Sharp Tongue

EPISODE 28: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE | Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden Dying Laughing  with Jessimae Palliative care and hospice nurse Julie McFadden joins Dying Laughing for a calm, honest conversation about death, dying, and what actually matters at the end of life. Jess and Julie break down the real difference between palliative care and hospice, the biggest misconceptions around both, and why a comfortable death is often tied to privilege, access, and timing. They discuss what dying usually looks like in real life, how families can unintentionally make things harder, and what actually helps loved ones die with more dignity and grace. They also explore why death itself is often less scary than we imagine and close with a thoughtful reflection on what may happen to us on a spiritual level when we die. This episode is meant to reduce fear, offer clarity, and help listeners feel more prepared, not just for death, but for living.

EPISODE 27: THE ANGER STAGE OF GRIEF EXPLAINED Dying Laughing with Jessimae  Anger gets a bad reputation, but it’s usually trying to tell you something. In this episode, I dig into the anger stage of grief and why anger is rarely about what we think it’s about. We talk about how anger often comes from older, unprocessed pain, how it shows up as control, resentment, or “making deals with the universe,” and why ignoring it usually makes everything worse. I also break down famous angry pop culture characters, why we relate to them, and what they reveal about how society handles rage. Plus, I read listener submissions about the things that make them the most angry, from the deeply personal to the hilariously unhinged. This episode is honest, funny, and uncomfortable in the best way, because anger isn’t the problem. Avoiding it is. ALAN WATTS on ANGER: https://youtu.be/Jd-lUSbMJAA?si=-LmdLE4VxiMSHKfV

EPISODE 26: Why Humans Can’t Let Go of Reality Dying Laughing with Jessimae  We’re terrible at endings. We don’t accept them, we negotiate with them. We upgrade them. We keep poking them like, “Are you sure sure?” This episode is about humans refusing finality and the wildly different ways that impulse shows up in real life. From Tom Brady cloning his dog, to a woman writing her own obituary, to a dad scheduling flowers from beyond the grave, to biology reminding us it does not negotiate, and finally to what happens when refusing to let go crosses an actual line, it’s the same reality, the same discomfort, and very different coping skills. It’s funny, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s extremely human.

EPISODE 25: 20 LIFE LESSONS FROM 2025: Wine, Dogs, And the State of Play. Dying Laughing with Jessimae In Episode 25 of Dying Laughing, Jessimae reflects on the lessons of 2025 through a mix of pop culture moments and personal growth. She touches on everything from Katy Perry going to outer space and the film Sinners dominating the box office to Erika Kirk’s weird "grief centered" world tour. From there, the episode dives into the lessons the year delivered including letting go, taking responsibility for healing, the grounding power of dogs, loss as a deeper understanding of love, self care as a non negotiable, manifestation as real life magic, wine as therapy, and why play remains the true home of joy. This episode is reflective, funny, and grounding and offers a reminder that growth often comes from both chaos and connection.

EPISODE 24: DYING LAUGHING'S HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE: CHRISTMAS EDITION Dying Laughing with Jessimae The holidays come with a lot of pressure to spend, perform, and recreate traditions exactly the way they’ve always been done. In this episode, Jessimae offers a different approach. Recorded with her niece in studio, Dying Laughing’s Holiday Survival Guide: Christmas Edition is about ditching perfection and making Christmas fun and weird instead. Jessimae shares practical ways to lower expectations, break old rules, and find joy without overspending or emotionally spiraling. This episode is a reminder that you don’t owe anyone a perfect holiday...you just deserve one that doesn’t make you miserable.

EPISODE 23: THE GRIEF OF JOY | JESSIMAE PELUSO Dying Laughing with Jessimae This episode explores what happens when joy and grief collide. In a week marked by devastating headlines including the mass shooting in Bondi and the loss of cultural icon Rob Reiner, Jessimae found herself coming off one of the most joyful comedy weekends of her career, and sitting with an uncomfortable question: Am I allowed to feel good right now? The Grief of Joy is a grounded, honest reflection on emotional whiplash, collective grief, and the guilt that can come with happiness during hard times. Jessimae unpacks why laughter isn’t denial or disrespect, but a vital form of regulation and survival and how learning to hold both sorrow and joy is part of emotional adulthood. This episode is about honoring loss without shrinking joy, and allowing relief to exist without apology when the world feels heavy.

EPISODE 22: DYING LAUGHING'S HOLIDAY SURVIVAL — THANKSGIVING EDITION Dying Laughing with Jessimae In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jessimae Peluso returns to her hometown of Syracuse, NY to share a comedic and heartfelt Holiday Survival Guide. From family dynamics and childhood nostalgia to managing grief during the holidays, this episode blends humor, honesty, and practical emotional tools. Jessimae covers micro-joys, boundary-setting, holiday triggers, and the surprising science behind gratitude, drawing from researchers like Dr. Robert Emmons (UC Davis), Sue Johnson, and Amir Levine. She also offers coping strategies for political conversations, unsolicited questions, and the chaotic energy of Thanksgiving Eve - the biggest bar night of the year. A warm, relatable, and laugh-out-loud guide for anyone navigating the complexity of the holidays.

