DEAD Talks

123 - Living a 100 Years with Uncle Jack

Born in 1923, Uncle Jack's remarkable 100-year journey has seen him evolve from a boy with a "backyard zoo" through his heroism as a World War II Army Veteran and into the limelight as a Mega Influencer. With over 2 Million followers and growing, Uncle Jack has captured hearts worldwide with his infectious joy, insightful wisdom, and zest for life. Joined by Uncle Jack's nephew, we learn his secrets to longevity, his experience with death, and his perspectives on dying, and we get to learn from a man who just turned 100 years old. 
Ask Uncle Jack: 100 Years of Wisdom (launched September 26, 2023 everywhere books are sold)
 
Website (book also can be purchased from Amazon, Target, Good Reads, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
 
Follow Uncle Jack and learn more here: https://linktr.ee/askunclejack
 
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, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

122 - Living by Paradox: Embracing Grief and Inspiration with Sah D’Simone

This episode of the DEAD Talks podcast delves into the societal discomfort and avoidance surrounding death and grief. Sah D'Simone talks about how our society does not know how to talk about or address these topics, which creates difficulties for individuals when they experience loss. This episode highlight the logistical challenges that accompany grieving, such as handling the deceased's affairs and the financial burden of funeral expenses. Sah D'Simone calls for a more open and normalized conversation about death, advocating for education on mortality and better preparation for end-of-life processes.
 
Connect with Sah D'Simone 
https://shor.by/sahdsimone
https://www.tiktok.com/@sahdsimone
https://www.instagram.com/sahdsimone
https://www.facebook.com/sah.dsimone/
 
[00:01:10] Grieving and returning to work.
[00:04:19] Normalizing humanizing death.
[00:08:40] Trauma-informed care in hospitals.
[00:11:03] Mortality consciousness and letting go.
[00:15:20] Letting go process.
[00:19:10] Drop the stories, embrace feelings.
[00:23:22] Processing and releasing emotions.
[00:26:09] Processing the past and emotions.
[00:30:18] Somatic Activated Healing.
[00:33:44] Blue Zones.
[00:37:32] Peaceful transitions in hospitals.
[00:42:55] Confusion and disassociation.
[00:44:27] The paradox of grief.
[00:49:13] Rejecting deep feelings in society.
[00:53:25] Dismantling systems of oppression.
[00:55:39] Creating opportunity to fall apart.

121 - Losing her Father and Finding Perspective| Gabby Reece

Gabby Reece is a former professional beach volleyball player and inspirational health and fitness leader, podcast host, corporate speaker, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. She joins the podcast to share the heartbreaking and inspiring story of how she lost her father when she was 5-years old in a fafa plane crash. Gabby discusses how she didn't grow up with her father, her methods of healing, perspectives of Grief and how it's all driven her life and success. I had a blast chatting with her as she's not only incredibly helpful - she's hilarious.
 
Check out her own podcast, The Gabby Reece Show on your favorite podcast platform: https://gabriellereece.com/podcast/
 
https://gabriellereece.com
 
https://instagram.com/gabbyreece(@gabbyreece)

120 - Inside the minds of being a Hospice Nurse | Nurse Julie & Nurse Penny

Hospice Nurses Julie and Penny, teach about Death, Dying, and Hospice. This episode aims to discuss death in a way that reduces the fear of death and dying. Hospice Nurse Julie and Hospice Nurse Penny educate and entertain with a heavy emphasis on "entertain". They make this conversation fun and interesting and offer insights into what it's like being a Hospice Nurse, the misconceptions, and powerful stories around those at the end of their life. 
For more on Hospice Nurse Julie visit www.hospicenursejulie.com
For more on Hospice Nurse Penny visit https://linktr.ee/Hospicenursepenny
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
 

119 - Bryan Callen on DEAD Talks | Bryan Callen

Bryan Callen is an American actor, comedian, and podcaster. In addition to co-hosting The Fighter & The Kid, Callen is known for being a regular guest on other popular podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience and Fight Companion. In this episode of DEAD Talks Podcast Bryan Callen talks about how he thinks a lot about spirituality and what it takes to get through this thing called life including grief and loss. This was a hilarious episode with one of the best stand-up comics in the game. Get ready for deep insights and plenty of laughs. 
For Bryan Callen tour dates and more check out: https://beacons.ai/bryancallen
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
 

118 - Death Is A Catalyst | Blake Kasemeier

In 2018, Blake experienced the heartbreaking loss of his mother due to a short yet intense battle with lung cancer. This event motivated him to embark on a personal journey of reflection, creating a profound nine-part podcast series titled "Good Grief." Blake eloquently captures this series's intricate emotional landscape of dealing with loss. Remarkably, even four years after the final episode's release, the podcast continues to garner hundreds of monthly listeners, serving as a testament to its enduring impact.
Blake Kasemeier skillfully weaves narratives touching upon various themes such as parenthood, the grieving process, the complexities of growing up, and the moments when these aspects intersect. In 2022, Blake expanded his creative reach by sharing his stories on TikTok. What followed was an unexpected and remarkable journey, as he garnered a devoted following from both parents and the children of parents worldwide, solidifying his presence in the hearts and minds of a diverse online audience.
 
