DEAD Talks
DEAD Talks is a podcast hosted by David Ferrugio that explores death, grief, loss, and what it means to truly live. After losing his father on 9/11, David created a space for honest and emotional conversations about a topic everyone faces but rarely discusses. Each episode features guests sharing personal stories about grief, near-death experiences, the afterlife, healing, trauma, and spirituality. The show balances tears and laughter, encouraging listeners to reflect on life from a new perspective.
Episodes
He's The Conjuring Investigators' Grandson — And He Doesn't Believe In Demons | Chris McKinnell (#275)
Chris McKinnell, grandson of legendary paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, has spent more than 40 years investigating ghosts, hauntings, consciousness and the unexplained.
But after growing up inside the world that inspired The Conjuring films, Chris came to a surprising conclusion: he doesn’t believe in demons.
In this episode of Dead Talks, Chris shares terrifying firsthand parano
Retirement & Longevity: How Purpose and AI Can Transform Your Second Act | Jay Samit (#274)
What happens when you retire, lose your career, lose someone you love, or simply realize the life that once gave you purpose no longer does?
Entrepreneur and author Jay Samit joins DEAD Talks to explore why purpose may be one of the most important factors in how we age, how we rebuild after loss, and what we do with the second act of our lives.
We discuss retirement, longevity, identity, grief,
Jeff Arcuri: The Lie He Told Himself to Stay "Strong" for His Wife (#273)
He told himself he had to be strong for her. His therapist told him that was the problem.
Comedian Jeff Arcuri sits down to talk about the year his wife's health scare changed how he understood what "being there" actually means — and the moment a therapist called out the one thing he was doing wrong.
https://www.jeffarcuri.com/
Watch Jeff Arcuri’s new Netflix special: https://www.netflix.co
3 Psychic Sisters Reveal How They Actually Got Their Powers (#273)
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Jaimie Alexander Was Dying When a Voice Asked Her to Choose: Stay or Go (#271)
In 2018, Jaimie Alexander's ruptured appendix nearly killed her. During her near-death experience, a voice spoke to her — and asked her to choose: stay or go.
Most people know Jaimie from Blindspot and Thor. But this episode isn't about Hollywood. It's about the night her body started failing — and the spiritual encounter that changed the rest of her life.
She's rarely opened up about this publi
God Is Infinitely Vulnerable — And He Needs YOU | Rabbi Manis Friedman (#270)
What if nothing bad has ever happened? Not once. Not to anyone.
Rabbi Manis Friedman made that claim — and then I told him about
losing my dad on 9/11. What followed changed how I think about
everything.
Rabbi Manis Friedman — one of the most respected Jewish thinkers
alive — joins the show for the second time and argues that God is not all-powerful and self-sufficient.
He's infinitely vul
Hours From Death, She Saw the Other Side — And Learned What's Killing Us | Anita Moorjani (#269)
Everyone knows Anita Moorjani's near-death story. This conversation is about what almost no one asks — what she actually understood in that coma, and why she says fear, not cancer, was killing her.
In our first episode together, Anita walked through her NDE in full — the 30-hour coma, the 360° awareness, meeting her late father on the other side. This time we go deeper: past the event and into th
I Discovered I'm a Psychic Medium with the help of two mediums (#268)
I never planned to become a psychic medium. But when I closed my eyes and said whatever came up — an apple, a pixel, ice cubes — two professional mediums couldn't explain what I was seeing. Then one time on the way home, something happened that I still can't fully rationalize. A stranger screamed my name in the street.
The hosts of Medium Curious Podcast Jane Morgan and Sarah Rathke join the show
The Loneliness Nobody Talks About After Death with Dr. Sylvia K (#267)
Doctors said her mom was schizophrenic. She wasn't — she had a brain aneurysm, and it killed her 4 months later.
Dr. Sylvia Kay was 2 when her grandmother kidnapped her and her brother to escape a home unraveling under grief and misdiagnosis. She didn't speak again for months.
