DEAD Talks

Julia Fisher has endured more loss in a short span of time than most face in a lifetime. From the devastating death of her father to suicide, to several other family deaths within just a few years, Julia has had to navigate grief after grief while still trying to move forward with life.

An actor by trade, Julia brings both depth and wit to this difficult subject. In this conversation, she reflects on how she’s processed tragedy, how humor can sometimes make the unbearable feel lighter, and the lessons she’s learned from navigating multiple losses all at once.

Guest: @JuliaFayeFisher on Instagram

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports psychologist Paige E. Roberts, LICSW PhD, is on a mission to find better ways to treat mental illness, prevent suicide, and help athletes heal both mentally and physically. A sports and fitness enthusiast herself, Paige developed Performance Neuro Training — a unique blend of sports psychology, Brainspotting, and hot & cold photobiomodulation laser-light therapy.

In this episode of DEAD Talks, Paige shares her groundbreaking practice and her personal story of loss, having experienced the death of several athlete friends to suicide. That loss became her catalyst to dedicate her life’s work to mental health, recovery, and suicide prevention.

This is an insightful, hopeful, and inspiring conversation about the future of mental health and the tools available to heal.

Watch full episode on YouTube

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this moving episode of DEAD Talks, Jorge Perez returns to share the story of losing his mother, Yolanda, to cancer. Having previously spoken about his father’s passing, Jorge now reflects on what it was like to witness his mother’s final days — and the unexpected peace that came with them.

Jorge brings both humor and deep perspective as he explores the meaning he found in her passing, the lessons death continues to teach him, and how his grief journey has evolved. He also created a short documentary in honor of his mother, which beautifully captures her legacy.

@jorgeperez on Instagram

Legacy Yoland Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RizBLBVjVrk&feature=youtu.be

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 2 and the finale of Penny Wittbrodt’s Near-Death Experience (NDE), where she describes meeting God and what she was shown about forgiveness, future events, and the power of our thoughts.

In this compelling story, Penny explains how she finally emerged from the void and the life-changing wisdom she brought back with her. As a registered nurse, she has since shared her NDE widely — contributing to Dr. Penny Sartori’s book The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences and appearing in the Amazon Prime documentary Death and Back 2.

This episode is a deep dive into spirituality, healing, and what it means to glimpse the afterlife.

Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NyiVtn-zlcQ

Watch Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4c09O3hm7g

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 1 of Penny Wittbrodt’s Near-Death Experience (NDE), where she shares the beginning of her extraordinary journey. Penny describes meeting God, escaping the void, and the profound lessons she was shown — including forgiveness, the power of thoughts, and glimpses of future events.

As a registered nurse, Penny has since become a powerful voice in the NDE community, contributing to Dr. Penny Sartori’s book The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences and appearing in the Amazon Prime documentary Death and Back 2.

This first episode sets the stage for Penny’s incredible story — continued in Part 2.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4c09O3hm7g

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan Pormer — TV host on Fox and doctor of biomedical engineering — opens up about her personal journey of loss, growth, and reinvention. After losing her father, Megan realized she was suffering from what she calls “Princess Syndrome” and began the process of stepping into her own power.

She shares the story of her family’s financial struggles, including not being able to afford her father’s funeral despite once being among the richest families in the Middle East. This candid conversation explores how she overcame grief, trauma, and cultural expectations to create a new life of strength and purpose.

Megan’s story is both deeply personal and widely relatable, touching on themes of identity, loss, and resilience.

Follow Megan Pormer:

@meganpormer

www.meganpormer.com

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Lemon shares the heartbreaking story of losing his father, who was murdered when Mark was just 12 years old. Now a writer, grief speaker, and podcaster, Mark openly discusses his healing journey and how grief has shaped his life.

This episode carries a special weight, as both Mark and I (David, the host) lost our fathers at the same age. We explore the parallels of growing up fatherless, being raised by strong mothers, and navigating childhood grief through trauma and resilience.

It’s a rare and moving conversation where two men connect deeply on loss, compassion, and the lifelong impact of grief.

Full Video Episode #48 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZfzvEXJFI4 

Follow Mark Lemon @marklemonofficial on IG

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Galante — actor from Good Trouble, Tyler Perry’s The Have and the Have Nots, Will & Grace, and more — shares his personal story of loss and resilience. Michael opens up about the death of his grandmother, who was like a best friend to him, and how that loss continues to shape his life.

Despite carrying the pain of grief, Michael radiates energy and positivity. He reflects on the paradox of living life to the fullest while holding onto deep loss, and how grief has become both a contradiction and a catalyst for growth.

With his infectious personality, Michael shows how even in the face of death, love and life shine through — and it’s no surprise he’s thriving on the big screen.

Follow  @michaelgalante on Instagram

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A heartbreaking but inspiring breast cancer story of love, loss, and resilience. Photographer Angelo Merendino shares how just five months after getting married, his wife Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. From chemotherapy to radiation to reconstructive surgery, they faced every step together — and documented it all in a powerful series of photographs that went viral worldwide.

This conversation dives deep into what it means to face death as a couple, how love can carry us through unimaginable pain, and why Angelo’s photographs became a lifeline for countless others fighting their own battles. His work has been featured globally and even led to TED Talks, helping to normalize grief and inspire healing.

www.angelomeredino.com

@angelomeredino on IG

Listen to Angelo's TED Talks / TEDx:

Photo Greater Than 1000: Angelo Merendino at TEDxUSU

Community on social networks sharing experiences and healing | Angelo Merendino | TEDxCLE

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief doesn’t just come from death — it can come from abandonment. In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore the pain of family abandonment, the heartbreak of losing a father, and how grief from both shaped the life of Van Thu Nguyen. She shares her powerful story of being abandoned by her family while learning her father was dying, and how she faced the complex emotions of mourning both loss and betrayal.

Van also opens up about the death of her first love, comparing how the grief of losing a partner differs from losing a parent. Her journey highlights the different layers of grief we don’t often talk about — and how healing can come through strength, self-reflection, and choosing to live the life you want despite the pain.

Full Episode available on YouTube

Follow Van Thu Nguyen @vanrevival on Instagram Follow @DEADTalkspodcast on Instagram. 

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 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 Discounts

  10% 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 Talks
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | www.deadtalks.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices