DEAD Talks

What happens when you lose a dear friend suddenly? Comedian, writer, and host of the Just Sayin’ podcast, Justin Martindale, shares his raw and emotional story of grief after the loss of a close friend in 2021.With humor and honesty, Justin reflects on navigating trauma, the isolation of Covid, and the unexpected ways grief affects us long after the moment of loss. Known for his sharp wit and creativity, Justin brings a deeply human side to this conversation — balancing laughter with truth, and resilience with vulnerability.Justin is also the writer of Hulu’s Huluween Dragstravaganza, and here he proves how comedy can sit alongside grief, helping us process the hardest moments of life. Follow @ justinmartindale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinmartindale/?hl=en  Listen to 'Just Sayin' podcast with Justin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-sayin-with-justin-martindale/id1612725859 Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to lose your mother at only 20 years old? Singer and songwriter Airick G faced that reality when his mother died of scleroderma after years of illness. Forced to cope with grief at such a young age, Airick turned to music and art as a way to process the pain and share what he couldn’t always say out loud.In this episode, Airick opens up about the struggle of not feeling “fully grieved,” the challenges of accepting loss, and how creative expression can become both a release and a lifeline. His story is a raw and honest look at what it means to carry grief early in life — and how art can transform even the deepest wounds into something beautiful.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H5lwCmzz5EUFollow Airick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airickgeee/?hl=enListen to Airick on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lGNIGydODPbOUgNiaDkdL Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2012, Dayna Kathan (from Vanderpump Rules) lost her mother to brain cancer — a devastating event that shaped her life in profound ways. In this conversation, Dayna shares her grief journey with honesty, humor, and deep emotional insight.Balancing raw vulnerability with her natural wit, Dayna opens up about navigating loss, processing trauma, and finding meaning in the midst of heartbreak. Her story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, showing how even in the darkest moments, we can uncover growth and strength.You’ve seen her entertain on television, but here Dayna reveals the depth of her personal story — one filled with resilience, laughter, and love.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ez22Dv4WXSgFollow Dayna on IG @dadadaynsOn TikTok @daynakathan Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of almost dying three times. Music artist, Aria, was diagnosed with terminal cancer twice given a limited time to live. She's a two time cancer survivor and a survivor of a near fatal car accident. Aria defied the odds and beat death three times as she shares this space on DEAD Talks to discuss her story and how her life has taken a completely new meaning. Full of wisdom and inspiration that we all can learn from and apply to our own lives right away. Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/Q8rz8jdLWGEFollow Aria:Instagram @musicbbyariaTikTok @musicbyaria What does life look like after surviving death not once, but three times? Music artist Aria was diagnosed with terminal cancer twice and given limited time to live. She not only survived cancer — twice — but also walked away from a near-fatal car accident.In this episode, Aria shares her extraordinary story of defying the odds, what she’s learned from living on the edge of death, and how these experiences have given her life a new sense of meaning. Her reflections are filled with wisdom, raw honesty, and inspiration for anyone facing hardship or uncertainty.This conversation is a reminder that resilience, perspective, and purpose can be born out of even the most impossible battles with death.Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2021, blogger and creator of The Mommy Codes Julie Barzman experienced the devastating stillbirth of her son, Blake — a loss that forever changed her life. Alongside the pain of losing her child and her own mother, Julie found herself navigating grief while also stepping into motherhood again with her daughter, Zoe.Through writing and sharing her story, Julie has built a community for other mothers coping with loss, grief, and healing. Her voice is both vulnerable and empowering, offering comfort, solidarity, and hope to anyone walking a similar path.This episode explores the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, the challenges of grieving while mothering, and the ways storytelling and community can become powerful tools for healing.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7m5JfWfvfagFollow Julie Barzman on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/themommycodeshttps://www.instagram.com/juliebarzman/https://twitter.com/juliebarzmanhttps://www.pinterest.ca/themommycodes/https://www.tiktok.com/@juliebarzman?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 11, 2001, I was 12 years old when my father died in the World Trade Center while working for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of Tower 1. That moment changed my life forever — and it became the origin of DEAD Talks.In this raw and unscripted episode, I share my personal story of losing my father, the trauma of that day, and how grief has shaped me into the man I am today. Speaking openly and from the heart, I reflect on how 9/11 altered not just my life, but the lives of countless others, and why keeping these stories alive is essential.This conversation is a reminder of the power of vulnerability, the importance of sharing grief, and how even the darkest days can plant the seeds of purpose.Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Vernita Bostick suddenly lost her boyfriend in 2019, her world was turned upside down. As a stand-up comedian, she found an unexpected way to process grief — by using humor alongside raw honesty to share her journey.In this episode, Vernita opens up about navigating the pain of sudden loss, creating a supportive community for grievers on Instagram, and finding meaning through both laughter and vulnerability. Her perspective shows that while grief is no joke, humor can be one of the most powerful tools for healing.This conversation is filled with insight, courage, and the reminder that even in heartbreak, we can find ways to connect, cope, and carry on.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu-AXFu4xWoFollow @grief_isnojokeFollow @DEADTalkspodcast on Instagram. Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer and brand owner Tay sits down to share her story of loss, grief, and the powerful signs she believes connect her to loved ones on the other side. From spirituality to mental health, this conversation explores how grief can open us to new perspectives on the afterlife and how those experiences can help us heal.Tay is the founder of Season Of, a streetwear brand built around the philosophy of “Dress to Express” — a mindset inspired by her own struggles and triumphs with mental health. Through her creative writing and advocacy work, she continues to promote positive messages and support for those navigating grief and healing.This episode dives deep into how signs, intuition, and creative outlets can bring meaning and connection after devastating loss.Watch episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MnW6is6jgHAFollow @taayhopeHer brand: Season Of Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “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 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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mystical Advisor Tara Brandel returns to DEAD Talks to share stories and insights from her work in mediumship, psychic readings, tarot, palm readings, reiki energy work, and astrology. This is her second time on the podcast, bringing even more incredible stories about connecting with the other side.Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this conversation explores powerful experiences that suggest there’s more to life and death than what meets the eye. Tara offers examples from her own work, discusses how messages can come through mediums, and shares wisdom that may challenge even the most doubtful minds.This episode dives deep into spirituality, signs, and the possibility that our loved ones stay connected long after death.Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/TbZxrdivuMgSupport the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: Shop Here “Dead Dad Club” & “Dead Mom Club” – Wear your story, honor your people.Exclusive Discounts  10% off Neurogum – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy.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 TalksYouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices