DEAD Talks

David Ferrugio
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Apr 23, 2022 • 48min

Near-Death Experience Part 2: What God Told Penny Wittbrodt (#51)

This is Part 2 and the finale of Penny Wittbrodt’s Near-Death Experience (NDE), where she describes meeting God and what she was shown about forgiveness, future events, and the power of our thoughts.In this compelling story, Penny explains how she finally emerged from the void and the life-changing wisdom she brought back with her. As a registered nurse, she has since shared her NDE widely — contributing to Dr. Penny Sartori’s book The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences and appearing in the Amazon Prime documentary Death and Back 2.This episode is a deep dive into spirituality, healing, and what it means to glimpse the afterlife.Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NyiVtn-zlcQWatch Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4c09O3hm7gSupport 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
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Apr 16, 2022 • 51min

Near-Death Experience Part 1: Meeting God & Messages from the Afterlife | Penny Wittbrodt (#50)

This is Part 1 of Penny Wittbrodt’s Near-Death Experience (NDE), where she shares the beginning of her extraordinary journey. Penny describes meeting God, escaping the void, and the profound lessons she was shown — including forgiveness, the power of thoughts, and glimpses of future events.As a registered nurse, Penny has since become a powerful voice in the NDE community, contributing to Dr. Penny Sartori’s book The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences and appearing in the Amazon Prime documentary Death and Back 2.This first episode sets the stage for Penny’s incredible story — continued in Part 2.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4c09O3hm7gSupport 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
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Apr 8, 2022 • 29min

Megan Pormer: From Princess Syndrome to Finding Her Power (#49)

Megan Pormer — TV host on Fox and doctor of biomedical engineering — opens up about her personal journey of loss, growth, and reinvention. After losing her father, Megan realized she was suffering from what she calls “Princess Syndrome” and began the process of stepping into her own power.She shares the story of her family’s financial struggles, including not being able to afford her father’s funeral despite once being among the richest families in the Middle East. This candid conversation explores how she overcame grief, trauma, and cultural expectations to create a new life of strength and purpose.Megan’s story is both deeply personal and widely relatable, touching on themes of identity, loss, and resilience.Follow Megan Pormer:@meganpormerwww.meganpormer.comSupport 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
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Apr 1, 2022 • 41min

Grief at 12: Mark Lemon’s Story of Losing His Father (#48)

Mark Lemon shares the heartbreaking story of losing his father, who was murdered when Mark was just 12 years old. Now a writer, grief speaker, and podcaster, Mark openly discusses his healing journey and how grief has shaped his life.This episode carries a special weight, as both Mark and I (David, the host) lost our fathers at the same age. We explore the parallels of growing up fatherless, being raised by strong mothers, and navigating childhood grief through trauma and resilience.It’s a rare and moving conversation where two men connect deeply on loss, compassion, and the lifelong impact of grief.Full Video Episode #48 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZfzvEXJFI4 Follow Mark Lemon @marklemonofficial on IGSupport 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
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Mar 25, 2022 • 48min

One Day It All Ends: Grief, Love, and Living Fully (#48)

Michael Galante — actor from Good Trouble, Tyler Perry’s The Have and the Have Nots, Will & Grace, and more — shares his personal story of loss and resilience. Michael opens up about the death of his grandmother, who was like a best friend to him, and how that loss continues to shape his life.Despite carrying the pain of grief, Michael radiates energy and positivity. He reflects on the paradox of living life to the fullest while holding onto deep loss, and how grief has become both a contradiction and a catalyst for growth.With his infectious personality, Michael shows how even in the face of death, love and life shine through — and it’s no surprise he’s thriving on the big screen.Follow  @michaelgalante on InstagramSupport 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
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Mar 19, 2022 • 60min

His Wife’s Fight With Breast Cancer: A Love Story in Photos (#46)

