death, grief, and the afterlife. Check out her own podcast, The Gabby Reece Show on your favorite podcast platformSupport the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD Talks 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.Connect with DEAD TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net