9/11 Took My Dad When I Was 12: Grief 25 Years Later with David Kessler (#278)

Twenty-five years after losing his father in the September 11 attacks, DEAD Talks host David Ferrugio sits on the other side of the microphone for one of his most personal conversations yet. World-renowned grief expert David Kessler interviews David about losing his father at just 12 years old, growing up as “the 9/11 kid,” the guilt that followed, and what it means to grieve a death the entire world continues to watch and remember. They explore the memories David has lost—and the ones he has spent years trying to recover—the pressure he felt to become “the man of the house,” how grief changes over decades, and why sadness and joy don't have to be mutually exclusive. David also opens up about the experience that brought his childhood grief full circle when his mother nearly died in 2023, the lessons behind his new book, You’re Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live, and why continuing to live fully can be one of the greatest ways we honor the people we’ve lost. This is a conversation about September 11, grief, loss, trauma, guilt, mortality, legacy, healing, meaning, and what it looks like to keep living when someone you love is gone. You’re Not Dead Yet: How Grief and Loss Can Teach You to Live is available now wherever books are sold. 📖 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