Join Sandra and discover incredible stories from soldiers and explore how America's founders understood the soul's survival, proving consciousness endures beyond earthly life!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
And you're here. Thanks for choosing the iHeartRadio and Coast
to Ghost Day and Paranormal Podcast Network. Your quest for
podcasts of the paranormal, supernatural, and the unexplained ends here.
They invite you to enjoy all our shows we have
on this network, and right now, let's start with Chase
of the Afterlife with Sandra Champlain.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to our podcast. Please be aware the thoughts and
opinions expressed by the host are their thoughts and opinions
only and do not reflect those of iHeartMedia, iHeartRadio, Coast
to Coast AM employees of Premiere Networks, or their sponsors
and associates. We would like to encourage you to do
(00:42):
your own research and discover the subject matter for yourself. Hi.
I'm Sandra Champlain. For over twenty five years, I've been
on a journey to prove the existence of life after death.
On each opp episode, we'll discuss the reasons we now
(01:02):
know that our loved ones have survived physical death and
so will we. Welcome to Shades of the Afterlife. Get
ready for some fireworks today. As my country, the United
States of America, is soon to turn two hundred and
fifty years old. I thought today we could discover what
ultimate independences. On today's episode, we're not just celebrating the
(01:27):
freedom that we have living in our own countries, but
we're exploring the boundless liberty of your very own soul.
So get ready for some truly astounding stories like did
you know that one of America's most iconic presidents sought
comfort from mediums in the White House? Yep, it's true
(01:48):
after a profound personal loss. You'll hear about his chilling premonition,
a dream that was so vivid it actually revealed his
own destiny. And did you know about President George Washington?
He had a powerful spiritual vision at Valley Forge that
shaped the course of a nation. You'll discover how this
(02:09):
profound experience mirrored a quest for freedom far beyond the
physical battlefield. Will also dive into the remarkable insight of
a legendary general whose view on past lives sounds straight
out of the afterlife itself. Plus, here incredible first hand
accounts from American soldiers and veterans who faced death head
(02:33):
on and in their near death experiences found profound moments
of peace, universal love, and undeniable freedom on the other side.
Their stories offer powerful evidence that our consciousness definitely continues
no matter what the circumstances. So don't miss this special
patriotic episode of Shades of the Afterlife. And it's designed
(02:57):
to bring all of us ultimate freedom, and that is
the freedom from fear. But before we dive in, I
want to share some words from your fellow listeners. Back
on episode two hundred and forty two, my guest was
Karen McClain, who received a whole bunch of signs from
her brother in spirit. There was one that I had
(03:18):
never heard of either did listener Sergio. And that is
when there is no sign of water or moisture or
condensation anywhere, you get a couple of random rain drops
that fall on your arm. And this was a sign
Karen McClain felt was from her loved one. Sergio from
Florida says, today, to my astonishment, I experienced something similar
(03:44):
while waiting in the dentist's chair. I closed my eyes
to center myself and try to relax. Suddenly, two drops
of water landed gently on my forearm. When I opened
my eyes, I saw them clearly, two distinct drops, with
no visible source above me, none at all. In that moment,
(04:05):
I recalled your podcast and smiled, knowing that a spirit
had taken inspiration from your show to send me a
sign that everything was going to be okay. I'm deeply
grateful for you and the work you do, Sandra. Shades
of the Afterlife isn't just loved in this world, it's
cherished in the next. Thanks Sergio. And when listener Ricky
(04:28):
heard episode two hundred and forty with Bo Williams, whose
soulmate took herself to the afterlife, he felt compelled to
share his method to connect with his wife Katka, and
has been communicating with her for two years using these
two distinct methods. One, he recommends we download what's called
(04:53):
EVP Maker two point one and Audacity three point one
point three for free on our computers and find instructions
from doctor Sherry Pearl. In fact, I talk about EVP
and recording them and you can even meet doctor Sherry Pearl.
(05:13):
Just go back to episodes fifteen seventy one and one
four seven. But Ricky says his wife Ketaka speaks both
Spanish and English, and he uses a forty second pre
recorded message with her voice speaking Spanish as the background
for this EVP Maker and Keteka to rearrange the sounds
(05:38):
into words. And now what's interesting is Keteka spoke Spanish
in this forty second recording. Yet Ricky says all the
nearly four thousand recorded messages come through in English. He says,
with the same cuteness and accent she had when physically
on our side. He says. The second method includes a
(06:02):
small bulletin board which he put two cards, notepaper size.
One says no and the other says yes. He'll use
his cell phone and record asking a question. While the
camera points at these yes and no cards. He says,
there are orbs of light when he plays back the
(06:25):
video that answer his yes no questions. He said, recently,
I said, my darling, sweetheart, I know I talked too much,
and in this case, a light orb hovered over yes.
He said. We have over one thousand video recorded answers
and they are most definitely amazing light orbs definitely not dust.
(06:49):
He calls this method light orb interactive or light orb communication.
He says, Sandra, feel free to share this. I'm uncomfort
doing interviews. Of course, our daughter and I are still
struggling with having lost mom and wife. Keteka was taken
from us for reasons that still seem unbelievable, as she
(07:11):
was very healthy. Although we do hear from Ketteka every day,
but not being able to hug each other like we
always did is the most difficult of all. Ricky, Well,
thank you, Ricky for sharing two forms of communication that
you use that I know will make a difference with others.
(07:34):
On the fourth of July here in America, we celebrate
the birth of a nation forged in the fires of liberty,
a day filled with parades and fireworks and celebrating these
brave souls who fought for our freedom. We think of
the pursuit of happiness and the idea that all human
beings are created equal. It's a powerful and moving day
(07:57):
and a testament to our desire to be free. But
as we honor this spirit of freedom, I want us
each to expand our vision even further. What about the
ultimate independence, the freedom of our very own souls. Now,
this is a concept that goes far beyond any nation,
any border, or any historical moment. While the fourth of
(08:19):
July is an American holiday, this universal idea of true
liberation and boundless freedom speaks to everyone. All souls everywhere
seek a profound kind of independence, freedom from fear, from
the perceived limitations of this physical world we live in,
(08:40):
and the freedom from the illusion of separation that always
makes us feel isolated and alone and different even when
we're in a crowd. This ultimate freedom is I believe,
the very essence of who we are and a core
truth deep within our spirit. It's the grand, timeless journey
(09:00):
from earthly confinement, the constraints of our physical bodies, the
anxieties in our minds, the sorrows of our hearts, the
limitations of human perception, to this boundless spiritual existence, an
exciting realm of pure potential, limitless connection, and profound peace.
For many, the thought of death can feel like confinement,
(09:24):
the ultimate loss of freedom, that our life is extinguished
and so are the relationships we have, like it's our
final curtain. It's natural that we have anxiety about the unknown,
and of course we can have regrets about what was
said or unsaid, and coming to the end of our
life really can seem like it is a finality. But
(09:46):
of course, if you've listened long enough. My personal journey
into the understanding of the afterlife, which of course began
when I was a huge skeptic has given me so
much power and a sense of independence that helps me
live more powerfully right now. I think when we can
(10:07):
really embrace the reality of physical deaths and that our
life continues on into joy and reconnections and explorations, it
gives more purpose to our life right now. So today
this episode is dedicated to exploring that profound, multi layered freedom,
(10:27):
from the historical pursuit of a nation's liberty to the
eternal liberation of our spirits, showing how those two are
deeply intertwined. We'll take a look back in history. You'll
hear some stories you've never heard before. During a period
of immense change, incredible bravery and bold vision that literally
reshaped our world. Did America's founding fathers and mothers who
(10:52):
fought so valiently for our earthly freedoms, those who penned
declarations of independence that changed the course of history, did
they also ponder the freedom of the soul? You might
truly be surprised by what some of them believed about
life beyond death and covering their personal philosophies and its
President Abraham Lincoln and his personal search after the death
(11:17):
of his son that he communicated with mediums. I'll tell
you that full story in our next segment together. But first,
did you know that there's an account of an Iraq
war veteran who survived a terrifying rocket blast during combat.
In that scary moment, as chaos erupted all around him,
(11:37):
he felt himself instantly leave his body, rising above the scene.
Now he wasn't afraid. Instead, he found himself moving through
a dark corridor that quickly opened into an incredibly beautiful
white light. This light was unlike anything he had ever known.
He said, it was so full of peace and this
(11:57):
incredible loving energy. All of his worries simply vanished. He said,
he had no concern about my life, no worries. He
even recounted speaking with two light beings in this euphoric state.
One was his beloved grandfather, who lovingly promised to show
him around this new, magnificent world. The other, however, conveyed
(12:20):
a gentle but firm message that his journey wasn't complete
and that he needed to go back. This powerful near
death experience transformed his understanding of life, death, and the
true meaning of peace and its testament to how even
in the face of extreme physical danger, our souls can
experience liberation and profound connection, free from fear and the
(12:44):
constraints of the material world. We'll be back looking at
some of America's presidents and the afterlife. You're listening to
a very patriotic Shades of the Afterlife on the iHeartRadio
and Coast to Coast AM Paranormal Podcast Network. Welcome back
(13:20):
to Shades of the Afterlife. I'm Sandra Champlain. Before the break,
we began to ponder whether the great minds who founded America,
these figures synonymous with the pursuit of freedom, also turned
their thoughts to the freedom of the soul after physical death.
The answer is a resounding yes, and in fascinating and
(13:42):
often poignant ways that deeply resonate with our discussions here
on Shades of the Afterlife. Let's begin with a very
well known and loved American president, a man who steered
the nation through its most perilous storm. His name Abraham Lincoln.
Beyond his monumental political achievements and his height, Lincoln's personal
(14:07):
life was marked by profound tragedy, none more devastating than
the death of his beloved eleven year old son Willie
in eighteen sixty two. This profound loss was not just
a private sorrow. It impacted the nation's leader during its
most trying time, which was the Civil War. This loss
(14:30):
utterly shattered his wife, her name Mary Todd Lincoln, who
was consumed by such a dark and deep grief that
transcended traditional comforts and defied any easy consolation. Of course,
we know grief. No, there's no easy consolation. In her
profound sorrow, she sought comfort and reassurance that Willie still
(14:54):
existed and that their bond remained unbroken. This happened during
the spirit movement of the era. It's a documented historical
fact that Mary Todd Lincoln frequently utilized mediums, and surprisingly
written accounts tell us that seances were even held within
(15:15):
the very walls of the White House itself, with prominent
mediums of that time such as Neddie Colburn Maynard participating.
These gatherings at the highest seat of American power underscore
the deep human need we each have to connect with
those we've lost. While Mary was typically the more active
(15:38):
seeker of this couple, driven by her raw, motherly grief
and desperate hope, Abraham Lincoln himself attended many of these sessions.
He reportedly found a measure of comfort or philosophical solace
in them, even if he remained personally cautious or reflective
(15:59):
about out their direct meaning. For him, it was a
flicker of light in the deep darkness of his personal
loss that mirrored the darkness engulfing the nation. The practice
of seeking comfort and connection through mediums was in fact
quite common in America during the mid nineteenth century, especially
(16:21):
in the wake of immense national loss like the Civil War,
as countless families across the country desperately yearned to reach
out to those they had lost on a battlefield or
had died from a disease. This reminds us that grief
is timeless, universal, and it drives each of us to
seek answers beyond conventional wisdom, often leading us to explore
(16:44):
the unseen realms of existence. Abraham Lincoln himself experienced profound
spiritual phenomena that went beyond typical dreams, hinting at a
deeper connection to a non physical reality. Famed recounted a
premonition he had in a dream about his own assassination
(17:06):
in vivid detail. These are words by Abraham Lincoln about
ten days ago, I retired very late. I had been
up waiting for important dispatches from the front. I could
not have been long in bed when I fell into
a slumber, for I was weary. I soon began to dream.
(17:28):
There seemed to be a deathlike stillness about me. Then
I heard subdued sobs, as if a number of people
were weeping. I thought, I left my bed and wandered downstairs.
There the silence was broken by the same pitiful sobbing,
but the mourners were invisible. I went from room to room.
(17:51):
No living person was in sight, but the same mournful
sounds of distress met me as I passed along. It
was light in all the rooms, and every object was
familiar to me. But where were all the people who
were grieving as if their hearts would break? I was
puzzled and alarmed. What could be the meaning of all
(18:13):
of this? Determined to find the cause of a state
of things so mysterious and so shocking, I kept on
until I arrived at the east room, which I entered. There,
I was met with a sickening surprise. Before me was
a cattle felk on which rested a corpse wrapped in
(18:36):
funeral vestments. Around it were stationed soldiers who were acting
as guards, and there was a throng of people, some
gazing mournfully upon the corpse, whose face was covered, others
weeping pitifully. Who is dead in the White House? I
demanded of one of the soldiers, the president. His answer,
(19:01):
he was killed by an assassin. Then came a loud
burst of grief from the crowd, which awoke me from
my dream. This incredible dream, later confirmed by historical events,
highlights a deep, undeniable connection to a non physical reality
and the precognitive potential of our human spirit, even for
(19:25):
a president burdened by the immense weight of a nation. Next,
let's consider another iconic figure, the Father of America, none
other than George Washington. While not a classic near death
experience with physiological death in the modern sense, there was
a compelling legendary story known as Washington's Vision at Valley Forge.
(19:51):
This account, published in the National Republican in eighteen sixty one,
describes Washington having a profound spirit encounter during the brutal
freezing winter encampment of seventeen seventy seven to seventeen seventy eight,
a time of immense despair and hardship for the Continental Army.
(20:14):
Conditions were horrific, with soldiers suffering from cold, hunger, and disease,
and the very future of the American Revolution hung precariously
in the balance. As the story goes, alone, in his quarters,
reflecting on the grim prospects of the revolution and contemplating
(20:34):
the seemingly insurmountable challenges, Washington reportedly received a vision where
he encountered an angelic being who revealed three distinct visions
of America's future, its initial struggles and adversities, its eventual
triumph and prosperity, and its future perils that would test
(20:57):
the nation's resolve. This was a powerful spiritually transformative experience,
also known as a ste for General Washington, linking a
pivotal patriotic figure directly to a non physical encounter that
seemed to offer divine guidance, deeply shaping his understanding of
(21:19):
the nation's destiny and its underlying spiritual purpose. It's a
testament to the idea that even the most grounded and
practical leaders could be open to profound spiritual experiences that
shape their actions and understanding of a greater purpose. Beyond
these specific stories, many of the Founding fathers and mothers,
(21:43):
though diverse in their personal faiths and philosophical leanings, did
hold spiritual beliefs that often included a conviction in the
continuity of the soul or consciousness after death. For instance,
Benjamin Franklin, a renowned scientist, inventor, diplomat, and statesman, frequently
(22:04):
expressed a belief in the soul's immortality and a conscious
existence beyond physical death. He famously captured his view in
a letter to his friend, I look upon death to
be as necessary to the Constitution as sleep. We will
rise refreshed in the morning. He viewed death not as
(22:28):
an end, but as a natural and refreshing transition, almost
like changing clothes for a new day, a continuous cycle
of renewal and progression. Thomas Jefferson was the third President
of the United States and a key American Founding father.
He often thought about things using reason and natural laws
(22:49):
rather than following religion. Even so, in his private writings
he showed that he was open to the idea of
a life after death. He believed in a great creator,
a divine architect, and felt there was a natural sense
of right and wrong built into the world. This led
him to think that our actions on Earth might have
(23:11):
meaning and consequences in a life beyond this one. We
also have insights from military leaders who saw the world
through a profound spiritual lens. General George S. Patten, a
brilliant and complex military figure renowned for his determination and
strategic genius during World War Two, hinted at his own
(23:34):
understanding of a continuous soul journey when he famously stated,
so as through a glass and darkly the age long strife,
I see where I fought in many guises, many names,
but was always me. This powerful quote speaks to the
enduring nature of the soul through multiple lifetimes. It suggests
(23:59):
that our earthly life lives are but chapters in a
much larger, ongoing spiritual saga, and that our very experiences
might be echoes of past existence. These historical accounts, whether
through direct communication via mediums, profound visions, or deep personal convictions,
(24:19):
reinforce a universal human intuition, the deep seated understanding that
life and indeed our consciousness continues beyond death. These historical figures,
in their pursuit of earthly freedom for a nation, also
seemed to grasp a grander freedom of the soul, a
(24:41):
liberation that extends far beyond the physical realm. Their experiences
provide historical evidence that the human spirit has always sought
to understand and connect with the unseen. When we return,
will expand this concept of spiritual liberation, and we'll hear
from American soldiers and veterans whose own near death experiences
(25:06):
offer powerful insights into this universal truth. We'll be right back.
You're listening to Shades of the Afterlife on the iHeartRadio
and post to cost Am Paranormal podcast Network. Welcome back
(25:40):
to Shades of the Afterlife. I'm Sandra Champlain. We've explored
how America's early leaders in their pursuit of national independence
also touched upon profound spiritual freedoms. Now let's cast our
gaze even wider, recognizing that the yearning for ultimate freedom
is universal thread woven through the rich tapestry of our
(26:04):
human existence, transcending all borders, all cultures, and all specific beliefs.
It's a fundamental truth that resonates in every corner of
the world, a deep knowing embedded within our human hearts.
Around the globe and across countless spiritual traditions, death is
viewed as not the end, but as a profound liberation
(26:29):
of our souls. Think about it a release from the
limitations of the physical body, freedom from our pain, freedom
from illness, from the aging process, and from countless earthly
concerns and attachments that often bind us throughout our lives.
This perspective of death as a spiritual release a joyous
(26:53):
return home is powerfully echoed in thousands upon thousands and
thousands of near death experiences, also called ndaes, documented from
people of all ages, backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs from every
single continent. Individuals who step onto the very edge of
(27:14):
death consistently report feeling an incredible sense of freedom, a
profound peace, and an overwhelming wave of unconditional love as
they begin to separate from their physical forms. They describe
being free from anxiety, from physical discomfort, from the burdens
(27:36):
of their earthly lives, finding themselves immersed in a realm
of pure joy, boundless existence, and absolute clarity. These ND
accounts are remarkably consistent, creating a compelling pattern of shared
experiences regardless of the individual's cultural background or their religious upbringing,
(27:59):
or even whether they were blind from birth. They often
include common elements like traveling through a tunnel towards a
brilliant light, encountering deceased loved ones, even their pets or
spiritual beings, undergoing a life review where they re experience
(28:20):
their actions and their impact from the perspective of others,
and feeling a deep reluctance to return to their physical
bodies once they've gotten a glimpse of this new reality.
This remarkable consistency across a diverse experiences around the world
(28:40):
speaks volumes about the universality of our afterlife journey, suggesting
it's not a mere cultural construct or a hallucination, but
an innate, authentic part of human consciousness that simply shifts
its perception. And these next experience is are not just
(29:02):
ordinary citizens. They extend to those who have served their countries,
facing unimaginable dangers and profound sacrifice. We do have powerful
first hand accounts from soldiers and veterans who have had
their own near death experiences, offering insights into the freedom
(29:23):
of our souls, even amidst the chaos of conflict, of
trauma or injury, or at the moment of imminent death.
Their stories are testament to our strong spirit that seeks
liberation even in the most extreme circumstances. Consider the powerful
(29:44):
account of a World War II soldier. After suffering a
severe gunshot wound, and during what was a desperate surgery
in the field, he found himself suddenly floating three feet
above his body. He described looking down at the f
antic scene of doctors working on him with a profound
inner peace, completely detached from any pain or any fear.
(30:10):
He then perceived a vision of a beautiful blue sky
and an intensely bright, yet comforting and loving light. A
voice filled with wisdom and love asked him why he
wanted to return. His response, driven by just a knowing,
was to complete my earthly purpose, leading to his conscious
(30:35):
decision to re enter his body, Forever changed by the experience.
This account is a powerful testament to our consciousness operating
independently of the physical form, even in extreme duress and
the chaos of wartime. This next story from a British
veteran highlights the comfort of family reunion beyond the veil.
(30:59):
This soulure, serving during a modern conflict, suffered catastrophic injuries
that led him to being pronounced clinically dead on the
battlefield for several minutes He described an immediate sensation of
leaving his body, feeling no pain or fear, only an
overwhelming sense of peace. He found himself in a beautiful,
(31:21):
serene landscape, bathed in a soft golden light that radiated
pure love. The sounds of war faded completely, replaced by
a gentle, harmonious hum that filled him with tranquility. Then
familiar figures began to emerge from the light. First, his grandmother,
(31:41):
who had passed years ago, looked at him with immense
joy and pride. She didn't speak in words, but he
felt her unconditional love wash over him, a communication far
deeper than any earthly conversation. Next, he saw his beloved
childhood dog, an old terrier named Rusty, wagging his tail
(32:04):
with youthful joy, running towards him as if no time
had passed. The reunion with Rusty was filled with the
warmth and loyalty. Only a pet can provide more family
members than spirit. Were there, vibrant and whole, free from
any earthly ailment they might have had, They too conveyed
(32:25):
messages of love and reassurance, letting him know that they
were okay and that he too was safe. However, they
gently made it clear to him that his time was
not yet done. He had to go back and had
a mission to fulfill in his physical life, lessons to
learn and love to give. With a deep sense of
(32:48):
purpose and a new found peace, he found himself pulled
back to his body, re entering the chaos of the battlefield.
The experience left him with an unshakable conviction in the
continuity of life and the enduring bonds of family and
even beloved pets beyond physical death. Next, an American marine
(33:10):
veteran who experienced a near death event during a training accident,
profoundly changing his understanding of life and connection. During a
dangerous exercise, a critical error led to a severe impact,
and he lost consciousness. Teetering on the brink of death,
he drifted out of his body. He found himself in
(33:33):
an immense void. Yet it was not dark or frightening. Instead,
he said, it was filled with a profound sense of
peace and an all encompassing presence of love. He felt
an incredible lightness, completely free from the physical pain of
his injuries. It was a silence deeper than any he
(33:55):
had ever known. Suddenly, a figure appeared to him, creating
warmth with a familiar energy. It was his father who
had passed away unexpectedly when the marine was just a teenager.
His father looked younger, healthier, and was smiling with a
love beyond earthly limits. There was no words spoken out loud, communication,
(34:21):
he said, was telepathic, a direct transfer of pure knowing
and affection. His father conveyed deep pride in his service
and the man that he had become, reassuring him that
he had always been watching over him. He showed him
fleeting glimpses of family gatherings and moments of quiet strength
(34:43):
from his early life, confirming his father's constant presence. But
then his father gently communicated that his mission on earth
was not yet complete. He had significant lessons still to
learn and love yet to experience in his physical life.
With a final comforting embrace that he felt with every
(35:05):
fiber of his being, this Marine was guided back towards
his body. He awoke in the hospital, the feeling of
his father's love still palpable, and the memory of that
reunion forever etched into his soul. The experience dissolved his
fear of death and instilled the profound understanding of the
(35:28):
unbreakable bonds of family. Regardless of which side of the
veil they reside on next. Even with the belief systems
like reincarnation seen in many Eastern cultures, the soul's journey
seems to continue. Some believe each life offers a new
chance to grow and move closer to spiritual freedom. Henry Ford,
(35:52):
you'll know his name from Ford Automobiles, once said genius
is experience. Some seem to think that it is a
gift or talent, but it is the fruit of long
experience in many lives. He felt that the soul gathers
wisdom and skills over many lifetimes. Elizabeth Kobler Ross, a
(36:14):
pioneering Swiss psychiatrist who we've mentioned before and did one
episode about her, studied thousands of near death experiences, and
she wisely said, death is simply a shedding of the
physical body, like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It's a
transition to a higher state of consciousness where you continue
(36:37):
to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able
to grow. Her work showed that our existence continues after
the body dies, proving once again that death is not
to be feared. And of course, doctor Raymond Moody, who
coined the term near death experience, found consistent reports of
(36:58):
peace and vivid experiences, which, of course he believes are
truly real. Kenneth Ring's research on blind people seeing during
NDEs also suggests our consciousness works way beyond our physical senses.
No matter your background, the deep feeling that your soul
is eternal and free is a force that connects us all.
(37:21):
It's a universal message of spiritual independence, promising a future
for all of us of endless love, peace and growth
for everyone. Now, don't go anywhere, because when we get back,
we'll have another story and we'll talk about how we
can gain independence in our own lives. You're listening to
(37:44):
Shades of the Afterlife on the iHeartRadio and Coast to
Coast AM Paranormal Podcast Network. Welcome back to Shades of
(38:11):
the Afterlife. I'm Sandra Champlain, and as we are patriotic
and talking about independence and freedom, I want to bring
up three people who I have met personally who have
been part of the US Armed Forces and make a
difference with the afterlife. Back on episode thirty six, you
(38:33):
met these two and you can hear their full stories there.
One is US Navy Commander Suzanne Geeseman, who served as
a highly respected aid to the Chief of Naval Operations.
She is a woman of logic, discipline, and a deep
sense of integrity. Her life took an unexpected turn after
(38:53):
a personal tragedy, the sudden death of her stepdaughter, Susan.
This loss propelled Susanne into an intense quest for answers.
Through rigorous and methodical investigation, much like she would approach
any military intelligence operation, Suzanne discovered undeniable evidence of survival.
(39:16):
She not only found comfort with that, but developed her
own extraordinary ability to communicate with spirit. Commander Geeseman, a
woman of impeccable character and a former skeptic, is now
a renowned evidential medium, dedicating her life to bringing messages
of hope and proof that our loved ones are still here. Next,
(39:38):
let's turn to US Navy Chief Petty Officer Tony Woodie.
Tony's story is a vivid testament to the power of
a near death experience. During his military service, Tony suffered
a near fatal aircraft incident, an experience that propelled him
out of his body and to the very threshold of
the afterlife. He recounted being a in a realm of
(40:01):
profound peace and light observing his own body and the
chaos of the scene below. His experience, deeply impactful and transformative,
brought him an undeniable understanding that consciousness continues beyond physical limits. Tony,
a dedicated and disciplined military man, returned from that experience
(40:24):
with absolute certainty in life after death. Sharing his unique
perspective as a veteran who literally glimpsed eternity and back
on Episode one hundred and thirty is the story of
US Colonel Diane Corkran. Diane, who is herself now in spirit,
was a true pioneer and a champion for all soldiers
(40:46):
and veterans who had near death experiences. As a highly
trained nurse and respected academic, she understood the unique challenges
and profound impacts near death experiences on those in uniform.
She was fiercely passionate about helping these brave men and
women find their way back to living full lives, assisting
(41:09):
them and processing their extraordinary experiences and integrating them into
their reality. Colonel Diane Corkran dedicated a significant part of
her career to the International Association for Near Death Studies
or ians dot org, advocating for research, understanding, and support.
(41:29):
Her work bridging the worlds of military service, medicine, and
spiritual inquiry ensured that the profound experiences of veterans were heard, validated,
and used to bring comfort and healing to countless others.
She was a true force of loving and knowing. A
shout out to our friends at IMS, who have an
(41:53):
incredible amount of free things. On their website you can
research near death experiences and once a year they hold
an extraordinary in person conference. You can go to the
conference live, which in twenty twenty five is in Chicago,
and on their website you can also watch past conferences again.
(42:16):
Their website is ions dot org. Now, if our souls
are indeed eternal and truly free, unburdened by the limitations
of the physical body and the confines of earth, how
does that transform the way we live our lives? It's
a great question, and how does it influence our daily
(42:37):
choices and our approach to challenges and even our grief.
Just as our most courageous pioneers and visionaries pushed beyond
known boundaries to forge a new nation, we too can
claim our spiritual independence from fear, doubt, and the limiting
beliefs that hold us back, knowingly or unknowingly. It empowers
(43:01):
us to live with greater purpose, to extend compassion to
ourselves and others, to practice genuine forgiveness, and to bravely
step outside of our comfort zones, knowing that a vast,
loving and supportive reality always surrounds us, guiding every step. Now,
we human beings fear three predominant things. It's the fear
(43:25):
of being alone, the fear of failure, and the fear
of death. We are never truly alone if you have
no living people around you. Fear not. You are supported
by guides and loved ones. We have a fear of failure.
Fear not failure is a good thing. The only way
(43:49):
to success is by failure. We learn, and when we
get home to the afterlife, we get to share all
those glorious times we fail and the wonderful things we've learned.
And of course, we should have no fear of dying.
Why because after two hundred and forty something episodes that
(44:11):
no doubt you've listened to, you know that our consciousness
survives death. They say fear stands for false evidence appearing real.
Someone taught me a trick. It's not easy. But if
you pay attention to those moments you are afraid and
take action anyway. If you pay full attention and are
(44:35):
in the present moment to what you are doing, the
fear disappears. We can only concentrate on one thing at
a time. Let it be the project in hand and
not the fear that's trying to stop you. What else
do we need freedom from? Well, if you've read my
book We Don't Die, I talk about that voice that's
(44:57):
in our head, that persistent inner critic that often tells
us to be afraid. It passes judgment on everything about us.
There's negative self talk, and this is not our true
soul self. That inner voice can be a complex survival
mechanism that takes information we received in our past, perhaps
(45:20):
things that happened in our childhood or moments of pain,
and what it does is it tries to shape our future,
telling us things like you are unlovable, or you are different,
or you cannot have everything that you want. It is
designed to keep us safe, but it also can keep
us very small. When we choose to quiet that voice
(45:44):
through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or observing our thoughts and
instead connect with that inner wisdom, our intuition, that higher
part of ourselves. Well, we gain a profound sense of
self heal, acceptance, and courage. We can start looking at
ourselves like those who have had near death experiences, feel
(46:07):
that unconditional love. Really, what would that be like to
look in the mirror and only see and feel unconditional love?
Realizing you're not alone ever, as we have a love
around as I said, even if we can't see it.
This understanding gives each one of us the freedom to
confidently go after our deepest dreams, to take some bold steps,
(46:32):
knowing also that every experience is a lesson. Every challenge
we have is a chance to expand our consciousness and
strengthen our soul to truly live. This declaration of spiritual
independence means embracing our capacities as eternal beings. It means
recognizing the immense power of our thoughts and intentions, knowing
(46:57):
that they literally shape our reality. It means cultivating love
and gratitude as our primary modes of being, for these
are the highest vibrations and they really do attract good things,
meaning joy abundance in our lives. The more we talk
to people about positive things and positive memories, they'll start
(47:19):
to do the same thing. Also, in our declaration of
spiritual independence, it means we extend compassion to others, understanding
that they too are eternal souls on their own unique
journeys and they deserve empathy and understanding. And last, it
means forgiving ourselves for any perceived mistakes or past regrets,
(47:43):
knowing that unconditional love and acceptance await us on the
other side, and indeed are available to us right now. So,
my friend, what insight from today's discussion about freedom of
the soul resonated more powerfully with you today? I'd love
to hear it. I don't know how you enjoy Shades
(48:05):
of the Afterlife, but I read every review. So whether
it's Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, your heartfelt
written comments really truly do help new listeners discover the
message of hope, the message that we survive physical death,
the help through grief, and everything that's in my heart.
(48:28):
As a reminder for past episodes, great resources, medium classes,
read a free copy of my book, come to our
inspirational Sunday gathering with medium demonstration, and so much more.
You can go to We Don't die dot com. Remember,
as the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla wisely stated, the day
(48:53):
science begins to study non physical phenomena, it will make
more progress in one deca aid than in all of
the previous centuries of its existence. Science is increasingly becoming
our powerful partner in this incredible exploration of the afterlife,
validating what countless spiritual traditions and personal experiences have told
(49:19):
us for millennia, bridging the gap between faith and empirical understanding.
As we conclude our episode today, take a moment in
your heart to thank anyone who has fought for your freedom.
And if you see a veteran around town, be sure
to thank them for their service. And please don't wait
(49:40):
for eternity to declare your independence. Knowing our souls are limitless,
we are free to live fully. Now, shed fear, embrace joy,
and step into your power, for your spirit's freedom began
long before this life and will last for eternity after
this life. With my friends, give yourself a big hug.
(50:02):
It's not easy being human. I thank you so much
for your time, and thank you for listening to our
very patriotic version of Shades of the Afterlife. On the
iHeartRadio and Coast to Coast Day Paranormal Podcast Network.
Speaker 1 (50:23):
Thanks for listening to the iHeartRadio and Coast to Coast
Day and Paranormal Podcast Network. Make sure and check out
all our shows on the iHeartRadio app or by going
to iHeartRadio dot com
And you're here. Thanks for choosing the iHeartRadio and Coast
to Ghost Day and Paranormal Podcast Network. Your quest for
podcasts of the paranormal, supernatural, and the unexplained ends here.
They invite you to enjoy all our shows we have
on this network, and right now, let's start with Chase
of the Afterlife with Sandra Champlain.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to our podcast. Please be aware the thoughts and
opinions expressed by the host are their thoughts and opinions
only and do not reflect those of iHeartMedia, iHeartRadio, Coast
to Coast AM employees of Premiere Networks, or their sponsors
and associates. We would like to encourage you to do
(00:42):
your own research and discover the subject matter for yourself. Hi.
I'm Sandra Champlain. For over twenty five years, I've been
on a journey to prove the existence of life after death.
On each opp episode, we'll discuss the reasons we now
(01:02):
know that our loved ones have survived physical death and
so will we. Welcome to Shades of the Afterlife. Get
ready for some fireworks today. As my country, the United
States of America, is soon to turn two hundred and
fifty years old. I thought today we could discover what
ultimate independences. On today's episode, we're not just celebrating the
(01:27):
freedom that we have living in our own countries, but
we're exploring the boundless liberty of your very own soul.
So get ready for some truly astounding stories like did
you know that one of America's most iconic presidents sought
comfort from mediums in the White House? Yep, it's true
(01:48):
after a profound personal loss. You'll hear about his chilling premonition,
a dream that was so vivid it actually revealed his
own destiny. And did you know about President George Washington?
He had a powerful spiritual vision at Valley Forge that
shaped the course of a nation. You'll discover how this
(02:09):
profound experience mirrored a quest for freedom far beyond the
physical battlefield. Will also dive into the remarkable insight of
a legendary general whose view on past lives sounds straight
out of the afterlife itself. Plus, here incredible first hand
accounts from American soldiers and veterans who faced death head
(02:33):
on and in their near death experiences found profound moments
of peace, universal love, and undeniable freedom on the other side.
Their stories offer powerful evidence that our consciousness definitely continues
no matter what the circumstances. So don't miss this special
patriotic episode of Shades of the Afterlife. And it's designed
(02:57):
to bring all of us ultimate freedom, and that is
the freedom from fear. But before we dive in, I
want to share some words from your fellow listeners. Back
on episode two hundred and forty two, my guest was
Karen McClain, who received a whole bunch of signs from
her brother in spirit. There was one that I had
(03:18):
never heard of either did listener Sergio. And that is
when there is no sign of water or moisture or
condensation anywhere, you get a couple of random rain drops
that fall on your arm. And this was a sign
Karen McClain felt was from her loved one. Sergio from
Florida says, today, to my astonishment, I experienced something similar
(03:44):
while waiting in the dentist's chair. I closed my eyes
to center myself and try to relax. Suddenly, two drops
of water landed gently on my forearm. When I opened
my eyes, I saw them clearly, two distinct drops, with
no visible source above me, none at all. In that moment,
(04:05):
I recalled your podcast and smiled, knowing that a spirit
had taken inspiration from your show to send me a
sign that everything was going to be okay. I'm deeply
grateful for you and the work you do, Sandra. Shades
of the Afterlife isn't just loved in this world, it's
cherished in the next. Thanks Sergio. And when listener Ricky
(04:28):
heard episode two hundred and forty with Bo Williams, whose
soulmate took herself to the afterlife, he felt compelled to
share his method to connect with his wife Katka, and
has been communicating with her for two years using these
two distinct methods. One, he recommends we download what's called
(04:53):
EVP Maker two point one and Audacity three point one
point three for free on our computers and find instructions
from doctor Sherry Pearl. In fact, I talk about EVP
and recording them and you can even meet doctor Sherry Pearl.
(05:13):
Just go back to episodes fifteen seventy one and one
four seven. But Ricky says his wife Ketaka speaks both
Spanish and English, and he uses a forty second pre
recorded message with her voice speaking Spanish as the background
for this EVP Maker and Keteka to rearrange the sounds
(05:38):
into words. And now what's interesting is Keteka spoke Spanish
in this forty second recording. Yet Ricky says all the
nearly four thousand recorded messages come through in English. He says,
with the same cuteness and accent she had when physically
on our side. He says. The second method includes a
(06:02):
small bulletin board which he put two cards, notepaper size.
One says no and the other says yes. He'll use
his cell phone and record asking a question. While the
camera points at these yes and no cards. He says,
there are orbs of light when he plays back the
(06:25):
video that answer his yes no questions. He said, recently,
I said, my darling, sweetheart, I know I talked too much,
and in this case, a light orb hovered over yes.
He said. We have over one thousand video recorded answers
and they are most definitely amazing light orbs definitely not dust.
(06:49):
He calls this method light orb interactive or light orb communication.
He says, Sandra, feel free to share this. I'm uncomfort
doing interviews. Of course, our daughter and I are still
struggling with having lost mom and wife. Keteka was taken
from us for reasons that still seem unbelievable, as she
(07:11):
was very healthy. Although we do hear from Ketteka every day,
but not being able to hug each other like we
always did is the most difficult of all. Ricky, Well,
thank you, Ricky for sharing two forms of communication that
you use that I know will make a difference with others.
(07:34):
On the fourth of July here in America, we celebrate
the birth of a nation forged in the fires of liberty,
a day filled with parades and fireworks and celebrating these
brave souls who fought for our freedom. We think of
the pursuit of happiness and the idea that all human
beings are created equal. It's a powerful and moving day
(07:57):
and a testament to our desire to be free. But
as we honor this spirit of freedom, I want us
each to expand our vision even further. What about the
ultimate independence, the freedom of our very own souls. Now,
this is a concept that goes far beyond any nation,
any border, or any historical moment. While the fourth of
(08:19):
July is an American holiday, this universal idea of true
liberation and boundless freedom speaks to everyone. All souls everywhere
seek a profound kind of independence, freedom from fear, from
the perceived limitations of this physical world we live in,
(08:40):
and the freedom from the illusion of separation that always
makes us feel isolated and alone and different even when
we're in a crowd. This ultimate freedom is I believe,
the very essence of who we are and a core
truth deep within our spirit. It's the grand, timeless journey
(09:00):
from earthly confinement, the constraints of our physical bodies, the
anxieties in our minds, the sorrows of our hearts, the
limitations of human perception, to this boundless spiritual existence, an
exciting realm of pure potential, limitless connection, and profound peace.
For many, the thought of death can feel like confinement,
(09:24):
the ultimate loss of freedom, that our life is extinguished
and so are the relationships we have, like it's our
final curtain. It's natural that we have anxiety about the unknown,
and of course we can have regrets about what was
said or unsaid, and coming to the end of our
life really can seem like it is a finality. But
(09:46):
of course, if you've listened long enough. My personal journey
into the understanding of the afterlife, which of course began
when I was a huge skeptic has given me so
much power and a sense of independence that helps me
live more powerfully right now. I think when we can
(10:07):
really embrace the reality of physical deaths and that our
life continues on into joy and reconnections and explorations, it
gives more purpose to our life right now. So today
this episode is dedicated to exploring that profound, multi layered freedom,
(10:27):
from the historical pursuit of a nation's liberty to the
eternal liberation of our spirits, showing how those two are
deeply intertwined. We'll take a look back in history. You'll
hear some stories you've never heard before. During a period
of immense change, incredible bravery and bold vision that literally
reshaped our world. Did America's founding fathers and mothers who
(10:52):
fought so valiently for our earthly freedoms, those who penned
declarations of independence that changed the course of history, did
they also ponder the freedom of the soul? You might
truly be surprised by what some of them believed about
life beyond death and covering their personal philosophies and its
President Abraham Lincoln and his personal search after the death
(11:17):
of his son that he communicated with mediums. I'll tell
you that full story in our next segment together. But first,
did you know that there's an account of an Iraq
war veteran who survived a terrifying rocket blast during combat.
In that scary moment, as chaos erupted all around him,
(11:37):
he felt himself instantly leave his body, rising above the scene.
Now he wasn't afraid. Instead, he found himself moving through
a dark corridor that quickly opened into an incredibly beautiful
white light. This light was unlike anything he had ever known.
He said, it was so full of peace and this
(11:57):
incredible loving energy. All of his worries simply vanished. He said,
he had no concern about my life, no worries. He
even recounted speaking with two light beings in this euphoric state.
One was his beloved grandfather, who lovingly promised to show
him around this new, magnificent world. The other, however, conveyed
(12:20):
a gentle but firm message that his journey wasn't complete
and that he needed to go back. This powerful near
death experience transformed his understanding of life, death, and the
true meaning of peace and its testament to how even
in the face of extreme physical danger, our souls can
experience liberation and profound connection, free from fear and the
(12:44):
constraints of the material world. We'll be back looking at
some of America's presidents and the afterlife. You're listening to
a very patriotic Shades of the Afterlife on the iHeartRadio
and Coast to Coast AM Paranormal Podcast Network. Welcome back
(13:20):
to Shades of the Afterlife. I'm Sandra Champlain. Before the break,
we began to ponder whether the great minds who founded America,
these figures synonymous with the pursuit of freedom, also turned
their thoughts to the freedom of the soul after physical death.
The answer is a resounding yes, and in fascinating and
(13:42):
often poignant ways that deeply resonate with our discussions here
on Shades of the Afterlife. Let's begin with a very
well known and loved American president, a man who steered
the nation through its most perilous storm. His name Abraham Lincoln.
Beyond his monumental political achievements and his height, Lincoln's personal
(14:07):
life was marked by profound tragedy, none more devastating than
the death of his beloved eleven year old son Willie
in eighteen sixty two. This profound loss was not just
a private sorrow. It impacted the nation's leader during its
most trying time, which was the Civil War. This loss
(14:30):
utterly shattered his wife, her name Mary Todd Lincoln, who
was consumed by such a dark and deep grief that
transcended traditional comforts and defied any easy consolation. Of course,
we know grief. No, there's no easy consolation. In her
profound sorrow, she sought comfort and reassurance that Willie still
(14:54):
existed and that their bond remained unbroken. This happened during
the spirit movement of the era. It's a documented historical
fact that Mary Todd Lincoln frequently utilized mediums, and surprisingly
written accounts tell us that seances were even held within
(15:15):
the very walls of the White House itself, with prominent
mediums of that time such as Neddie Colburn Maynard participating.
These gatherings at the highest seat of American power underscore
the deep human need we each have to connect with
those we've lost. While Mary was typically the more active
(15:38):
seeker of this couple, driven by her raw, motherly grief
and desperate hope, Abraham Lincoln himself attended many of these sessions.
He reportedly found a measure of comfort or philosophical solace
in them, even if he remained personally cautious or reflective
(15:59):
about out their direct meaning. For him, it was a
flicker of light in the deep darkness of his personal
loss that mirrored the darkness engulfing the nation. The practice
of seeking comfort and connection through mediums was in fact
quite common in America during the mid nineteenth century, especially
(16:21):
in the wake of immense national loss like the Civil War,
as countless families across the country desperately yearned to reach
out to those they had lost on a battlefield or
had died from a disease. This reminds us that grief
is timeless, universal, and it drives each of us to
seek answers beyond conventional wisdom, often leading us to explore
(16:44):
the unseen realms of existence. Abraham Lincoln himself experienced profound
spiritual phenomena that went beyond typical dreams, hinting at a
deeper connection to a non physical reality. Famed recounted a
premonition he had in a dream about his own assassination
(17:06):
in vivid detail. These are words by Abraham Lincoln about
ten days ago, I retired very late. I had been
up waiting for important dispatches from the front. I could
not have been long in bed when I fell into
a slumber, for I was weary. I soon began to dream.
(17:28):
There seemed to be a deathlike stillness about me. Then
I heard subdued sobs, as if a number of people
were weeping. I thought, I left my bed and wandered downstairs.
There the silence was broken by the same pitiful sobbing,
but the mourners were invisible. I went from room to room.
(17:51):
No living person was in sight, but the same mournful
sounds of distress met me as I passed along. It
was light in all the rooms, and every object was
familiar to me. But where were all the people who
were grieving as if their hearts would break? I was
puzzled and alarmed. What could be the meaning of all
(18:13):
of this? Determined to find the cause of a state
of things so mysterious and so shocking, I kept on
until I arrived at the east room, which I entered. There,
I was met with a sickening surprise. Before me was
a cattle felk on which rested a corpse wrapped in
(18:36):
funeral vestments. Around it were stationed soldiers who were acting
as guards, and there was a throng of people, some
gazing mournfully upon the corpse, whose face was covered, others
weeping pitifully. Who is dead in the White House? I
demanded of one of the soldiers, the president. His answer,
(19:01):
he was killed by an assassin. Then came a loud
burst of grief from the crowd, which awoke me from
my dream. This incredible dream, later confirmed by historical events,
highlights a deep, undeniable connection to a non physical reality
and the precognitive potential of our human spirit, even for
(19:25):
a president burdened by the immense weight of a nation. Next,
let's consider another iconic figure, the Father of America, none
other than George Washington. While not a classic near death
experience with physiological death in the modern sense, there was
a compelling legendary story known as Washington's Vision at Valley Forge.
(19:51):
This account, published in the National Republican in eighteen sixty one,
describes Washington having a profound spirit encounter during the brutal
freezing winter encampment of seventeen seventy seven to seventeen seventy eight,
a time of immense despair and hardship for the Continental Army.
(20:14):
Conditions were horrific, with soldiers suffering from cold, hunger, and disease,
and the very future of the American Revolution hung precariously
in the balance. As the story goes, alone, in his quarters,
reflecting on the grim prospects of the revolution and contemplating
(20:34):
the seemingly insurmountable challenges, Washington reportedly received a vision where
he encountered an angelic being who revealed three distinct visions
of America's future, its initial struggles and adversities, its eventual
triumph and prosperity, and its future perils that would test
(20:57):
the nation's resolve. This was a powerful spiritually transformative experience,
also known as a ste for General Washington, linking a
pivotal patriotic figure directly to a non physical encounter that
seemed to offer divine guidance, deeply shaping his understanding of
(21:19):
the nation's destiny and its underlying spiritual purpose. It's a
testament to the idea that even the most grounded and
practical leaders could be open to profound spiritual experiences that
shape their actions and understanding of a greater purpose. Beyond
these specific stories, many of the Founding fathers and mothers,
(21:43):
though diverse in their personal faiths and philosophical leanings, did
hold spiritual beliefs that often included a conviction in the
continuity of the soul or consciousness after death. For instance,
Benjamin Franklin, a renowned scientist, inventor, diplomat, and statesman, frequently
(22:04):
expressed a belief in the soul's immortality and a conscious
existence beyond physical death. He famously captured his view in
a letter to his friend, I look upon death to
be as necessary to the Constitution as sleep. We will
rise refreshed in the morning. He viewed death not as
(22:28):
an end, but as a natural and refreshing transition, almost
like changing clothes for a new day, a continuous cycle
of renewal and progression. Thomas Jefferson was the third President
of the United States and a key American Founding father.
He often thought about things using reason and natural laws
(22:49):
rather than following religion. Even so, in his private writings
he showed that he was open to the idea of
a life after death. He believed in a great creator,
a divine architect, and felt there was a natural sense
of right and wrong built into the world. This led
him to think that our actions on Earth might have
(23:11):
meaning and consequences in a life beyond this one. We
also have insights from military leaders who saw the world
through a profound spiritual lens. General George S. Patten, a
brilliant and complex military figure renowned for his determination and
strategic genius during World War Two, hinted at his own
(23:34):
understanding of a continuous soul journey when he famously stated,
so as through a glass and darkly the age long strife,
I see where I fought in many guises, many names,
but was always me. This powerful quote speaks to the
enduring nature of the soul through multiple lifetimes. It suggests
(23:59):
that our earthly life lives are but chapters in a
much larger, ongoing spiritual saga, and that our very experiences
might be echoes of past existence. These historical accounts, whether
through direct communication via mediums, profound visions, or deep personal convictions,
(24:19):
reinforce a universal human intuition, the deep seated understanding that
life and indeed our consciousness continues beyond death. These historical figures,
in their pursuit of earthly freedom for a nation, also
seemed to grasp a grander freedom of the soul, a
(24:41):
liberation that extends far beyond the physical realm. Their experiences
provide historical evidence that the human spirit has always sought
to understand and connect with the unseen. When we return,
will expand this concept of spiritual liberation, and we'll hear
from American soldiers and veterans whose own near death experiences
(25:06):
offer powerful insights into this universal truth. We'll be right back.
You're listening to Shades of the Afterlife on the iHeartRadio
and post to cost Am Paranormal podcast Network. Welcome back
(25:40):
to Shades of the Afterlife. I'm Sandra Champlain. We've explored
how America's early leaders in their pursuit of national independence
also touched upon profound spiritual freedoms. Now let's cast our
gaze even wider, recognizing that the yearning for ultimate freedom
is universal thread woven through the rich tapestry of our
(26:04):
human existence, transcending all borders, all cultures, and all specific beliefs.
It's a fundamental truth that resonates in every corner of
the world, a deep knowing embedded within our human hearts.
Around the globe and across countless spiritual traditions, death is
viewed as not the end, but as a profound liberation
(26:29):
of our souls. Think about it a release from the
limitations of the physical body, freedom from our pain, freedom
from illness, from the aging process, and from countless earthly
concerns and attachments that often bind us throughout our lives.
This perspective of death as a spiritual release a joyous
(26:53):
return home is powerfully echoed in thousands upon thousands and
thousands of near death experiences, also called ndaes, documented from
people of all ages, backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs from every
single continent. Individuals who step onto the very edge of
(27:14):
death consistently report feeling an incredible sense of freedom, a
profound peace, and an overwhelming wave of unconditional love as
they begin to separate from their physical forms. They describe
being free from anxiety, from physical discomfort, from the burdens
(27:36):
of their earthly lives, finding themselves immersed in a realm
of pure joy, boundless existence, and absolute clarity. These ND
accounts are remarkably consistent, creating a compelling pattern of shared
experiences regardless of the individual's cultural background or their religious upbringing,
(27:59):
or even whether they were blind from birth. They often
include common elements like traveling through a tunnel towards a
brilliant light, encountering deceased loved ones, even their pets or
spiritual beings, undergoing a life review where they re experience
(28:20):
their actions and their impact from the perspective of others,
and feeling a deep reluctance to return to their physical
bodies once they've gotten a glimpse of this new reality.
This remarkable consistency across a diverse experiences around the world
(28:40):
speaks volumes about the universality of our afterlife journey, suggesting
it's not a mere cultural construct or a hallucination, but
an innate, authentic part of human consciousness that simply shifts
its perception. And these next experience is are not just
(29:02):
ordinary citizens. They extend to those who have served their countries,
facing unimaginable dangers and profound sacrifice. We do have powerful
first hand accounts from soldiers and veterans who have had
their own near death experiences, offering insights into the freedom
(29:23):
of our souls, even amidst the chaos of conflict, of
trauma or injury, or at the moment of imminent death.
Their stories are testament to our strong spirit that seeks
liberation even in the most extreme circumstances. Consider the powerful
(29:44):
account of a World War II soldier. After suffering a
severe gunshot wound, and during what was a desperate surgery
in the field, he found himself suddenly floating three feet
above his body. He described looking down at the f
antic scene of doctors working on him with a profound
inner peace, completely detached from any pain or any fear.
(30:10):
He then perceived a vision of a beautiful blue sky
and an intensely bright, yet comforting and loving light. A
voice filled with wisdom and love asked him why he
wanted to return. His response, driven by just a knowing,
was to complete my earthly purpose, leading to his conscious
(30:35):
decision to re enter his body, Forever changed by the experience.
This account is a powerful testament to our consciousness operating
independently of the physical form, even in extreme duress and
the chaos of wartime. This next story from a British
veteran highlights the comfort of family reunion beyond the veil.
(30:59):
This soulure, serving during a modern conflict, suffered catastrophic injuries
that led him to being pronounced clinically dead on the
battlefield for several minutes He described an immediate sensation of
leaving his body, feeling no pain or fear, only an
overwhelming sense of peace. He found himself in a beautiful,
(31:21):
serene landscape, bathed in a soft golden light that radiated
pure love. The sounds of war faded completely, replaced by
a gentle, harmonious hum that filled him with tranquility. Then
familiar figures began to emerge from the light. First, his grandmother,
(31:41):
who had passed years ago, looked at him with immense
joy and pride. She didn't speak in words, but he
felt her unconditional love wash over him, a communication far
deeper than any earthly conversation. Next, he saw his beloved
childhood dog, an old terrier named Rusty, wagging his tail
(32:04):
with youthful joy, running towards him as if no time
had passed. The reunion with Rusty was filled with the
warmth and loyalty. Only a pet can provide more family
members than spirit. Were there, vibrant and whole, free from
any earthly ailment they might have had, They too conveyed
(32:25):
messages of love and reassurance, letting him know that they
were okay and that he too was safe. However, they
gently made it clear to him that his time was
not yet done. He had to go back and had
a mission to fulfill in his physical life, lessons to
learn and love to give. With a deep sense of
(32:48):
purpose and a new found peace, he found himself pulled
back to his body, re entering the chaos of the battlefield.
The experience left him with an unshakable conviction in the
continuity of life and the enduring bonds of family and
even beloved pets beyond physical death. Next, an American marine
(33:10):
veteran who experienced a near death event during a training accident,
profoundly changing his understanding of life and connection. During a
dangerous exercise, a critical error led to a severe impact,
and he lost consciousness. Teetering on the brink of death,
he drifted out of his body. He found himself in
(33:33):
an immense void. Yet it was not dark or frightening. Instead,
he said, it was filled with a profound sense of
peace and an all encompassing presence of love. He felt
an incredible lightness, completely free from the physical pain of
his injuries. It was a silence deeper than any he
(33:55):
had ever known. Suddenly, a figure appeared to him, creating
warmth with a familiar energy. It was his father who
had passed away unexpectedly when the marine was just a teenager.
His father looked younger, healthier, and was smiling with a
love beyond earthly limits. There was no words spoken out loud, communication,
(34:21):
he said, was telepathic, a direct transfer of pure knowing
and affection. His father conveyed deep pride in his service
and the man that he had become, reassuring him that
he had always been watching over him. He showed him
fleeting glimpses of family gatherings and moments of quiet strength
(34:43):
from his early life, confirming his father's constant presence. But
then his father gently communicated that his mission on earth
was not yet complete. He had significant lessons still to
learn and love yet to experience in his physical life.
With a final comforting embrace that he felt with every
(35:05):
fiber of his being, this Marine was guided back towards
his body. He awoke in the hospital, the feeling of
his father's love still palpable, and the memory of that
reunion forever etched into his soul. The experience dissolved his
fear of death and instilled the profound understanding of the
(35:28):
unbreakable bonds of family. Regardless of which side of the
veil they reside on next. Even with the belief systems
like reincarnation seen in many Eastern cultures, the soul's journey
seems to continue. Some believe each life offers a new
chance to grow and move closer to spiritual freedom. Henry Ford,
(35:52):
you'll know his name from Ford Automobiles, once said genius
is experience. Some seem to think that it is a
gift or talent, but it is the fruit of long
experience in many lives. He felt that the soul gathers
wisdom and skills over many lifetimes. Elizabeth Kobler Ross, a
(36:14):
pioneering Swiss psychiatrist who we've mentioned before and did one
episode about her, studied thousands of near death experiences, and
she wisely said, death is simply a shedding of the
physical body, like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It's a
transition to a higher state of consciousness where you continue
(36:37):
to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able
to grow. Her work showed that our existence continues after
the body dies, proving once again that death is not
to be feared. And of course, doctor Raymond Moody, who
coined the term near death experience, found consistent reports of
(36:58):
peace and vivid experiences, which, of course he believes are
truly real. Kenneth Ring's research on blind people seeing during
NDEs also suggests our consciousness works way beyond our physical senses.
No matter your background, the deep feeling that your soul
is eternal and free is a force that connects us all.
