DEAD Talks

Medium Alysa Conger joins David Ferrugio on the DEAD Talks Podcast for an honest and unfiltered conversation about grief, healing, and the power of perspective. Together, they explore why the idea that grief can “get better” often triggers anger, and how belief systems shape the way we process loss.From trauma identity to the “glimmers” that bring hope, Alysa dives into the uncomfortable truths and unexpected lessons of grief. With humor, honesty, and spiritual insight, this episode challenges the way we think about loss while offering real tools for transformation.In this episode, Alysa and David discuss: Why people resist the idea that grief can improve How belief shapes the healing journey The role of trauma identity and breaking free from it Finding “glimmers” of hope in everyday life Tools for transforming grief into growth This conversation is insightful, funny, and uncomfortably honest—a refreshing take on grief and healing.For more on our guest Alysa Conger follow her at @alysamconger on instagram or www.hellowhosaidthat.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, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After flatlining multiple times and surviving a traumatic brain injury, Landon Dennis shares his unforgettable near-death experience. From watching his own body in the back of an ambulance to standing in a glowing field where “even the grass loved him,” Landon’s story is a vivid glimpse into the afterlife.This raw, emotional, and deeply spiritual conversation explores the power of prayer, the presence of unconditional love, and why death is not the end.In this episode, Landon shares: What he saw while flatlining and leaving his body The glowing field where love radiated through everything The role of prayer in his survival and healing Why near-death experiences reveal the truth about love and eternity How his NDE changed his perspective on life and death This episode is a moving reminder that even in the face of death, love never dies.Join 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 + ⁠more⁠⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Clark is one of the few people who escaped from above the impact zone of the South Tower on 9/11. In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, host David Ferrugio sits down with Brian to hear his extraordinary firsthand account of survival from the World Trade Center.From being on the 84th floor on September 11th when Flight 175 struck just below him, to hearing mysterious voices that guided him to a stairwell, Brian recounts the decisions and moments that saved his life—and the man he helped rescue along the way.In this episode, Brian shares: What it was like inside the South Tower during the attacks The split-second decisions that determined survival The man he helped save and the bond that followed The inexplicable moments that still defy explanation Lessons of survival, humanity, and resilience from 9/11 This conversation is raw, emotional, and unforgettable—a story of survival, fate, and humanity on one of history’s darkest days.DEAD Talks Host, David, who lost his own father in the North Tower that day, brings personal vulnerability to the dialogue — making this not only a survivor story, but a deeply human exploration of fate, loss, and resilience.Join 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

Jaymee Carpenter shares a raw and soul-shaking story of addiction, near-death, and spiritual rebirth. After hitting rock bottom, a psychedelic ayahuasca experience left him face-to-face with death and changed everything. Through Tibetan Buddhism, Jaymee rewired his life, moving from darkness and despair to reflection, healing, and renewal.From his early days as a rising musician to living homeless on Skid Row, Jaymee’s journey shows how even the lowest moments can lead to awakening.In this episode, Jaymee shares: His near-death experience through ayahuasca The lessons death teaches us about life How Tibetan Buddhism reshaped his healing The fight with addiction and hitting rock bottom Moving from Skid Row to a life of purpose and rebirth This is a conversation about death, spirituality, and transformation—one that proves even in darkness, there’s a path to light.Follow Jaymee Carpenter at @loveistheauthorWe discuss: His rock-bottom moment on Skid Row The spiritual science behind Tibetan Buddhism How facing death changed how he lives What Western culture gets wrong about grief and mourning The transformative power of psychedelics and intentional discomfort This episode is a spiritual gut punch and a wake-up call about what truly matters.Listen now and explore what it really means to live — and die — with purpose.Join 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio sits down with ALOK—internationally acclaimed author, poet, and performer—for one of the most profound conversations we’ve ever had. Together, they dive deep into death, grief, identity, the illusion of control, the meaning of presence, and how love and loss are forever intertwined.ALOK shares how confronting mortality has shaped their art and activism, revealing why humor, honesty, and radical vulnerability are essential to navigating grief and fully living.In this episode, we explore: Why death is essential to understanding life The spiritual and political power of grief Using comedy to break the silence around pain The beauty of impermanence How to love without fear of loss What it means to live with radical presence This episode is a masterclass in presence, love, and identity—challenging us to reimagine how we think about death and what it means to be alive.⁠For more on ALOK click here⁠Whether you're grieving, curious about mortality, or looking for meaning in the chaos — this is the episode for you.Join 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, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 13 years old, Grace Wethor was told she had just 6 months to live. Ten years later, she’s not only alive—she’s thriving. In this inspiring episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Grace shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and purpose after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.From the fear of living with an 8% survival rate to turning pain into advocacy and art, Grace reflects on the unexpected beauty and meaning she’s discovered through her journey.In this episode, Grace shares: What it was like to be given a terminal diagnosis at 13 Why living became scarier than dying The loneliness, bullying, and surprising lessons of illness Turning grief into fuel for advocacy and creativity How purpose, love, and resilience carried her forward This is a story about defying odds, finding meaning in the face of death, and transforming grief into impact.For more on Grace Wethor: https://www.thegracewethor.com/🔔 Follow the show and leave a review to support more vulnerable, real conversations about grief, mortality, and meaning.Join 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

Kevin Hines is one of the few people in the world to survive a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. In this deeply moving episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Kevin sits down with David Ferrugio to share the moment he believed his life was over—and the revelation, mid-fall, that he wanted to live.Now an internationally recognized mental health advocate and speaker, Kevin opens up about his survival, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the tools that have kept him alive. Together, they dive into the mental health crisis, the role of gut health, trauma, and resilience, and the power of hope in suicide prevention.In this episode, Kevin shares: What happened the day he jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge The split-second realization that he wanted to live His recovery and the lessons learned through survival How stigma, trauma, and resilience shape mental health The daily practices and mindset shifts that keep him alive today This episode is raw, honest, and life-saving—a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope.Resources & Kevin Hines Links: beacons.ai/kevinhinesstorySubscribe & share this episode to help normalize life-saving conversations.Join 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

Grief isn’t just for people—it’s for our pets too. In this heartfelt episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, David Ferrugio sits down with Jackie, also known as Rainbow Bridge Raina, a pet loss companion who helps people navigate the deep and often unspoken pain of losing a beloved animal.From the soul-level bond she shared with her dog Riley, to the complex emotions of anticipatory grief and euthanasia, Jackie opens up about why pet loss can feel just as profound as losing a person.In this episode, Jackie shares: Why the grief of losing a pet is valid and profound The emotional complexity of euthanasia and anticipatory grief How the human-animal bond shapes our healing Tools for coping with the loss of a dog, cat, or animal companion Ways to support others going through pet loss If you’ve ever lost a pet—or want to better understand and support someone who has—this conversation is a powerful reminder that your grief is real, your pain is valid, and you are not alone.Follow Jackie: @RainbowBridgeRainaSubscribe to DEAD Talks wherever you listen to podcasts.Join 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

CJ Infantino had to learn how to raise his kids alone after losing his wife. In this raw and unfiltered episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, CJ opens up about the devastation of becoming a solo father to three kids, the identity crisis that followed, and how grief and anger shaped his journey.From anticipatory grief and mental health struggles to finding healing through somatic therapy, primal screams, and even dark humor, CJ shares how he rebuilt his life after unimaginable loss.In this episode, CJ shares: The day he lost his wife and became a solo father The identity crisis and anger that followed grief Parenting through loss and raising three kids alone Healing through somatic therapy, primal screams, and unconventional tools How humor and resilience helped him survive the darkness This conversation is a brutally honest look at grief, fatherhood, and what it truly means to live after devastating loss.For more on today's guest:UNVOICED: Connected in GriefInstagram: @cjinfantino & @unvoicedcoTikTok: @unvoiced_grieftalksJoin 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian Trae Crowder joins the DEAD Talks Podcast for an unexpectedly deep and unfiltered conversation about death, grief, religion, and the afterlife. Known for his sharp wit and Southern voice, Trae opens up about losing his father and grandfather, growing up in rural Tennessee, and the vivid dream that forever changed how he views death.From anxiety and psychedelic therapy to confronting nothingness and questioning what comes after, Trae explores life’s biggest mysteries—always with a mix of honesty, humor, and existential curiosity.In this episode, Trae shares: How losing his father and grandfather shaped his perspective on death The vivid dream that shifted his view of the afterlife Grief, anxiety, and searching for meaning Psychedelic therapy and spiritual questioning Why humor can help us face life’s biggest fears This episode is raw, funny, and deeply thought-provoking—a rare mix of comedy and contemplation about what it means to live and die.Trae Crowder: www.traecrowder.com@officialtraecrowder on InstagramIf you’ve ever wondered what a smart, skeptical comic really thinks about death, this one’s for you.🔥 Topics Covered:- Death and dying as an atheist- Ketamine therapy and anxiety- Spiritual dreams and signs from the dead- Grief, trauma, and comedy as healing- Why belief (or lack of it) mattersJoin 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices