Episodes

  • What Grieving Children Actually Need — with Rich Schimel (#246)
    Jan 26 2026

    What does grief look like through the eyes of a child?

    In this episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio sits down with Rich Schimel, founder of A Little Hope Foundation, an organization created after 9/11 to support children navigating profound loss.

    With over two decades of experience, Rich shares what actually helps grieving children—and what doesn’t. From the importance of safe, judgment-free spaces to the long-term emotional impact of losing a parent young, this conversation challenges how we think about grief, healing, and support.

    This episode is for:

    • Parents raising grieving children
    • Anyone who lost a parent early in life
    • Those impacted by suicide or overdose loss
    • Anyone who wants to understand grief more honestly

    Grief isn’t something you fix. It’s something you learn to live with.


    For more on Rich Schimel and A Little Hope Foundation: ⁠https://alittlehope.org/⁠


    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠


    Support the Show Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!


    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠


    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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Death Is the Lens That Makes Life Clear with Davide De Pierro (#245)
    Jan 19 2026

    Death changes how we see everything.

    In this episode, David Ferrugio speaks with writer Davide De Pierro about grief, impermanence, faith, doubt, and why loss isn’t just about death — it’s about meaning. Together, they explore how confronting death can clarify how we live, love, and choose purpose in the face of suffering.

    This is a conversation about grief beyond death, about perspective, and about why the awareness of mortality may be the greatest gift we’re given.


    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠


    Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!


    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠


    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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • George Carlin’s Daughter on Grief, Fame, and Losing Her Father (#244)
    Jan 12 2026

    What happens when your father’s death becomes a public event?

    In this deeply moving episode of DEAD Talks Podcast, Kelly Carlin shares the untold story of losing her father and legendary comic, George Carlin, and navigating grief in the spotlight.

    We explore:

    • Public vs private grief
    • Identity after loss
    • Why death can be a turning point, not an ending
    • How grief gives permission to live more truthfully

    For more on Kelly Carlin please check out her podcast, her youtube channel and her courses, retreats and more:

    Courses, retreats and support network

    Kelly's Youtube

    "Humans On The Verge" Podcast

    Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!


    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠

    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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • He Died — And the Ego, Anger, and Identity Never Returned (#243)
    Jan 5 2026

    David A. Williamson had a near-death experience during cardiac arrest that didn’t just change his beliefs — it ended the person he used to be.

    After watching his body die from outside the hospital room, he returned without the anger, fear, and rigid identity that once controlled his life.

    We explore ego death, consciousness, attention, and how a single experience can permanently alter how you relate to the world — and to other people.

    This conversation isn’t about death itself.It’s about what survives when identity falls away.


    For more on today's guest: ⁠David A. Williamson⁠


    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠⁠Submit Your Email⁠⁠


    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠


    Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
  • She Didn’t Believe in Mediums—Until She Became One (#242)
    Dec 29 2025

    What happens when grief unlocks abilities you never believed in?

    In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, a lifelong skeptic shares how losing her grandfather led to full-body apparitions, psychic downloads, and an unexpected awakening into mediumship and spiritual awareness. Alongside this, we explore complex grief, estranged family relationships, addiction, end-of-life reconciliation, and the emotional weight of unfinished love.

    This episode challenges what we think we know about death—and what might continue after it.


    To book a private session with Allison, visit ⁠brainwiggle.com⁠

    Allison shares more of her experiences on social media:

    TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@brain.wiggle⁠

    IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brainwiggle/⁠

    YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@brain.wiggle⁠


    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠


    Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!


    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠


    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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • You Can Learn Intuition: How Mediumship & Awareness Actually Work with Alysa Conger (#241)
    Dec 22 2025

    Intuition isn’t magic — and it isn’t reserved for a few people.

    In this episode of DEAD Talks, we explore how intuition and awareness actually work, using mediumship as a lens to understand how humans perceive information beyond logic and overthinking.

    This conversation breaks down:

    • How intuitive perception shows up (imagery, sensation, “knowing”)
    • How mediumship works without mysticism or dogma
    • Why anxiety and control block intuitive awareness
    • How these abilities are learnable, not exclusive

    This is a grounded conversation about mediumship, intuition, and human consciousness — without fear, hierarchy, or false certainty.

    For more on Alysa visit https://www.hellowhosaidthat.com/Or, follow her on IG @alysamconger

    Watch our first two podcast together below:

    Episode #181 "She Saw Death Before It Happened"

    Episode #215 "Grief, healing and the power of perspective"


    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠

    Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!

    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠

    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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • We Don’t Know How to Deal With Death Anymore – with Paul Koudounaris (#240)
    Dec 15 2025

    Why does modern society avoid death—and what is it costing us?

    In this episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio speaks with Paul Koudounaris, renowned art historian and author of Memento Mori, about how different cultures around the world honor the dead, why the West struggles with grief, and why pet loss is one of the most misunderstood forms of mourning.

    From mummy rituals and skull festivals to Buddhist animal funerals, Paul shares how ritual—not avoidance—helps people heal. This conversation reframes death as connection, not fear.

    A must-listen for anyone navigating grief, loss, or curiosity about death.

    For more on Paul Koudounaris: https://www.instagram.com/hexenkult/

    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠


    Support the ShowJoin the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 to support the mission—and get episodes early & ad-free!


    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠


    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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • What She Saw After Dying in Surgery (NDE) #239
    Dec 8 2025

    In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, Tricia shares her real near-death experience after being clinically dead during surgery following a devastating car accident. She describes leaving her body, watching doctors operate on her, encountering angels and divine light, traveling through space, and feeling the pull of prayers from her loved ones.

    Tricia reveals what she believes happens after death, how her experience reshaped her understanding of God, fear, love, and consciousness — and why she believes life continues beyond the body.

    This episode explores:

    Near-death experiences • The afterlife • Life after death • Reincarnation • Spiritual awakening • Soul purpose • Consciousness • Grief & healing

    For more on Tricia Barker:

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

    Website: ⁠https://triciabarkernde.com/⁠

    Sign Up For E-Mail Updates like book releases and news here > ⁠Submit Your Email⁠

    If you're looking for Grief Support check out our new Grief Journey App

    ⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠


    Support the Show Join the ⁠DEAD Talks Patreon⁠ for just $2 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 Talks⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins