DEAD Talks

At 13 years old, Grace Wethor was told she had just 6 months to live. Ten years later, she’s not only alive—she’s thriving. In this inspiring episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Grace shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and purpose after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.From the fear of living with an 8% survival rate to turning pain into advocacy and art, Grace reflects on the unexpected beauty and meaning she’s discovered through her journey.In this episode, Grace shares:What it was like to be given a terminal diagnosis at 13Why living became scarier than dyingThe loneliness, bullying, and surprising lessons of illnessTurning grief into fuel for advocacy and creativityHow purpose, love, and resilience carried her forwardThis is a story about defying odds, finding meaning in the face of death, and transforming grief into impact.For more on Grace Wethor: www.thegracewethor.com🔔 Follow the show and leave a review to support more vulnerable, real conversations about grief, mortality, and meaning.Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

Kevin Hines is one of the few people in the world to survive a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. In this deeply moving episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Kevin sits down with David Ferrugio to share the moment he believed his life was over—and the revelation, mid-fall, that he wanted to live.Now an internationally recognized mental health advocate and speaker, Kevin opens up about his survival, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the tools that have kept him alive. Together, they dive into the mental health crisis, the role of gut health, trauma, and resilience, and the power of hope in suicide prevention.In this episode, Kevin shares:What happened the day he jumped from the Golden Gate BridgeThe split-second realization that he wanted to liveHis recovery and the lessons learned through survivalHow stigma, trauma, and resilience shape mental healthThe daily practices and mindset shifts that keep him alive todayThis episode is raw, honest, and life-saving—a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope.Resources & Kevin’s Links: ⁠beacons.ai/kevinhinesstory⁠ Subscribe & share this episode to help normalize life-saving conversations.Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

Grief isn’t just for people—it’s for our pets too. In this heartfelt episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, David Ferrugio sits down with Jackie, also known as Rainbow Bridge Raina, a pet loss companion who helps people navigate the deep and often unspoken pain of losing a beloved animal.From the soul-level bond she shared with her dog Riley, to the complex emotions of anticipatory grief and euthanasia, Jackie opens up about why pet loss can feel just as profound as losing a person.In this episode, Jackie shares:Why the grief of losing a pet is valid and profoundThe emotional complexity of euthanasia and anticipatory griefHow the human-animal bond shapes our healingTools for coping with the loss of a dog, cat, or animal companionWays to support others going through pet lossIf you’ve ever lost a pet—or want to better understand and support someone who has—this conversation is a powerful reminder that your grief is real, your pain is valid, and you are not alone.For more on Rainbow follow her on Instagram @rainbowbridgerainaJoin the ⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠Shop Here⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠Shop Here⁠ ⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ + ⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

CJ Infantino had to learn how to raise his kids alone after losing his wife. In this raw and unfiltered episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, CJ opens up about the devastation of becoming a solo father to three kids, the identity crisis that followed, and how grief and anger shaped his journey.From anticipatory grief and mental health struggles to finding healing through somatic therapy, primal screams, and even dark humor, CJ shares how he rebuilt his life after unimaginable loss.In this episode, CJ shares:The day he lost his wife and became a solo fatherThe identity crisis and anger that followed griefParenting through loss and raising three kids aloneHealing through somatic therapy, primal screams, and unconventional toolsHow humor and resilience helped him survive the darknessThis conversation is a brutally honest look at grief, fatherhood, and what it truly means to live after devastating loss.For more on today's guest:⁠UNVOICED: Connected in Grief⁠Instagram: ⁠@cjinfantino⁠ & ⁠@unvoicedco⁠TikTok: ⁠@unvoiced_grieftalks⁠Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠

Comedian Trae Crowder joins the DEAD Talks Podcast for an unexpectedly deep and unfiltered conversation about death, grief, religion, and the afterlife. Known for his sharp wit and Southern voice, Trae opens up about losing his father and grandfather, growing up in rural Tennessee, and the vivid dream that forever changed how he views death.From anxiety and psychedelic therapy to confronting nothingness and questioning what comes after, Trae explores life’s biggest mysteries—always with a mix of honesty, humor, and existential curiosity.In this episode, Trae shares:How losing his father and grandfather shaped his perspective on deathThe vivid dream that shifted his view of the afterlifeGrief, anxiety, and searching for meaningPsychedelic therapy and spiritual questioningWhy humor can help us face life’s biggest fearsThis episode is raw, funny, and deeply thought-provoking—a rare mix of comedy and contemplation about what it means to live and die.Trae Crowder: ⁠www.traecrowder.com⁠⁠@officialtraecrowder⁠ on InstagramIf you’ve ever wondered what a smart, skeptical comic really thinks about death, this one’s for you.🔥 Topics Covered:- Death and dying as an atheist- Ketamine therapy and anxiety- Spiritual dreams and signs from the dead- Grief, trauma, and comedy as healing- Why belief (or lack of it) mattersJoin the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles–based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. She is also the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign, which has helped millions of people worldwide feel less alone in their grief.In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Jessica opens up about the traumatic miscarriage that reshaped her life and career. She shares raw details of her experience, the unspoken grief of pregnancy loss, navigating breast cancer, and the societal silence that surrounds women’s trauma.In this episode, Jessica shares:Her personal story of miscarriage and recoveryThe emotional complexity of grief, self-blame, and silenceThe partner’s role in pregnancy loss and healingHow her advocacy turned pain into a global movement (#IHadaMiscarriage)The importance of breaking cultural taboos around women’s healthHer new book "Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives": ⁠Buy her newest book here!⁠Instagram: ⁠@ihadamiscarriage⁠Website: ⁠drjessicazucker.com⁠Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

