DEAD Talks

Kathy McDaniel’s extraordinary near-death experience began when she was placed on a ventilator in 1999 after a sudden, life-threatening flu caused total lung failure. For three weeks, she fought for survival in a drug-induced coma, where she found herself in an inexplicably terrifying realm she describes as hell. What happened next was even more profound — Kathy was guided from darkness into an overwhelming experience of heaven, love, and light.In this powerful conversation, Kathy shares:What she saw and felt during her near-death experienceHow her time in “hell” shaped her perspective on life and spiritualityHer eventual journey into heaven and the lessons she brought backWhy she now believes death is not the end, but a transition full of meaningThis episode is a gripping and emotional story of survival, spiritual awakening, and the transformative power of facing death head-on.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

When Gary Gold lost his mother as a teenager, grief quickly turned into years of struggling with drug addiction and self-destruction. In this powerful conversation, Gary shares his raw journey of overcoming devastating loss, battling addiction, and eventually rebuilding his life with resilience, humor, and perspective. Known internationally as the real estate agent who sold the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, Gary opens up about the private pain behind his public success — and how healing, forgiveness, and self-awareness transformed his path forward.This inspiring episode dives into how grief shapes us, how addiction can emerge from loss, and most importantly, how hope and meaning can be rebuilt after hitting rock bottom. Gary’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can choose to rise, heal, and find a new purpose.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

When celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach lost her husband, professional tennis player Ken Flach, to sepsis in 2018, her world was shattered. In this heartfelt episode, Christina shares how she found purpose through unimaginable grief, choosing to live in a way her late husband would have wanted her to. Her story is one of resilience, love, and using personal tragedy to create meaningful change.Christina speaks openly about navigating widowhood, raising awareness about sepsis, and transforming her grief into advocacy by partnering with Sepsis Alliance to share Ken’s story. She also offers insight into how grief can coexist with purpose, joy, and growth, showing listeners that healing is not about “getting over” loss but learning how to move forward with it.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

Hospice Nurse Julie returns to DEAD Talks to share deeply personal stories of loss and growth from her own life. She reflects on the death of her best friend as a teenager and how that painful experience shaped her journey with grief. With honesty and vulnerability, Julie opens up about coping with profound loss, finding meaning in tragedy, and how grief can lead to unexpected personal growth.Known for her powerful presence on social media, Hospice Nurse Julie has become a trusted voice in grief education, hospice care, and end-of-life awareness. In this conversation, she offers practical insights on coping with loss, the importance of compassion in caregiving, and how sharing stories of grief can help break down stigma and create healing connections.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

Best-selling author and creative voice Humble The Poet joins DEAD Talks to share simple but powerful truths about going easier on yourself in the face of life’s challenges. A former school teacher turned writer and speaker, Humble has authored multiple books including his newest release How To Be Loved, which serves as a foundation for this inspiring conversation.We explore practical strategies for navigating grief, loss, and the inevitable struggles that come with relationships and identity. Drawing from his own life experiences, Humble reflects on the lessons learned from failure, healing, and self-forgiveness, while offering guidance for living with more compassion toward yourself and others. His wisdom is both raw and relatable, making this a must-listen for anyone struggling with grief or searching for clarity in difficult times. To purchase his newest book visit his website: ⁠www.humblethepoet.com⁠Support 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

Attorney and activist Elica Le Bon joins DEAD Talks for a powerful and unflinching conversation about death, grief, and human rights in Iran. This episode explores how the tragic death of Mahsa Amini sparked a worldwide movement, while also examining the cultural desensitization toward death in Iranian society.Elica, who has spent over a decade as a defense attorney and advocate, shares her own family’s history of loss and struggle while also shedding light on the current landscape in Iran. Together, we discuss the personal and collective grief of the Iranian people, the fight for justice, and how death often becomes both a catalyst for change and a reflection of resilience.This raw and honest dialogue balances the gravity of loss with moments of humanity and levity, as we try to make sense of death’s role in both private grief and public revolution. For more on Elica Le Bon and her work ⁠click here⁠Support 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

Comedian, former UFC fighter, and popular podcast host Brendan Schaub opens up in a rare and deeply personal conversation about life, death, and grief. Known for his humor and sharp takes, Brendan shares moving stories that shaped who he is today—including a vivid account of helping save children from a devastating car crash with an 18-wheeler, the painful loss of his grandmother, and the pivotal decisions that changed his relationship with family and fatherhood.This episode reveals a more vulnerable side of Brendan, exploring how grief, resilience, and perspective can coexist with comedy and strength. It’s entertaining, emotional, and surprisingly raw—an insightful glimpse into the man behind the microphone.   Watch full episode: ⁠https://youtu.be/zq5AqqEcGuQ⁠Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “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

'Give A Mile' is a nonprofit that gives the gift of a final goodbye by providing flights for loved ones to be together during times of palliative or critical illness. Founder, Kevin Crowe, experienced the power of a final goodbye during the passing of his good friend, Ryan Westerman. In Ryan’s final days, both he and his close family and friends were at peace knowing nothing had been left unsaid and wished that more end of life experiences could unfold this way for more people.⁠www.giveamile.org⁠ @giveamile on Instagram 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 does grief feel like when it’s fresh? Nicole Adamo had just lost her grandfather — a man who was like a father to her — when she sat down for this conversation. Still in the early days of mourning, Nicole shares the raw emotions of losing one of the most important people in her life and how she is navigating the shock, pain, and waves of grief that follow.Nicole’s honesty gives listeners a powerful glimpse into what it means to sit in loss and try to move forward when your world feels upside down. Beyond her personal story, Nicole brings her voice as a Shade 45 co-host and sports & marketing agent, blending vulnerability with resilience in a way that will resonate with anyone grieving a loved one.   Check out Nicole on Instagram @nickilishious 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

Celebrity trainer and motivational speaker Brandon Schram (B.Motiv8ed) opens up about how loss, grief, and adversity have shaped his life and his mission to inspire others. From losing his best friend at 17 to navigating the pain of overdose tragedies, Brandon shares a raw and unfiltered look at how grief has transformed his outlook on life.In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, Brandon reveals how he has channeled his pain into building strength — both physically and mentally — and how he continues to help people live with purpose. Known for training high-profile clients and pushing boundaries in motivational speaking, Brandon discusses how fitness, resilience, and mindset became his tools for healing and growth.This episode isn’t just about tragedy — it’s about transformation. Brandon’s story offers practical lessons on how to turn loss into motivation, embrace resilience, and live a life of intention despite the obstacles. Whether you’re grieving, struggling to stay motivated, or searching for ways to push through life’s setbacks, this conversation will leave you inspired. For more on Brandon Schram follow him on Instagram @B.motiv8ed ⁠www.bmotiv8ed.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 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