DEAD Talks

What does it mean to teach yourself how to grieve? In this episode, we dive into the story of childhood trauma, loss, and the lessons learned along the way. From painful beginnings to the process of self-healing, this conversation explores how grief shapes who we are and how reflecting on those experiences can lead to transformation and growth. This is an honest look at how grief, loss, and resili...

What does it mean to teach yourself how to grieve? In this episode, we dive into the story of childhood trauma, loss, and the lessons learned along the way. From painful beginnings to the process of self-healing, this conversation explores how grief shapes who we are and how reflecting on those experiences can lead to transformation and growth. This is an honest look at how grief, loss, and resili...

Grief is messy, complicated, and often leaves people feeling overwhelmed—even when surrounded by support. This episode dives into the reality of navigating loss and the challenges of finding adequate bereavement resources. From the hidden weight of administrative tasks to the lack of accessible support, we explore why grieving can feel so isolating and what can be done to make the journey easier....

Grief is messy, complicated, and often leaves people feeling overwhelmed—even when surrounded by support. This episode dives into the reality of navigating loss and the challenges of finding adequate bereavement resources. From the hidden weight of administrative tasks to the lack of accessible support, we explore why grieving can feel so isolating and what can be done to make the journey easier....

In 1989, Don Piper was pronounced dead at the scene of a tragic car accident. For the next 90 minutes, he had a profound near-death experience that changed his life forever. In this episode, he recounts where he went, what he experienced, and the extraordinary story that later inspired the bestselling book and feature film 90 Minutes in Heaven. Don Piper’s story continues to spark conversations ab...

In 1989, Don Piper was pronounced dead at the scene of a tragic car accident. For the next 90 minutes, he had a profound near-death experience that changed his life forever. In this episode, he recounts where he went, what he experienced, and the extraordinary story that later inspired the bestselling book and feature film 90 Minutes in Heaven. Don Piper’s story continues to spark conversations ab...

He scales skyscrapers without ropes, harnesses, or safety equipment—risking his life with every climb. In this episode of DEAD Talks, French stuntman and free solo climber Alexis Landot shares what drives him to conquer towers like La Défense, Montparnasse, and The Mercuriales in Paris. We dive into his battle with death anxiety, how he rationalizes fear, and what facing death at extreme heights t...

He scales skyscrapers without ropes, harnesses, or safety equipment—risking his life with every climb. In this episode of DEAD Talks, French stuntman and free solo climber Alexis Landot shares what drives him to conquer towers like La Défense, Montparnasse, and The Mercuriales in Paris. We dive into his battle with death anxiety, how he rationalizes fear, and what facing death at extreme heights t...

Grief can’t be ignored—it has to be felt. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore the power of fully experiencing emotions as a way to heal. Ashley LeMieux, a grief and bereavement expert who has faced the devastating loss of a child, shares how acknowledging emotions without judgment can transform the grieving process. We discuss why society’s pressure to “move on” is harmful, and how allowing...

Grief can’t be ignored—it has to be felt. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore the power of fully experiencing emotions as a way to heal. Ashley LeMieux, a grief and bereavement expert who has faced the devastating loss of a child, shares how acknowledging emotions without judgment can transform the grieving process. We discuss why society’s pressure to “move on” is harmful, and how allowing...

Grief doesn’t wait until adulthood. At just 16 years old, Whitney Hanson lost her best friend—and it changed her life forever. In this episode, she opens up about navigating grief as a teenager, the hardest parts of healing at such a young age, and how writing became her way through pain. Her journey offers powerful insight for anyone supporting a grieving child or facing loss too soon. www.whitne...

Grief doesn’t wait until adulthood. At just 16 years old, Whitney Hanson lost her best friend—and it changed her life forever. In this episode, she opens up about navigating grief as a teenager, the hardest parts of healing at such a young age, and how writing became her way through pain. Her journey offers powerful insight for anyone supporting a grieving child or facing loss too soon. www.whitne...

What can we learn from being present at thousands of deaths? As a hospital chaplain in a 1,000+ bed trauma center, J.S. Park has sat with countless families in their final moments—offering comfort, guidance, and presence when life ends. In this conversation, he shares the profound lessons he’s learned about grief, resilience, and what truly matters while facing death head-on. For more on J.S Park...

What can we learn from being present at thousands of deaths? As a hospital chaplain in a 1,000+ bed trauma center, J.S. Park has sat with countless families in their final moments—offering comfort, guidance, and presence when life ends. In this conversation, he shares the profound lessons he’s learned about grief, resilience, and what truly matters while facing death head-on. For more on J.S Park...

Grief can feel isolating—but what happens when strangers come together to share their pain openly? That’s the idea behind The New Normal Charity, a community-driven space changing how we approach grief, mental health, and healing. In this episode, founder Benjamin May shares his personal journey of loss and trauma, why he started the movement, and how free, honest conversations can sometimes do wh...

Grief can feel isolating—but what happens when strangers come together to share their pain openly? That’s the idea behind The New Normal Charity, a community-driven space changing how we approach grief, mental health, and healing. In this episode, founder Benjamin May shares his personal journey of loss and trauma, why he started the movement, and how free, honest conversations can sometimes do wh...

At 100 years old, Uncle Jack shares the secrets to longevity, joy, and facing death with wisdom. He's become a viral influencer with over 2 million followers, his century of life lessons will inspire anyone searching for meaning, resilience, or perspective on aging and dying. Born in 1923, Uncle Jack has lived through an entire century of change — from growing up with a backyard “zoo,” to serving...

At 100 years old, Uncle Jack shares the secrets to longevity, joy, and facing death with wisdom. He's become a viral influencer with over 2 million followers, his century of life lessons will inspire anyone searching for meaning, resilience, or perspective on aging and dying. Born in 1923, Uncle Jack has lived through an entire century of change — from growing up with a backyard “zoo,” to serving...

Why does our society avoid talking about death and grief? Sah D’Simone breaks down the stigma, exposing how silence around mortality leaves us unprepared for loss. This powerful conversation blends spirituality, emotional healing, and raw truth about what it means to face death directly. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Sah D’Simone joins David Ferrugio to explore the paradox of life and death — why...

Why does our society avoid talking about death and grief? Sah D’Simone breaks down the stigma, exposing how silence around mortality leaves us unprepared for loss. This powerful conversation blends spirituality, emotional healing, and raw truth about what it means to face death directly. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Sah D’Simone joins David Ferrugio to explore the paradox of life and death — why...

Gabby Reece lost her father in a tragic plane crash when she was just five years old — a loss that shaped her entire perspective on life, grief, and resilience. In this candid conversation, the former professional beach volleyball star, fitness leader, bestselling author, and podcast host opens up about growing up without her father, the lessons she’s carried through loss, and how she’s turned pai...

Gabby Reece lost her father in a tragic plane crash when she was just five years old — a loss that shaped her entire perspective on life, grief, and resilience. In this candid conversation, the former professional beach volleyball star, fitness leader, bestselling author, and podcast host opens up about growing up without her father, the lessons she’s carried through loss, and how she’s turned pai...

What is it really like to be a hospice nurse? Nurse Julie and Nurse Penny open up about death, dying, grief, and the surprising lessons learned from caring for patients at the end of life. With humor, honesty, and heart, they break down misconceptions about hospice, reduce the fear of dying, and share powerful stories from the bedside. In this episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio sits down with t...

What is it really like to be a hospice nurse? Nurse Julie and Nurse Penny open up about death, dying, grief, and the surprising lessons learned from caring for patients at the end of life. With humor, honesty, and heart, they break down misconceptions about hospice, reduce the fear of dying, and share powerful stories from the bedside. In this episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio sits down with t...

Bryan Callen — comedian, actor, and co-host of The Fighter & The Kid — joins DEAD Talks for a raw and hilarious conversation about comedy, spirituality, grief, and what it really takes to face life’s hardest challenges. Known for appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and as one of stand-up’s sharpest voices, Bryan brings humor and wisdom to a topic most people avoid: death. In this episode, Brya...