As the nation marks 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001, David Ferrugio continues to live with the loss of his father in the terrorist attacks.

The grief podcaster and author says hearing other people discuss death and loss has transformed his perspective on life.

Ferrugio, author of the new book "You're Not Dead Yet," spoke with Fox News Digital about the grief that remains 25 years after 9/11.

He hosts the "DEAD Talks" podcast, where guests share their experiences with death and loss.

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His father, David Frances Ferrugio, worked at the World Trade Center and was killed in the attacks.

Ferrugio was 12 years old and living in New Jersey when he watched television footage of the towers collapsing and began "breaking down."

"It was like a dividing moment in my memory and my life, because I was one person on September 11th, and then on September 12th, it was a whole new reality I walked into, which inspired what I'm doing." The day became a lasting dividing point in his memory.

For years, Ferrugio kept his emotions inside, but he eventually discovered the value of telling stories about grief.

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That experience now shapes the conversations he has with guests on his podcast.

"Eventually, I got comfortable expressing myself and learning the importance of just sharing [my] story and telling people how I feel and opening up," he said.

Those conversations also helped him identify lessons that have guided him through his own grief.

Ferrugio acknowledged that discussing loss can remain difficult even decades after a traumatic event such as 9/11.

However, he described "embracing the uncomfortable" and talking about grief as "an important piece of this complex puzzle."

Sharing a personal story can provide an emotional release while helping other people feel less alone, he noted.

Ferrugio said he has witnessed how these conversations can make a difference for those who reach out to him.

"Even when I have my days of just not feeling it, I'm reminded by the people who reach out and the way they share their story ... how much it is impacting so many people."

He added that community can be particularly meaningful when many people are experiencing loneliness, whether they are grieving or not.

"I've learned so much through the eyes of others, and I think the storytelling is just so vital."

Ferrugio said fear of judgment can prevent people from telling their stories, even though sharing can bring a sense of "liberation."

More than two decades after the attacks, Ferrugio said his mental health has improved following "a lot of effort."

That effort has included changing how he views both life and death while listening to how other people experience and manage pain.

"It's important to zoom out and realize, ‘I've done this for 25 years, and I'm still here.'"

Ferrugio said grief can influence how people approach life by encouraging them to remain present, accept their emotions and offer themselves grace during difficult periods.

"Ultimately, all these conversations I've had are conversations about grief, but they're really conversations about how we can live this life."

When painful emotions surface, Ferrugio said he allows himself to experience them and then tries to "breathe it out."

"A lot of breath work works wonders for me," he said. "A deep breath is going to do more for you than you think."

Ferrugio also said exercise and time in nature have helped calm his nervous system, although he noted that what works best differs from one person to another. He encouraged looking inward and considering whether a particular approach feels helpful.

He also emphasized allowing moments of happiness to exist alongside grief. "Give yourself permission to feel moments of levity, to feel moments of joy, even if it is for five seconds. … Just take those moments and cherish them, because the contrast of the joy and pain exists for a reason."

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Ferrugio acknowledged that losing his father still causes pain. He urged others connected to that day to recognize everything they have endured and the fact that they remain present.

"For anyone else who's been part of that day, I just hope they look back at the days they've gone through and see that they're still here," he said.

"You're still with us, and you’re still grinding. You're showing up for the people in your life."

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