DEAD Talks
DEAD Talks

DEAD Talks

David Ferrugio

Overview
Episodes

Details

DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio normalizes the conversation around death. Each new guest shares their experience with death in a way that shatters the ”don’t talk about it” taboo. It’s the one thing we all share in common, so let’s talk about.

Recent Episodes

Losing a sibling to addiction with Kalie Shorr (#247)
FEB 2, 2026
Losing a sibling to addiction with Kalie Shorr (#247)
What happens when grief doesn’t wait — and the world is watching?In this deeply moving episode of DEAD Talks, artist Kalie Shorr shares the story of losing her sister to an overdose, filming a music video the very next day, and watching her private pain become public commentary.We talk about addiction, sibling loss, grief while in the spotlight, supporting children after loss, and how tragedy reshapes identity, family, and purpose.This is an honest conversation about:Loving someone with addictionThe weight of “last conversations”Grieving while being expected to performTurning pain into meaning and advocacyA must-listen for anyone touched by grief, addiction, or loss.For more on Kalie Shorr: ⁠@kalieshorr⁠If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new ⁠Grief Journey App⁠⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠Support the Show Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠Hats, 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
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64 MIN
What Grieving Children Actually Need — with Rich Schimel (#246)
JAN 26, 2026
What Grieving Children Actually Need — with Rich Schimel (#246)
What does grief look like through the eyes of a child?In this episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Rich Schimel, founder of A Little Hope Foundation, an organization created after 9/11 to support children navigating profound loss.With over two decades of experience, Rich shares what actually helps grieving children—and what doesn’t. From the importance of safe, judgment-free spaces to the long-term emotional impact of losing a parent young, this conversation challenges how we think about grief, healing, and support.This episode is for:Parents raising grieving childrenAnyone who lost a parent early in lifeThose impacted by suicide or overdose lossAnyone who wants to understand grief more honestlyGrief isn’t something you fix. It’s something you learn to live with.For more on Rich Schimel and A Little Hope Foundation: ⁠https://alittlehope.org/⁠If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new ⁠Grief Journey App⁠⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠Support the Show Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠Hats, 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
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49 MIN
Death Is the Lens That Makes Life Clear with Davide De Pierro (#245)
JAN 19, 2026
Death Is the Lens That Makes Life Clear with Davide De Pierro (#245)
Death changes how we see everything.In this episode, David Ferrugio speaks with writer Davide De Pierro about grief, impermanence, faith, doubt, and why loss isn’t just about death — it’s about meaning. Together, they explore how confronting death can clarify how we live, love, and choose purpose in the face of suffering.This is a conversation about grief beyond death, about perspective, and about why the awareness of mortality may be the greatest gift we’re given.If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new ⁠Grief Journey App⁠⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠Hats, 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
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78 MIN
George Carlin’s Daughter on Grief, Fame, and Losing Her Father (#244)
JAN 12, 2026
George Carlin’s Daughter on Grief, Fame, and Losing Her Father (#244)
What happens when your father’s death becomes a public event?In this deeply moving episode of DEAD Talks Podcast, Kelly Carlin shares the untold story of losing her father and legendary comic, George Carlin, and navigating grief in the spotlight.We explore:Public vs private griefIdentity after lossWhy death can be a turning point, not an endingHow grief gives permission to live more truthfullyFor more on Kelly Carlin please check out her podcast, her youtube channel and her courses, retreats and more:⁠Courses, retreats and support network⁠⁠Kelly's Youtube⁠⁠"Humans On The Verge" Podcast⁠Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠Hats, 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
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60 MIN
He Died — And the Ego, Anger, and Identity Never Returned (#243)
JAN 5, 2026
He Died — And the Ego, Anger, and Identity Never Returned (#243)
David A. Williamson had a near-death experience during cardiac arrest that didn’t just change his beliefs — it ended the person he used to be.After watching his body die from outside the hospital room, he returned without the anger, fear, and rigid identity that once controlled his life.We explore ego death, consciousness, attention, and how a single experience can permanently alter how you relate to the world — and to other people.This conversation isn’t about death itself.It’s about what survives when identity falls away.For more on today's guest: ⁠David A. Williamson⁠Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠⁠Submit Your Email⁠⁠If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new ⁠Grief Journey App⁠⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 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
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88 MIN