DEAD Talks

David Ferrugio
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Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 35min

Robert Edward Grant on Free Will, Fate & the Mysteries of the Universe (#200)

In this special 200th episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Robert Edward Grant, a renowned polymath, entrepreneur, and thought leader, to explore life’s biggest questions: Is life predetermined? Do we really have free will? What is the true nature of reality?Robert shares profound insights on metaphysics, ancient philosophy, mathematics, and consciousness, offering a rare perspective on how love, perception, and belief systems shape the reality we experience. From exploring the mysteries of death and the afterlife to uncovering the hidden patterns of the universe, this conversation challenges the way we think about life, growth, and destiny.We explore:Free will vs. fate — who’s really in control?How consciousness and love shape realityAncient philosophy meets modern scienceFinding personal growth through challenges and transformationThis is a thought-provoking and transformative conversation you won’t want to miss.Robert Edward Grant: ⁠https://robertedwardgrant.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
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Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 2min

His Astonishing Near-Death Experience After a Train Accident | David Ditchfield (#199)

David Ditchfield’s near-death experience (NDE) is one of the most extraordinary stories ever shared on DEAD Talks. After being dragged under a speeding train and surviving against all odds, David encountered an afterlife experience that changed his life forever.In this powerful conversation, he recounts:The moment of his brush with deathThe presence of mysterious beings and an overwhelming sensation of loveThe glimpse he had into a universe beyond our ownHow the experience continues to shape his purpose and artThis is a must-listen for anyone curious about the afterlife, spiritual awakenings, or how a single near-death experience can transform an entire life.For more on David Ditchfield: ⁠https://www.shineonthestory.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
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Mar 3, 2025 • 52min

He Lost His Brother Before a UFC Fight | Cody Stamann on Grief & Resilience (#198)

UFC fighter Cody Stamann faced his toughest battle outside the octagon: losing his brother to a tragic overdose just one week before a major fight in 2020. Instead of backing out, Cody stepped into the cage and fought while carrying the weight of his grief.In this raw and emotional episode of DEAD Talks, Cody opens up about:The shock and heartbreak of sudden lossWhat it meant to fight in the UFC just days after tragedyHow grief continues to shape his perspective on life and fightingThe resilience and perseverance it takes to move forwardThis episode is a powerful reminder that even the strongest fighters face battles we can’t see.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 Here⁠ 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. 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
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Feb 24, 2025 • 55min

The Right to Die: Ethics of Euthanasia & Mental Health (#197)

At just 28 years old, contemporary artist and writer Joseph Awuah-Darko opens up about his struggles with chronic bipolar disorder, loneliness, and the bureaucratic process of assisted euthanasia in the Netherlands.In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore:The controversial ethics of euthanasia and the “right to die”Men’s mental health, stigma, and societal silenceThe emotional reality of living with bipolar disorderFinding peace through art, purpose, and open dialogueThis is a powerful and thought-provoking conversation that challenges cultural taboos, sparks awareness, and advocates for empathy in how we approach mental health and end-of-life choices.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 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 Joseph on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/okuntakinte/⁠ Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ + ⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠
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Feb 17, 2025 • 49min

The Science of Grief: How the Brain & Body Process Loss (#196)

Why does grief feel so overwhelming—mentally, physically, and emotionally? In this fascinating episode of DEAD Talks, grief scientist Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor breaks down the biology of loss and what happens inside the brain and body when we mourn.As a leader in the study of prolonged grief disorder, Dr. O’Connor explores:Why grief feels like a physical painThe difference between normal grief and prolonged griefHow the brain rewires itself after devastating lossThe role of the immune and cardiovascular systems in griefWhat science reveals about healing and resilienceThis episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating loss—or anyone curious about the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and the human experience of grief.Purchase Mary-Frances O'Connor's new book ⁠"The Grieving Body"⁠ HereJoin 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 Here⁠ 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. 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
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Feb 10, 2025 • 53min

Living After Loss: Finding Life Again After Losing Your Greatest Love (#195)

What happens when the love of your life is suddenly gone? In this heartfelt episode of DEAD Talks, entrepreneur and author Loren Ridinger shares her journey through the devastating loss of her husband, the lessons he left behind, and how she continues to find meaning, purpose, and love in life.Loren opens up about:Grief, resilience, and rebuilding after losing a spouseThe lessons her husband’s death taught her about time, love, and presenceThe challenge of moving forward while carrying grief with youHow writing her book became a path to healing and inspiring othersThis episode is raw, emotional, and deeply hopeful—reminding us that even after unimaginable loss, life still holds purpose and love.⁠Purchase Loren Ridinger's New Book "Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up: Living Your Best Life after Losing Your Greatest Love⁠ Join the⁠⁠DEAD 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 Here⁠⁠ 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.  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 on⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠,⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠,⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠,⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ +⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠
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Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 11min

Comedian Ari Shaffir on Religion, Death & What Comes After (#194)

In this provocative and hilarious episode of DEAD Talks, comedian Ari Shaffir joins David Ferrugio for a conversation that dives deep into religion, death, and the afterlife—through the raw and unapologetic lens only Ari can bring.From psychedelic trips to personal encounters with mortality, Ari shares candid stories and challenges traditional beliefs about life, faith, and what might come after. With his signature mix of humor and brutal honesty, he reflects on:How psychedelics shaped his worldviewThe role of belief and religion in facing mortalityPersonal experiences with loss and deathWhy laughter and irreverence can make heavy topics more humanThis episode is equal parts funny, unsettling, and thought-provoking—a reminder that even the darkest subjects can spark unexpected clarity when met with honesty (and a little humor). Ari has a new special on netflix called ⁠"Ari Shaffir: America's Sweetheart"⁠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 Here⁠⁠ 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.  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
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Jan 27, 2025 • 49min

From Grief to Mediumship: Connecting With the Other Side (#193)

What if profound loss could open the door to a deeper spiritual connection? In this moving episode of DEAD Talks, Charlotte Helliker shares her journey from devastating grief to discovering her mediumship abilities.Charlotte opens up about:How losing a loved one unlocked her ability to connect beyond the veilThe powerful signs and messages she’s received from the other sideThe intersection of grief, spirituality, and healingWhy the unseen world can bring comfort, meaning, and resilienceThis episode blends raw grief with spiritual awakening, offering hope to anyone searching for meaning after loss—and curiosity about what lies beyond.For more on today's guest, Charlotte Helicker: Links 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 Here⁠ 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. 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
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Jan 20, 2025 • 58min

LAPD Detective on Death, Missing Persons & the Cases That Haunt Him (#192)

What happens when death isn’t just personal—but part of your daily work?Retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo reflects on the most haunting cases from his 30-year career, including homicides, child abuse, and missing persons investigations. He opens up about:The emotional toll of confronting death and tragedy day after daySupporting first responders and families after 9/11Survivor’s guilt and the search for meaning in the darkest casesThe heartbreaking story of a three-year-old girl named Ruby that still stays with himHow faith, resilience, and community support helped him endure the trauma of the jobThis episode offers a rare glimpse into the world of homicide and missing persons investigations—told through the lens of grief, humanity, and hope.For more on Moses Castillo: https://detectivemoses.com/ 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 Here⁠⁠ 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.  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
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Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 11min

JFK, Pablo Escobar & The Mafia: Gianni Russo’s Untold Stories (#191)

In this explosive episode of DEAD Talks, actor and storyteller Gianni Russo (best known as Carlo in The Godfather) shares unbelievable tales from his extraordinary life—mixing Hollywood glamour with mafia danger.Gianni opens up about:Surviving polio and becoming a trusted confidant of mafia bossesKilling Pablo Escobar’s right-hand man in self-defenseWild encounters with Marilyn Monroe, JFK, and Pablo Escobar himselfHis life inside The Godfather and the real mob connections behind itThis conversation is part history, part true crime, and part Hollywood legend—a raw glimpse into survival, loyalty, and the blurred lines between fame and danger.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 Here⁠ 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. 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

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