DEAD Talks

What if grief and humor could live in the same sentence?Nora McInerny has lived through unthinkable loss — a miscarriage, her father’s death, and the death of her husband — all within a short span of time. Instead of hiding from pain, she’s made it her life’s work to talk about it openly, mixing raw honesty with humor that makes grief just a little easier to carry.Nora is the bestselling author of It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too), the creator of the podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking, and the voice behind one of the most powerful TED Talks on grief: We Don’t “Move On” From Grief. We Move Forward With It.In this episode, we talk about how grief reshapes identity, how humor can help us survive the unbearable, and why honesty in pain creates connection. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “move on,” this conversation will give you a new way to see life after loss.We move forward with it". For more on Nora McInerny: ⁠https://noraborealis.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/⁠ 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

David Dastmalchian has been on some of Hollywood’s biggest screens — from Oppenheimer and The Dark Knight to Ant-Man, The Flash, and The Suicide Squad. But behind the roles, he’s faced real struggles with grief, loss, addiction, and mental health.In this conversation, David opens up about the battles he’s fought off-camera: addiction recovery, coping with loss, and learning how to navigate mental health while building a career in Hollywood. He shares how creativity, connection, and honesty have shaped his healing journey — and why talking openly about pain is vital in breaking the stigma.This is a rare, candid side of David Dastmalchian — the man behind the movies — that shows resilience, vulnerability, and the humanity beyond the Hollywood spotlight.@dastmalchian on InstagramSupport the show for $5:Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:⁠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. ABOUT: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

Claire Bidwell Smith, licensed therapist and bestselling author of Conscious Grieving, joins me to share practical ways to navigate grief and loss. With years of experience in hospice, private practice, and her own personal story of loss, Claire offers compassionate, step-by-step guidance for anyone struggling to process death and change.In this episode, we discuss:How to face grief instead of avoiding itPractical exercises from her book Conscious GrievingThe role of therapy, writing, and ritual in healingWhy grief is not something to “get over,” but something to grow throughIf you’re looking for actionable tools, emotional support, and real conversation around grief, this episode will leave you with clarity and hope.For more on Claire Bidwell Smith: https://linktr.ee/Clairebidwellsmith Purchase her new book "Conscious Grieving" hereJoin 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/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

Discover the fascinating world of psychic mediums as Malaurie shares her journey from a family of psychics and witches. She reveals her unique, grounded approach to communicating with spirit guides and the messages from the other side. Explore the roles of intuition and spiritual guidance in healing, alongside intriguing discussions about reincarnation, earthbound souls, and the challenges of skepticism. With honesty and warmth, Malaurie explains how her readings may not always deliver comforting answers but are intended for the greater good.

GaTa, rapper and actor from the hit FXX series Dave and longtime hype man for Lil Dicky, shares his deeply personal story of loss and resilience. Both of GaTa’s parents died when he was just 18 months old, leaving him to grow up without ever truly knowing them.In this conversation, GaTa opens up about grief, trauma, and how he has chosen positivity as his guiding force. From navigating the pain of loss to embracing gratitude and joy, his story highlights how we can all find strength through hardship. This episode offers powerful lessons on healing, resilience, and choosing light in the darkest moments.Check out GaTa on instagram ⁠@gedgata⁠: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gedgata/?hl=en Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for 7 days free and then only $5 to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features: 👉 ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: 👉 ⁠DEAD Talks Merch⁠ 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, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ + more⁠ ⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

David Kessler, one of the world’s foremost grief experts, joins DEAD Talks to share powerful lessons on life, loss, and finding meaning after tragedy. Coauthor with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross of the groundbreaking On Grief and Grieving and author of six books including Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, Kessler brings decades of experience helping people navigate grief at its deepest levels.In this conversation, David opens up about the stages of grief, the path toward healing, and how to transform pain into purpose. From working alongside Kübler-Ross to his own personal experiences with loss, he offers wisdom on embracing life even in the shadow of death.This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking comfort, understanding, and the courage to move forward after loss.For more on David Kessler visit  https://linktr.ee/DavidKessler 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/  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, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

Comedian Vinny Fasline joins DEAD Talks to share the story of losing his father to lung cancer while navigating his career in stand-up comedy. This raw and relatable conversation dives into what it means for a man to lose his father, the challenges of grief, and how humor becomes a tool for survival.Vinny, host of the My+One Podcast, reflects on his father’s battle with SPS, the reality of living with profound loss, and the ways comedy provides both healing and perspective. Known for touring with Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch, and Jamie Kennedy, Vinny brings his trademark wit to a heartfelt discussion about love, grief, and resilience.This episode offers both laughter and truth for anyone trying to process loss while still moving forward.Follow Vinny Fasline and find where you can watch him perform here: @vinnyfasline on Instagram and more on ⁠https://linktr.ee/vinnyfasline⁠ ⁠⁠$5/mo DEAD Talks Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadtalksPurchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠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, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

Kuri Bolger lost her mother, husband, and two children in the devastating Winterset, Iowa tornado that destroyed her parents’ home. Only she and her 9-year-old son Brysen survived. In this heartbreaking yet inspiring conversation, Kuri shares her journey through unimaginable loss, the fight to keep living for her son, and how resilience emerges in the aftermath of tragedy.Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of a grieving mother and the enduring bond between parent and child. Listeners will hear raw reflections on survival, love, and finding purpose after disaster — a reminder of the fragility of life and the courage it takes to move forwardJoin 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/⁠ 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, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠ ⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

Dr. Jeffrey Long has studied thousands of near-death experiences (NDEs) and is one of the world’s leading researchers on the subject. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we dive into the evidence behind NDEs, what people report seeing on the other side, and how these experiences may transform our understanding of consciousness, death, and the afterlife.A radiation oncologist by training, Dr. Long founded the Near Death Experience Research Foundation and has authored the groundbreaking books Evidence of the Afterlife and God and the Afterlife. His work explores whether near-death experiences are real, what consistent patterns emerge, and what it all might mean about life beyond death.This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by spirituality, science, and the mysteries of what happens when we die.Visit Dr. Jeffrey Longs Near-Death Experience Research Foundation: https://nderf.org/For more on the film that featured Dr. Jeffrey Long "After Death" visit: https://www.angel.com/movies/after-deathSupport the show for $5:Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:⁠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. ABOUT: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

How do trauma, grief, and addiction shape our lives—and how do we heal? In this episode of DEAD Talks, Ryan Soave, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Chief Clinical Officer at Guardian Recovery Network, shares powerful insights from over 14 years in the mental health field.We explore the complexities of childhood trauma, how it can resurface in adulthood, and ways parents can better support their children through grief and mental health struggles. Ryan also discusses addiction recovery, the interconnectedness of trauma and grief, and strategies for cultivating resilience and transformation.This conversation offers compassionate, practical guidance for anyone navigating the weight of loss, trauma, or mental health challenges.For more on Ryan Soave:⁠www.ryansoave.com⁠⁠@ryan.soave⁠ on Instagram⁠www.guardianrecoverynetwork.com⁠ 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, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ + more⁠ ⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