On this episode, host David Ferrugio talks with Dr. Sylvia Kay — psychotherapist and author of Lonely AF — about ho
Dead for 47 Minutes: Vinney Tolman’s Near-Death Experience (#266)
Vinney Tolman was declared dead, placed in a body bag, and later revived after what he says were 47 documented minutes. In this episode of DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio, Vinney shares the full story of his near-death experience and what he believes happened on the other side.
He describes watching his own body from above, going through a life review, feeling an overwhelming source of love, meeti
Psychologist Explains Why Therapy Ignores the Soul (#265)
Dr. Amy Robbins is a clinical psychologist who bridges the clinical world with the spiritual one — and what she's uncovering is hard to ignore. 60-70% of people say spirituality was a key part of their mental health journey. Only 5% of therapists are trained in it at all.
In this episode, Amy shares the after-death visit from her aunt that changed everything, why the word "psyche" literally means
Sean Collyns: Do Souls Choose Suffering? Mediumship, Past Lives & the Afterlife (#264)
Medium Sean Collyns returns to DEAD Talks to explore one of the hardest spiritual questions: do souls choose suffering before life?
In this episode, we talk about mediumship, reincarnation, past lives, spirit guides, soul purpose, free will, destiny, and what may happen right after death. Sean also shares what he has learned from connecting with thousands of spirits and why the afterlife may be l
Near-Death Experience, The Afterlife & Losing Fear Of Death with Elton Anderson Jr (#263)
Elton Anderson Jr. shares the terrifying story of nearly dying from malaria while traveling alone in Brazil — and the profound near-death experience that changed his understanding of life, death, spirituality, and love forever.
During the experience, Elton describes encountering spiritual beings, feeling complete oneness, and losing all fear of death. He also opens up about survival, consciousnes
Mark Normand Gets Brutally Honest About Death & Emotions (#262)
Mark Normand joins DEAD Talks for one of his most honest and unexpected conversations yet.
Known for his rapid-fire comedy and dark humor, Mark opens up about fatherhood, mortality, religion, emotional suppression, addiction, grief, cancel culture, and why comedy may actually be a coping mechanism.
This episode explores the psychology behind humor, fear of death, masculinity, existential anxiety
Stanford Psychiatrist: "You're Not Living, You're Surviving" Dr. Paul Conti (#261)
Stanford-trained psychiatrist Dr. Paul Conti joins Dead Talks to explain why most people aren't actually living — they're just surviving, driven by unhealed trauma they can't see. We unpack how trauma rewires your brain, accelerates aging in your body, hijacks your memory, and creates the reflex of guilt and shame that keeps you stuck.
Check out Dr. Paul Conti's Book: "What's Going Right"
Si
40 Years Studying Near-Deaths — The Patterns Are Undeniable | John Burke (#260)
What happens after we die?
After studying over 1,500 near-death experiences, today’s guest, John Burke, shares the patterns, real stories, and evidence that continue to challenge what we think we know about death—and what may come after.
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Rainn Wilson on Losing His Father (And What Death Revealed) (#259)
Rainn Wilson on Death, Grief & What Comes After (#259)
Rainn Wilson opens up about the loss of his father, the reality of grief, and what he believes happens after death.
This conversation explores the emotional complexity of loss, the role of forgiveness, and how confronting mortality can completely reshape how we live.
Check out Rainn's Podcast and more here
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What Happens Right Before Death? A Hospice Doctor Explains | Dr. Kerr (#258)
What actually happens right before we die?
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Kerr — a physician, neurobiologist, and leading researcher in end-of-life care — shares what decades of research reveal about the dying process.
After studying patients for nearly 30 years, he’s found that over 80% of people report vivid dreams and visions as they approach death — often involving loved ones who have alre
She Died for 4.5 Minutes—Then Came Back Changed | Kimberely Meredith (#257)
Kimberly shares her near-death experience after being clinically dead for 4.5 minutes, what she saw, and how it changed her.
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Kimberely discusses healing abilities, spirit communication, and being tested for her work as a medical in
How Do You Tell Your Kids Their Parent Died? | Adriana Sansam (#256)
After losing her husband to an accidental overdose, Adriana Sansam had to face the hardest question a parent can ask: How do you tell your kids the truth?
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In this episode, we talk about grief, addiction, and what it means to be ho
John Edward on Mediumship, Grief, and Connecting With Loved Ones After Death (#255)
In this episode of DEAD Talks, I sit down with world-renowned psychic medium John Edward for an honest conversation about grief, mediumship, and what it really means to stay connected to the people we’ve lost.
We explore how mediumship actually works, the misconceptions surrounding psychics, and why John believes most people don’t need a reading to feel connected to their loved ones.
For more on
Danny Morel: Grief Is Forever If You Choose It (#254)
Danny Morel shares a powerful and controversial perspective on grief, loss, and healing after the death of a loved one. After losing his mother, he experienced a spiritual awakening that challenged everything he believed about fear, identity, and purpose. This episode explores whether grief is something we carry forever—or something we can move through—and how facing fear, embracing emotion, and s
Michael Franzese on Death in the Mafia (#253)
What do mobsters really believe about death?
In this episode of DEAD Talks, former Colombo crime family captain Michael Franzese opens up about life inside the Mafia and the constant reality of mortality that comes with it.
Michael Franzese shares stories about moments where he believed he might not walk out alive, the psychology of living in a world where violence is always close, and how those e
How Do You Grieve Someone You Can't Remember? Simon Robert French (#252)
How do you grieve someone you don’t even remember?
Musician Simon Robert French lost his father when he was just two years old — too young to form real memories. Growing up, he was surrounded by stories, photos, and home videos of a man who shaped his life, yet someone he never truly got the chance to know.
In this episode of DEAD Talks, Simon joins David Ferrugio to explore the complicated realit
From Losing My Father to Becoming One with Bryce Savoy (#251)
Bryce Savoy lost his father unexpectedly on New Year’s Day. Ten months later, he became a father himself.
In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore grief, masculinity, faith, and transformation. Bryce shares what it was like walking into the ICU, watching his father’s health decline suddenly, and starting a new year in shock.
Months later, he and his partner received devastating news at their 20-w
Detective Scott Naso: The Signs He Missed (#250)
Detective Scott Naso has spent nearly two decades solving complex cases. But the most devastating and confusing chapter of his life unfolded inside his own home.
After his wife began experiencing subtle but troubling symptoms, what initially appeared manageable escalated into a medical emergency. An MRI revealed a large brain tumor requiring immediate intervention. Within days, everything changed.
Is There Life After Death? Psychic Medium Matt Fraser on Signs & Proof (#249)
Why would a loved one choose not to come through during a reading?
In this conversation, psychic medium Matt Fraser explains how mediumship truly works, why spirits sometimes withhold information, and what happens after death.
We explore:
• Why some souls refuse to communicate• Signs from loved ones in spirit• Free will vs destiny• Do we choose when we die?• Soulmates and spiritual alignment• Ho
When “I Love You” Comes Too Late with Nacya Marreiro (#248)
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline.
Comedian Nacya Marreiro talks about losing her father to cancer, how quickly everything changed, and what it feels like to grieve before you’ve even processed the loss. From emotional numbness to crying at unexpected moments, this conversation explores what early grief actually looks like—raw, confusing, and deeply human.
We also discuss a near-death experience fro
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 re
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
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 abo
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 grief
Identity after loss
Why death can be a turning point, not an ending
How grief gives permission to live more t
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 rela
She Didn’t Believe in Mediums—Until She Became One (#242)
What happens when grief unlocks abilities you never believed in?
In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, a lifelong skeptic shares how losing her grandfather led to full-body apparitions, psychic downloads, and an unexpected awakening into mediumship and spiritual awareness. Alongside this, we explore complex grief, estranged family relationships, addiction, end-of-life reconciliation, and the emo
You Can Learn Intuition: How Mediumship & Awareness Actually Work with Alysa Conger (#241)
Intuition isn’t magic — and it isn’t reserved for a few people.
