That which doesn’t kill us…
Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Dan Bush, Alive Again is a weekly series featuring extraordinary stories from people who faced death—and came back changed. From near-death experiences to near-fatal accidents and moments of profound crisis, each episode dives into the transformation that happens on the other side of survival.
Told in their own words, these first-hand accounts explore not just what happened in the moment, but how everything changed after: perspectives, priorities, purpose. Some stories are miraculous. Others are brutal. All of them are unforgettable.
Our mission is to find, explore, and share these stories to remind us all of our shared human condition.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you don’t die– this show is for you.
* If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com
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When a falling rock shattered Rhesa Bailey’s pelvis at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, survival became immediate and bodily— improvised splints, a perilous raft run to the remote ranger station, a turbulent helicopter through weather. In the year leading up to the accident, Rhesa had begun to doubt her beliefs—beliefs that had defined her—beliefs that once seemed unshakable—about God, safety, and certainty. These were stripped down to questions. In this riveting episode, Rhesa talks about the Grand Canyon accident that almost killed her, her crisis of faith, the ache of doubt, the humility of not knowing, and how her experience of almost dying helped reshaped her identity. Eventually she re-imagined faith— not as answers to the mysteries of the universe, but as a practice: presence, honesty, and love enacted in small, daily choices. What emerged was a renewed understanding of herself and her place in the grand universe. This is a story of faith transformed by experience, moving from borrowed conviction to a grounded, personal belief that can hold both mystery and joy. Contains traumatic injury, blood loss, and medical/ICU details. Listener discretion advised. Story Producer: Brent Dey If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
35 | A Delightful Little Life (00:49:26)
Angelyn Pass was an actress-turned-artist, making holiday ornaments in her Midtown studio, when a massive headache dropped her to the floor. Hours later she woke in Emory’s neuro-ICU, intubated, fresh from emergency surgery on a ruptured aneurysm. She spent weeks relearning, rebuilding and refusing to be defined by tubes and machines and she willed herself back to a craft fair barely ten days after discharge. But the real recovery began later: admitting the memory gaps, moving to start over, taking meticulous notes to be a better friend, finding purpose in helping others through legal casework, and—eventually—letting her creativity return on gentler terms. Angelyn didn’t see tunnels or light; she remembers “just nothing”—and from that void came a new vow: to stop chasing an identity and choose a smaller, kinder life she actually loves. Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky Cover Art: Angelyn Pass If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
34 | Surviving the Boxing Day Tsunami (00:49:23)
On the day after Christmas, Dwayne Meadows was packing for a beach day in Thailand when a distant “white line” on the sea became a wall of water. Swept through his bungalow and into a churning maze of debris, he fought to breathe, said goodbye to his six-year-old son in his mind, and surfaced into chaos—cars, propane tanks, entire bungalows surging past. Grabbing the lower half of a mannequin for flotation, he navigated toward shore, then helped lead other survivors to higher ground and improvised first aid for the injured until medical professionals arrived. In the months that followed, Dwayne grappled with the scale of loss and turned toward service—returning to Thailand, aiding recovery efforts, and applying his marine-biology skills to disaster mapping and reef restoration. This is a story about presence under pressure, the power of small kindnesses, and honoring the lives lost by the life you live after. Content note: This episode includes descriptions of a catastrophic natural disaster (2004 Indian Ocean tsunami), near-drowning, serious injury, mass casualties, and trauma/PTSD. Listener discretion advised. Story Producer: Brent Dey If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
33 | Born Astride a Grave (00:41:05)
Aileen Loy grew up inside a storm—descended from indentured laborers, raised in a rigid, often violent household, and taught to keep the family together at any cost. At 13, she watched a Halloween car crash fling her four-month-older nephew through a windshield; the year before, a beloved brother had died by suicide. For years she became the caretaker and the peacemaker—“a people pleaser” who never prioritized her own pain—until the reckoning came: an ICU stay after a suicidal spiral and the hard decision to break from the patterns that were breaking her. In this raw conversation, Aileen traces the inheritance of shame and self-loathing, the pressure to assimilate, and the moment she realized, “I am a severely damaged person,” then chose to heal—through truth-telling, boundaries, and art. It’s a story about refusing the “family curse,” and finding dignity beyond survival. Content note: This episode includes discussion of family violence, a fatal accident involving a child, suicide and suicidal ideation, depression, and intergenerational trauma. Listener discretion advised. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32 | No Soul Left Behind (01:25:00)
“We've taken huge steps backwards in the last few years with warfare and with violence and with disregarding the rights of human beings. It's time to reverse that and start acknowledging this much deeper lesson that's coming to the fore about the nature of our existence, how we're really all in this together, and to hurt another is to hurt oneself.” - Dr. Eben Alexander A Harvard-trained neurosurgeon once grounded in strict materialism, Dr. Eben Alexander was convinced the brain produced consciousness—until a week-long coma and near-death experience shattered that certainty. In this conversation, we explore his journey from “the mind is nothing but brain” to a wider view in which consciousness is fundamental, separation is an ego-made illusion, and love is the organizing force of reality. Drawing from Dan Bush’s introduction, we frame the episode as an invitation: to question assumptions, to consider the mounting evidence from NDEs and consciousness science, and to ask what it means to awaken, heal, and come fully alive again. Along the way, Dr. Alexander recounts the medical facts of his illness, the “more-real-than-real” landscapes he encountered, and why practices like meditation and centering prayer can help us access the same unifying field—no brush with death required. We'll talk about the mind's role in shaping reality, the illusion of separation, how profound experiences—whether through trauma, loss, or near-death—can transform us, and also about the powerful transformation that can happen when we step beyond fear and into a larger view of existence. Our show is all about where human experience brushes up against mystery, and how those intersections transform us– so it’s a true privilege to have Dr. Alexander with us today to share his journey and insights. More About Dr. Eben Alexander: Dr. Eben Alexander is a renowned academic neurosurgeon who spent over 25 years teaching and practicing at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School. For most of his career, he held a conventional, materialist view of the mind and brain—until his own near-death experience and remarkable recovery challenged everything he once believed about the nature of reality. His journey from the world of materialist science to a deeper understanding of consciousness has become a beacon for anyone seeking to understand what it truly means to awaken, to heal, and to come fully alive again. His bestselling book, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife, became a global phenomenon, offering millions of readers a deeply personal and scientifically informed glimpse into the possibilities beyond death. He has since authored several more works, including The Map of Heaven and Living in a Mindful Universe, bridging neuroscience, spirituality, and philosophy in a way few others can. To learn about Dr. Alexander and his work: https://ebenalexander.com/ For more about the Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies and to read the winning essays: https://www.bigelowinstitute.org/index.php/bics-afterlife-proof/bics-essay-contest-winners-2/ If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31 | The Death of Craving (00:58:24)
Content note: This episode includes strong language, discussion of opioid/heroin and crack use, overdose, stroke, withdrawal, arrest/incarceration, and suicidal hopelessness. Listener discretion advised. At 27, Scott Jenkins woke up thrashing in a bathtub—his left arm dead, his vision blown out—after days of speedballs and Agatha Christie marathons. Doctors later confirmed he’d had a stroke, but even that didn’t stop the obsession: “I want to get high, I want to get high… It’s all you can think about.” What began with pain pills after routine procedures spiraled into years of heroin and crack, arrests, and a jail-cell detox that finally forced a choice: surrender or disappear. In this raw, unvarnished account, Scott traces the path from the early opioid boom to the economics of switching to heroin, the surreal comedy of being “stuffed to the brim with sausage biscuits” during an arrest, and the moment he decided to let other people help. He rebuilds—six months in rehab, twelve-step work, service, and, eventually, a thriving plumbing company staffed by people in recovery. It’s a story about obsession, consequence, and the quiet miracle of a craving that never came back. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30 | Strong In A Different Way (00:59:15)