Follow Blake: https://www.tiktok.com/@blakeoftoday https://www.instagram.com/blakeoftoday/
 
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, Instagram, TikTok and more.
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

117 - The Emotional Tides of Grief | Yasmine Aker

Grief comes in waves, and Yasmine Aker knows how to bring a sense of composure to death. Her story starts with a spiritual near-death-like experience that shaped her concept of spirituality, heaven, hell, and whatever happens after we die. Even more bizarre was what happened after she lost her father, which came with unusual hallucinations and a unique grieving process. Yasmine Aker is an actor on Good Trouble and has been seen on the TV series FBI and many more.
For more on our guest Yasmine Aker, follow her on Instagram @iamyasi
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

116 - Losing a father who wasn’t in her life | Jessica Singleton

Her father abandoned her at a young age and she later saw him on his deathbed. Stand-up comic Jessica Singleton shares her complicated grief journey convoluted with abandonment by her father and a unique family dynamic, from being left at a Waffle House by her father, forgiving him on his deathbed, grief, acceptance work, and working through all her trauma. 
Check out Jessica Singleton across social media for her comedy dates and more: https://linktr.ee/jmscomedy
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
 
 

115 - How Humor, Grief and Loss Go Together | Nick Simmons

Hilarious stand-up comedian, Nick Simmons, steps up to DEAD Talks to share his experience losing his mother to cancer when he was 17. The balance of comedy and real talk was masterful. His incredible mother got cancer when he was 11 and fought for years despite being told she had 6 months to live. Nick shares raw comedic honesty making this a fun and entertaining conversation with real grief expression including how this experience fueled his Comedy career. You've seen Nick Simmons on CBS and opening for Bryan Callen.
Follow Nick Simmons on Instagram @NotNickSimmons
For more links to Nick and to see his tour dates CLICK HERE
 
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

114 - Dear Parents | Natalie Weaver

Natalie Weaver is the founder of Sophia's Voice, an organization that supports people with disabilities, caregivers, and the work of disability rights activists. She lost her daughter, Sophia, who passed away in May 2019. In this episode we discussed her grief journey, the grief of a mother to child loss and all that comes with it. Natalie raises awareness about the importance of healthcare for medically complex children, fights to hold social media giants accountable for protecting the disability community online, and shares a glimpse into her life to normalize facial differences and profound disabilities. Natalie started Sophia's Voice in honor of her daughter Sophia, who was born with facial differences and multiple disabilities. Natalie has continued her work to honor the memory of Sophia and the powerful impact she had on this world. 
@nataliecweaver
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

113 - Grief Just Happens | Laura Shepard

Laura Shepard was at the lowest point of her whole life when she got the call her father died due to a blood clot. She shares her story of Grief and Loss of losing a parent which includes all the things you don’t normally think about with Grief. We also discussed how she’s been able to heal and how loss has restarted her path as a comedian. This is a light hearted episode with incredibly hilarious stories about her grief journey and the realistic aspects of mourning.
For more on Laura Shepard check her out on Instagram ⁠@laurashepard.pdf⁠ or ⁠https://linktr.ee/laurashep⁠
 
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.
⁠⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠⁠
⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠⁠

112 - Surviving A Plane Crash, Spirituality & Grief | Marci Burton

Marci Burton survived a terrifying plane crash in the Mountains of Kodiak, Alaska with 4 others including her son while she was pregnant with her daughter. She explained they were the only Bush Plane to survived a plane crash in Alaskan history. Marci explains some other spiritual intervention prior to the flight regarding her mother that she lost and has had to Grieve. This was an engaging conversation of survival, grief and loss of a mother and some paranormal/spiritual experiences that she's tried to understand.
Full Episode on YouTube To Watch: https://youtu.be/oGsV28B4Yhg 
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.
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

111 - Three Siblings Talk About Their Grief | My Sisters

I spoke with my sisters on the loss of our father on September 11th. We sat down as brother and sisters to talk about their Grief as young women and the family dynamic with our loss. Both my sisters handled the loss of our father in two completely different ways. I got a chance to hear their perspective on how I was as a kid including memories I don't recall. This was a beautiful sibling conversation about grief and loss and how it brought us so much closer as a family. A very important episode to me and this podcast. 
 
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.
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

110 - Grieving With My Mother | My Mom

Grieving with my mother. My mom joins DEAD Talks for the first time to share her grief and loss of her husband (and my father) on September 11th. This is a very important episode for me as it encompasses the purpose of this podcast and the woman who got me through it all. My mom remembers that day on 9/11, how she grieved, how she dealt with grieving children and being a widow. The strength and love that lead my mother to today is incredible and I am unbelievably proud of her.
 
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.
 
⁠⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠⁠
⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

109 - End of life encounters in Hospice | Nurse Hadley

Hospice Nurse Hadley tells the end-of-life stories of her Hospice patients that include seeing their deceased loved ones. Hadley also speaks on how a significant death she had to grieve in her life inspired the rest of her life and how this event completely shifted her religious beliefs. She just released her first book "The In-Between" which shows that end-of-life care can teach us as much about how to life as it does about how we die. 
Purchase "The In-Between" here
Follow Nurse Hadley on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. 
 
Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
 
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.

108 - Take Laughter Seriously | Craig Shoemaker

Kidnapping, Cults, dying, grieving and all things Mental Health. This incredibly entertaining episode filled with ways to laugh your way through life with Craig Shoemaker. Craig is a stand-up comic, speaker and a coach where he’s applied humor as a way of healing. Known for his decades in show business having been named Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic at the American Comedy Awards along with two Emmy Awards. His coaching program includes methods that he demonstrates in this incredibly fun and insightful episode. Craig shares all of the trauma’s he’s had in his life including grief and loss and how he’s overcome them all.
For more on Craig Shoemaker including his coaching program please visit www.craigshoemaker.com
@officialcraigshoemaker on Instagram
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.
 
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

107 - How you can deal with Grief | What’s Your Grief?

Grief Therapist and Co-Founder of ‘What’s Your Grief?’ which serves 5 million + people promoting grief education and grief resources joins DEAD Talks Podcast. Litsa Williams shares practical ways of living with grief whether it’s your grief or someone else’s in your life. This episode covers variations of the grief process including anxiety, guilt, how you can approach someone grieving and trauma's that include unexpected death.
Visit ⁠www.whatsyourgrief.com⁠ or whatsyourgrief.campsite.bio for more information on their amazing platform.
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.
⁠⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠⁠
⁠⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠

106 - Proving Near-Death Experiences | Dr. Eben Alexander

The near-death experience of Dr. Eben Alexander who spent over 25 years as an academic neurosurgeon and author of Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife. In the predawn hours of November 10, 2008, he was driven into coma by a rare and mysterious bacterial meningo-encephalitis of unknown cause that put him into a 7-day coma. Memories of his life had been completely deleted inside of the coma, yet he awoke with memories of a fantastic odyssey deep into another realm – more real than this earthly one. Dr. Eben Alexander discusses how we are conscious in spite of our brain, the lessons he learned from his near-death experience and how he's bridging the gap between science and spirituality.
For more on Dr. Eben Alexander please visit ⁠www.ebenalexander.com⁠
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.
⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠
⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠
 

105 - Good Mourning: Honest conversations about grief and loss | Sally Douglas & Imogen Carn

Creators of a Grief Podcast called the Good Mourning Podcast, Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn, both lost their moms only months apart. Im lost her mother to suicide and Sally’s mother died from a seizure in her sleep. This episode is filled with amazing lessons on how to grieve, their personal grief journey and plenty of laughs to cope. Along with loss and grief they shared their feelings of guilt, anxiety, an incredible story about seeing a psychic medium and practical ways that help your grieving. These two wonderful women discuss grieving in a way that brings support and humor around this discussion in a way that is healing. These women are amazing. 
They have a new book called “Honest Conversations About Grief and Loss”
Go have a listen and check out their amazing grief podcast, Good Mourning Podcast.
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.
www.deadtalks.net

104 - Social Death vs. Biological Death | Conscious Lee

Conscious Lee joins DEAD Talks to discuss Social Death vs Biological Death as it pertains to being Black in America. We discussed how death shaped his life and took a different angle around living with no value vs. biological death. With over 2 million followers on social media, as well as being named in YouTube Black Voice Creator Class of 2022 “TheConsciousLee” has a virtual presence that impacts many. This intellectual debating, hip hop dancing, thought-provoking, and workshop facilitating keynote speaker proves that Black intellectuals don’t have to play respectability politics to deliver a message that resonates. Conscious has over 8 years of experience in education and over 5 years of experience in consulting.
For more on Conscious Lee: https://snipfeed.co/theconsciouslee
Follow @DEADTalkspodcast on Instagram & @DEADTalkspodcast on TikTok. 
Subscribe to DEAD Talks on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify & more. 
 
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.
www.deadtalks.net