DEAD Talks

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

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Typical duration
61 min
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DEAD Talks episodes

May 13, 2020Surviving Violent Deaths, Grief, and Finding Meaning (#14)
How can violent deaths change the course of someone’s life? In this episode, Maylenn Mosti shares her story of losing two people in devastating ways—losses that she ultimately credits with saving her life.
At just 16, Maylenn lost a close friend to a violent death with potential mafia ties. Years later, she faced the death of her father, which forced her into a deeper confrontation with grief, trauma, and survival. Her story explores:
The trauma of violent deaths and their ripple effects
How grief can evolve into unexpected resilience
The mysterious ways tragedy can alter our paths
Finding meaning in life after unbearable loss
This raw and reflective conversation is both shocking and inspiring, showing how even the darkest tragedies can lead to growth and transformation.
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 12 min
May 06, 2020She Came Back from a Near-Death Experience After a Fatal Car Crash (#13)
What happens when you cross the threshold of death—and come back? In this episode, Cassandra Bauer shares her powerful story of surviving a horrific car crash and the near-death experience that changed her life forever.
During her NDE, Cassandra recalls being visited by her deceased brother, who told her, “You are not alone.” That moment sent her back to life with a mission to share her story and help others through their darkest struggles. She later founded her company NOWLEVELUP, dedicated to growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Cassandra also opens up about:
Her suppressed childhood and early traumas
Losing her brother and how that grief resurfaced during her NDE
The spiritual clarity and message she received on “the other side”
How near-death transformed her perspective on life and truth
This is an inspirational story of resilience, spirituality, and learning to live life truthfully after facing death head-on.
Cassandra Bauer: @i.am.nowlevelup
What happens when you cross the threshold of death—and come back? In this episode, Cassandra Bauer shares her powerful story of surviving a horrific car crash and the near-death experience that changed her life forever.
During her NDE, Cassandra recalls being visited by her deceased brother, who told her, “You are not alone.” That moment sent her back to life with a mission to share her story and help others through their darkest struggles. She later founded her company NOWLEVELUP, dedicated to growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Cassandra also opens up about:
Her suppressed childhood and early traumas
Losing her brother and how that grief resurfaced during her NDE
The spiritual clarity and message she received on “the other side”
How near-death transformed her perspective on life and truth
This is an inspirational story of resilience, spirituality, and learning to live life truthfully after facing death head-on.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 30 min
April 29, 2020Losing a Loved One to Overdose and Questioning Life’s Purpose (#12)
When you lose someone suddenly, the questions never stop. In this episode, Brett Collins shares how the overdose death of his cousin led him to question life, death, and whether everything happens for a reason.
Brett’s mix of sincerity and wit makes this conversation deeply relatable. Together, we explore:
The impact of losing a loved one to overdose
How grief pushes us to ask bigger questions about meaning and purpose
Finding calm in the chaos of loss
Balancing seriousness with humor while navigating tragedy
Brett’s calming presence and unique perspective remind us that grief can lead to profound insights—even when the pain feels unbearable.
Guest: @brettcollins
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
59 min
April 22, 2020Addiction, Sobriety, and Grieving the Loss of a Father (#11)
How do addiction and grief collide—and how can one fuel the other? In this episode, Earl White shares his raw story of battling opioid addiction, losing his father, and ultimately finding sobriety.
Earl opens up about:
The struggles of addiction while coping with grief
How his father’s death became a turning point in his journey
The challenges and breakthroughs of sobriety
Living with purpose and honoring his father through a new way of life
This is a deeply vulnerable and inspiring conversation about resilience, loss, and the power of healing through sobriety.
Guest: @earlgetsup
DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end, it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12 he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. Grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma or whatever it may be, DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about. You may cry; but, you also may laugh.
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
37 min
April 15, 2020Losing a Father at 17: Grief, Acceptance, and Finding Positives (#10)
What happens when you’re forced to face death before adulthood? At just 17, Spencer Sundlie lost his father—and instead of resisting grief, he embraced it. His journey offers a unique perspective on finding acceptance and maturity at such a young age.
In this episode, Spencer shares:
How losing a parent as a teenager shaped his outlook on life and death
The role his brother played in navigating grief together
Why focusing on positives can transform pain into perspective
Advice for young people facing loss far too early
Spencer’s wisdom, calmness, and honesty provide comfort and guidance to anyone navigating the death of a loved one, no matter their age.
Spencer Sundlie is a Real Estate Agent in San Diego and can be found at @spencersundlie
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
44 min
April 08, 2020Suicide Awareness: Check on Your Friends Before It’s Too Late | Laura Samuels (#9)
How often do we really check in on the people we love? In this episode, actress Laura Samuels opens up about the sudden suicide of a high school friend and how that loss reshaped her perspective on communication, gratitude, and connection.
Laura shares:
How losing a friend to suicide brought her community together
The importance of speaking openly and checking in on loved ones
Her father’s battle with leukemia and the lessons it taught her about life and resilience
Why communication can literally save lives
This powerful conversation blends grief, awareness, and hope—reminding us all to reach out before it’s too late.
IG: @LauraSamuels8 & @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 12 min
April 01, 2020Losing Two Partners in Six Months: Why Death Isn’t Always Bad | Margot Miller (#8)
What happens when you lose two partners within just six months? For life coach and social media personality Margot Miller (known as the “T-Rex Girl”), the experience reshaped her relationship with grief, sobriety, and the meaning of death itself.
In this episode, Margot shares:
The heartbreaking loss of two partners in such a short time
How sobriety changed her outlook on life and grief
Why she doesn’t view death as a bad thing
How embracing peace with death can transform the way we live
Margot embodies calm, acceptance, and resilience—and her story shows us how to find light, even in the darkest of seasons.
Follow Margot Miller @MargotMillerInc on Instagram and DEAD Talks
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
46 min
March 25, 2020Comedian Gary Leli on Losing His Mother to Lymphoma and Finding Humor in Grief (#7)
How do you turn unimaginable loss into fearless living? Comedian Gary Leli shares the powerful story of losing his mother to lymphoma of the brain, and how her death propelled both his career and his outlook on life.
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Gary opens up about:
The impact of his mother’s death on his comedy and career path
Hilarious stories that keep her memory alive
Lessons on resilience, courage, and living fearlessly
How grief can be transformed into something that inspires others
Gary’s mix of comedy and vulnerability makes this a deeply moving and entertaining conversation about loss, laughter, and legacy.
Check out Gary @GaryLeliComedy 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
1 hr 26 min
March 18, 2020Music Producer Dies in the Studio: Honoring Gabe’s Legacy | Kinfolk Jon & Ben Great (#6)
What happens when tragedy strikes in the very place where creativity thrives? Music producers Kinfolk Jon and Ben Great remember their best friend Gabe, who died suddenly in the recording studio while doing what he loved most—making music.
In this powerful conversation, Jon and Ben share:
Their friendship with Gabe and how music bonded them
The night of his passing and how it changed their lives
How they channel grief into creativity through their music
The lessons Gabe left behind and the legacy he continues to inspire
Through laughter, tears, and raw honesty, they reveal how art becomes a vessel for both grief and healing.
Follow @KinfolkJon & @BenGreat513 for more on this episodes guests.
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
42 min
March 12, 2020Losing Her Sister-in-Law to Suicide at 9 Years Old | Meg Mele (#5)
What does it mean to carry the impact of suicide from childhood into adulthood? At just nine years old, Meg Mele lost her sister-in-law to suicide. Decades later, she reflects on how that loss shaped her journey through grief, clarity, and understanding the emotional stages of life and death.
In this episode, Meg shares:
The lasting impact of losing a loved one to suicide as a child
How she found clarity and strength through grief
The lessons she’s learned about feeling deeply and living fully
How to leverage the emotions of loss to inspire greater living
Her story is both heartbreaking and empowering—offering hope, perspective, and a reminder that grief can be a teacher.
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

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.