At 17, Nicholas Tecosky, one of our Alive Again story producers, slipped on a rock face above Gem Lake and nearly fell thirty feet to his death—then spent hours lost on the wrong side of the mountain. The brush with mortality was followed by years of anxiety, alcohol, and a brutal run at creative success that left him sleepless, gray, and suicidal. Years later, a harrowing night on psychedelics cracked something open; the morning after, he chose help—therapy, medication, sobriety—and slowly rebuilt a life anchored in love, fatherhood, and a gentler definition of strength. This is a story about escaping the gravity of an abusive past, redefining worth, and discovering that being a good person matters more than being a successful one. This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, substance use (alcohol and psychedelics), childhood trauma, and a near-fatal accident. Listener discretion advised. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For resources outside the U.S., please check local crisis services. Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29 | Living Is Forgiving (00:47:30)
Trigger warning: This episode contains a frank discussion of sexual molestation and drug overdose. Listener discretion advised. After a lifetime of compounded trauma—childhood sexual abuse, relentless bullying, chronic illness, and consequently a two-decade opiate dependency—Brandon Densmore overdosed on heroin and flatlined. What happened next changed everything. In vivid detail, Brandon describes the presence he felt, the visions he was shown (including the unbearable image of his mother finding his body), and the deal he made to come back. This is a blunt, no-BS account of clawing out of addiction: medical detox and the radical, unsentimental forgiveness that finally let him drop the weight he’d carried for 20 years. He rebuilt a life—marriage, fatherhood, purpose—and then underwent a second awakening that reframed success as inner quiet over external hustle. It’s raw, direct, and ultimately hopeful. Listener discretion advised for references to sexual abuse, drug use, and overdose. Download Branden’s free Quantum Forgiveness Starter Kit to start dissolving old emotional blocks and step into the life Spirit intended: https://coach-branden-densmore.kit.com/quantum-foregivness-starter Here’s a link to Brandon’s Facebook profile, where he posts ongoing reflections and resources https://www.facebook.com/branden.densmore Story Producer: Dan Bush If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story! Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com We’d love to hear your story! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 | Bulletproof Love (00:36:26)
Trigger warning: Discussion and images of gun violence. At 33, championship-level ultimate player and teacher Eileen Murray started coughing up blood—then spent a year being dismissed by doctors before hearing the word no one wants: lymphoma. Six months of chemo followed, buoyed by a community she’d spent years building on the field and in the classroom. Two decades later, driving to a friend’s wedding with her husband and kids, a sniper’s round blew out the back glass—missing her temple by a hair. No one died. It barely made the news. But the PTSD was louder than cancer. In this blunt, compassionate conversation, Eileen unpacks the visions that foreshadowed her diagnosis, the rage and surrender of treatment, and why the shooting reshaped her parenting. She refuses to center the gunman—saving her anger for systems that fail and doubling down on connection: teaching her sons media literacy, checking their sense of belonging, writing them letters for the day she’s gone. It’s a story about cultivating community before you need it, and choosing grace over grievance. Listener discretion advised: frank discussion of cancer, medical trauma, gun violence, and PTSD. Eileen’s links: Eileen’s ultimate frisbee team - https://www.nygridlockultimate.com/ Eileen also made a blog post about the shooting which you can check out here: https://www.nygridlockultimate.com/blog/wear-orangeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27 | No One Makes It On Their Own (00:25:58)
On a dangerous Australian beach, actor Frankie Mulinix was swept down the coast by a powerful undertow, slammed against rocks, and pulled under again and again. Time telescoped; panic rose; then came a stark clarity—“I’m done… I made peace with it.” At the very moment of surrender, a stranger hauled Frankie to safety and lifeguards took over. What followed was the quiet chaos of shame, flashbacks during rehearsals for Dante’s Inferno, and a hard re-examination of identity, purpose, and community. Frankie reflects on accepting death, being “robbed” of that ending, and choosing a second act—anchored by the realization that “we need each other… nobody makes it on their own.” Today, Frankie is a performer, emcee, producer, dramaturge, choreographer, director, mental health worker, voice and performance educator, swimming and triathlon coach, and intimacy choreographer and coordinator. Their theatre company Burning Bones Physical Theatre, is dedicated to collaborating with fellow creatives to engage with the local community and expand the possibilities of live performance in daring and imaginative ways. In addition, they are an internationally ranked competitive endurance athlete and integrate their expertise in optimum performance techniques as a teacher, performer, and athlete. Links: IG: @Vandellous @burningbonesphysicaltheatre @VibranceCentre website: https://frankiemulinix.com/ Story Producer: Kate Sweeney * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 | The Countdown Clock (00:45:53)