In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore how intuition and awareness actually work, using mediumship as a lens to understand how humans perceive information beyond logic and overthinking.
This conversation breaks down:
How intuitive perception shows up (imagery, sensation, “knowing”)
Why intuition often feels like imagination at f
We Don’t Know How to Deal With Death Anymore – with Paul Koudounaris (#240)
Why does modern society avoid death—and what is it costing us?
In this episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio speaks with Paul Koudounaris, renowned art historian and author of Memento Mori, about how different cultures around the world honor the dead, why the West struggles with grief, and why pet loss is one of the most misunderstood forms of mourning.
From mummy rituals and skull festivals
What She Saw After Dying in Surgery (NDE) #239
In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, Tricia shares her real near-death experience after being clinically dead during surgery following a devastating car accident. She describes leaving her body, watching doctors operate on her, encountering angels and divine light, traveling through space, and feeling the pull of prayers from her loved ones.
Tricia reveals what she believes happens after death
Bernie Mac’s Final Days — His Daughter Tells the Full Story (#238)
Bernie Mac’s daughter tells the full story of her father’s final days — from the ICU to the night he died.
In this emotional episode of DEAD Talks, she shares what really happened during Bernie Mac’s last hospitalization, the medical complications, and the moment she received the call that changed her life forever.
Beyond the details of his death, she reflects on:• Growing up as Bernie Mac’s only
Signs From The Afterlife: The Undeniable Sign Her Husband Sent After Death (#237)
A widow receives an undeniable sign from her late husband—one so specific it stopped her in her tracks. Alexis shares the emotional story behind the number 777, the string of signs that began right after Tanner died, and the moment in an airport parking garage that convinced her he was still with her.
This episode dives deep into spiritual signs, grief milestones, birthdays after loss, returning t
He Found Hidden Letters After She Died | Mike Allio on Grief & Fatherhood (#236)
After losing his wife, Laura, Mike Allio was left to raise their young son alone. In this emotional episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio dives deep into Mike’s journey through grief, fatherhood, and finding purpose again. From the hidden letters his wife left behind to the moment he realized he still had to show up for his child, this is an unforgettable conversation about love that endures
9/11 Took My Dad — His Best Friend Tells the Story (#235)
He lost his best friend. I lost my dad.Twenty-five years after September 11th, we sit down to talk about that day, the years of grief that followed, and the love that still connects us.
In this powerful conversation, my Uncle Augie — my dad’s best friend — shares what it was like inside the World Trade Center that morning, how survival guilt shaped his life, and the lessons we’ve both learned abou
When the Dead Speak: Faith, Energy & What It Means to Be Alive — with Susie Abromeit (#234)
What if the afterlife tried to reach you first?
In this episode, David Ferrugio speaks with actress and podcaster Susie Abromeit about hearing messages from the dead, intuition, and signs that challenged everything she believed about faith and fear.
They explore energy, grief, and consciousness—asking whether these experiences are spiritual truth, psychological power, or something in between.
For
She Died and Came Back — My Mom’s Near-Death Experience (#233)
What happens when your mom’s heart stops — and she comes back with stories from the other side? In this deeply personal episode, I talk with my mom about her near-death experience after going into cardiac arrest in 2023.
She describes seeing my late father, feeling a love beyond words, and being told she had to return. We talk about what it means to live after dying, how it reshaped her faith, and
She Asked God for a Sign After Her Dad Died… and Got It (#232)
When journalist and TV host Sharon Lee Carpenter lost her father to cancer, it changed everything — including how she saw life, God, and the afterlife. In this heartfelt episode, Sharon opens up to David Ferrugio about the signs that convinced her her dad was still with her, and how spiritual teachers like Abraham Hicks and Dr. Joe Dispenza helped her heal.
Together, they explore what it means to
Medium Explains What Happens When We Die (#231)
Psychic medium Sean Collyns joins David Ferrugio on DEAD Talks to explore what happens after death, soul contracts, reincarnation, and the purpose of grief. In one of the most emotional episodes to date, Sean connects David with his late father—who died on 9/11—and shares profound insights on why “hell exists only on Earth.”
