DEAD Talks

By David FerrugioSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Religion & Spirituality Spirituality

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DEAD Talks episodes

November 10, 2021Talking to a Medium: Connecting with the Other Side (#34)
What happens when you sit down with a medium who claims to connect with the other side? In this episode, we explore the mystical world of tarot readings, palm readings, Reiki energy work, astrology, and mediumship—unpacking what it really means to communicate with the dead.
Tara Brandel shares her journey of discovering and refining her gifts, including how she channels messages through her readings and the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path. Beyond the theory, I also share my own personal session with Tara, where my late father came through, and the powerful emotions and meaning behind that connection.
This episode dives into:
How mediums describe their process of connecting with loved ones
The intersection of grief, healing, and spirituality
Stories that may shift even the most skeptical minds
Why exploring the mystical side of life and death can bring unexpected comfort
Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or just curious, this conversation opens the door to understanding life, loss, and the possibility of what lies beyond.
For all inquiries to Mystical Advisor, Tara Brandel: [email protected]
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
57 min
November 03, 2021Hospice, Life, and Lessons on Death (#35)
What can we learn about living from those who are dying? In this powerful episode, hospice nurse Hadley shares raw stories and wisdom from her patients at the end of life—reminding us how fragile and beautiful life really is.
As a registered nurse specializing in hospice and palliative care near New Orleans, Hadley brings inspiring insights on:
The lessons patients teach when facing death
How to stay positive while working so close to loss every day
The importance of connecting those who have lived full lives with those still learning how to live
Why embracing mortality helps us live more fully
Through her work, Hadley shows that hospice is not just about dying—it’s about helping us all understand how to live better.
Follow Hadley on social media to check out her amazing & popular content:
IG: @Nurse.Hadley
TikTok: @NurseHadley
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
32 min
October 21, 2021Don’t Skip the Grief with Claire Bidwell Smith (#32)
Grief is unavoidable—but what happens if we try to skip it? Renowned grief expert and bestselling author Claire Bidwell Smith shares her personal journey through loss and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.
Claire has written three acclaimed books—The Rules of Inheritance, After This: When Life is Over Where Do We Go?, and Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief—that have guided thousands through mourning, healing, and the search for meaning. In this conversation, we explore:
Why grief must be faced, not avoided
The hidden connection between grief and anxiety
Practical ways to navigate loss in daily life
How humor, honesty, and vulnerability make space for healing
Claire’s wisdom is compassionate, insightful, and refreshingly real. Whether you’re actively grieving or simply curious about how to better face life’s hardest moments, this episode will leave you with tools, perspective, and hope.
For more on Claire Bidwell Smith:
IG: @clairebidwellsmith
www.clairebidwellsmith.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
47 min
October 13, 2021Facing Suicidal Thoughts: Jeff Landreville’s Story (#31)
How do we talk about suicide when there are no warning signs? In this emotional and unfiltered conversation, Jeff Landreville shares the heartbreaking story of losing a close friend who took his own life—and how that loss forced Jeff to confront his own breaking point.
This powerful episode explores:
The hidden struggles behind suicidal thoughts
Jeff’s personal journey through grief, survival, and resilience
How humor and honesty can help us navigate life’s darkest moments
Why open conversations about mental health and loss matter more than ever

While the subject is heavy, this conversation blends raw truth with lighthearted moments, reminding us that even in the darkest spaces, connection and understanding can make a difference.

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
1 hr 17 min
July 21, 2021The Invisible String: Talking to Kids About Death with Patrice Karst (#30)
How do you talk to children about death, grief, and loss? Bestselling author Patrice Karst has helped millions through her beloved book The Invisible String, a story that teaches kids (and adults) about the unseen connections that keep us bonded to loved ones—even after loss.
In this heartfelt conversation, Patrice shares:
The origin story of The Invisible String and how it grew from a bedtime tale for her own child
Why the book has become a global tool for parents, teachers, and therapists to explain separation, anxiety, and grief
How simple metaphors can open life-changing conversations about death and love
Why children’s literature often holds wisdom adults need too
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone coping with grief, Patrice’s work shows that love is the string that keeps us connected forever.
For more on Patrice Karst visit her at www.patricekarst.com
Purchase "The Invisible String" on Amazon
Other similar books are "The Invisible Leash" & "The Invisible Web"
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
28 min
June 04, 2021Love, Loss, and Testicular Cancer: Candace Cheatwood’s Story (#29)
What happens when the love of your life is diagnosed with cancer while you’re still in college? At just 21, Candace Cheatwood faced the unimaginable when her boyfriend was diagnosed with testicular cancer. For two years she stood by his side through the battle—until his final day.
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Candace opens up about:
The shock of facing illness and loss so young
What it means to love and care for someone through their final moments
How grief reshaped her perspective on life, purpose, and strength
Why allowing yourself to “feel your feelings” is essential to healing
Her story is heartbreaking yet inspiring, showing how love and loss can change everything about how we live moving forward.
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
1 hr 1 min
April 08, 2021Bridging Life and Death: Messages from the Other Side (#28)
What does it mean to bridge the gap between life and death? In this conversation, we explore the world of mediums, psychics, and empaths—people who claim to connect with the other side and bring back powerful messages for the living.
Eileen Daley, an empath and medium, shares her story of discovering her gifts and how she now helps others find meaning, calm, and connection after loss. Drawing from her work and her online course Finding Calm in Chaos, she offers practical tools for navigating stress and grief while also sharing emotional stories of connecting with loved ones who have passed—including one that deeply resonated with me, tied to the events of September 11th.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
What it feels like to receive messages from the other side
How intuition and empathy play a role in healing grief
Tools for finding calm when life feels chaotic
Why conversations about death can open new perspectives on life
This is a unique, eye-opening look at life, death, and everything in between.
Eileen Daley: www.daleygift.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
56 min
February 24, 2021Generational Trauma, Grief, and Breaking Family Cycles (#27)
How does the death of a loved one reveal the patterns we inherit—and the cycles we can break? In this episode, we dive into the raw story of how the loss of a grandfather reshaped one man’s life, forcing him to confront grief, identity, and the weight of generational trauma.
Through humor and honesty, Jake Malott shares:
How his grandfather’s death opened a path of self-discovery
What it’s like to grow up without a father figure and the ripple effects of loss
The role of comedy in healing grief and breaking family patterns
Why exploring generational trauma helps us create a better future
This is a vulnerable, deeply human conversation about how one loss can echo through a family—and how we can choose to change the story moving forward.
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
1 hr 29 min
February 09, 2021Finding Purpose Through Grief, Healing, and Reiki (#26)
Can grief guide us toward our life’s purpose? In this episode, we explore the intersection of loss, spirituality, and healing with a Reiki Master and Intuitive Healer who discovered the ability to connect with those who have passed.
Erika Tran, an Oncology Reiki Practitioner and NLP Practitioner, shares how her personal loss shaped her path and how her work with cancer patients has helped others find peace and meaning. The conversation begins with a powerful moment: her sensing the presence of my late father during the recording itself.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Reiki and intuitive healing support those facing grief and illness
The ways personal loss can redirect our lives toward greater purpose
Why spiritual practices can bring comfort in the face of death
A firsthand story of connection with the other side during our talk
This is a raw, spiritual, and hopeful conversation about grief’s ability to transform us into who we are meant to 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
54 min
December 16, 2020Widowed Twice: Grief, Love, and Resilience with Norman Buckley (#25)
What does it mean to lose two life partners in completely different ways? TV director Norman Buckley (Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, The OC) opens up about his deeply personal story of love, loss, and resilience.
Norman shares how his first partner died of AIDS and, years later, how his second partner took his own life—two tragedies that forced him to navigate grief from very different angles. In this candid conversation, Norman reflects on:
How grief reshapes us after devastating loss
The difference between losing a partner to illness vs. suicide
Why resilience and optimism are essential in moving forward
The lessons he’s carried through decades of love and loss
Norman’s story is heartbreaking yet uplifting, offering wisdom, honesty, and hope for anyone touched by grief.
Follow Norman on instagram @norbuck and DEAD Talks podcast @deadtalkspodcast
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
1 hr 14 min

About DEAD Talks

From the publisher's feed

DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio is a podcast about death, grief, loss, and what it means to truly live. After losing his father on 9/11, David created a space for honest, emotional, and sometimes funny conversations about the one thing we all face but rarely talk about.