A heartbreaking but inspiring breast cancer story of love, loss, and resilience. Photographer Angelo Merendino shares how just five months after getting married, his wife Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. From chemotherapy to radiation to reconstructive surgery, they faced every step together — and documented it all in a powerful series of photographs that went viral worldwide.This conversation dives deep into what it means to face death as a couple, how love can carry us through unimaginable pain, and why Angelo’s photographs became a lifeline for countless others fighting their own battles. His work has been featured globally and even led to TED Talks, helping to normalize grief and inspire healing.www.angelomeredino.com@angelomeredino on IGListen to Angelo's TED Talks / TEDx:Photo Greater Than 1000: Angelo Merendino at TEDxUSUCommunity on social networks sharing experiences and healing | Angelo Merendino | TEDxCLE Support 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
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Mar 11, 2022 • 48min

Grief, Family Abandonment, and Losing a Father (#45)

Grief doesn’t just come from death — it can come from abandonment. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore the pain of family abandonment, the heartbreak of losing a father, and how grief from both shaped the life of Van Thu Nguyen. She shares her powerful story of being abandoned by her family while learning her father was dying, and how she faced the complex emotions of mourning both loss and betrayal.Van also opens up about the death of her first love, comparing how the grief of losing a partner differs from losing a parent. Her journey highlights the different layers of grief we don’t often talk about — and how healing can come through strength, self-reflection, and choosing to live the life you want despite the pain.Full Episode available on YouTubeFollow Van Thu Nguyen @vanrevival on Instagram Follow @DEADTalkspodcast on Instagram. Support 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
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Mar 4, 2022 • 48min

Losing His Only Child: A Father’s Story of Grief & Healing (#44)

The loss of a child is one of the deepest griefs anyone can face. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Phil Cohen shares his heartbreaking story of losing his only son, Perry, at just 14 years old in one of the largest U.S. Coast Guard search efforts in history. He opens up about how grief shattered his world — and how a powerful message from his son shifted his perspective and began a journey of healing.Phil, author and creator of *The Grief Continuum™, explains how he transformed unimaginable loss into resilience, creating a framework to help others navigate despair and find empowerment after loss. His work has been shared on TEDx stages, where he inspires others to move through grief with courage and connection.www.PhilCohen.comTED Talks:Transforming Grief on TEDx with Phil CohenSupport 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
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Feb 25, 2022 • 1h 9min

From Suicide Loss to Healing & Resilience: How to Pivot Your Life (#43)

Grief, suicide loss, eating disorders, and mental health struggles can feel impossible to overcome — but resilience is possible. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Sarah Kalmeta shares her powerful story of losing her stepfather to suicide, battling bulimia, facing the death of her Olympic figure skating dream, and how she learned to pivot her life toward healing and success.Now a mindset coach and founder of Pivot Point, Sarah helps others transform adversity into opportunity. She breaks down the specific practices and strategies that helped her overcome grief, manage mental health obstacles, and find purpose after loss. This conversation is filled with raw honesty, practical tools, and the inspiration to reframe even the darkest challenges.Follow Sarah:@SarahThePivoterwww.sarahkalmeta.comSupport 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
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Feb 19, 2022 • 47min

Iraq War Veteran’s Story of Survival, Amputation & Resilience (#42)

From 9/11 to Iraq to surviving an IED blast — Noah Galloway’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and transformation. A Purple Heart–awarded veteran and double amputee, Noah lost his left leg above the knee and his left arm above the elbow during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In this episode of DEAD Talks, he opens up about facing death in combat, the grief of losing parts of himself, and how he rebuilt his life through perseverance and purpose.Noah shares how his experiences in war shaped his outlook on life, mental health, and resilience. Today, he inspires others through his No Excuses Charitable Fund, advocacy for men’s mental health, and motivational speaking. His story is raw, powerful, and full of lessons on courage, survival, and finding meaning after devastating loss.. For more on Noah Galloway:www.noahgalloway.comNo Excuses Charitable FundInstagram: @noahgallowayathlete Support 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

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