What can a 10-year-old teach us about life, death, and the afterlife? More than you’d think.In this enlightening episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Sean the Science Kid blends science, spirituality, and philosophy in ways most adults never do. From the mysteries of souls and consciousness to multi-dimensional realities, Sean shares his remarkable perspective on what it means to live, die, and exist beyond.In this episode, Sean explores:How science and spirituality intersect when talking about life and deathThe mysteries of souls, consciousness, and the afterlifeQuantum physics, multidimensional realities, and our choicesWhy kids sometimes see truths adults overlookHis hilarious love for mac & cheese—mixed into the deepest of conversationsThis conversation is funny, fascinating, and unexpectedly profound—proof that wisdom can come from the youngest voices.Sean The Science Kid on Instagram: ⁠@learningwithseanthesciencekid⁠Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

Fallon Farinacci recounts the harrowing night her family was held hostage by a stalker in their small, tight-knit Métis community—a night that ended in the tragic murders of her parents.In this gripping episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Fallon shares her firsthand account of the threats, the failure of police protection, and the trauma that reshaped her life. She speaks candidly about the aftermath: navigating grief, raising her voice against systemic negligence, and finding strength through her community.In this episode, Fallon shares:The night her family was held hostage and her parents were murderedHow grief, trauma, and community shaped her healingThe failures of the justice system and police responseWhy she advocates for Indigenous communities and victims’ familiesThe power of resilience, courage, and turning tragedy into advocacyThis is a story of survival, grief, and justice—raw, emotional, and deeply important.For more on Fallon Farinacci: ⁠www.fallonfarinacci.com⁠Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠

What does it feel like to watch a parent die?In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, host David Ferrugio sits down with Grant Magdanz to explore the raw reality of losing a parent. Grant shares his deeply personal journey of grief during his father’s battle with leukemia, the emotional weight of anticipatory grief, and how he eventually found meaning in life after loss.We discuss:The complexities of grief—beyond just sadnessAnticipatory grief and what it teaches us about loveNavigating the slow decline of terminal illnessFinding meaning in loss and carrying a parent’s legacy forwardWhy grief is never “one size fits all”This is a deeply vulnerable conversation about family, love, and the universal truth of saying goodbye to a parent.Follow Grant Magdanz on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/grantmagdanz/⁠🔥 Subscribe for more raw, unfiltered conversations about life, death, and everything in between.Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5 to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features:👉  https://patreon.com/deadtalks?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkPurchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/10% off Neurogum made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus: https://neurogum.com/?utm_commission=deadtalkspodcast&platform=grin&link_id=1654933&token=WtumfL5E9dMY2DxZOVhMDDU7Z1f0OkyV&contact_id=8c837874-1ae8-4097-96fb-4809bfd0b22f&attribution_window=30All links to everything DEAD Talks:👉  https://linktr.ee/deadtalksDEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh.⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

Comedian Dan Soder opens up about losing both his father and sister at a young age, blending his signature comedic wit with raw honesty. He shares the complicated reality of grieving a difficult father, the impact of parental abandonment, and how those early traumas shaped his adult life.Through this vulnerable conversation, Dan reflects on:Using comedy as a lifeline in dark timesHow childhood trauma affects adult relationshipsThe healing power of therapy and forgivenessFacing emotional pain head-on to find growth and resilienceThis episode is a mix of humor, heartbreak, and healing — showing how laughter and honesty can coexist even in life’s hardest moments.Dan Soder: https://www.dansoder.com/Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5 to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features:👉  https://patreon.com/deadtalks?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/ 10% off Neurogum made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus: https://neurogum.com/?utm_commission=deadtalkspodcast&platform=grin&link_id=1654933&token=WtumfL5E9dMY2DxZOVhMDDU7Z1f0OkyV&contact_id=8c837874-1ae8-4097-96fb-4809bfd0b22f&attribution_window=30 All links to everything DEAD Talks:👉  https://linktr.ee/deadtalks DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