DEAD Talks

David Ferrugio

DEAD Talks w/ David Ferrugio engages with death a little differently. Each new guest shares their experience with death, grief and loss in a way that shatters the ”don’t talk about death” taboo. You could cry, but you might also laugh as well. read less

Our Editor's Take

DEAD Talks is a podcast about grief and loss hosted by David Ferrugio. The host's father was a Cantor Fitzgerald employee who worked in the World Trade Center. He was killed in the 9/11 attacks. David was just twelve years old at the time. At the time, he found that talking about death helped him deal with his grief. This podcast is his way of lifting the taboo that surrounds talk of death.

On the podcast, David invites guests to talk about their experiences with loss. Everyone experiences grief in their own way. In one episode, Madison McGhee talks about how her father's murder remains unsolved. She has made it her life's work to find the killer. In another episode, British musician AJ Tracey discusses how he lost friends in the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. He and Ferrugio talk about collective grief. Uncle Jack is a 100-year-old influencer. At his age, he has lost most of the people he grew up with. In his episode, he tells listeners what grief is like in old age.

Some guests on DEAD Talks have other experiences of life and death. Alexis Landot is a free solo climber who has ascended Paris' tallest buildings. He talks about why he confronts death. In another episode, Don Piper talks about his near-death experience. For 90 minutes, he was dead. He describes what he experienced during that time. Stephen Grey is a documentary filmmaker and creator of the film After Death. He interviews survivors, doctors, and others to find out what happens after life ends.

Listeners might appreciate the host's interviews with people who work around death. They share their experience of grief support. Ashley LeMieux is a grief and bereavement expert. She believes acknowledging feelings is important to processing loss in one's grief journey. J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain. He supports families in the immediate aftermath of loss of a loved one. After his own loss, Benjamin May founded The New Normal Charity. The organization brings together grieving people.

Death and loss can be unpleasant topics. Many people are uncomfortable around grievers. But talking about them can be an important part of the healing process. Listeners who have experienced loss may find kindred spirits on the DEAD Talks podcast.

read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

153 - Lyon Forever: How to live and die | Barbie Herron Conkling
6d ago
153 - Lyon Forever: How to live and die | Barbie Herron Conkling
Barbie Herron Conkling has been deeply engulfed in death throughout her life including her inspirational son, Lyon Herron, who died from a 27 year battle with cancer. He embodied this "live life to the fullest" mentality from an early age after being born with a rare genetic mutation called Gardner's Syndrome. Barbie shares incredibly inspiring stories about her son who not only showed how to live but how to die. She continues to honors him today and taught me what a 'living memorial' is and how he was able to leave this world with the people he loved. A truly remarkable story about grief and loss but more about how to live life to the fullest. Support the legacy of Lyon with Ly & Co: https://lyandco.la/ For more on Barbie follow her on instagram @barbiedahl74 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 + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
152 - How do you deal with Child Loss? | Shekinah Eliassen
Apr 15 2024
152 - How do you deal with Child Loss? | Shekinah Eliassen
How do you deal with child loss? Her first son, Lars, died in 2012 as an infant due to a severe brain condition. Shekinah Eliassen, CEO of George Mark Children’s House, a San Leandro, CA-based pediatric palliative care home, is committed to providing children and families with the same comprehensive and compassionate care that she received, and to carry forward George Mark’s work as the national beacon of excellence for pediatric palliative care. For more on George Mark Children's House: https://georgemark.org/ 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 + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
151 - A Father's Journey Through Profound Loss | Colin Campbell
Apr 8 2024
151 - A Father's Journey Through Profound Loss | Colin Campbell
A Father's Journey Through Profound Loss with author Colin Campbell who lost both his children, Ruby & Hart, to a drunk driver that crashed into their family car. He's the author of "Finding The Words" which is a powerful account of one father's journey through unimaginable grief offering readers a new vision for how to more actively and fully mourn profound loss. To purchase his book "Finding The Words": https://colincampbellauthor.com/finding-the-words/ For more on Colin Campbell: https://colincampbellauthor.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 + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
150 - Life Isn't Always Happy But Humor Can Help | Nora McInerny
Apr 1 2024
150 - Life Isn't Always Happy But Humor Can Help | Nora McInerny
Nora McInerny, author, a speaker, and the host of Terrible, Thanks for Asking, a podcast that lets people be honest about the hard things in life. She is also a remarried widow raising a beautiful blended family with her current, very much alive husband. She's experienced a heavy amount of grief and loss in a second miscarriage, father and husband in a short period of time. Her ability to share insights, lessons and humor in one beautiufl death and grief ball is incredible. Nora McInerny has been seen on her incredible TED Talk "We don't "move on" from grief. 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 + ⁠more⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠
148 - Practical steps to get through Grief & Loss | Claire Bidwell Smith
Mar 18 2024
148 - Practical steps to get through Grief & Loss | Claire Bidwell Smith
Recognized as one of today’s foremost experts on grief, Claire Bidwell Smith is a licensed therapist, international speaker, and the author of five books published in 22 countries. Led by her own experience in grief and fueled by her work in hospice and private practice, Claire strives to provide support for all kinds of people experiencing all kinds of loss. It's always a blast to chat with Claire who has been on the podcast before. We spoke about her newest book "Conscious Grieving", why she wrote it and practical ways to engage in your grief. For more on Claire Bidwell Smith: https://linktr.ee/Clairebidwellsmith Purchase her new book "Conscious Grieving" here 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 + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
147 - Speaking with a real psychic medium | Malaurie
Mar 11 2024
147 - Speaking with a real psychic medium | Malaurie
Malaurie is a grounded, authentic, and caring psychic + medium who explains that she came from a long line of psychics and witches. As she describes it, "I try to keep it real and simple. No gimmicks, no pretenses, no bullshit. I’m not a crystal ball, but I can enter into a conversation with your guides and ancestors and see what they have to say. The answer might not always be what you want to hear but it is always grounded in love and with your greater good in mind". For more on Malaurie visit: https://malauriepsychic.com/links Follow Malaurie on Instagram @malauriepsychic: https://www.instagram.com/malauriepsychic/?hl=en Follow Malaurie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malauriepsychic   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 + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
146 - A Positive Outlook On Death After Losing His Parents | GaTa
Mar 4 2024
146 - A Positive Outlook On Death After Losing His Parents | GaTa
GaTa is an American rapper and actor best known for his role in the hit FXX TV series Dave, as well as for being the hype man for rapper Lil Dicky throughout his career as well as on the show. GaTa is an artist and actor who joined DEAD Talks to talk about how he never got to know both his parent's who died when he was just 18 months old. He is the epitome of positivity and offers great advice for how we can all manage our way through grief, loss and life's trauma.   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
145 - Grief and Death Specialist | David Kessler
Feb 26 2024
145 - Grief and Death Specialist | David Kessler
David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even afterlife’s tragedies. He is the author of six books, including the new bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He coauthored two books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, including On Grief and Grieving updated her 5 stages for grief. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa.   For more on David Kessler visit https://grief.com/ or 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
144 - A comedian in grief | Vinny Fasline
Feb 19 2024
144 - A comedian in grief | Vinny Fasline
Vinny Fasline joins the show to chat about the loss of his father, his comedy career, and how it all intertwines. His father had SPS and died of lung cancer. What does it mean for a man to lose his father? How do you navigate grief? In this podcast episode, we hear from two guys in the Dead Dad Club. Vinny Fasline is a stand-up comedian and podcast host of My+One Podcast. He has been seen touring with Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch, Jamie Kennedy and more.   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/deadtalks 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
143 - Iowa Tornado Took Her Family | Kuri Bolger
Feb 12 2024
143 - Iowa Tornado Took Her Family | Kuri Bolger
Kuri Bolger lost her mom, husband and two kids in the Winterset tornado that destroyed her parents’ Iowa home. The family tried to take shelter in time, and unfortunately, the storm was too strong. Bolger and her surviving son, 9-year-old Brysen, still live on today to tell the story, and Kuri's strength through her incredible grief and loss was a powerful conversation. 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
141 - Navigating the complexities of trauma | Ryan Soave
Jan 29 2024
141 - Navigating the complexities of trauma | Ryan Soave
Ryan Soave is a distinguished Licensed Mental Health Counselor with an impressive 14-year tenure in mental health. His unwavering commitment to healing and transformation has made him a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of trauma, grief, and addiction. Currently serving as the Chief Clinical Officer of Guardian Recovery Network, a national leader in treatment services for adults and adolescents facing addiction and mental health challenges, Ryan brings his wealth of experience to the forefront of comprehensive and compassionate care. We spoke about how implicating childhood trauma can be, how it manifests later in life, and also how parents can approach their children when it comes to dealing with grief, trauma, or pain. Ryan is a fantastic individual who was a blast to talk to. For more on Ryan Soave: ⁠www.ryansoave.com⁠ ⁠@ryan.soave⁠ on Instagram ⁠www.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
138 - Deteriorating mental heath with Grief | Meghan Riordan Jarvis
Jan 8 2024
138 - Deteriorating mental heath with Grief | Meghan Riordan Jarvis
Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LICSW, is a clinical psychotherapist, author, podcast host, TEDx speaker, and sought-after consultant with over twenty years of experience in trauma, grief, and loss. In this episode she shares with her experience of deteriorating mental health after her father's and mother's deaths in short succession and eventually receiving the same therapeutic support she offers her clients. Working with companies, organizations, executive teams, & individuals, Meghan and her team help create grief-informed communities through bespoke training, lectures, and keynotes designed to increase emotional fluency and create a shift in grief culture at large. For information on Meghan and her new book "The End of The Hour" visit her website: https://meghanriordanjarvis.com/ @meghan.riordan.jarvis on Instagram 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