DEAD Talks

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...

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...

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 foun...

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 t...

Sammy “The Bull” Gravano—Gambino Mafia underboss and one of America’s most notorious mob hitmen—opens up about life, murder, and death like never before. After serving 23 years in the mob and testifying in 1991 against John Gotti, Sammy confessed to involvement in 19 murders. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Sammy shares raw stories from inside the Mafia, reflecting on violence, loyalty, betrayal, a...

At just 14 years old, Philip Siracusa died in a dentist’s chair—and what he experienced on the other side changed his life forever. In this near-death experience (NDE), Philip describes traveling through a beautiful garden, encountering a mysterious young girl, and reuniting with his deceased grandparents before being brought back to life. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we dive deep into his vivid...

What happens when grief pushes your mental health to the breaking point? Meghan Riordan Jarvis, a psychotherapist and grief expert, opens up about the devastating impact of losing both her father and mother in quick succession—and how it sent her into a spiral of deteriorating mental health. In this episode of DEAD Talks, Meghan shares her raw story of breakdown and recovery, revealing the therape...

What if your father’s murder was never solved—and you had to take the investigation into your own hands? Madison McGhee has spent years digging into the cold case of her father’s unsolved killing, balancing the relentless pursuit of truth with the grief of losing him at a young age. In this gripping episode of DEAD Talks, Madison shares intimate details from her investigation, the emotional toll o...

In 2017, the Grenfell Tower Fire in London claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left a community forever changed. British rapper AJ Tracey joins DEAD Talks to reflect on the tragedy, sharing his personal connection to the event and how grief has shaped his perspective on life, resilience, and justice. This conversation dives into the collective trauma of Grenfell, the fight for accountabil...

At just 16 years old, Mark Patterson “died” from sudden cardiac arrest after a night of drinking and crossed over into a near-death experience that changed his life forever. He describes entering the light, being greeted by his late grandfather, and even receiving what he calls a “new soul” before returning to his body. In this powerful testimony, Mark reveals what he saw on the other side, the me...

She faced the unimaginable—losing her father at just 19, and years later, her fiancé unexpectedly in 2022. These back-to-back tragedies forced her to confront grief in its rawest form and find a way forward when life felt unbearable. In this powerful conversation, she shares how she navigated the darkest moments of grief, what she learned about healing, and how she rebuilt her life after losing bo...

What is your purpose? For many, that question only becomes urgent after loss. In this episode, we explore how grief can be a powerful doorway to finding deeper meaning and connection to your higher self. Through stories of personal loss and transformation, we dive into how tragedy can awaken intuition, reshape priorities, and lead to a more fulfilling path. From meditation to spiritual guidance, t...

What happens when we die? The feature documentary After Death takes on one of life’s greatest mysteries, blending science, spirituality, and powerful personal stories. In this episode, we discuss the making of the film and the real-life experiences behind it, from near-death experiences to stories of grief and resilience. After Death features bestselling authors, doctors, scientists, and survivors...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...