consciousness

Dr. Jeffrey Long on Near-Death Experiences and Consciousness

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / Leave a comment

Exploring Consciousness Beyond the Body: An Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Long

Near-death experiences (NDEs) challenge conventional boundaries between mind and brain. Dr. Jeffrey Long—a radiation oncologist, researcher, and founder of the Near Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF)—has compiled thousands of NDE accounts. In our interview, he shared compelling data and insights that elevate the discussion from spiritual anecdote to scientific inquiry.

1. Defining the NDE

Dr. Long defines an NDE as. “A lucid experience associated with perceived consciousness apart from the body occurring at the time of actual or threatened imminent death.” This aligns with NDERF’s standardized classification. This website is used by millions of readers who want to explore research and the specific details of extraordinary near-death experience stories.

2. Large-Scale NDE Data

NDERF hosts more than 5,000 self-reported NDEs—making it the largest database in the world . Notably:

  • Peace and love are the most consistently described feelings.
  • The phenomena cross cultural, religious, and demographic lines .

3. The Bigelow Institute Essay Contest

In 2021, Dr. Long was a runner-up in the prestigious Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS) essay contest, earning a $50,000 award. His submission underscored NDEs as one of the strongest lines of evidence for postmortem consciousness—evaluated by rigorous peer review.

4. Books & Academic Reach

  • Evidence of the Afterlife (2010), his NYT bestseller, introduced NDE as empirical study.
  • God and the Afterlife (2016), co-authored with Paul Perry, explores more than 3,000 cases and identifies universal features—such as encounters with a loving divine presence.

His work is frequently cited by neuroscientists like Mario Beauregard and philosophers such as Raymond Moody.

5. Why This Matters for Consciousness Science

  • Scale and consistency: Thousands of NDEs showing cross-cultural similarities challenge reductionist brain-only models.
  • Peer-reviewed recognition: The Bigelow contest affirms the scientific integrity of NDE data
  • Empirical rigor: Dr. Long applies statistical analysis and large-sample methodologies absent in earlier anecdotal research.

6. Key Insights from My Interview with Dr. Long

A. Quantification of Phenomena
Dr. Long emphasized the importance of moving beyond anecdotes toward patterns that can be tested.

B. Common Themes
Even non-religious participants describe encounters with light, life reviews, and profound peace—suggesting a universal consciousness experience.

C. Implications for Science
According to Dr. Long, these shared phenomenological elements support the hypothesis that consciousness may persist independently of the body.

D. Rigorous Caution
He acknowledges limitations—such as retrospective reporting and clinical ambiguity—but maintains these accounts warrant serious scholarly attention.

7. Next Steps for Academia

  • Large-scale, controlled studies integrating brain monitoring during NDEs.
  • Cross-disciplinary peer-reviewed initiatives, combining neuroscience, philosophy, and phenomenology.
  • Collaborative databases that followup systematically, track aftereffects, and include control groups.

Conclusion

Dr. Jeffrey Long’s blend of clinical rigor, statistical data, and open-minded inquiry makes him a pivotal figure in the scientific exploration of consciousness. His work encourages academic institutions to take NDEs seriously—not as spiritual fluff, but as phenomena that demand disciplined study and methodological respect.

From Information Overload to Awakening

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What if the Information Age became the Enlightenment Age?

Every day, we scroll through facts, headlines, algorithms, and noise. But beneath it all, many of us are quietly searching—not just for information, but for meaning. For truth. For Connection. For a new way of being in community and in business. For something that reminds us we’re more than consumers, more than productivity stats, more than fear.

If love is what matters most from our time here—and I believe it is—then the technology we’ve built should reflect that love. It should connect us to the divine, not distract us from it. Imagine a digital world where more energy is spent spreading peace than outrage. Where our content feeds our souls instead of feeding our anxiety.

Fear is growing—especially among the young. One in three children today meets the criteria for an anxiety disorder. And who can blame them? They see what many adults try to deny: disconnection, environmental destruction, division, and despair. They tell me it feels overwhelming. That they aren’t sure how to help. We need to listen—and learn from them.

Here’s the miracle: they also hold the solution. Many of them are already wired for greater empathy, higher sensitivity, and a longing for truth. They just need guidance—safe space, sacred grounding, and reminders that they are deeply loved and divinely connected.

We all need that.


The Source is still here—in every time, in every generation. It’s as free and accessible as sunlight. No subscription required. And when we tap into it—through nature, meditation, breath, beauty, compassion—we become the light the world needs.

What if every digital scroll was also a blessing?
What if every post was a chance to awaken someone’s heart?
What if love and awakening went viral?

It starts with us. Let this age of information become something greater—an age of intention, insight, and illumination.

And to all the podcasters, YouTubers, healers, and quiet creators who are sharing messages of peace, insight, and love: thank you. You’re helping this shift happen. One story, one interview, one post at a time—you’re offering people something real in a world full of noise.

If this spoke to your heart, share it. Light travels fastest when passed from soul to soul.

The Mysterious Experience of Dying, Healing, and Awakening

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Here are some YouTube Shorts which link to the longer interviews. I love how near-death experiencers discuss the moments they realized they were physically dead but their consciousness continued. They express these moments with awe, humor, wonder, and a reverence for the mysterious nature of dying.

Donna Rebadow is a Mystic, Near-Death Experiencer, former Professor, Sports Medicine Acupuncturist, and host of the “Exploring Consciousness” Podcast. In the summer of 1998, Donna had a Near Death Experience that changed how she viewed herself, the world, and other dimensions. After this experience, Donna started exploring consciousness. Donna taught at the college level in Arizona for 30 years in the areas of Health, Wellness, Psychology, and Alternative Medicine. She opened her own Sports Medicine Acupuncture practice in 2010, which included treating Major League Baseball players, and elite and Olympic athletes. Donna is a humanitarian, musician, former professional athlete, and consciousness adventurer and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with her Wayland Baptist University teammates. https://exploreconsciousness.libsyn.com/

Tommy McDowell had a life-altering near-death experience (NDE) during a prolonged coma. As his body failed, he entered the void—a realm of darkness and silence where he faced profound fear and isolation. But in his moment of deepest despair, a presence emerged—pure Goodness, infinite love, and overwhelming peace. A seasoned executive leader in the tech industry, U.S. Army veteran, Tommy’s experience shattered his worldview and revealed a divine presence beyond anything he had ever imagined. Join us as Tommy shares his incredible story. If you want to contact him, here is his email address. tommyleemcdowell@icloud.com

Mike Dinkel is a near-death experiencer (NDEr) and a gifted healer, channel, and psychic. In this interview, we discussed his near-death experience (NDE) and the profound spiritual insights he gained from his near-death experience as a very young child. Mike shares his incredible journey and how it led him to develop a unique approach to healing, energy work, and intuitive guidance. At the end of our conversation, Mike channels wisdom for all of us, offering a transformative message filled with healing and higher consciousness. His work includes CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, SomatoEmotional Release, Hands-On Healing, Vocal Toning Therapy, and more—all designed to help both people and animals find deep healing. In the full episode, he also talks about some work as a rescue medium. In this experience, he worked with an earthbound soul who believed she would be punished for having an abortion. When we approach the topic of abortion with spiritual maturity, we move beyond punishment and into healing. God does not seek to trap souls in guilt but to uplift them in truth. No matter where you stand, let’s move away from shame and toward understanding. Let’s create space for compassion—for the living and for those who have passed. Because in the end, love is what sets us free. Learn more about Mike Dinkel and his healing work: 🌐 MikeDinkel.com 

Victoria Beaumont shared the profound impact of her spiritually transformative experiences. A life-changing event in her 20s opened her up to energetic connections with loved ones on the other side and unveiled spiritual gifts. As a successful singer and music producer, she blends pop with meditation music while researching consciousness and spirituality. Discover how these experiences have shaped both their lives, including insights into angelic encounters and mediumship abilities that continue to evolve over time. Victoria Beaumont recently moved back to the states from the U.K. where she continues her career as a successful singer and music producer, creating all kinds of music from pop to meditation music. She’s also a keen researcher of consciousness and spirituality in her spare time. Website – https://www.vbvocals.com Victoria’s New YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@VoicesOfLightMusic

Alysa Rushton is a near-death survivor and energy intuitive. She is a global thought leader on conscious life creation and ascension. Founder of the Divine Light Energy Healers Academy, she teaches healing tools learned from her NDE. Alysa inspires individuals to overcome adversity, release addiction, and step into their true identity as Divine beings of light. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Alysa shares her powerful near-death experience and miraculous healing journey. Alysa opens up about the role of identity in healing and how we can consciously create our best lives. Prepare to be uplifted and empowered! Here is Alysa Rushton’s website: https://alysarushton.com/

Elizabeth Clark’s powerful book, Healing in the Himalayas, takes readers on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Nepal and the Himalayas, where a life-changing trek brought brought about a profound personal healing and spontaneous recovery from breast cancer. Along the way, she received spiritual guidance that helped her uncover and address the root of her illness: unresolved childhood trauma. With her expertise as a licensed music therapist and trauma-informed practitioner, Elizabeth’s story beautifully bridges the mind–body connection and the transformative power of healing. Tune in to the full conversation for an inspiring conversation about trauma, resilience, and the incredible potential for change within all of us. We also talk about how near-death experiences and spiritually transformative experiences have similarities and differences. Here is her website. http://www.elizabethclark.org

YouTube Interview with NDEr Donna Rebadow and Updates

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I enjoyed this honest, candid conversation with a fellow near-death experiencer and former professor Donna Rebadow. Check out this conversation here!

You are always welcome to join my healing/meditation/community!

Here are our upcoming meeting dates:

  • Jan. 8th 2025 at 8 p.m. Central Time
  • Jan. 22nd 2025 at 8 p.m. Central Time 
  • Feb. 5th 2025 at 8 p.m. Central Time
  • Feb. 19th 2025 at 8 p.m. Central Time
  • March 5th 2025 at 8 p.m. Central Time 

If the times do not work for you, I’d love to meet you for a ThetaHealing, Intuitive Reading, or Medium Reading.

I’m also thrilled to invite you to a special event where I, along with IANDS President Dr. Jan Holden, will interview Dr. Sheldon Lawrence about his thought-provoking book Heaven Will Find You.   

This is your opportunity to explore profound questions his book tackles like:

✨ How can we make sense of the variety of near-death experiences that people report?
✨ How do second chances and spiritual growth unfold in the afterlife?
✨ What lessons can near-death experiences (NDEs) teach us about healing and compassion in our own lives right now?
✨ How can we recognize if one of our loved ones is “stuck” in the afterlife, and how can we help them transition beautifully?

✨ Why is it important to work on self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others?

Dr. Sheldon Lawrence holds a PhD in English with a focus on the literature of spiritual transformation. Sheldon’s book, inspired by hundreds of NDEs, weaves a compelling narrative that captures the transformational power of these experiences. As someone who has had an NDE myself and works as a medium, I found his book profoundly moving. His insights align closely with the stories shared by the many NDErs I’ve interviewed over the years. 

You can still show up for the event even if you haven’t read his book yet. The conversation will be a lively one! In addition to exploring spiritual themes in Sheldon’s book, we’ll also

I’ll also discuss my own experiences helping “stuck” souls transition in the afterlife and will ask Sheldon about his work with students and individuals who’ve had transformative, and sometimes challenging, spiritual journeys.

This event is a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the mysteries of the afterlife, spiritual transformation, and what the variety of NDEs can teach us all.

Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions about writing, spirituality, and the afterlife.

Come ready to expand your heart and mind!

Event Details
🗓️ Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 pm EST/Noon Central Time/10:00 a.m. Pacific Time/8 a.m. Hawaii
📍 Location/Link: https://isgo.iands.org/webinar/ask-the-author-heaven-will-find-you/

I hope to see you there!

Many blessings,

Tricia Barker, MFA

Exploring Near-Death Experiences: My Latest Conversations with Thomas Lagomarsino and Sheldon Lawrence

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I’m excited to share insights from my last two interviews, both of which offer beautiful perspectives on the afterlife, spiritual growth, and near-death experiences (NDEs). Whether through personal experience or deep research, these stories are sure to resonate with anyone on a spiritual journey.

Thomas Lagomarsino’s NDE: What Is Real?

In my interview with Thomas Lagomarsino, he shares his near-death experience for the very first time on YouTube. After contracting COVID-19 and falling into a coma, and experiencing a near-death experience, Thomas found himself facing the ultimate question: “What is real?” His logical proof centers around the idea that we take our souls—and everything that is loving and good—into the next realm. That, he says, is the essence of what is real.

Thomas’s experience in the hospital was intense, involving time on a ventilator and what he describes as a spiritual journey to Heaven. He was given a choice—remain in the peaceful afterlife or return to his earthly life. The decision, though obviously made, was far from easy. In our discussion, Thomas opens up about the miraculous events that transpired during his time in the hospital, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the mystery of what lies beyond.

We also touch on the importance of making meaningful choices, both in the spiritual realm and here on Earth. Thomas’s story is a must-watch for anyone curious about NDEs, spiritual awakenings, and miraculous recoveries. He’s currently working on a book titled My Choice – A Near-Death Experience and Journey to Heaven, and you can reach out to him at TheChoiceNDE@gmail.com.

Sheldon Lawrence: Transforming Spiritual Growth Through Fiction

In the second video, I’m joined by Sheldon Lawrence, who wrote the novel Heaven Will Find You, a story inspired by his research on hundreds of near-death experiences. Sheldon holds a PhD in English and specializes in literature focused on spiritual transformation, making him a unique voice in exploring the intersection between fiction and spiritual reality.

Sheldon’s novel is a moving exploration of hope, healing, and forgiveness—qualities often tied to NDEs. The story vividly portrays different realms of the afterlife, offering a dramatic and emotional journey that speaks to anyone interested in spiritual growth. As a fellow NDE experiencer, I was deeply moved by Sheldon’s portrayal of these intense spiritual experiences, and I’m certain his book will change the way you view both life and the afterlife.

For those who enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend listening to Heaven Will Find You narrated by Dannul Daily, who brings the characters to life through his skilled theatrical performance. You can find the audiobook here.

Watch the Full Conversations:

  1. Thomas Lagomarsino: A Journey Through the Afterlife
    In this episode, Thomas shares his NDE story and spiritual insights, offering a unique perspective on what truly matters in life and beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTlknohslRo
  2. Sheldon Lawrence: Exploring Spiritual Transformation Through Fiction
    Discover the inspiration behind Heaven Will Find You and learn how writing about NDEs can deepen our understanding of spiritual growth. https://youtu.be/0WItzu4GGuc?si=LcoTVyy1qmjqdwKT

I hope you’ll enjoy these discussions as much as I did. Both guests bring something special to the table, offering wisdom and inspiration for anyone interested in NDEs and the spiritual mysteries that surround them.

Be sure to check out both interviews on my YouTube channel, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!