9/11 Kids: Losing Our Fathers and Growing Up With Grief with Katie Pereira (#277)

David sits down with Katie Pereira for a deeply personal conversation between two people who both lost their fathers on September 11, 2001. Katie was just seven years old when her father, Franco Lalama, was killed in the World Trade Center. David was twelve when he lost his father that same morning. Twenty-five years later, they compare what it was like growing up as “9/11 kids,” living with such a public loss, watching the footage, approaching the anniversary each year, and grieving all the memories with their fathers they never got to make. They also talk about childhood trauma, dark humor, the strange guilt and gratitude that can coexist with grief, how losing a parent changes the way you see life, and why Katie still finds herself watching 9/11 footage hoping she might somehow catch one last glimpse of her dad. Katie also shares how Comfort Zone Camp helped give her childhood back after loss—and how she eventually turned that experience into a career helping grieving children. A raw conversation about 9/11, losing a parent, childhood grief, resilience, and what it means to keep living after the day that changed everything. For more on the incredible organization for grieving children check out Comfort Zone Camp here: https://comfortzonecamp.org/ 📖 You're Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live Learn more and order the book at ⁠⁠DeadTalks.net/Book⁠⁠ Sign Up For E-Mail Updates Here: ⁠https://www.deadtalks.net/signup⁠ 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/cw/deadtalks⁠ Hats, Shirts, Hoodies + More: ⁠https://cottonbureau.com/people/dead-talks⁠ Exclusive Discounts⁠10% off Neurogum⁠ – powered by natural caffeine, L-theanine, and vitamins B6 & B12 to boost focus and energy: ⁠https://neurogum.com/deadtalks⁠ 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 (@deadtalkspodcast)⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices