What Grieving Children Actually Need — with Rich Schimel (#246)

2026-01-26

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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...

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/⁠

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⁠www.studio.com/griefjourney⁠

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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.

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