When Maggie Slepian flipped her kayak on Montana’s Gallatin River, she found herself trapped underwater, fighting to escape a spray skirt she had never practiced removing. In those harrowing moments, she felt time slow down, her thoughts split between terror, sorrow, and love for her family as she faced the possibility of her final breaths. Surviving the accident left Maggie grappling with PTSD, grief, and the loss of the friend who had pulled her from the water. In this episode of Alive Again, Maggie reflects on her journey from an “indoor child” to an outdoor adventurer, the dangerous drive for validation that pushed her into risk, and the hard-won lesson that the people who love you don’t need you to prove yourself—they love you for who you are. Maggie wrote about her story for Longreads, which you can read here. Story Producer: Kate Sweeney * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 | Unfortunate Brain News (00:53:18)
What happens when the part of you that defines your identity begins to fail? Dana Swanson was a rising creative force—an award-winning writer-producer at Adult Swim, a voice actor, a musical performer, and a self-proclaimed comedy nerd on the brink of big things. But in 2012, her world unraveled when she began to lose control of her speech. What started as a stuttered sentence became a devastating diagnosis: a rare brain tumor—neuronal neoplasm—lodged in a precarious part of her brain. In this episode of Alive Again, Dana recounts the surreal journey from slurred words to a high-risk, eight-hour brain surgery that would change her life forever. With humor, vulnerability, and crystal clarity, she explores the collapse of identity, the death of an old self, and the painful but profound process of learning to live—and speak—again. But Dana’s story doesn’t end in silence. It becomes a story of spiritual awakening, intuition, chosen purpose, and using her voice to help others connect to their own. From losing her father at 14 to channeling messages from the other side, Dana opens up about survivor’s guilt, intuitive healing, and embracing the power of reinvention. She reminds us that we all have “battle scars,” and that the ability to evolve—again and again—is the truest sign of being alive. Cover Art: Daniel Garcia @Superduperfi Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky* If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 | When the Rain Stopped (00:49:53)
When a tornado ripped through his Alabama neighborhood, Chris Alonzo found himself clutching his young son in a closet as the walls shook and the front door blew open. In that moment of terror, his desperate plea—“take me, don’t take my son”—became a prayer. Raised in a devout Catholic family but long estranged from faith after his grandmother’s painful decline, Chris’s brush with death forced him to confront anger, doubt, and the mystery of survival. In this episode of Alive Again, Chris shares how near-death transformed his understanding of God, community, and unconditional love—and why sometimes, faith is born not from certainty, but from fear, fragility, and the will to protect those we love. Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 | Living on Extra Credit (00:57:11)
Thrill seeker, Nate Dorn, never saw himself living past the age of 25, until he set sail for Cuba on a 28-foot boat with no idea he was heading straight into the storm that would change his life. Trapped in gale-force winds with his fingers crushed in an anchor chain, Nate suddenly recognized the recurring dream that had haunted him since childhood—he was living it in real time. What he thought might be his last moment became a rebirth, one that freed him from fear and gave him what he calls “extra credit” on life. In this episode, Nate shares how risk-taking has shaped his adventures, his creative path as a photographer, and his outlook on what it means to truly be alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 | My Body Is Not My Enemy (00:52:25)
At 18, Jessica Sanchez thought she was dealing with wisdom tooth pain. Instead, doctors found a tumor that would lead to 18 surgeries, chemotherapy, and a near-fatal bleedout. Years later, she faced another harrowing battle: an ectopic pregnancy and rupture that nearly killed her. Jessica’s journey was made even more perilous by political barriers to reproductive healthcare. The repeated medical traumas—from cancer to miscarriage to near-drowning—stacked one on top of another until her nervous system froze, shutting her down in order to survive. Yet her breakthrough came when she realized her body was not her enemy but a messenger, urging her to pause, listen, and heal. In this raw and unflinching conversation, Jessica shares how she learned to listen to her body, survive the freeze of PTSD, and find strength in compassion. Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky Artist: Jeramy Muxworthy * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21 | A Better Person Than I Was The Day Before (00:49:48)
