DEAD Talks

What happens when you lose your father before you’ve fully figured out who you are? At 19, Max Berlin watched his father die of cancer — an experience that left him grieving while also struggling to define himself as a young man.For the 100th episode of DEAD Talks, Max joins longtime friend David Ferrugio for an intimate conversation about loss, identity, and the complicated emotions that come with being part of the unspoken “Dead Dad Club.” Recorded in Manhattan, the episode explores raw grief, dark humor, and the shared bond between friends who both lost their fathers too soon.This is a deeply personal and honest reflection on how grief shapes us — and how we can still move forward with love, laughter, and meaning.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful episodes on life, death, and resilience.For more on DEAD Talks Podcast guest Max Berlin visit ⁠@liketh3city⁠Support 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

What does grief look like when you lose a parent as a child? At just 10 years old, Alysen James lost her father — a trauma that left gaps in memory and shaped her perspective on life and loss.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Alysen reflects on what it means to grieve while growing up, how forgotten details of her father’s death resurface over time, and the ways grief continues to evolve into adulthood. She shares the long-term impact of childhood grief, why she feels the way she does today, and how her healing has unfolded years later.This is a raw and emotional conversation about memory, trauma, and finding meaning after early loss.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful episodes on grief, healing, and resilience. Follow Alysen ⁠@alysenjames⁠ on Instagram and her music on ⁠Spotify⁠.   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

Grief doesn’t only come from losing people — it comes from losing pets too. Actress and TV host Caitlin O’Connor joins DEAD Talks to open up about both human loss and pet loss, sharing her experiences after the deaths of her grandparents and her beloved dog.In this emotional episode, Caitlin reflects on the similarities and differences between grieving people and grieving pets, why both losses cut so deeply, and how her philosophy on life has changed since. She brings a raw, thoughtful perspective on love, memory, and why living fully matters because tomorrow isn’t promised.This is the first time DEAD Talks has tackled pet loss alongside human grief — a powerful conversation for anyone who’s ever said goodbye to a loved one, furry or otherwise.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful episodes on grief, loss, and resilience. For more on Caitlin O'Conner follow her on Instagram @caitlin_oconnerSupport 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

When hip hop artist Rowlan lost his best friend suddenly in 2022, grief crashed into his life in the most devastating way — and he was the one who found him. In this raw conversation, Rowlan shares the trauma of that moment, the painful waves of loss that followed, and the ongoing process of surviving grief when everything changes in an instant.Through music, Rowlan discovered how to cope, process, and reflect on grief with honesty and purpose. This episode explores how creativity can transform pain into meaning, why expressing grief openly matters, and how choosing to face loss can become the first step toward healing.If you’ve ever wondered how to move forward after unimaginable loss, this conversation shows that grief can break us — but it can also reshape us in ways that bring truth, resilience, and even beauty.👉 A candid conversation about grief, survival, trauma, music, and the healing that comes after unimaginable loss.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

What happens when you lose the person who gave your life meaning? For Christal Luster, everything changed after her sister died tragically. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Christal shares her raw journey through the stages of grief, the emotions she battled, and how she found ways to cope while losing not only her sister but other loved ones as well.Her honesty blends with practical insights on healing, offering hope to anyone navigating grief. Beyond her personal story, Christal is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter, actress, published author, and speaker, and she even wrote a moving tribute song for her sister called “Gone.”This episode is a heartfelt exploration of sibling loss, resilience, and how grief forever reshapes who we are.👉 Listen now for an emotional, honest, and inspiring conversation on love, loss, and healing.For more on Christal visit her website at: ⁠www.christalluster.com⁠Check out a beautiful song she made in honor of her sister on Spotify called ⁠"Gone"⁠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

What happens to the human mind and spirit after years of combat and loss? Eddie Gallagher, former Navy SEAL, Marine Scout Sniper, and Navy Corpsman, served nearly two decades on the frontlines. With eight overseas deployments, two Bronze Stars, and a Navy Achievement Medal for Valor, Eddie’s story is one of resilience, trauma, and the haunting realities of war.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Eddie opens up about what it means to take lives and witness death up close, how soldiers cope with grief and loss, and the long-term psychological impact of combat. His perspective offers a raw look into the mental toll of war, survival, and finding peace after living through unimaginable violence.👉 A gripping conversation on death, grief, trauma, and healing from one of America’s most talked-about Navy SEALs.For more on Eddie Gallahger visit ⁠www.theeddiegallagher.com⁠⁠@eddie_gallagher ⁠on InstagramSupport 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

What does it mean to choose joy after unimaginable tragedy? Whitney Lyn lost her husband after a rare and severe reaction to a bee sting caused an anoxic brain injury that ultimately took his life. In this episode of DEAD Talks, she shares her powerful journey of grief, widowhood, and motherhood while navigating the battles of hope and heartbreak during her husband’s fight for survival.Whitney opens up about the grief process, raising a child while healing, and why she believes choosing to keep living fully is an act of courage. She also discusses the difficult conversations around loss, the search for peace, and how she’s found comfort in pain.She recently released her book Running in Trauma Stilettos: A Raw Glimpse at Grief and Life After Loss, where she dives even deeper into her story of resilience and finding strength after devastating loss.👉 A moving conversation for anyone navigating grief, widowhood, or searching for hope after tragedy.For more on our guest follow her ⁠@whitneylynallen⁠Purchase her new book ⁠here⁠.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

Can humor really help us grieve? Jessimae Peluso, stand-up comic and Alzheimer’s advocate, brings laughter and honesty to the heartbreaking journey of losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Jessimae opens up about:The burden and beauty of being a caregiverHow Alzheimer’s changed her perspective on life, death, and familyUsing comedy as a survival tool in the face of griefWhy finding levity in loss doesn’t erase the pain — but makes it bearableThis conversation blends raw truth with much-needed humor, showing how laughter can create connection and healing, even in the darkest moments.👉 Don’t miss this powerful mix of comedy, grief, and awareness. Follow her on Instagram @jessimaepeluso ⁠Visit www.jessimae.com⁠ to see her live stand-up performancesSupport 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

She died — and came back. Amber Cavanagh suffered a massive stroke, closed her eyes, and opened them on the other side. What she experienced changed everything.In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, Amber shares her near-death experience (NDE):What it felt like when her soul left her bodyThe peace and clarity she found on “the other side”Why she chose to return to life — and the lessons she brought backHer insights on purpose, death, and why we’re really hereThis isn’t just a story about dying. It’s about what comes after, and how it transforms the way we live.Check out Amber's ⁠TikTok⁠ or ⁠Instagram⁠ for more stories.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

Debbie Sath, actress and model, brings a powerful story of loss, grief, and spiritual encounters. After her family migrated from Cambodia to Australia following the Cambodian genocide, Debbie faced the heartbreaking loss of her grandfather—a moment that sparked a life-changing dream and a renewed faith in God.In this episode, Debbie opens up about:Her paranormal experiences after her grandfather’s deathThe role of Cambodian cultural beliefs around the afterlife and reincarnationHow grief, spirituality, and open-minded exploration shaped her healingGuardian angels, personal signs, and lessons about trusting her own experiencesThis raw and diverse conversation blends culture, faith, and personal transformation, offering listeners deep insight into how people process death, grief, and the possibility of life after.For more on Debbie Sath: ⁠@debbiesath⁠Support 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