In this unscripted and controversial episode, medium Alysa Conger joins David Ferrugio for a real conversation on grief, healing, and the power of perspective. They unpack why people get angry at the idea that grief can get better—and how belief shapes healing. From trauma identity to the “glimmers” in life, this episode challenges norms around loss while offering real tools for transformation. Insightful, funny, and uncomfortably honest. For more on our guest Alysa Conger follow her at @alysam...
Jun 30, 2025•46 min•Ep. 215
After flatlining multiple times and surviving a traumatic brain injury, Landon Dennis shares his unforgettable near-death experience . From watching his own body in an ambulance to standing in a glowing field where “even the grass loved him,” this is a story about the afterlife, the power of prayer, and why love never dies. Raw, emotional, and deeply spiritual. Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Dad Cl...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 28 min
In this emotionally gripping episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Brian Clark — one of only a few known survivors who escaped from above the impact zone of the South Tower on 9/11. Brian shares an extraordinary firsthand account of that morning, the inexplicable moments that saved his life, and the man he helped rescue in one of the most powerful stories of survival and humanity you’ll ever hear. Brian was on the 84th floor when Flight 175 struck just floors below him. From ...
Jun 16, 2025•55 min•Ep. 213
Jaymee Carpenter shares a raw, soul-shaking conversation about addiction, hitting rock bottom, the psychedelic experience that changed everything, and how Tibetan Buddhism helped him rewire his life. From his early days as a rising musician to living homeless on Skid Row, Jaymee's journey through darkness brought him to a place of deep reflection, healing, and rebirth. We dive into: * His near-death experience through ayahuasca * The lessons death teaches us about life * Tibetan Buddhist teachin...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 212
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. We dive deep into death, grief, identity, the illusion of control, the meaning of presence, and how love and loss are inextricably linked. For more on ALOK click here We also explore: Why death is essential to understanding life The spiritual and political power of grief Using comedy to ...
Jun 02, 2025•50 min
When Grace Wethor was 13, she was told she had six months to live. Ten years later, she’s not only alive—she’s thriving, advocating, creating, and inspiring thousands with her story. For more on Grace Wethor: www.thegracewethor.com In this intimate episode of DEAD Talks, Grace dives into: What it was like to be given an 8% survival rate Why living became scarier than dying The loneliness, bullying, and unexpected beauty in diagnosis How she transformed her pain into power and her story into purp...
May 26, 2025•59 min
In this deeply moving episode of DEAD Talks , David Ferrugio is joined by mental health advocate and suicide survivor Kevin Hines , one of the few people to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge . Kevin opens up about the moment he believed he had to end his life—and the revelation that he was wrong. Together, they explore the mental health crisis, the power of hope, and how gut health, stigma, trauma, and resilience all play a role in suicide prevention. This episode is a raw, honest, and ...
May 19, 2025•40 min
Grief isn’t just for people. In this heartfelt episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Jackie, a pet loss companion known as Rainbow Bridge Reyna, to explore the deep, often unspoken pain of losing a beloved pet. From the soul-level bond she had with her dog Riley, to the complex emotions of anticipatory grief and euthanasia, Jackie opens up about why pet loss can be just as profound as losing a person. If you’ve ever struggled with the grief of losing a dog, cat, or animal com...
May 12, 2025•37 min
He had to learn to raise his kids alone after losing his wife. CJ Infantino shares the raw truth of losing both his wife and estranged father, becoming a solo dad to three kids, and how grief, anger, and identity crisis shaped his life. From anticipatory grief and mental health battles to healing through primal screams, somatic therapy, and dark humor, this is an unfiltered look at what it means to truly live after devastating loss. For more on today's guest: UNVOICED: Connected in Grief Insta...
May 05, 2025•49 min
Comedian Trae Crowder joins DEAD Talks Podcast for an unexpectedly deep and honest conversation about death, grief, religion, anxiety, psychedelic therapy, and the vivid dream that shifted his entire perspective on life after loss.We cover everything from the passing of his grandfather and father, growing up in rural Tennessee, confronting nothingness, and questioning the afterlife — all through the lens of humor and existential curiosity. Trae Crowder: www.traecrowder.com @officialtraecrowde...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 206
Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement . Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. She opens up about the traumatic miscarriage that reshaped her life and career. In this powerful episode, she shares raw details of her experience, the unspoken grief of pregnancy loss, navigating breast cancer, and the societal silence that surrounds women’s tr...
Apr 21, 2025•41 min•Ep. 205
The brilliant 10-year-old Sean The Science Kid dives deep into discussions about life, consciousness, and the afterlife. From examining the fusion of quantum physics and spirituality to theorizing about the concept of souls, Sean fascinatingly blends scientific insights with philosophical ideas. We also explore the mysteries of death, multi-dimensional realities, and the profound impact of our choices. Amidst all this, Sean’s love for mac and cheese becomes a recurring and delightful theme, offe...
Apr 14, 2025•35 min
In this gripping and emotional episode, the guest recounts a harrowing story of her family's encounter with a relentless stalker in their small, tight-knit Metis community. From the initial threats and police negligence to the tragic night her mother and father were murdered, she bravely shares the impact on her and her family. She also reflects on the community's support, her journey through grief, and her ongoing advocacy work to bring attention to the injustices faced by Indigenous people. Th...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 203
In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Grant Magdanz to explore the raw reality of losing a parent. Grant shares his deeply personal journey of grief after his father’s leukemia battle, the emotional weight of anticipatory grief, and how he finds meaning in life after loss. Follow Grant Magdanz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/grantmagdanz/ 💬 We discuss: ✔️ The complexities of grief—beyond just sadness ✔️ How his father’s unwavering belief in survival shape...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 202
Comedian, Dan Soder, opens up about losing both his father and sister at a young age, and does it with his brilliant comedic timing with vulnerable realness. He shares the deep impact of grief, parental abandonment, and complicated family dynamics, offering an honest look at coping with loss, finding healing through therapy, and the role of forgiveness in moving forward. This powerful conversation explores how comedy can be a lifeline during dark times, how childhood trauma shapes adult relation...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, Robert Edward Grant dives deep into the mysteries of life, death, and the universe, exploring profound topics like the nature of reality, free will, and whether our lives are truly predetermined.Grant, a renowned polymath, entrepreneur, and thought leader, shares his unique insights on metaphysics, ancient philosophy, consciousness, and the mental nature of the universe. He unpacks how love, perception, and belief systems shape the reality we experience an...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 200
David Ditchfield's Near-Death Experience (NDE) is one of the most astonishing and transformative stories ever shared on DEAD Talks. After being dragged under a speeding train and surviving against all odds, David experienced an afterlife encounter that changed his life forever.In this powerful conversation, he recounts his brush with death, the presence of mysterious beings, an overwhelming sensation of love, and a glimpse into the universe beyond our own. This is a MUST-LISTEN episode for anyon...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 199
In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, UFC fighter Cody Stamann joins David Ferrugio to share an emotional and raw conversation about grief, loss, and perseverance. Cody lost his brother to a tragic drug overdose in 2020—just one week before a UFC fight. Instead of backing out, he stepped into the octagon and fought through his pain. The emotional battle of losing a loved one unexpectedly and how he's managed to manage his grief. Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5/mo to support our missio...
Mar 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 198
Joseph Awauh-Darko, a 28-year-old contemporary artist and writer originally from West Africa, exploring the controversial topic of assisted euthanasia in the Netherlands. Diagnosed with chronic bipolar disorder at 16, Joseph opens up about his struggles, the bureaucratic process of euthanasia, and the important yet often taboo conversations around men's mental health. With heartfelt discussions on loneliness, depression, and the journey to find peace, this episode aims to create awareness and no...
Feb 24, 2025•56 min•Ep. 197
Mary-Frances O’Connor conducts studies to better understand the grief process both psychologically and physiologically. She is a leader in the field of prolonged grief, a clinical condition in which people do not adjust to the acute feelings of grief and show increases in yearning, avoidance, and rumination. Her work primarily focuses on trying to tease out the mechanisms that cause this ongoing and severe reaction to loss. In particular, she is curious about the neurobiological, immune, and car...