When Matthew Fortune flatlined for 45 minutes, he didn’t see a tunnel or meet a divine being—he experienced nothingness. But coming back to life forced him to confront everything. In this unflinching and ultimately redemptive episode, Matthew shares his long and painful battle with addiction and homelessness. From growing up in a strict Christian household to surviving a fentanyl overdose and then rebuilding his life through faith, service, and hard-won responsibility, Matthew’s story challenges assumptions about recovery and the human capacity for change. Story Producer: Brent Dey Resources for opioid and other harm reduction: Georgia Overdose Prevention: https://georgiaoverdoseprevention.org/ National Opioid Action Coalition: https://www.noac.org/ National Harm Reduction Coalition: https://harmreduction.org/ If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support those experiencing homelessness, here are some trusted organizations and resources that can help: National Organizations (U.S.) National Alliance to End Homelessness — endhomelessness.orgAdvocacy, research, and policy work to end homelessness. Great starting point for understanding the issue and supporting systemic change. National Coalition for the Homeless — nationalhomeless.orgEducation, advocacy, and grassroots organizing around homelessness and housing rights. National Low Income Housing Coalition — nlihc.orgFocused on expanding affordable housing and influencing housing policy nationwide. Direct Support & Volunteering The Salvation Army – Homeless Services — salvationarmyusa.orgProvides shelters, transitional housing, and food assistance. Habitat for Humanity — habitat.orgVolunteer opportunities to help build affordable housing in local communities. Feeding America — feedingamerica.orgHelps reduce food insecurity, often a major factor in preventing homelessness. * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20 | Only The Word Gets Out Alive (01:02:14)
Our episode title is a lyric by Scott McCaughey, the beloved singer-songwriter behind bands like Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5. McCaughey was also a member of R.E.M.’s touring band and contributed to their albums. He had spent his life living and breathing music—until a massive stroke in 2017 shattered his ability to speak, play, and understand the world around him. He describes the early aftermath as “a bizarre netherworld,” where reality blurred and even the simplest words failed him. In this deeply human episode of Alive Again, Scott opens up about the long road of recovery—his first terrifying moments in the ER, the confusion of aphasia, and the odd beauty of watching The Wizard of Oz while relearning language. His story isn’t just about survival, but transformation. With honesty, humor, and an artist’s insight, Scott explores what it means to lose the thing that once defined you—and how love, creativity, and community helped him find something even more profound in its place. Scott McCaughey has led The Young Fresh Fellows since 1981. In 1993, he and Peter Buck founded The Minus 5 as a side project along with The Posies’ Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow. The group’s lineup has featured a rotating cast of musicians over the years. From 1994 to 2011, McCaughey was a member of R.E.M.’s touring band and also contributed to that group’s albums. In 2008, McCaughey formed The Baseball Project with Buck, Pitmon, and Linda’s husband, Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn. The group, which now also features R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, plays original baseball-themed indie-rock tunes. Scott will be on tour with Minus 5 and The Baseball Project this September (2025). For more info and tour dates, go here: The Minus 5 / Baseball Project – September, 2025 Tour Scott graciously shared tracks from his incredible body of work, including: “Johnny Volume,” “Heartbeat Smile” - Alejandro Escovedo “Young Fresh Fellows Theme,” “Power Mowers Theme” - The Young Fresh Fellows “Hey Lacey (Live)” - Filthy Friends “All The Time,” “Emperor Of The Bathroom,” “Placent Folk,” “Scar Crow,” “MRI,” “Let the Rope Hold, Cassie Lee,” “House Of Four Doors (End Theme),” “Words & Birds” - The Minus 5 “Sun Station Vadsø” - The No Ones Story Producer: Brent Dey * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19 | I'm The Hero Of My Own Story (00:38:53)
At 20 years old, Amanda Kloehr was a quirky, irreverent Air Force airman trying to find her way in the world. But everything changed in an instant when her car collided with the back of an 18-wheeler. She was nearly decapitated, lost her right eye, suffered major facial trauma, and spent months in the hospital enduring over 20 surgeries. Against all odds, Amanda lived—and began a long and often painful journey of physical healing, emotional reckoning, and radical self-reinvention. In this unforgettable episode of Alive Again, Amanda recounts the horror and absurdity of her accident, the quiet trauma of public stares and whispered judgments, and the complex dance of identity that comes with living in a body permanently marked by survival. With humor, vulnerability, and unflinching honesty, she shares how she went from post-crash denial to public speaker, from hiding behind long red bangs to owning her story on national television. Now a mother, wife, writer, and advocate, Amanda reflects on what it means to live in a society that defines people by their scars—and what it means to rewrite that narrative. Her journey isn’t a tragedy. It’s a declaration: "I am the hero of my own story. I’m proud of the woman I fought to become." Story Producer: Kate Sweeney “In the shadow of a wreckage, where silence lay thick, I danced with the darkness, my heart beating quick. One eye now a memory, a glimpse of the past, Through the veil of my trials, I learned hope could last. With each