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

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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.

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