DEAD Talks

What happens when comedy meets grief? Stand-up comic Nick Simmons joins DEAD Talks to share his powerful story of losing his mother to cancer at just 17 years old — and how that experience shaped both his life and his comedy career.Nick’s mother was diagnosed when he was 11 and told she had only six months to live, yet she fought for years. That journey left Nick with raw, honest perspectives on grief, loss, and resilience — and gave him a voice in comedy that blends heartbreak with humor.In this conversation with David Ferrugio, Nick opens up about how laughter and pain often coexist, why comedy can be a form of healing, and how his story continues to inspire his work. You may have seen Nick Simmons on CBS or performing alongside Bryan Callen — here, he brings both sharp humor and deep vulnerability to the topic of loss.If you’ve ever used humor to cope with grief, this episode will hit home.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful conversations on life, death, grief, and the afterlife.Follow Nick Simmons on Instagram @NotNickSimmonsFor more links to Nick and to see his tour dates CLICK HERESupport the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie Weaver’s story is one of love, grief, and fierce advocacy. After losing her daughter Sophia in 2019 — a child born with facial differences and multiple disabilities — Natalie founded Sophia’s Voice to honor her memory and to fight for the rights of families navigating medical complexities.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Natalie joins David Ferrugio to share her mission to protect the disability community online, the battles she’s fought against social media giants, and her personal journey through unimaginable grief. She offers parents hope, resilience, and a reminder that every life, no matter how different, has profound value.This conversation is a powerful look at how grief can ignite purpose, how love continues beyond loss, and why advocacy for medically complex children and families is more important than ever.👉 Subscribe for more raw and inspiring conversations on life, death, grief, and resilience.@nataliecweaverSupport the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief just happens — often when we least expect it. For comedian Laura Shepard, that moment came when she got the call that her father had died suddenly from a blood clot. At the lowest point of her life, she faced the raw realities of grief, loss, and all the unexpected details no one prepares you for.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Laura joins David Ferrugio to share her journey of losing a parent, the messy and often bizarre parts of mourning, and how grief ended up fueling her return to comedy. With equal parts vulnerability and humor, Laura tells stories that will make you laugh and cry while reminding us that grief is never a straight line.If you’ve ever lost someone, struggled to heal, or used humor as a survival tool, this episode will resonate deeply.👉 Subscribe now for more raw and real conversations about life, death, grief, and the afterlife.For more on Laura Shepard check her out on Instagram @laurashepard.pdf or https://linktr.ee/laurashepSupport the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marci Burton survived a plane crash in the mountains of Kodiak, Alaska — while pregnant with her daughter and alongside her young son. Against all odds, she and four others were the only survivors of one of the deadliest bush plane crashes in Alaskan history.In this gripping episode of DEAD Talks, Marci joins David Ferrugio to share not only her survival story, but also her journey of grief, the loss of her mother, and the spiritual experiences that have shaped her understanding of life and death. From near-death trauma to paranormal encounters, Marci’s story blends survival with spirituality in a way that few ever experience.If you’ve ever wondered how people find meaning after tragedy, or how survival reshapes our beliefs about death and the afterlife, this conversation will stay with you long after you listen.👉 Subscribe now for more raw conversations on life, death, grief, and resilience.Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when three siblings sit down to talk about losing their father on September 11th? In this very personal episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio and his sisters share their perspectives on grief, family, and how loss reshaped their lives in different ways.Each sibling opens up about their unique grieving process, the memories they carry, and how their father’s death not only broke them but also brought them closer as a family. This heartfelt conversation touches on childhood memories, forgiveness, and the resilience required to keep moving forward after unimaginable tragedy.For David, this episode is one of the most meaningful in the series — an intimate family dialogue that shows grief is never one-size-fits-all, and that healing can look different for everyone.Watch our entire family discussing our experience with 9/11 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7w1gHoiGn80wt7hk2GjHrR?si=_x6PQ1ohRIWC3Cr149j6aw👉 Subscribe for more raw and real conversations on grief, life, death, and resilience. Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 11th, my mom lost her husband — and I lost my father. For the first time, she joins DEAD Talks to share her story of grief, resilience, and raising her children as a widow in the aftermath of 9/11.This deeply personal conversation captures how she remembers that day, how she navigated grieving while caring for her kids, and the strength it took to rebuild a life after devastating loss. Her perspective embodies the purpose of this podcast: breaking the silence around grief while honoring love that endures beyond tragedy.I’m proud to share this episode with the woman who carried me through it all — my mother. Her courage and wisdom are a reminder that grief can break us, but love helps us survive.👉 Subscribe now for more raw and powerful conversations on life, death, grief, and resilience.Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really happens at the end of life? Hospice Nurse Hadley has witnessed extraordinary encounters from her patients — including moments where they saw their deceased loved ones before passing. These stories reveal as much about how we live as they do about how we die.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Nurse Hadley joins David Ferrugio to share the lessons she’s learned from the bedside, how her own personal loss transformed her spiritual beliefs, and why she believes end-of-life care carries profound wisdom for the living. She also discusses her new book The In-Between, which offers a heartfelt look at death, dying, and the beauty found in life’s final moments.If you’ve ever been curious about what happens in hospice, or want comfort in facing mortality, this conversation will leave you with hope and perspective.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful episodes on life, death, grief, and the afterlife.Purchase "The In-Between" hereFollow Nurse Hadley on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can laughter really heal grief? Emmy Award–winning comedian Craig Shoemaker believes it can. Known as one of the funniest stand-ups of his generation and named Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic at the American Comedy Awards, Craig joins DEAD Talks to share how he’s turned decades of personal trauma and grief into healing through humor.In this conversation with David Ferrugio, Craig opens up about his own losses, the science and power of laughter, and why comedy is more than just entertainment — it’s survival. From his legendary career on stage to his work as a coach helping people apply humor in everyday life, Craig shows how we can all learn to take laughter seriously.If you’ve ever used humor to get through hard times, or wondered how comedy and grief collide, this episode will inspire and entertain.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful conversations on life, death, grief, and resilience.For more on Craig Shoemaker including his coaching program please visit: www.craigshoemaker.com@officialcraigshoemaker on InstagramSupport the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you actually deal with grief? Litsa Williams, grief therapist and co-founder of What’s Your Grief (a platform serving over 5 million people), joins DEAD Talks to share practical ways of coping with loss, anxiety, guilt, and the messy emotions grief leaves behind.In this conversation with David Ferrugio, Litsa offers guidance on how to support yourself or someone else after loss, how to approach unexpected death and trauma, and why grief education is essential for healing. As one of the leading voices in grief support, she breaks down the different ways grief shows up and how to navigate it with compassion.Whether you’re grieving personally or supporting a loved one, this episode provides tools, validation, and hope.👉 Subscribe now for more conversations that break the silence around death, grief, and resilience.Visit www.whatsyourgrief.com for more information on their amazing platform.Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after we die? Dr. Eben Alexander — neurosurgeon and author of the bestselling book Proof of Heaven — shares his extraordinary near-death experience after a rare illness left him in a 7-day coma. During that time, he experienced vivid memories of another realm, more real than anything on Earth, challenging everything he once believed as a man of science.In this episode of DEAD Talks, Dr. Alexander joins David Ferrugio to discuss consciousness beyond the brain, the lessons he learned from his NDE, and how his journey bridges the gap between science and spirituality. His story has captivated millions worldwide, offering one of the most compelling accounts of life after death.If you’ve ever wondered about the afterlife, consciousness, or the possibility that death is not the end, this conversation will open your mind.👉 Subscribe now for more powerful episodes exploring death, grief, and the afterlife.For more on Dr. Eben Alexander please visit www.ebenalexander.comSupport the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Merch“Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.About DEAD TalksDEAD 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices