Learning From Grief - David Ferrugio On Memory, Meaning, And Moving Forward

For many, September 11th is a shared, historical tragedy. But for today's guest, it is a personal anniversary - the day his father died.

David Ferrugio was twelve years old when his dad was killed in the World Trade Center. Twenty-five years later, his grief continues to unfold - from recently sitting with his father's forensic file at the 9/11 Memorial to hosting his own podcast, DEAD Talks, where he invites people into honest conversations about death, grief, and what it means to keep living. 

In this conversation, David reflects on carrying his private grief through such a public loss. We talk about what it was like to be so young when his dad died, the memories he's held onto, and the new stories he's discovered through other people who also knew his father. 

David talks about the ways grief found expression before he had words for it - from watching footage of the attacks over and over, to blasting Linkin Park while wearing himself out with a punching bag, to eventually finding his voice through podcasting and writing. 

We discuss:

• What he remembers about 9/11 and getting the news his father died 
• Sitting with his father's forensic file twenty-five years later  
• Carrying personal grief through a public tragedy
• How memory, trauma, and grief intersect
• Finding connection through stories about the person who died  
• Why grief doesn't always begin with words 
• The role of movement, music, humor, and curiosity in living with grief 
• What talking with hundreds of people about grief has taught David about compassion, uncertainty, and hope  

Learn more about David, his podcast DEAD Talks, and his upcoming book, You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live. 

Note: This episode contains some salty language. Listen with care.