DEAD Talks

David Ferrugio
  • 4.8 (474)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio is a podcast about death, grief, loss, and what it means to truly live. After losing his father on 9/11, David created a space for honest, emotional, and sometimes funny conversations about the one thing we all face but rarely talk about. Each episode features guests sharing real stories about grief, near-death experiences, the afterlife, healing, trauma, spirituality, and the human experience. You might cry, you might laugh, and you might leave thinking about life a little differently.

  1. 13h ago

    9/11 Took My Dad When I Was 12: Grief 25 Years Later with David Kessler (#278)

    Twenty-five years after losing his father in the September 11 attacks, DEAD Talks host David Ferrugio sits on the other side of the microphone for one of his most personal conversations yet. World-renowned grief expert David Kessler interviews David about losing his father at just 12 years old, growing up as “the 9/11 kid,” the guilt that followed, and what it means to grieve a death the entire world continues to watch and remember. They explore the memories David has lost—and the ones he has spent years trying to recover—the pressure he felt to become “the man of the house,” how grief changes over decades, and why sadness and joy don't have to be mutually exclusive. David also opens up about the experience that brought his childhood grief full circle when his mother nearly died in 2023, the lessons behind his new book, You’re Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live, and why continuing to live fully can be one of the greatest ways we honor the people we’ve lost. This is a conversation about September 11, grief, loss, trauma, guilt, mortality, legacy, healing, meaning, and what it looks like to keep living when someone you love is gone. You’re Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live is available now wherever books are sold. 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live Learn more and order the book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show: Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9/11 Took My Dad When I Was 12: Grief 25 Years Later with David Kessler (#278)

  2. Aug 31

    9/11 Kids: Losing Our Fathers and Growing Up With Grief with Katie Pereira (#277)

    David sits down with Katie Pereira for a deeply personal conversation between two people who both lost their fathers on September 11, 2001. Katie was just seven years old when her father, Franco Lalama, was killed in the World Trade Center. David was twelve when he lost his father that same morning. Twenty-five years later, they compare what it was like growing up as “9/11 kids,” living with such a public loss, watching the footage, approaching the anniversary each year, and grieving all the memories with their fathers they never got to make. They also talk about childhood trauma, dark humor, the strange guilt and gratitude that can coexist with grief, how losing a parent changes the way you see life, and why Katie still finds herself watching 9/11 footage hoping she might somehow catch one last glimpse of her dad. Katie also shares how Comfort Zone Camp helped give her childhood back after loss—and how she eventually turned that experience into a career helping grieving children. A raw conversation about 9/11, losing a parent, childhood grief, resilience, and what it means to keep living after the day that changed everything. For more on the incredible organization for grieving children check out Comfort Zone Camp here: https://comfortzonecamp.org/ 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live Learn more and order the book at ⁠⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: ⁠https://www.deadtalks.net/signup⁠ Support the Show: Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks⁠ Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: ⁠https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks⁠ Exclusive Discounts⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: ⁠https://neurogum.com/deadtalks⁠ 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9/11 Kids: Losing Our Fathers and Growing Up With Grief with Katie Pereira (#277)

  3. Aug 24

    Des Bishop: Can You Ever Really Get Over Grief? (#276)

    Comedian Des Bishop opens up about losing both parents, why their deaths affected him so differently, and the complicated idea of ever truly “getting over” grief. Des talks about using humor to process death, recording his thoughts in the raw days after his mother died, sobriety and recovery, anxiety, masculinity, complicated family relationships, and the moment he realized that constantly turning grief into material may have kept him from fully sitting with it. He also reflects on generational patterns, love, vulnerability, and what he hopes to do differently if he becomes a father. Des Bishop's comedy special Bridge and Tunnel is available now on Hulu and YouTube. DEAD Talks Podcast — Episode 276 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live Learn more and order the book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Des Bishop: Can You Ever Really Get Over Grief? (#276)

  4. Aug 17

    He's The Conjuring Investigators' Grandson — And He Doesn't Believe In Demons | Chris McKinnell (#275)

