near death experience heaven

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.

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!

Life Beyond Death TV—An Amazing New Documentary

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 1 Comment

I’m honored to be a part of a new documentary in production. Todd Hewey is the creator and producer of a documentary which offers one on one interviews and an animated version of each of our near-death experiences. These visuals allow us to tell our stories in brave, authentic ways. The production team is currently seeking funding to complete the episodes. If you feel moved to donate, please do so.

About the NDE Files

The Crew in Fort Worth!

Survey Professionals around the world say the top five most trusted professions in the world are Doctors, Nurses, Scientists, Teachers and First Responders. Join us as we examine how these trusted individuals dealt with the single most traumatic event that changed their lives forever…their own deaths. This is their story of Life Beyond Death from the NDE Files.

This new series about Near Death Experiences uses artist renditions and animations to dramatically demonstrate each NDE in ways never seen before in a television program.

Episodes

Episode 1 – Dr. Mary Neal
Dr. Mary Neal was an Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon and an experienced whitewater kayaker when she drowned in 1999 on the Fuy River in Chile.

Episode 2 – Professor Tricia Barker
Professor Tricia Barker died while undergoing a critical operation from a severe car accident. She observed Healing Angels working through the surgeons as they tried to save her life. (Currently In-Production)

Episode 3 – Eben Alexander III, MD
Eben Alexander III, MD served as an Academic Neurosurgeon for over 25 years, including 15 years at Boston Brigham and…

Episode 4 – Professor/Pastor Howard Storm
Professor Howard Storm was an Atheist, Artist, Professor and Chairman of the Art Department for Northern Kentucky University, when in 1985 he died at a hospital in Paris France.

Todd Hewey – Producer of the Life Beyond Todd Hewey is the Creator and Producer of the television this dynamic, emotionally charged, animated anthology about highly educated and scientifically minded individuals who have had extraordinary Near Death Experiences that dramatically changed their lives forever.

Enjoy the teaser trailers for Epsiode-1, Epsiode-3 and Episode-4. You can also watch the more-detailed 16-minute “Torch” video that comprises sections from all three completed episodes.

If you would like to see more from the director, here is his talk at IANDS with Mary Neal.

I can’t tell you how blessed I feel to be a part of this production. Todd Hewey and his fabulous team has a way of capturing our stories in a deeply meaningful way. I admire the conviction he feels that near-death experience stories bring more people into communion with the love of God. Our stories are deeply personal, and our lives have been forever changed by these moments in the afterlife. Todd Hewey understands the complexities we each have faced in coming back with our messages, and he honors our stories in beautiful and true ways. I have told my story many times on many different platforms, but there is something special about this production. I do hope you will support his team in their efforts to spread our stories in a creative, wise, and authentic way.




What Stops Love from Spreading Worldwide as Quickly as Hate?

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 5 Comments

I have interviewed many near-death experiencers, and I have had my own profound NDE. Most of us conclude that earth is a school for the soul, and we come here to remember that the energy of unconditional love heals all wounds. We know that our true “home” is a place of deep love and forgiveness. Most NDErs want to be of service to humanity and remind others to at least be kind and do no harm. Why then, do messages and acts of polarization, hate, outrage, war, and torture spread so quickly? Why do messages of unconditional love and healing run in the background like a soothing waterfall or white noise? Can the algorithms be changed? Can the focus be changed?

You can start with your breath. You can start with directing your focus. You can breathe out all that triggers you, all that you do not wish to see in the world. You can imagine a better world and do what you can energetically and realistically to move in the direction of your positive dreams for yourself and everyone else. Start by giving yourself empathy and unconditional love. Override programs that tell you this isn’t possible.

You can transcend squares, triangles and other limitations that society tries to push our unlimited potential into. For example, most of my life I have spent time healing from the victim role and being a rescuer of others. I don’t understand bullies, and I don’t understand why online harassment and violent threats are protected under “free speech” in my country. All this does is cause people to shut down and stop communicating messages of love and messages of inner freedom.

Instead of shutting down, it is better to transcend this dynamic, to be a form of consciousness beyond this triangle (bully-victim-rescuer) of torture. Unconditional love frees and loves us all, healing us of unconscious bias and patterns. How do you transcend these dynamics? First, you imagine what that looks like for you. For me, it is a combination of moving forward in the light and refusing to be shut down. For me, it is doing what I love and loving what I do.

And, on that note, on December 2nd, Shaun Lether and I will be talking with seven different near-death experiencers. This talk will be broadcast across many networks including Roku TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android devices. More information will be coming soon!

If you remember, I was one of the first people to interview Jose Hernandez, and I was stunned by his story. I felt much healing from his NDE story. Jose’s NDE story has recently been featured on the Netflix docu-series, Surviving Death. His team at Inner Immersion focuses on helping mental health professionals and addiction specialists make significant breakthroughs that create lasting change with underserved and vulnerable populations, addiction recovery, and high trauma professions. We will talk about his work in the world and how his NDE led him to this focus.

I’ve been looking forward to talking with David Williamson for many months now. Prior to his NDE, David’s health was compromised by anger. He had been deeply affected by identity confusion, generational trauma, racial trauma, and rigid orientations toward ideology and personality. On the other side, he learned ways of healing his body and living life with a different, healing energy. He continues to ground and integrate practical approaches to living and manifesting the best possible realties.

I’m also very excited to interview other NDErs including Felice Dimartino who is an Intuitive Channel, Futuring Facilitator, Educational Consultant, Multidimensional Guide and Emissary of Light.

And Jason Janas who reminds people that no matter what you are going through fear is an illusion, a part of this dream. We are energy, we are powerful, and we are never alone. Our guides are with us always.

Photo by Rifqi Ramadhan on Pexels.com

Life to Afterlife: Death and Back

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I’m excited that my story is featured in this documentary by
Craig P McMahon. The near-death experience stories of Erica McKenzie, Ingrid Honkola, and Howard Storm are also featured in this series.

Howard Storm, Ingrid Honkola and I will also be speaking at the IANDS Virtual conference this weekend. Click here to see all the speakers. https://virtualconference.iands.org/

The 3rd Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit is FREE

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The LIVE portion of this year’s summit is FREE!  Click here to reserve your spot and connect with some of the inspirational speaker’s at this online event occurring on August 1-2, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. CDT.

(If you heard my talk on Unity Online Radio with Suzanne Giesemann, please use the coupon code UNITY for 40% off the paid version which gives you access to the videos which you can download, an all-access portal to the speakers, free books, and a free year of my membership.  I can’t wait to have community with you.)

The 3rd Annual Online Near-Death Death Summit will be a weekend focused on energetic transformations, angel communication, and unconditional love. We all know that this year has been challenging in many ways; however, nature continues to offer us healing and our understanding and participation with energy can amplify at this time. Many beautiful shifts are happening in our world, and we want to bring more healing, peace, and unconditional love to your experiences.

3rdannual

Join us to find out more about how you can deepen your own knowing and feel more confident about being true to your soul’s mission.

To find out more about the speakers and reserve your free ticket, click here.

Coast to Coast Interview, Midnight in the Desert, and Sunny in Seattle

/ Tricia Barker, Author of Angels in the OR / 3 Comments

I’ve had a fun week of interviews with three amazing radio show hosts. I am grateful for the interview with George Noory on Coast to Coast AM earlier this week, and I wanted to say a few things to the callers who had questions for me.

First of all, thank you for sharing your experiences.  I was moved by your stories. I would love to answer more of your questions and connect you with other experiencers and researchers at The Second Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit.  Please check out this online event if you are interested in near-death experiences and near-death experience research.

heaven

To learn more about The Second Annual Online Near-Death Experience Summit, please click here. https://www.theuniversityofheaven.com/NDE-Summit2019

Secondly, there was a woman who called in who was searching for her purpose and had been through many hardships.  I didn’t have much time to meditate on her situation, but I saw that on an energetic level that she is giving away too much of her personal energy. Matt Kahn’s latest video titled “You Are The Way” might help her and other empaths find a better balance between taking care of their own needs and caring for this world.

Also, a man called in who recently lost his brother.  I didn’t have time for a full reading, but I hope he might consider reading Annie Kagan’s book The Afterlife of Billy Fingers. From what I hear from my father and others in the afterlife, there is much learning that can still be done after death. There is much light, love and understanding that can occur in the afterlife. Healing between family members can occur even after a death, so do not give up on the light of understanding, forgiveness, and release.

If you aren’t familiar with Sunny in Seattle, you can listen to my episode with her and some of her other interviews.  She asked great questions about my book that I haven’t been asked before, and she asked me about my work with Lisa Smartt and Raymond Moody on The Second Annual Online Near-death Experience Summit.  Here are two video clips from Lisa Smartt and Raymond Moody’s talks.

I also really enjoyed my interview with Dave Schrader on Midnight in the Desert

Thanks for the calls from across the country.  I especially loved hearing about your own out-of-body experiences and spiritually transformative moments.  Many blessings to you all!

 

Angels in the OR Launches on April 16, 2019!

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book over river.jpeg

Thank you everyone for your support on my journey.  I have several more interviews with near-death experiencers available on my YouTube Channel.

Also, Angels in the OR, which covers the story of my near-death experience and life after that moment, will launch on April 16, 2019— 25 years after that massive car accident I experienced in Austin, Texas during my senior year of college.  The near-death experience during spinal surgery at Brackenridge Hospital altered my life forever,  and I have never lost the memory of the light or the vast, unconditional love from the other side.  I have never forgotten the insights communicated to me.

The river that I saw during my near-death experience was strikingly similar to the river that flows outside of TCC’s beautiful Trinity River Campus, and I have spent the last ten years teaching English and Creative Writing here.  I’ve loved this job and all the wonderful students, staff, and faculty members that I have met over the years.  Many of our building’s beautiful classrooms and balconies overlook the Trinity River.

Last week, I shared some advance copies with people on our campus, and I can’t wait to hear your feedback on the book.  It is almost every English major’s dream to have a published book in print.  I have loved books since I learned to read the year before Kindergarten, and part of the reason I worked to accomplish this goal was to inspire my students to believe that they can achieve their dreams.

I hope you will pre-order  Angels in the OR  or purchase it on April 16th when it launches.  I am enjoying the feedback I’ve already received and can’t wait to hear your thoughts.