This conversation will make you rethink everything you know about death,
Medium Explains The Afterlife and Connects Me With My Dad (#230)
What happens after we die? Can mediums really talk to the dead?
In this episode of DEAD Talks, I speak with a psychic medium about grief, the afterlife, and the signs our loved ones send us. We dive into what death teaches us, how mediums connect across the veil, and why skeptics may be missing the point.
👉 At the end of this episode, she gives me a live reading that wasn't planned
Topics includ
Grief, Murder & Comedy: Harrison Skopes’ Story (#229)
His mother’s cancer. His friend’s murder. Standup comic Harrison Skopes faced unthinkable back-to-back tragedies—and turned to comedy to survive.
In this episode of DEAD Talks:
Facing grief and trauma in court
Finding humor in tragedy
Lessons on resilience, death, and living fully
For more on Harrison Skopes: @hskopes
Support the ShowJoin the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support
I Didn’t Say His Name for Two Years | Mental Health & Loss (#228)
A raw conversation about grief, loss, and mental health. Katie shares her story of losing both her mother and brother to suicide, the anxiety and PTSD that followed, and the long process of finding peace again. This episode is about more than pain—it’s about resilience, patience, and the reminder that it doesn’t stay this dark forever.
Guest: Katie Schlegel
Content note: discussion of suicide (n
The Real Joe Exotic: Grief, Loss & Surviving Prison (#227)
In this exclusive episode, David Ferrugio speaks with Joe Exotic, who reveals the personal griefs that shaped his life—from losing his partners Brian and Travis to the deaths of his parents while he was incarcerated. Joe also discusses his cancer battle, surviving solitary confinement, and how prison has transformed his outlook on life and death.
He confronts the lies behind Tiger King, the forgot
My Dead Mom Called Me: Colin Havey on Grief, Signs & Afterlife (#226)
What if your dead mom called you years after she passed? Comedian and storyteller Colin Havey shares the unbelievable moment he received a phone call from his late mother on Mother’s Day—and how that changed his beliefs about grief, love, and the afterlife.
In this raw and moving episode of DEAD Talks, Colin opens up about hospice moments, mysterious signs, leftover energy, and why he no longer
Blind on 9/11: Mike Hingson’s Story of Survival (#225)
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, Spoti
What Judaism Really Says About Death, Heaven & Reincarnation with Rabbi Manis Friedman (#224)
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
Ricki Lake on Love, Loss & Finding Joy Again (#223)
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 wonde
The Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything About Fear & Living with Anita Moorjani (#222)
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.
Parkland School Shooting: A Mother’s Story of Loss and Grief (#221)
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 spir
What the Bible Really Says About Death, Heaven & the Afterlife (#220)
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, heave
3 Years After Her Husband’s Death, Whitney Lyn Allen Shares What Really Helps (#219)
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, compassio
Gary Sinise on losing his son and his grief journey (#218)
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
Surviving Against All Odds: Tom Nash on Life, Loss & Resilience (#217)
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 le
Keri Hilson on Grief, Losing Her Father & Signs From the Afterlife (#216)
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 emotio
Grief, Healing & the Power of Perspective (#215)
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 a
What He Saw on the Other Side Changed Everything (#214)
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 pre
9/11 South Tower Survivor: Brian Clark’s Incredible Escape (#213)
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 tha
Near-Death on Ayahuasca & the Lessons of Buddhism | Jaymee Carpenter (#212)
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 homeles
What Death Taught Me About Life & Love with ALOK (#211)
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 s
She Was Told She Had 6 Months to Live at 13 | Grace Wethor’s Story (#210)
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 refl
Kevin Hines: Survived Jumping Off the Golden Gate Bridge (#209)
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
Grieving a Pet: Rainbow Bridge Raina on Love, Euthanasia & Healing (#208)
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 euthanas
Widowed Fatherhood: CJ Infantino on Grief, Anger & Raising Kids Alone (#207)
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 scre
Comedian Trae Crowder: Humor, Grief & Searching for the Afterlife (#206)
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 noth
Dr. Jessica Zucker on Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss & Breaking the Silence (#205)
Dr. 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. She is also the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign, which has helped millions of people worldwide feel less alone in their grief.
In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Jessica opens up about the tra
A 10-Year-Old’s Brilliant Perspective on Life, Death & the Afterlife | Sean the Science Kid (#204)
What can a 10-year-old teach us about life, death, and the afterlife? More than you’d think.
In this enlightening episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Sean the Science Kid blends science, spirituality, and philosophy in ways most adults never do. From the mysteries of souls and consciousness to multi-dimensional realities, Sean shares his remarkable perspective on what it means to live, die, and exi
Fallon Farinacci: Surviving the Night Her Family Was Held Hostage & Murdered (#203)
Fallon Farinacci recounts the harrowing night her family was held hostage by a stalker in their small, tight-knit Métis community—a night that ended in the tragic murders of her parents.
In this gripping episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, Fallon shares her firsthand account of the threats, the failure of police protection, and the trauma that reshaped her life. She speaks candidly about the afterm
The Pain of Watching a Parent Die: Grief, Anticipation & Life After Loss (#202)
What does it feel like to watch a parent die?
In this powerful episode of the DEAD Talks Podcast, 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 during his father’s battle with leukemia, the emotional weight of anticipatory grief, and how he eventually found meaning in life after loss.
We discuss:
T
Dan Soder on Grieving a Complicated Father & Finding Healing (#201)
Comedian Dan Soder opens up about losing both his father and sister at a young age, blending his signature comedic wit with raw honesty. He shares the complicated reality of grieving a difficult father, the impact of parental abandonment, and how those early traumas shaped his adult life.
Through this vulnerable conversation, Dan reflects on:
Using comedy as a lifeline in dark times
How childho
Robert Edward Grant on Free Will, Fate & the Mysteries of the Universe (#200)
In this special 200th episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Robert Edward Grant, a renowned polymath, entrepreneur, and thought leader, to explore life’s biggest questions: Is life predetermined? Do we really have free will? What is the true nature of reality?
Robert shares profound insights on metaphysics, ancient philosophy, mathematics, and consciousness, offering a rare per
His Astonishing Near-Death Experience After a Train Accident | David Ditchfield (#199)
David Ditchfield’s near-death experience (NDE) is one of the most extraordinary stories ever shared on DEAD Talks. After being dragged under a speeding train and surviving against all odds, David encountered an afterlife experience that changed his life forever.
In this powerful conversation, he recounts:
The moment of his brush with death
The presence of mysterious beings and an overwhelming s
He Lost His Brother Before a UFC Fight | Cody Stamann on Grief & Resilience (#198)
UFC fighter Cody Stamann faced his toughest battle outside the octagon: losing his brother to a tragic overdose just one week before a major fight in 2020. Instead of backing out, Cody stepped into the cage and fought while carrying the weight of his grief.
In this raw and emotional episode of DEAD Talks, Cody opens up about:
The shock and heartbreak of sudden loss
What it meant to fight in the
The Right to Die: Ethics of Euthanasia & Mental Health (#197)
At just 28 years old, contemporary artist and writer Joseph Awuah-Darko opens up about his struggles with chronic bipolar disorder, loneliness, and the bureaucratic process of assisted euthanasia in the Netherlands.
In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore:
The controversial ethics of euthanasia and the “right to die”
Men’s mental health, stigma, and societal silence
The emotional reality of
The Science of Grief: How the Brain & Body Process Loss (#196)
Why does grief feel so overwhelming—mentally, physically, and emotionally? In this fascinating episode of DEAD Talks, grief scientist Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor breaks down the biology of loss and what happens inside the brain and body when we mourn.
As a leader in the study of prolonged grief disorder, Dr. O’Connor explores:
Why grief feels like a physical pain
The difference between normal grie
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