faltering step, on the path I would tread, Change bubbled in me like laughter, While the outside reflected all the places I bled. Life carved its lessons, etched deep in my soul, Through pain and resilience, I learned to feel whole. From the ashes of anguish, a phoenix would rise, With wings made of moxie, I took to the skies. I cradled new life, a new generation born, An ode to strength and a blood oath sworn. In love, I found solace, our connection, a dream, Yet storms brewed within me, found safety as a team. Through heartache and healing, I learned to embrace, The beauty of journey, the joy in each space. Two degrees on my wall, symbols of fight, In the tapestry woven, I found my own light. To love myself fiercely, to cherish each scar, Is to know every struggle has brought me this far. With grit and determination, my sparkle continues to amplify, A testament to living, to truly defy. So here's to the battles, the laughter, the tears, To the moments of triumph that silence our fears. In the journey of being, of learning to fly, living out loud is my battle cry.” Amanda Kloehr * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 | Beyond Ground Zero (00:39:57)
The deepest wounds aren’t always physical. Cliff Bauman was stationed near the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and was among those who raced into the smoke and fire to help in the aftermath of the attacks. But while the country began to rebuild, Cliff’s inner world began to unravel. Haunted by what he’d seen—and what he couldn’t forget—he carried trauma silently, spiraling into guilt, depression, and isolation. This powerful episode of Alive Again explores how reminders of 9/11 became emotional landmines: from anniversary headlines to sleepless nights and heavy drinking. Cliff opens up about the burden of hiding his pain, and the suicide attempt that nearly ended his life. Today, Cliff wears the label of "suicide survivor" with pride—not as a mark of shame, but as a badge of courage. His story is a raw and redemptive reminder that vulnerability can be a lifeline, and that choosing to live—even in the face of despair—is its own kind of bravery. Story producer: Brent Dey If you are a veteran dealing with depression or suicidal ideation, Cliff encourages you to check out the Veterans Trash Talk podcast for support. We also encourage contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17 | The Sacred Threshold: A Conversation With Dr. Sarah Kerr (00:46:44)
What if death isn’t an ending—but a sacred transition? In this deeply moving episode of Alive Again, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Kerr, a death doula, ritual healing practitioner, and founder of The Centre for Sacred Deathcare. With a PhD in Transformative Learning and decades immersed in cross-cultural and Indigenous traditions, Sarah helps individuals and families navigate dying and grieving as spiritual rites of passage. She guides us through the concept of liminality—the space between worlds, where the old self dissolves and something new begins. Drawing parallels to the Hero’s Journey, Sarah reframes illness, trauma, and loss as initiatory paths, calling us to grow into the version of ourselves these afflictions ask us to become. Her insights challenge the limits of the "Western box"—a worldview that often dismisses the unseen and the intuitive. Instead, Sarah invites us to listen deeply to our "spiritual DNA" and honor the inner guidance that emerges in life’s most tender transitions. As she puts it, "the purpose of death is the release of love." This conversation resonates with many of our guests—from Eric Larsen to Anne Bayford—who recognize that their greatest trials became the soil for transformation. Dr. Kerr reminds us that healing is not about erasing pain, but integrating it, cooperating with the unavoidable, and finding grace in the mystery. Produced by Dan Bush For more about Dr. Kerr and her work, visit https://sacreddeathcare.com/ * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16 | We Are Strongest When We Are Most Vulnerable (00:35:50)
On August 3rd, 2008, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Nick Bradley’s life changed forever when a 20-pound IED detonated under his Land Cruiser during a mission in Afghanistan. Thrown from the vehicle and blinded by the blast, Nick awoke in a ditch, unable to move. “I was helpless,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what was going on—or if I was going to make it out of there.” In this deeply human and unflinchingly honest episode of Alive Again, Nick walks us through the aftermath: a shattered body held together by 14 plates and 20 screws, the surreal detail of his nose being duct-taped back on in the field, and the long, painful road through coma, surgeries, and emotional reckoning. But this is also a story of profound transformation. Every year, Nick honors his fallen comrade on his "Alive Day", a testament to the transformative power of shared humanity and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of the unthinkable. This episode is a testament to the fragile threads that tether us to life, the brotherhood forged in battle, and the courage it takes to keep going. His story reminds us that life is scary, and "that’s okay". Story Producer: Dan Bush * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15 | Listen to Your Body (00:37:46)
