DEAD Talks

In 2017, Bryan Martin lost his father — and just four months later, his partner Clayton was hospitalized with acute liver failure. Bryan cared for him while working full-time, until Clayton passed away in 2018. Faced with devastating back-to-back losses, Bryan was left in deep grief — but he slowly found a way to turn pain into purpose.In this episode, Bryan shares his journey of losing both his father and his partner, navigating widowhood, and how he’s chosen to embrace life again with joy and positivity. From blogging about his experiences to building a community of support, Bryan’s story shows how vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity can transform grief into connection and healing.This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, we can choose joy, and that grief and hope often coexist.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PYdNqAti050Bryan Martin on Facebook & Instagram.www.sealionbryan.com 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 2018, celebrity makeup and hair artist Christina Flach lost her husband, professional tennis player Ken Flach, to a sudden and fatal case of sepsis. His unexpected death became the catalyst for Christina’s mission to raise awareness about the dangers of sepsis and the importance of early detection.Since then, Christina has partnered with Sepsis Alliance and spoken on major outlets including Fox News, NBC, CBS, and ABC Bay Area to share Ken’s story and spread life-saving education. In this powerful conversation, Christina opens up about her personal journey of grief, her dedication to advocacy, and how she continues to honor her husband’s legacy.This episode is a reminder that grief can fuel purpose, and that awareness has the power to save lives.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

Bruce H. Lipton, PhD — internationally recognized stem cell biologist, bestselling author of The Biology of Belief, and recipient of the Goi Peace Award — joins DEAD Talks to share his groundbreaking insights into the biology of death and the science of epigenetics.Known for bridging science and spirit, Dr. Lipton challenges traditional views of life and death by exploring how our genes are influenced by environment, perception, and consciousness. His discoveries have transformed our understanding of biology and opened new doors into how we think about mortality and the human experience.This conversation explores what science can teach us about death, the role of epigenetics in shaping life, and how embracing both biology and spirituality can shift the way we view our mortality.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i5es4gEkaQcwwww.brucelipton.com@BruceLipton on InstagramBruce Lipton's Store: https://www.brucelipton.com/store/?product-category=bruce-lipton-authored 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

Stand-up comedian Fanto joins DEAD Talks to share the surreal and often hilarious experiences he’s had with visions of the dead and dreams where his late relatives appeared to communicate with him. Known for his sharp crowd work and his YouTube show Double or Nothing, Fanto blends raw honesty with humor while diving into deeply personal stories.From growing up in the former Soviet Union to making his mark on the Los Angeles comedy scene, Fanto opens up about life, death, and the strange but meaningful signs that have shaped his perspective. With a mix of laughter, sincerity, and vulnerability, he reminds us that grief and connection can show up in unexpected ways.This episode is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking — proof that comedy and conversations about death can coexist beautifully.For more on Fanto check him out on social media:@wanna_fanto on InstagramFanto on YouTube 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

With over 900,000 TikTok followers, Hospice Nurse Julie has become a viral voice for changing how we see death — and how we can live better because of it. Through her educational and entertaining videos, she shares raw, compassionate insights from her years in hospice care, helping people navigate grief, loss, and acceptance.In this episode, Julie opens up about the most powerful lessons she’s learned from working with the dying, the importance of normalizing conversations about death, and how her mix of honesty, warmth, and humor has made her a comforting resource for millions.This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply moving, offering wisdom not just for those grieving, but for anyone who wants to embrace life more fully.Watch full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Us5Rq-kpOyAFollow Hospice Nurse Julie on TikTok & 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

BJ Miller is a physician, author, and leading voice in hospice and palliative medicine, widely known for his 2015 TED Talk, What Really Matters at the End of Life. In this deeply moving episode, BJ reflects on his own near-death experience at 19, how it shaped his understanding of life and mortality, and why rethinking the way we approach death is essential.Speaking with clarity and compassion, BJ explores what it means to truly live while acknowledging our mortality, the lessons he’s learned from patients at the end of life, and his mission to reform the way society views dying.This conversation is a rare gift: an honest, profound, and inspiring look into the universal truths that surface when we face the end — and what they teach us about how to live now.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qSYhNsZep00Support 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

Hospice Nurse Penny has built a massive online following by doing something few people are willing to do: talking openly — and even humorously — about death. With her witty, sarcastic, and deeply compassionate approach, Penny has created viral content that normalizes conversations around dying, grief, and what it means to truly live.In this episode, Penny shares her journey as a hospice RN, the lessons she’s learned from years at the bedside, and why she believes educating the public about death is just as important as educating them about life. From grief and acceptance to the lighter moments of hospice care, she offers wisdom and perspective with refreshing honesty.This conversation is both educational and entertaining, proving that talking about death doesn’t have to be taboo — it can be healing.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/amcPQ7cfbB0Follow Hospice Nurse Penny on social media:Hospice Nurse Penny on Tik Tok: @HospiceNursePennyHospice Nurse Penny on Instagram: @HospiceNursePennySupport 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

Amber Jeffrey, host of The Grief Gang Podcast in the UK, knows firsthand what it means to live with sudden loss. After losing her mother in 2016 to a heart attack, Amber spent years bottling up her emotions before realizing she needed an outlet. What started as a personal release soon became The Grief Gang — a community and movement dedicated to normalizing grief.In this episode, Amber shares her raw story of loss, her honest reflections on navigating grief, and how turning pain into purpose helped her connect with thousands of others who felt alone in their grief journey. Her humor, honesty, and powerful storytelling make this conversation both deeply moving and unexpectedly uplifting.This is a candid look at grief, resilience, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel less alone.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UAAkVp9SHlMFollow The Grief Gang Podcast on instagram: @thegriefgangpodcastVisit her website: www.thegriefgang.comListen to her podcast on Apple: The Grief Gang Podcast   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

Scarlett Lewis is the mother of Jesse Lewis, one of the children killed in the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012. In the aftermath of losing her son, Scarlett founded the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation, inspired by a message Jesse left on their family’s kitchen chalkboard shortly before he died: “Nurturing Healing Love.”In this episode, Scarlett shares her journey of grief and resilience, her mission to bring social and emotional learning into schools, and how choosing love has become a transformative formula for healing. She speaks candidly about the worst day of her life, the legacy Jesse left behind, and how compassion can be a powerful force for change in the face of violence and tragedy.This conversation is heart-wrenching yet profoundly hopeful, offering lessons on love, forgiveness, and the human capacity to turn unimaginable pain into a movement for good.Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G5LQqUZBQK8Support 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

Hip hop artist Lil Xan (Diego) gets raw and honest in this episode of DEAD Talks, opening up about grief, addiction, and the death of his close friend Citgo to suicide. He reflects on how loss shaped his struggles with drugs, his path to sobriety, and the lessons he’s learned watching fellow artists like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice WRLD die too soon.Lil Xan is joined by Durag Dev, designer and creator of LVXWA, who vulnerably shares his own experiences with grief and loss. Tragically, Durag Dev himself passed away in September 2025, making this conversation even more impactful as one of the last recordings capturing his perspective and spirit.This episode shows a side of Lil Xan that fans rarely see — thoughtful, self-aware, and deeply reflective about life, death, and the importance of checking in on each other. It’s also a tribute to Durag Dev, honoring his creativity, his story, and his voice in the grief and mental health conversation.Watch full episode on YouTube & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/hQUXhRlmikU@xanxiety on IG @duragdev & check out Durag Dev's brand: https://lvxwa.com/ 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