DEAD Talks

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:

Lessons on resilience, death, and living fully

For more on Harrison Skopes: @hskopes

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!

Merch

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 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 (non-graphic, recovery-focused).

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!

Merch

“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 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 forgotten memorial purpose of his zoo, and his hope to share his true story with the world.

🎙 DEAD Talks is the podcast that normalizes conversations about death, grief, and the afterlife. Each episode uncovers the lessons hidden in loss and the meaning we can take from it.

Follow DEAD Talks for more powerful episodes on grief, loss, and the truths we usually keep hidden.

Disclaimer: The following conversation was recorded with Joe Exotic with his full knowledge and consent. The views and opinions expressed are solely his and do not necessarily reflect those of the DEAD Talks Podcast or its host. Nothing in this episode should be taken as legal advice, factual findings, or endorsements regarding his case.

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!

Merch

“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

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 fears death. David Ferrugio and Colin dive into how time doesn’t always heal, the guilt that comes with loss, and how choosing meaning can reshape grief.

If you’ve ever wondered about signs from loved ones or how to live lighter after loss, this conversation will move you, make you laugh, and maybe even make you believe.

👉 Follow DEAD Talks for weekly conversations on grief, death, healing, and the afterlife.

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!

Merch

“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

What if your dead mom kept sending you signs? From an impossible phone call on Mother’s Day to strange synchronicities and powerful moments of connection, Colin Havey shares the unbelievable stories that changed his beliefs about grief, love, and the afterlife. This episode of DEAD Talks explores how signs from those we’ve lost can reshape the way we live.

Guest: @colinhavey

Support the Show:

Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/c/deadtalks?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks

Exclusive Discounts

 10 % of Neurogum powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: https://neurogum.com/?utm_commission=deadtalkspodcast&platform=grin&link_id=1654933&token=WtumfL5E9dMY2DxZOVhMDDU7Z1f0OkyV&contact_id=8c837874-1ae8-4097-96fb-4809bfd0b22f&attribution_window=30

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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_jnuH15XMk2Vx_7_-aIAw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeadTalkingPodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadtalkspodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadtalkspodcast

Website: https://www.deadtalks.net/

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:

🎧 Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.

Support the Show
Join the DEAD Talks Patreon for just $5 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!

Merch

 “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

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:

For more on Rabbi Manis Friedman CLICK HERE

Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or simply curious about life after death, this episode will make you think differently about existence, grief, and what it means to truly live.

🔥 Watch until the end — Rabbi Friedman reveals a powerful perspective on grief, heaven, and why we should stop believing in death.

Support the show for $5:

Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!

MERCH:

"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠

DISCOUNTS:

⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. 

ABOUT:

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. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠

Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠

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

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 wondered how to rebuild a meaningful life after tragedy, this conversation offers both comfort and inspiration.

Support the show for $5:

Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!

MERCH:

"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠

DISCOUNTS:

⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. 

ABOUT:

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. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠

Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠

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

📚 Books by Anita Moorjani: Dying to Be Me, What If This Is Heaven?, Sensitive Is the New Strong

Support the show for $5:

Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!

MERCH:

"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠

DISCOUNTS:

⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. 

ABOUT:

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. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠

Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠

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

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 spirit, Patricia has turned grief into activism—using art, storytelling, and powerful campaigns to raise awareness about gun violence and support families facing the same heartbreak.

In this conversation, Patricia reflects on:

This episode is a powerful reminder of how love, loss, and resilience can fuel lasting change.

Change The RefLush Sonflower Bath Bomb Fund Raising

Support the show for $5:

Join the ⁠⁠DEAD Talk Patreon⁠⁠ to support our mission and get episodes early and ad free!

MERCH:

"Dead Dad Club" & "Dead Mom Club": ⁠⁠Shop Here⁠⁠

DISCOUNTS:

⁠10% off Neurogum⁠⁠ made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus. 

ABOUT:

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. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠

Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠more⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠⁠

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