What happens when the journey to giving life nearly ends your own? For years, Dorie Nolt faced the quiet heartbreak of unexplained infertility, finally celebrating a miraculous pregnancy after a long, arduous wait. But the joy of childbirth quickly transformed into a terrifying fight for survival when, after a routine C-section, Dorie's body began to unravel. Faced with escalating pain, a worsening fever, and doctors who dismissed her concerns and even blamed her, Dorie found herself navigating a medical system that seemed determined to ignore her. In this powerful episode of Alive Again, Dorie shares the harrowing details of her near-fatal postpartum ordeal. Her story exposes a startling truth: that "women are ignored by medical professionals, but also women ignore themselves". Despite being on the brink of death and desperately fighting to return to her newborn son and husband, Dorie's experience became a profound lesson in self-advocacy and a stark reminder of the systemic failures in maternal healthcare. This is a raw and urgent narrative of resilience, highlighting the vital importance of listening to your own body and fighting for your life, even when no one else is. Story Producer: Kate Sweeney * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14 | The Killer on the Trail (00:40:09)
Rune Kolbeck found his truest self in the quiet expanse of nature, spending an idyllic youth roaming the Midwest's cornfields and timbers. But when he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, seeking a new home in the wilderness, he found himself in an unexpected nightmare. Within weeks of settling into the "big city," a casual run in a public park turned terrifying as he stared down the barrel of a gun. He recounts how he "kept being surprised that I wasn't dead yet". In this haunting episode of Alive Again, Rune takes us through the surreal moments of his near-death encounter, battling confusion and fear as he stood face-to-face with an unknown assailant. He shares the chilling revelation that followed: learning from a newspaper article that the man who had spared his life was, in fact, a serial killer operating on the very trail system where Rune had been. Rune’s story isn’t about a heroic escape or a tidy conclusion; instead, it's a raw exploration of living with enduring psychological impact and unresolved trauma that has changed who he is. He speaks candidly about the burden of a story that doesn't fit the typical hero's journey, acknowledging his own imperfections. He shares his experience as a testament to those who find themselves “in the middle"—not heroes, not villains, just survivors wrestling with a reality that offers no neat ending. His powerful narrative reminds us that not all brushes with death lead to immediate clarity; some leave us grappling with the profound, unsettling truth that life doesn't always provide the resolution we seek, but that sharing these stories can help others realize they're not alone. * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13 | Lessons At The End Of The World (00:59:11)
What prepares someone to survive the unthinkable? For renowned polar explorer Eric Larsen, it wasn’t hope or heroism—it was hardship. From the punishing silence of the Arctic to the staggering indifference of a cancer diagnosis, Eric’s life has been shaped by brutal extremes. In this profound episode of Alive Again, Eric shares how the mindset forged in the most hostile places on Earth—enduring one step at a time, reframing suffering as growth, and confronting fear without flinching—became his unexpected survival guide through cancer. With striking honesty and humility, Eric reflects on how the same resilience that drove him across frozen continents helped him face mortality, and how—despite the emptiness he encountered—he discovered something deeply human: that compassion is the connective tissue between life and death. This is not just a survival story. It’s a testament to the human spirit, a meditation on suffering, and a powerful reminder that even at the edge of the world, we are never truly alone. Story Producer: Dan Bush To learn more about Eric and his work, go to ericlarsenexplore.com * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12 | You Can’t Hold Despair and Gratitude at the Same Time: The True Story of '127 Hours' (01:29:53)
His miraculous survival story became the subject of Danny Boyle’s film 127 Hours—but what happened inside Aron’s mind and spirit during that ordeal is even more profound. In 2003, Aron Ralston was trapped alone in a remote Utah canyon for nearly six days with his right arm pinned beneath an 800-pound boulder. In this episode of Alive Again, the man who cut off his own arm to live shares the transformation that made him more whole than ever before. Aron recounts the vision that gave him the courage to survive, the moment he saw his future son, and the paradox of how intense suffering gave birth to overwhelming gratitude. As his body teetered on the edge of death, his consciousness expanded beyond it, leading to a radical reordering of what it means to be alive. This is not just a story of survival; it’s a story of spiritual awakening. Story Producer: Dan Bush For more about Aron’s adventures and advocacy, go to www.aronralstonspeaker.com * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