EPISODE 21: FEAR & LOAFING — HOW GRIEF CONSUMES YOU Dying Laughing with Jessimae In this rereleased episode,  (Part 6 of Grief Survival Guide miniseries) Fear & Loafing: How Grief Consumes You, Jessimae opens up about the ways she coped after losing both of her parents — from emotional eating and drinking to feeling unmotivated, inconsistent, and overwhelmed by fear. She explores how indulgence can become both a comfort and a cost during grief, and how loss can shift from agony into transformation through emotional excavation and self-awareness. If you've ever coped with grief through food, alcohol, avoidance, or anything in between, this honest and relatable episode will resonate deeply.

EPISODE 20: THE LANGUAGE OF LOSS Dying Laughing with Jessimae This episode is about the hardest gift we ever give — letting go. Jessimae shares what she learned from planning her dog Carlin’s last day: how she knew it was time, the choice between home or hospital, and how even grief has its own language. It’s tender, funny, and full of love because that’s what Carlin gave her every single day.

EPISODE 19: Hunger & Jealousy — How Grief Eats at You In this rereleased episode from The Stages of Grief series, Jessimae dives into the emotional appetite of loss — that weird, hollow feeling that’s part sadness, part starvation. She explores how grief can make you feel insatiable, jealous, and constantly searching for something to fill the space that loss leaves behind. From emotional eating to envy scrolling, she breaks down how grief doesn’t just hurt your heart — it hijacks your hunger. Jessimae also shares how cannabis became part of her healing journey, helping her process pain, stay present, and rediscover moments of peace and humor in between the heaviness. It’s raw, honest, and surprisingly relatable — because sometimes grief doesn’t just break you; it gives you the munchies.

EPISODE 18: Life Lessons From My Pitbull : Saying Goodbye to a Pet This episode is a love letter to my dog, Carlin Joseph Peluso, the happiest pitbull on Earth and the longest relationship I’ve ever had. As I prepare to say goodbye, I reflect on the weird, beautiful process of anticipatory grief and the lessons he’s taught me about loyalty, joy, and letting go. It’s funny, raw, and full of love because that’s what he gave me every single day. In this episode, I share:– What it’s like to prepare for loss before it happens– What pets teach us about love, trust, and living in the moment– Why every new loss is a chance to release an old one– The joy and chaos of owning a pitbull– And how to find laughter, even in heartbreak

EPISODE 17: Max Lugavere on Dementia, Diet & the Science of Healing Dying Laughing with Jessimae (rereleased episode from December 2020) Max shares his deeply personal journey through his mother’s diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia, how it changed his family, and the relentless reality of caring for someone with a degenerative disease. Together, they unpack the emotional toll of dementia, the beauty and pain of end-of-life preparations, and the moments of unexpected kindness that help us survive it. They also nerd out on the science:– How nutrition impacts brain health and longevity– The truth about “anti-aging” and foods to avoid– The power of sleep, music, and connection in healing– And how to care for your brain before it’s too late It’s heartfelt, educational, and filled with moments of laughter — proof that grief and growth can coexist.

EPISODE 16: My Dead Dad’s Birthday: Chicken Riggies & Remembrance Dying Laughing with Jessimae Today would’ve been my dad’s birthday, and instead of ignoring the day—or crying into a store-bought cupcake—I decided to celebrate him the best way I know how: by telling stories, roasting his quirks, and making chicken riggies for my family. It's an Upstate thing! In this episode, I share memories of my dad and reflect on the weirdness of celebrating a birthday for someone who’s no longer here. We talk about the chaos of grief birthdays, why food is the ultimate love language in an Italian family, and the ways you can honor your own loved one on their special day—even after they’re gone. You’ll hear:– A “Roast in Peace” of my dad’s funniest quirks– Why grief birthdays are equal parts heartbreaking and healing– 6 ways to celebrate someone you’ve lost on their birthday– And why carbs, candles, and comedy are the only real grief plan you need So happy birthday, Dad. You’re still here every time we laugh, rem

EPISODE 15: The Stages of Grief: Sadness & Shopping  Dying Laughing with Jessimae (Rereleased episode from 2020) In this rereleased episode—recorded just weeks after my mom passed—I tried to make sense of the unthinkable by doing what any grieving comedian-slash-daughter might do: I put the fun in orphan. This is one of the first raw reflections I recorded post-loss, and it’s full of emotional spirals, weird shopping habits, and unexpected breakthroughs. I talk about the panic and disorientation that comes with becoming an adult orphan, the grief glow-up no one asks for, and how loss forces you to transform—whether you’re ready or not. You’ll hear: Why your mood can dictate your style How grief shows up in your body Ways to connect with loved ones after they’re gone How nature heals sadness 5 surprisingly helpful ways to deal with uncertainty And how to feel grief through all five senses This episode was part of my personal Stages of Grief before we even broke down