Feb 17, 2025•50 min•Ep. 196
Loren Ridinger gets raw about the deepest loss of her life—losing her husband. In this emotional episode of DEAD Talks, she opens up about grief, love, and the reality of moving forward when everything changes. She shares personal stories, the lessons her husband left her, and her thoughts on death, time, and what really matters. Purchase Loren Ridinger's New Book "Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up: Living Your Best Life after Losing Your Greatest Love Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5/mo to...
Feb 10, 2025•55 min•Ep. 195
Comedian Ari Shaffir joins DEAD Talks to engage in a wide-ranging conversation that includes stories about drug experiences, deep dives into the human psyche, and contemplations on life, death, and the afterlife. Ari shares personal anecdotes, discusses the influence of psychedelics on his worldviews, and reflects on the nature of belief, religion, and the seemingly random events that shape our lives. He also touches on his experiences with death, both personal and universal, capturing a uniqu...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 194
Charlotte Helliker shares her journey through profound loss and how it led to discovering her mediumship abilities. She opens up about connecting with loved ones on the other side and the powerful messages she’s received. This episode dives into grief, addiction, spirituality, and the healing power of the unseen. For more on today's guest, Charlotte Helicker: Links Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features. "Dead Da...
Jan 27, 2025•50 min•Ep. 193
Retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo shares his poignant experiences from a challenging 30-year career, focusing on investigating heinous sex crimes, child abuse, and homicides. Castillo delves into the complexities of dealing with missing persons cases, particularly the emotional toll and uncertainty families face. He recounts the haunting experiences of post-9/11 peer support for law enforcement and first responders, highlighting the poignant moments and the human spirit's resilience amidst t...
Jan 20, 2025•59 min•Ep. 192
In this explosive episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Gianni Russo—best known for his role as Carlo in The Godfather—shares jaw-dropping stories from his unbelievable life. From killing Pablo Escobar’s right-hand man in self-defense to surviving polio and becoming a trusted confidant of mafia bosses, Gianni’s tales include encounters with Marilyn Monroe, JFK, and even Pablo Escobar himself. Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5/mo to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive conte...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 191
TV personality Kat Timpf coming on the show to about her personal journey through grief after losing her mother to a rare disease. Kat opens up about the misconceptions of death portrayed in the media, the comfort (or lack thereof) of religious beliefs, and the therapeutic power of humor. They dive into the profound impact of grief, societal attitudes towards death, and how humor can be a coping mechanism. Kat also shares her experiences of being judged based on her association with Fox News a...
Jan 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 190
Christina Grimmie was tragically shot during a fan meet and greet in 2016. In this episode we hear from Marcus Grimmie, the brother of rising star who was there that night right next to her. Marcus recounts the harrowing night and shares his journey of grief and resilience. He discusses the founding of his nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families affected by gun violence as well as go on a few rants discussing quite a few things openly. Join us as we explore how humor and community h...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 189
DEAD Talks host, David Ferrugio, talks on the unique challenges that the holidays can bring. With a blend of personal anecdotes, valuable insights from past guests, and heartfelt audio clips from the audience, this episode aims to provide comfort and perspective. David shares his 23-year journey through holiday grief since losing his father, emphasizing the importance of feeling emotions as part of the healing process. Guests and audience members discuss their methods of coping, ranging from cre...
Dec 23, 2024•31 min•Ep. 188
Nurse Penny is back. We tapped into the Hospice World and how it intertwines with her lifes influence with death. With deathbed visions, opposing beliefs of the afterlife and as always just having a good time exploring the conversation. She also just wrote her first book "Influencing Death." Available for pre-order now and available January 14th! Learn more about Nurse Penny and her book "Influencing Death" Follow Hospice Nurse Penny Here Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5/mo to support ou...
Dec 16, 2024•52 min•Ep. 187
America's top medium, Matt Fraser, joins the show to talk all things afterlife. They delve into the complexities of processing grief, the reality of the afterlife, and the existence of spirit guides. Matt shares personal stories, insights from his mediumship, and answers critical questions about how spirits communicate and the nature of souls that do not cross over. David also gets a reading from Matt, providing an emotional and enlightening perspective on his own life experiences. The episode i...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 186
