Near death experiences can be profound and even life changing. People describe seeing bright lights, staring into the abyss, or meeting dead relatives. Many believe these experiences to be proof of an afterlife.

But now, scientists are studying these strange events and gaining insights into the brain and consciousness itself. Will we uncover the scientific underpinning of these near-death events?

Guests:

Steve Paulson - executive producer of To the Best of Our Knowledge for Wisconsin Public Radio

Sebastian Junger - journalist, filmmaker and author of “The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea”

Christoph Koch - neuroscientist at the Allen Institute in Seattle and chief scientist of the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation in Santa Monica California

Daniel Kondziella - neuroscientist in the Department of Clinical Medicine at the University of Copenhagen

Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake

Originally aired September 25, 2023

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Skeptic Check: Near Death Experiences