EPISODE 14: THE BIRTHDAY GRIEF GUIDE Dying Laughing with Jessimae What happens when your birthday rolls around… and your parents aren’t here to call, guilt-trip, or send a check? In this episode, Jessimae offers a brutally honest and hilarious guide to aging while grieving. From the Ghosts of Birthdays Past (Chuck E. Cheese, roulette, and Champagne from Truffle Shuffle), to Aging While Orphaned (no backup, no birthday boxes, no one to lovingly tell you you look tired), this episode is for anyone who’s ever cried in the tub with candles and a cupcake. We also share a sarcastic wish list in Gifts I Wish I Got, and send some love to our beloved Grief Gang with a few heartfelt birthday wishes. It’s a little sad, a little silly, and full of the emotional chaos that comes with grieving another year older.

EPISODE 13: The Stages of Grief: Pain & Guilt Dying Laughing with Jessimae In this episode of Dying Laughing, Jessimae unpacks one of the heaviest stages of grief: pain and guilt. Recording from her sister’s garage, she reflects on her own guilt around not being there when either of her parents passed, and the obsessive cycle of woulda’s, coulda’s, and shoulda’s that so often follow us through this stage of grief after loss. She also shares listener submissions about the guilt of missing funerals, making the impossible choice to remove someone from life support, and even yelling at their dogs. Through honesty and humor, Jessimae shows how guilt can teach us something...if we don’t let it linger forever.

EPISODE 12: The Struggle Is Real Dying Laughing with Jessimae In this episode of Dying Laughing, Jessimae takes on the messy, universal theme of struggle and proves it doesn’t have to define us. She answers fan-submitted questions about everything from navigating suicide loss, to the challenges of single parenting, to what it feels like to believe you’re unworthy of love. Jessimae also opens up about her own battles with acne, loss, and the heavy days that shaped her and finds the humor and light tucked inside the hard stuff. Along the way, her sister makes a quick (and hilarious) appearance, reminding us that sometimes the best medicine for struggle is connection. This one’s real, raw, and ultimately hopeful - a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone in it.

EPISODE 11: THE STAGES OF GRIEF: DAY DRINKING In this throwback episode, I'm taking you back to 2020, just weeks after my mom died. I recorded this in my sister’s backyard with a Yeti cup full of red wine, a little weed, and a whole lot of shock and anger. I talk about what it felt like to face my mom’s birthday after losing her, the fog of grief brain, how we distract ourselves from pain, and the strange mix of heartbreak and release that comes with loss. It’s messy, unpolished, and painfully real but that’s grief. And if you’re in the thick of it, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. Kurt Vonnegut quote: "Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." Dying Laughing Sad B!tch Spotify playlist:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oEPcojn4F8tAl93m7O8dm?si=XvGd7MXASIyUh5qSIFUcmQ&pi=fzUNvYr0SP2oG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL/TEXT US: 513-916-0930 EMAIL: JessimaePelusoComedy@gmail.com Outro music: Breathe by Two Person Sex Cult FOR MORE

EPISODE 10: The Deaths We Don’t Bury with Kyle Creek (aka The Captain) Dying Laughing with Jessimae Peluso Not all grief comes with a casket. In this episode, Jessimae sits down with writer and provocateur Kyle Creek. better known as The Captain to talk about the invisible deaths we carry: identity shifts, old selves, broken dreams, and relationships that died without closure.  We also discuss the death of parts of the self in order to prepare for brute change that comes with parenthood. They dive into the losses that don’t get eulogies, the parts of ourselves we had to kill to survive, and why trying to resurrect the past usually ends in emotional zombie mode. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever grieved something silently without thoughts and prayers, condolences, or closure.  They discuss ego death and becoming someone new Masculinity, fatherhood, and letting go of who you thought you'd be.

Bonus Episode 9: Denial (From the Grief Survival Guide) Dying Laughing with Jessimae In this bonus throwback episode from Jessimae’s Sharp Tongue's Grief Survival Guide miniseries, we dig into the first stage of grief: Denial. Recorded shortly after losing her mom, Jessimae reflects on what it feels like when reality just won’t sink in...the suspended state of disbelief, the way grief slows you down, and how talking about a loved one in the past tense can feel impossible. From crying in unexpected places, to realizing that “grief brain” is real, to learning how to actually listen to your body, she shares the rawest truths from the earliest days of her loss. This isn’t a clean, polished version of grief - it’s messy, tender, and brutally human. And it’s a reminder that self-care isn’t optional when your world has been cracked open. Dying Laughing Sad B!tch Spotify playlist:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oEPcojn4F8tAl93m7O8dm?si=XvGd7MXASIyUh5qSIFUcmQ&pi=fzUNvYr0SP2oG⁠⁠⁠⁠ CALL/TEXT US: 513-916