(37:21):
It's a universal message of spiritual independence, promising a future
for all of us of endless love, peace and growth
for everyone. Now, don't go anywhere, because when we get back,
we'll have another story and we'll talk about how we
can gain independence in our own lives. You're listening to
(37:44):
Shades of the Afterlife on the iHeartRadio and Coast to
Coast AM Paranormal Podcast Network. Welcome back to Shades of
(38:11):
the Afterlife. I'm Sandra Champlain, and as we are patriotic
and talking about independence and freedom, I want to bring
up three people who I have met personally who have
been part of the US Armed Forces and make a
difference with the afterlife. Back on episode thirty six, you
(38:33):
met these two and you can hear their full stories there.
One is US Navy Commander Suzanne Geeseman, who served as
a highly respected aid to the Chief of Naval Operations.
She is a woman of logic, discipline, and a deep
sense of integrity. Her life took an unexpected turn after
(38:53):
a personal tragedy, the sudden death of her stepdaughter, Susan.
This loss propelled Susanne into an intense quest for answers.
Through rigorous and methodical investigation, much like she would approach
any military intelligence operation, Suzanne discovered undeniable evidence of survival.
(39:16):
She not only found comfort with that, but developed her
own extraordinary ability to communicate with spirit. Commander Geeseman, a
woman of impeccable character and a former skeptic, is now
a renowned evidential medium, dedicating her life to bringing messages
of hope and proof that our loved ones are still here. Next,
(39:38):
let's turn to US Navy Chief Petty Officer Tony Woodie.
Tony's story is a vivid testament to the power of
a near death experience. During his military service, Tony suffered
a near fatal aircraft incident, an experience that propelled him
out of his body and to the very threshold of
the afterlife. He recounted being a in a realm of
(40:01):
profound peace and light observing his own body and the
chaos of the scene below. His experience, deeply impactful and transformative,
brought him an undeniable understanding that consciousness continues beyond physical limits. Tony,
a dedicated and disciplined military man, returned from that experience
(40:24):
with absolute certainty in life after death. Sharing his unique
perspective as a veteran who literally glimpsed eternity and back
on Episode one hundred and thirty is the story of
US Colonel Diane Corkran. Diane, who is herself now in spirit,
was a true pioneer and a champion for all soldiers
(40:46):
and veterans who had near death experiences. As a highly
trained nurse and respected academic, she understood the unique challenges
and profound impacts near death experiences on those in uniform.
She was fiercely passionate about helping these brave men and
women find their way back to living full lives, assisting
(41:09):
them and processing their extraordinary experiences and integrating them into
their reality. Colonel Diane Corkran dedicated a significant part of
her career to the International Association for Near Death Studies
or ians dot org, advocating for research, understanding, and support.
(41:29):
Her work bridging the worlds of military service, medicine, and
spiritual inquiry ensured that the profound experiences of veterans were heard, validated,
and used to bring comfort and healing to countless others.
She was a true force of loving and knowing. A
shout out to our friends at IMS, who have an
(41:53):
incredible amount of free things. On their website you can
research near death experiences and once a year they hold
an extraordinary in person conference. You can go to the
conference live, which in twenty twenty five is in Chicago,
and on their website you can also watch past conferences again.
(42:16):
Their website is ions dot org. Now, if our souls
are indeed eternal and truly free, unburdened by the limitations
of the physical body and the confines of earth, how
does that transform the way we live our lives? It's
a great question, and how does it influence our daily
(42:37):
choices and our approach to challenges and even our grief.
Just as our most courageous pioneers and visionaries pushed beyond
known boundaries to forge a new nation, we too can
claim our spiritual independence from fear, doubt, and the limiting
beliefs that hold us back, knowingly or unknowingly. It empowers
(43:01):
us to live with greater purpose, to extend compassion to
ourselves and others, to practice genuine forgiveness, and to bravely
step outside of our comfort zones, knowing that a vast,
loving and supportive reality always surrounds us, guiding every step. Now,
we human beings fear three predominant things. It's the fear
(43:25):
of being alone, the fear of failure, and the fear
of death. We are never truly alone if you have
no living people around you. Fear not. You are supported
by guides and loved ones. We have a fear of failure.
Fear not failure is a good thing. The only way
(43:49):
to success is by failure. We learn, and when we
get home to the afterlife, we get to share all
those glorious times we fail and the wonderful things we've learned.
And of course, we should have no fear of dying.
Why because after two hundred and forty something episodes that
(44:11):
no doubt you've listened to, you know that our consciousness
survives death. They say fear stands for false evidence appearing real.
Someone taught me a trick. It's not easy. But if
you pay attention to those moments you are afraid and
take action anyway. If you pay full attention and are
(44:35):
in the present moment to what you are doing, the
fear disappears. We can only concentrate on one thing at
a time. Let it be the project in hand and
not the fear that's trying to stop you. What else
do we need freedom from? Well, if you've read my
book We Don't Die, I talk about that voice that's
(44:57):
in our head, that persistent inner critic that often tells
us to be afraid. It passes judgment on everything about us.
There's negative self talk, and this is not our true
soul self. That inner voice can be a complex survival
mechanism that takes information we received in our past, perhaps
(45:20):
things that happened in our childhood or moments of pain,
and what it does is it tries to shape our future,
telling us things like you are unlovable, or you are different,
or you cannot have everything that you want. It is
designed to keep us safe, but it also can keep
us very small. When we choose to quiet that voice
(45:44):
through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or observing our thoughts and
instead connect with that inner wisdom, our intuition, that higher
part of ourselves. Well, we gain a profound sense of
self heal, acceptance, and courage. We can start looking at
ourselves like those who have had near death experiences, feel
(46:07):
that unconditional love. Really, what would that be like to
look in the mirror and only see and feel unconditional love?
Realizing you're not alone ever, as we have a love
around as I said, even if we can't see it.
This understanding gives each one of us the freedom to
confidently go after our deepest dreams, to take some bold steps,
(46:32):
knowing also that every experience is a lesson. Every challenge
we have is a chance to expand our consciousness and
strengthen our soul to truly live. This declaration of spiritual
independence means embracing our capacities as eternal beings. It means
recognizing the immense power of our thoughts and intentions, knowing
(46:57):
that they literally shape our reality. It means cultivating love
and gratitude as our primary modes of being, for these
are the highest vibrations and they really do attract good things,
meaning joy abundance in our lives. The more we talk
to people about positive things and positive memories, they'll start
(47:19):
to do the same thing. Also, in our declaration of
spiritual independence, it means we extend compassion to others, understanding
that they too are eternal souls on their own unique
journeys and they deserve empathy and understanding. And last, it
means forgiving ourselves for any perceived mistakes or past regrets,
(47:43):
knowing that unconditional love and acceptance await us on the
other side, and indeed are available to us right now. So,
my friend, what insight from today's discussion about freedom of
the soul resonated more powerfully with you today? I'd love
to hear it. I don't know how you enjoy Shades
(48:05):
of the Afterlife, but I read every review. So whether
it's Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, your heartfelt
written comments really truly do help new listeners discover the
message of hope, the message that we survive physical death,
the help through grief, and everything that's in my heart.
(48:28):
As a reminder for past episodes, great resources, medium classes,
read a free copy of my book, come to our
inspirational Sunday gathering with medium demonstration, and so much more.
You can go to We Don't die dot com. Remember,
as the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla wisely stated, the day
(48:53):
science begins to study non physical phenomena, it will make
more progress in one deca aid than in all of
the previous centuries of its existence. Science is increasingly becoming
our powerful partner in this incredible exploration of the afterlife,
validating what countless spiritual traditions and personal experiences have told
(49:19):
us for millennia, bridging the gap between faith and empirical understanding.
As we conclude our episode today, take a moment in
your heart to thank anyone who has fought for your freedom.
And if you see a veteran around town, be sure
to thank them for their service. And please don't wait
(49:40):
for eternity to declare your independence. Knowing our souls are limitless,
we are free to live fully. Now, shed fear, embrace joy,
and step into your power, for your spirit's freedom began
long before this life and will last for eternity after
this life. With my friends, give yourself a big hug.
(50:02):
It's not easy being human. I thank you so much
for your time, and thank you for listening to our
very patriotic version of Shades of the Afterlife. On the
iHeartRadio and Coast to Coast Day Paranormal Podcast Network.
Speaker 1 (50:23):
Thanks for listening to the iHeartRadio and Coast to Coast
Day and Paranormal Podcast Network. Make sure and check out
all our shows on the iHeartRadio app or by going
to iHeartRadio dot com
Host
Sandra Champlain
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