    Chris McKinnell, grandson of legendary paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, has spent more than 40 years investigating ghosts, hauntings, consciousness and the unexplained. But after growing up inside the world that inspired The Conjuring films, Chris came to a surprising conclusion: he doesn’t believe in demons. In this episode of Dead Talks, Chris shares terrifying firsthand paranormal encounters, what he learned from Ed and Lorraine Warren, why he believes fear can shape paranormal experiences, and his evidence for consciousness surviving death. We also explore ghosts, poltergeists, manifestation, near-death experiences, the power of belief, quantum physics, the afterlife, and deeply personal encounters Chris says he had with his deceased fiancée, grandmother and great-grandfather. In this episode: Ed & Lorraine Warren and the real Warren legacy Why Chris McKinnell no longer believes in demons The paranormal cases that terrified him as a teenager Ghosts, poltergeists and unexplained phenomena Consciousness and life after death His fiancée visiting him after she died Whether fear and belief can influence paranormal experiences What The Conjuring gets people thinking about—and what Chris sees differently Learn more about Chris McKinnell and the Warren Legacy Foundation: www.chrismckinnell.com www.warrenlegacyfoundation.com @warrenfiles on IG 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live Learn more and order David's book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    He's The Conjuring Investigators' Grandson — And He Doesn't Believe In Demons | Chris McKinnell (#275)

  5. Aug 10

    Retirement & Longevity: How Purpose and AI Can Transform Your Second Act | Jay Samit (#274)

    What happens when you retire, lose your career, lose someone you love, or simply realize the life that once gave you purpose no longer does? Entrepreneur and author Jay Samit joins DEAD Talks to explore why purpose may be one of the most important factors in how we age, how we rebuild after loss, and what we do with the second act of our lives. We discuss retirement, longevity, identity, grief, motivation, and finding purpose later in life, plus how artificial intelligence is changing the future of work. Jay explains how AI can help people start businesses, create new careers, pursue meaningful projects, and use decades of experience rather than feeling pushed aside by technology. We also get into losing your identity after retirement or grief, the importance of social connection, entrepreneurship, mindset, legacy, and why your most meaningful chapter may still be ahead of you. Jay Samit is the author of The Second Act Advantage Here 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live: Learn more and order David’s book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Aug 3

    Jeff Arcuri: The Lie He Told Himself to Stay "Strong" for His Wife (#273)

    He told himself he had to be strong for her. His therapist told him that was the problem. Comedian Jeff Arcuri sits down to talk about the year his wife's health scare changed how he understood what "being there" actually means — and the moment a therapist called out the one thing he was doing wrong. https://www.jeffarcuri.com/ Watch Jeff Arcuri’s new Netflix special: https://www.netflix.com/title/82032506 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live: Learn more and order David’s book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jul 27

    3 Psychic Sisters Reveal How They Actually Got Their Powers (#273)

    One thought she was losing her mind. One heard a voice standing in a Dollar Tree. One started dreaming the future at age seven — and all three became psychics and mediums. Erika, Jasmine, and Candace join me for one of the most unexplained conversations I've ever had on this show. We go deep on their origin stories, the voices they've been hearing since childhood, what Archangel Michael actually revealed, and what the spirits have shared about what happens the moment you die. Believer or skeptic — this one is hard to explain away. 👁️ Haven't seen Part 1 yet? 918,000 people already have. Watch it here → https://youtu.be/SaNwAY_GJzk For more on the  @TrinityOracles  : https://trinityoracles.com/ 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live: Learn more and order David’s book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 Psychic Sisters Reveal How They Actually Got Their Powers (#273)

  8. Jul 20

    Jaimie Alexander Was Dying When a Voice Asked Her to Choose: Stay or Go (#271)

    In 2018, Jaimie Alexander's ruptured appendix nearly killed her. During her near-death experience, a voice spoke to her — and asked her to choose: stay or go. Most people know Jaimie from Blindspot and Thor. But this episode isn't about Hollywood. It's about the night her body started failing — and the spiritual encounter that changed the rest of her life. She's rarely opened up about this publicly. The voice she heard. The choice she was given. The reason she chose to stay — and what a doctor told her immediately after that she was completely unprepared for.In this conversation, we go deep on: → How she almost didn't make it to the hospital in time → The near-death experience she had during emergency surgery → What the voice said — and why she answered the way she did → How coming that close to dying led to her sobriety → What death taught her about how to actually live For more on Jaime Alexander: @jaimiealexander 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live: Learn more and order David’s book at ⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: https://www.deadtalks.net/signup Support the Show Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deadtalks Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks Exclusive Discounts 10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/deadtalks 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Jaimie Alexander Was Dying When a Voice Asked Her to Choose: Stay or Go (#271)
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4.8
out of 5
474 Ratings

About

DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio is a podcast about death, grief, loss, and what it means to truly live. After losing his father on 9/11, David created a space for honest, emotional, and sometimes funny conversations about the one thing we all face but rarely talk about. Each episode features guests sharing real stories about grief, near-death experiences, the afterlife, healing, trauma, spirituality, and the human experience. You might cry, you might laugh, and you might leave thinking about life a little differently.

Information

  • Creator
    David Ferrugio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    277
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    DEAD Talks

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