S6E27: What ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS tell us about NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES: Gregory Shushan, Ph.D.

In this fascinating episode of "How I Made It Through," hosts Kristin Taylor and Bernadette Thompson welcome Gregory Shushan, Ph.D., a leading authority on near-death experiences (NDEs) and the afterlife across cultures and history. Dr. Shushan, a historian of religions and award-winning author, delves into the universal themes and unique cultural interpretations of NDEs throughout ancient civilizations and indigenous societies.

Dr. Shushan shares his journey from studying Egyptian archaeology to becoming a pioneer in cross-cultural comparisons of NDEs. He discusses the nine core elements of NDEs he identified and how these elements manifest differently across various cultures. From ancient Egyptian texts resembling near-death experiences to Native American accounts challenging missionary teachings, Dr. Shushan provides a comprehensive look at how NDEs have been perceived and documented globally.

The conversation explores the similarities and differences in how cultures interpret NDEs, the role of cultural symbols in understanding these experiences, and the impact of NDEs on religious beliefs and practices. Dr. Shushan also addresses the challenges he faced in academia and how his work intersects with scientific debates on the nature of consciousness and the afterlife.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that challenges conventional paradigms and opens new avenues for understanding human consciousness and spiritual experiences across time and space.

- **[00:00] Introduction to Gregory Shushan, Ph.D.**
- Overview of Gregory Shushan's background and expertise in near-death experiences.

- **[03:00] Early Fascination and Academic Journey**
- Dr. Shushan shares his early interest in strange phenomena and the path that led him to study NDEs.

- **[06:00] Cross-Cultural Comparisons**
- Discussion on the similarities and differences in NDEs across ancient civilizations like Egypt and India.

- **[09:00] Indigenous Societies and NDEs**
- Insights into how indigenous cultures perceive NDEs and their impact on belief systems.

- **[12:00] Challenges in Academia**
- Dr. Shushan talks about the academic resistance he faced and how he navigated disciplinary taboos.

- **[15:00] Cultural Symbols and NDEs**
- Exploration of how cultural symbols overlay NDEs and provide a framework for understanding.

- **[18:00] Hellish NDEs and Cultural Interpretations**
- Examination of distressing NDEs and how different cultures interpret these experiences.

- **[21:00] The Role of Science and Spirituality**
- Discussion on how Dr. Shushan's work challenges scientific and spiritual interpretations of NDEs.

Learn more about Gregory Shushan, PhD.:
- Website: gregoryshushan.com
- Book: “Near-Death Experience in Ancient Civilizations: The Origins of the World's Afterlife Beliefs” 
- Instagram: @gregoryshuhshan
- Substack: gregoryshushan.substack.com

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👉 Kristin Taylor's Website: www.kristintaylorconsulting.com

👉 Bernadette Thompson's Website: www.tellmeourstory.com

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