DEAD Talks

Blind since birth, Mike Hingson was on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center when the planes hit on September 11th, 2001. With his guide dog Roselle, he navigated chaos, panic, and smoke to escape.In this powerful conversation, Mike shares: What really happened inside the Towers Lessons of leadership, resilience, and grief How to face the unexpected with courage 🎧 Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.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 Discounts 10% 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

Rabbi Manis Friedman joins me on DEAD Talks to unpack some of life’s biggest questions: Why are we here? Why do we fear death? What really happens after we die?From Judaism’s view on the afterlife, reincarnation, heaven, and resurrection, to the universal search for meaning and purpose — Rabbi Friedman breaks it all down with wisdom, clarity, and humor.💡 In this episode, we dive deep into: Why Judaism teaches bringing God to earth is more important than “getting to heaven” Why death is temporary and nobody dies “by accident” What the process of dying looks like according to Jewish teachings Reincarnation, resurrection, and the soul’s journey after death The difference between purpose and love — and why humans need to be needed For more on Rabbi Manis Friedman CLICK HERE Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or simply curious about life after death, this episode will make you think differently about existence, grief, and what it means to truly live.🔥 Watch until the end — Rabbi Friedman reveals a powerful perspective on grief, heaven, and why we should stop believing in death.Support the show for $5:Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. ABOUT:DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricki Lake joins David on DEAD Talks to share her deeply personal journey through grief, resilience, and rediscovering joy. She opens up about losing her husband, the challenges of navigating heartbreak, and finding love again later in life. With candor and warmth, Ricki reflects on her career, her personal struggles, and the life lessons that emerged from loss.If you’ve ever faced grief or wondered how to rebuild a meaningful life after tragedy, this conversation offers both comfort and inspiration.Support the show for $5:Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. ABOUT:DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply moving episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio speaks with Anita Moorjani, internationally bestselling author and speaker, about her extraordinary near-death experience during end-stage cancer.Anita shares how she slipped into a coma, left her body, and experienced a state of pure love, awareness, and connection — and how this transformed her understanding of life, death, and healing. Within weeks of returning, her cancer was gone.We explore:* What Anita experienced beyond her body during her NDE* How the feeling of unconditional love changed her forever* The connection between fear, illness, and healing* Why she no longer fears death — and what that means for living* Practical wisdom for living fully now, not later📚 Books by Anita Moorjani: Dying to Be Me, What If This Is Heaven?, Sensitive Is the New StrongSupport the show for $5:Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. ABOUT:DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patricia Oliver, mother of Joaquin “Guac” Oliver, joins David Ferrugio on the DEAD Talks Podcast to share her journey of grief, resilience, and advocacy after the Parkland school shooting. Patricia opens up about losing her son in the tragedy, transforming unimaginable pain into purpose, and building a legacy of change in his honor.Through Change the Ref, the foundation inspired by Joaquin’s spirit, Patricia has turned grief into activism—using art, storytelling, and powerful campaigns to raise awareness about gun violence and support families facing the same heartbreak.In this conversation, Patricia reflects on: The day her world changed in Parkland Messages and signs she’s received from Joaquin How grief reshaped her life and identity The spiritual healing that keeps her moving forward Turning loss into activism through Change the Ref This episode is a powerful reminder of how love, loss, and resilience can fuel lasting change.Change The RefLush Sonflower Bath Bomb Fund RaisingSupport the show for $5:Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. ABOUT:DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does the Bible really say about death, heaven, and the afterlife? In this episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio sits down with New Testament scholar Dr. Eric Zito to uncover the Bible’s true teachings on life after death, resurrection, and what Christian hope actually means.They explore some of the most misunderstood—and controversial—topics, including: The Bible’s real view on death, heaven, and resurrection How near-death experiences fit (or don’t) with scripture What the Bible says about hell and judgment Reincarnation debates in Christian thought Whether mediums and spiritual communication align with the Bible This episode sheds light on the spiritual, theological, and cultural debates surrounding death and the afterlife from a biblical perspective—helping you rethink what faith, scripture, and eternity really mean.Follow Dr. Eric Zito on Instagram: @zeetstagramSupport the show for $5: Join the ⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!MERCH:"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠Shop Here⁠DISCOUNTS:10% off Neurogum⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. ABOUT: DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ + ⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Whitney Lyn Allen’s husband died suddenly in her arms, her entire world shattered. In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Whitney opens up about the shock of sudden death, the raw pain of early grief, and the signs that convinced her her husband was still with her.Now, three years later, Whitney reflects on what really helps in the journey through loss—offering wisdom, compassion, and hope to anyone navigating grief.In this episode, Whitney shares: The night everything changed when her husband passed The unbearable pain of sudden death and early grief The signs and spiritual moments that brought her comfort How she found purpose and resilience in loss What she’s learned about healing and moving forward Whitney is also the author of What Must Be Carried: Living a Beautiful Life Beyond Loss, where she continues to guide others through the journey of grief.For more on Whitney Lyn Allen please visit her website:https: www.whitneylynallen.comPurchase her new book here: https://www.whitneylynallen.com/what-must-be-carriedJoin the ⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠Shop Here⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠Shop Here⁠ ⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his son Mac to a rare cancer and the personal grief journey that followed. In this moving episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Gary shares how service has kept him grounded, the role of fatherhood in shaping his healing, and the power of vulnerability in the face of loss.Through raw reflections on grief, love, purpose, and storytelling, Gary reveals why sharing our stories can be one of the most powerful ways to heal and to honor those we’ve lost.In this episode, Gary discusses: Losing his son Mac to a rare cancer How grief reshaped his life as a father The grounding power of service and purpose Emotional resilience in the face of unimaginable loss Why telling your story is a pathway to healing This conversation is both heartbreaking and hopeful—a reminder that even in deep grief, service, love, and connection can create meaning.⁠www.garysinisefoundation.com⁠Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠⁠⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠ ⁠⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ +  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Nash was given just a 2% chance to live when meningococcal septicemia changed his life forever at 19. The disease cost him both arms and legs, but instead of despair, Tom discovered a radical new perspective—reframing tragedy as a gift.In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Tom shares how surviving near-certain death gave him a new outlook on life, mortality, and meaning. From learning to play guitar again with hooks, to becoming a DJ and international speaker, Tom proves that resilience can transform even the harshest challenges into strength.In this episode, Tom discusses: Facing death at 19 and losing all four limbs Why “Why me?” is the wrong question in grief and tragedy How he rebuilt his identity and life purpose Finding meaning through music, storytelling, and humor What near-death taught him about living fully This is a story of unimaginable loss turned into resilience, courage, and hope.To learn more about todays guest Tom Nash please visit hereJoin the ⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠Shop Here⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠Shop Here⁠ ⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grammy-nominated singer Keri Hilson joins the DEAD Talks Podcast to share her deeply personal journey of grief after losing her father in 2020. With raw honesty, Keri reflects on the pain of loss, the unexpected signs she’s received from the afterlife, and how her father’s presence continues to shape her life and career.From mystical encounters with butterflies, geese, and cardinals to the emotional weight of writing her father’s obituary, Keri offers an unfiltered look at the complexity of grief. She speaks candidly about the unspoken burden of being “the strong one,” the healing power of spiritual messages, and what loss has taught her about love, family, and resilience.In this episode, Keri shares: The grief of losing her father in 2020 Signs and messages she believes came from the afterlife How grief has influenced her life, family, and music The struggle of being the “strong one” for others What loss taught her about love, healing, and moving forward This conversation is heartfelt, vulnerable, and full of hope—a reminder that even in deep grief, love continues to connect us beyond death.@kerihilson on IGJoin the ⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠ for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club" hats and shirts: ⁠Shop Here⁠Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping:👉  ⁠https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: ⁠Shop Here⁠ ⁠All links to everything DEAD Talks⁠ DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠In... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices