Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke

Epizodes

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  Doctor Stabbed 13 Times During Murder Attempt - Then God Showed Up | Near Death Experience 06.08.2026 58min

  Near Death Experience Story | NDE | Heaven | God | Imagine Heaven | John BurkeDr. Ron Smothermon welcomed a house guest into his home during the aftermath of the man’s painful divorce. Then, without warning, his guest experienced a psychotic break—and Ron found himself fighting for his life.As Ron was stabbed repeatedly, something extraordinary happened:--time appeared to stand still. In this episode of the Imagine Heaven Podcast, Dr. Ron Smothermon joins John Burke to recount the near-death experience that unfolded during the attack, the overwhelming presence he encountered, and what it revealed to him about 9 of God’s extraordinary qualities that came in the darkest moments of human suffering.What happens when heaven suddenly breaks into the worst moment of your life? And could God be closer than we realize—even when everything appears completely out of control?Listen to the full conversation to hear what Ron experienced when time stopped and how it permanently transformed his understanding of God, death, forgiveness, and the reality beyond this life.Note: “Amin” is a pseudonym used at Dr. Smothermon’s request to protect the individual’s identity. John and Ron pronounce the pseudonym differently during the conversation, but both are referring to the same person.
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  Wealthy Pilot Dies From Opioid Overdose, Sees Hell & Heaven 09.07.2026 1h 16min

  Jim Woodford was agnostic yet had a surprising, detailed near death experience and saw the book of his life.He was a successful Canadian businessman and airline pilot. He had built a comfortable life, never prayed, and saw no reason to believe in God.Then an opioid overdose changed everything.In this unforgettable conversation with John Burke, Jim shares the near-death experience that shattered everything he thought he knew.He describes catching a glimpse of hell, being overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of Heaven, flying over the magnificent City of God, and encountering the book that contained every detail of his life. Most of all, he describes meeting God Himself. Whether you're curious about near-death experiences, the afterlife, Heaven, Hell, or the evidence people report after clinical death, Jim's story raises profound questions about life, eternity, and the God he never expected to meet.
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  Devout Muslim Died - and Saw Something He Couldn't Explain 18.06.2026 1h 38min

  Born into the chaos of the Rwandan genocide, Swidiq's childhood was marked by unimaginable loss, division, and survival.As violence tore through his country and fractured his family, he found himself living on the streets, searching for purpose amid tragedy.Determined to find truth, Swidiq devoted himself to Islam, eventually becoming a respected Imam and passionate defender of his faith. He was confident in what he believed about God, life, and the afterlife.But everything changed when he died.In this powerful episode of Imagine Heaven, Swidiq shares the extraordinary near-death experience that challenged his assumptions, transformed his understanding of eternity, and left him wrestling with questions he never expected to face.What did he see? What did he learn? And why did the experience change the course of his life?Join John Burke as he sits down with Swidiq to explore one of the most compelling near-death experiences we've ever featured.In this fascinating true-life story of the evils of genocide, divorce, drug abuse, and finally death, Swidiq discovered during his life-altering near-death experience a love powerful enough to overcome, redeem, and restore it all. To read Swidiq's powerful full story, get his book: I Once Was Dead by Swidiq Cedric Kanana, available on Amazon.
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  Hindu Engineer Dies and Encounters Something Unexpected in the Afterlife 04.06.2026 1h 18min

  A Hindu manufacturing engineer clinically dies — and what he experiences completely challenges what he expected about the afterlife.Santosh grew up believing in reincarnation. But during his near-death experience, he says he encountered something else entirely: a radiant city unlike anything he had ever seen before… matching descriptions found in Revelation 21 of the Bible.What he describes about God, heaven, judgment, and the nature of eternity raises profound questions about reincarnation, truth, and what really happens after death.Was this simply the mind under stress — or did this Hindu engineer witness something impossible?In this powerful episode of the Imagine Heaven Podcast, John Burke sits down with Santosh to unpack one of the most compelling cross-cultural near-death experiences we’ve heard yet.
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  Blind 8-Year-Old Describes Heaven the Same as Sighted People 19.05.2026 1h 3min

  Blind from birth, Brad Barrows stopped breathing for 4 minutes during a near death experience at just 8 years old. During his NDE, he described heaven with details shockingly similar to what sighted people around the world report seeing — despite never having seen anything on earth himself.But there was one experience in heaven that stayed with him more than anything else. Brad encountered something so beautiful, powerful, and deeply moving that it awakened a passion inside him years before he would ever pursue it on earth.Later in life, Brad fell into a deep depression and reached the point of wanting to end his life. But in his darkest moment, the memory of what he experienced in heaven — and the passion it ignited in him as a child — came rushing back and ultimately saved him.In this emotional conversation with John Burke, Brad shares the breathtaking details of his near death experience, the uncanny similarities between his account and those of sighted people, and the heavenly encounter that changed the course of his life forever.
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  He Investigated Angels & Demons…What He Found Is Unbelievable 23.04.2026 51min

  In this episode of Imagine Heaven, John Burke sits down with investigative journalist Billy Hallowell to explore the evidence behind supernatural encounters, spiritual warfare, and the unseen realm.From documented cases to personal investigations, Billy shares what he’s uncovered about how angels and demons may be interacting with people today - and what that could mean for your life.Are these beings real? And if so…how close are they?
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  Non-Speaking Autistic Kids Are Reporting NDE-Like Visits to Heaven…Without Dying!? 02.04.2026 1h 10min

  What if non-speaking autistic individuals aren’t “trapped”… but experiencing something far beyond what we can see?Pastor Joe Infranco joins John Burke to reveal stunning parallels between Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and what autistic non-speakers are now communicating through spelling.These individuals—once thought unable to express themselves—are describing encounters with the same realities reported in Imagine Heaven: A “mysterious hill” - Encounters with spiritual beings Overwhelming peace, love, and clarity Verifiable details that raise serious questionsWhy are their accounts so consistent with NDEs… even though they’ve never died? Is this a deeper level of spiritual awareness?Or a hidden truth we’re just beginning to understand?This conversation also builds on ideas explored in the viral The Telepathy Tapes—but introduces a perspective many believe has been overlooked.
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  Gabe Poirot Dies in a 30 MPH Skateboard Crash…Then Meets God Face-to-Face 20.03.2026 1h 14min

  At just 20 years old, Gabe Poirot thought he understood God. He had been to Bible college. He believed in Jesus. Millions were already watching him teach about faith online.But everything changed in an instant. After a 30 mph crash on a motorized skateboard, Gabe suffered a traumatic brain injury that cracked open his skull - and led to a life-altering near-death experience. What he encountered wasn’t what he expected.In this powerful episode, Gabe and John share:What he saw and experienced beyond this lifeThe reality of God in a way he had never known beforeThe four distinct loves of God and how they apply to YOUHow this moment completely transformed his faithThis conversation will challenge what you think you know about God, and invite you into something deeper.
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  Raised Strict Mennonite, Burned by Religion…Then His NDE Changed Everything 11.03.2026 1h 26min

  Joe Joe Morris grew up in an extremely strict religious environment that gave him a harsh and fearful view of God. Raised within Mennonite and Hutterite communities, his faith was built on rules, judgment, and shame.But everything changed the day he nearly died.During a powerful near-death experience, Joe Joe says he encountered God in the throne room of heaven - and the God he met was nothing like the one he thought he knew.In this powerful conversation, John Burke talks with Joe Joe about the difference between religion and relationship, and how encountering God's love completely transformed his life. If you've ever struggled with religion, felt burned by legalism, or wondered what God is really like, Joe Joe's story may change how you see faith.
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  Doctor Gave Him 2 Years to Live...Then He Died and Came Back 19.02.2026 1h 16min

  What would you do if a doctor told you that you only had two years to live?In this episode, John Burke interviews Mike Olsen, who faced that exact reality.After receiving what felt like a two-year notice, Mike began living with new urgency and clarity - only to later actually die, experience a profound near-death encounter, and return with life-altering insight. In this powerful conversation, Mike shares what his NDE revealed about suffering, trials, fear, purpose, and how God uses even our darkest moments for transformation.If you are walking through hardship, illness, loss, or uncertainty - this episode will deeply encourage you.
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  Marine’s Life-Changing NDE: Instant Freedom from Guilt and Trauma 28.01.2026 1h 16min

  Mike Lewis lived for years under the weight of horrific things that had been done to him - and what he had done to others. Shaped by childhood trauma, buried shame, and a constant sense of condemnation, he believed God could only be disappointed, if not disgusted, by who he had become.Then, in a near-death experience, he met Jesus face to face and everything changed.
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  Blind, Alone & Near-Death on Mount Everest 08.01.2026 1h 20min

  Brian Dickinson is the only person in history to solo summit Mount Everest and make it back alive after going completely blind.During his descent from the top of the world, Brian lost his sight, faced certain death, and encountered a Presence that changed the course of his descent.This is not just a survival story - it’s a powerful testimony of faith, surrender, and the Presence of God in our helplessness.📖 Read Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson: https://a.co/d/crUQKvD📘 Read 3 FREE chapters of Soul Revolution (click “Read Sample”): https://a.co/d/2euoQoB
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  Your Guardian Angels at Christmas: What Near-Death Experiences Reveal 17.12.2025 16min

  Do you have a guardian angel? What are angels really like - and what role do they play in our lives?In this special audio-only episode, John Burke shares four powerful angelic encounters told by near-death experiencers he has interviewed over the years.These firsthand stories reveal the many ways God uses His angels to guide, protect, and comfort us - often in moments we never even realize. From announcing and watching over the first Christmas to quietly guarding our lives today, angels remain deeply involved in God’s work and in your story.This audio was originally recorded for The Unfolding Podcast, where you can hear more angel stories throughout the Christmas season.
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  The Unbelievable NDE That Erased 30 Years of Memory 20.11.2025 1h 23min

  What if you died… met God… saw Heaven… and then woke up believing it was 1969? That’s exactly what happened to Doug Knake.One moment, Doug was slipping into darkness, chased by terrifying beings that looked like silhouettes made of fire. The next, a presence filled everything around him — powerful, peaceful, unmistakably God — saying, “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”In an instant, he was lifted into a world bursting with color, a city bustling with life, streets and buildings he couldn’t describe. A place so alive he didn’t want to leave. God showed him the effect of all his choices, then told him he had a purpose still to fulfill on earth. But God wasn’t finished.He sent Doug back to his body — and Doug woke up in 2006 with no memories of the past 30+ years. Not his wife. Not his job. Not even the existence of modern technology. He remembered Heaven… but not his own life.This is one of the most shocking and moving NDE stories we’ve ever shared — a real-life “50 First Dates” journey of love, loss, identity, and the presence of God that never left and redeemed it all with love.Imagine God Devotional Audiobook: https://a.co/d/hJyE1ppImagine Heaven Audiobook: https://a.co/d/50bh49lRead Doug Knake's full story: Being 20 Again At 50 - https://a.co/d/amK88LD
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  Superintendent's Unbelievable Accidental NDE After Appendix Bursts 04.11.2025 1h 16min

  When Mike McKenzie, a construction superintendent, nearly dies from a burst appendix, God answers a prayer he made as a little boy - to see Heaven. In this incredible near-death experience, Mike is shown how deeply God cares about every detail of our lives.From the biggest life-and-death moments to the smallest tasks on the jobsite, he learns that nothing is too insignificant for God’s attention. Even something as ordinary as finding a missing screwdriver becomes a powerful reminder that Heaven is closer than we think - and that God is personal, present, and involved in it all.Hear how Mike’s encounter revealed God’s precise love, purpose, and faithfulness, and why his story will strengthen your faith in a God who truly sees you.LISTEN to the Imagine Heaven Audiobook now: https://a.co/d/ew5xTnj
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  A Special Message: Connecting Into God's Presence 24.10.2025 42min

  In this special episode, John and Kathy Burke explore how the way you imagine God--His heart, character, and attributes--shapes every part of your life. The thoughts you hold about God are the most important ones you have, because they influence how you see yourself, others, and the world around you. How can near-death experiences help us better understand what Scripture reveals about God’s true nature?John and Kathy share insights from years of studying NDEs and introduce the Imagine the God of Heaven Devotional - a companion to Imagine the God of Heaven designed to help you live out its powerful truths every day.Through daily scriptures, guided prayers, handpicked NDE stories, and inspirational teaching, this devotional will help you experience deeper peace, renewed purpose, and a closer connection with God--while cultivating a joyful anticipation for the Life to come.Imagine the God of Heaven Devotional: https://a.co/d/gtOl6Yn
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  Software Engineer's Mind-Blowing NDE 14.10.2025 1h 23min

  In one of the most mind-blowing near-death experience stories ever shared, software engineer Steve Boyls reveals what he saw while in a coma from COVID. His journey through Heaven is unforgettable - from walking through his father’s woodshop in his Heavenly home to witnessing the warhorses of Heaven and discovering a personal gift God had waiting for him when he returned.📘 Check out Steve and Kathy Boyls’ book → https://a.co/d/j7m6dhZ-------------------------Stay Connected📖 Books by John BurkeImagine Heaven on Amazon: https://a.co/d/grDeHUbImagine the God of Heaven on Amazon: https://a.co/d/grDeHUbImagine Heaven Devotional: 100 Reflections to Bring Heaven to Your Life: https://a.co/d/fDRHWcHSoul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended: https://a.co/d/a4D16mR
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  NDEs, Neuroscience, and the Soul with Dr. Lee Warren 26.09.2025 1h 43min

  Can modern neuroscience point us toward the reality of the soul? In this compelling conversation, neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren joins pastor and author John Burke to explore the intersection of near-death experiences, brain science, and faith.From his time as a brain surgeon in the Iraqi war -- where he faced trauma and later endured the devastating loss of his 19-year-old son -- Dr. Warren has sought both scientific and spiritual answers to life’s biggest questions.Together, he and John dive into:• How neuroplasticity and epigenetics reveal the power of our thoughts to shape our brains--and even future generations• Why free will vs. determinism matters for our understanding of the human spirit• How trauma and PTSD can be healed through intentional thought and God’s promises• Why near-death experiences align with the truth of Scripture about heaven and eternityDon’t miss this fascinating episode that blends hard science with profound hope, showing how we can truly be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” For more from Dr. Lee Warren: Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCzIZ9JVpX6mZJf8xCvPlkfA Self-Brain Surgery Playlist on Spotify: http://bit.ly/46bode3 His books: 2021 ECPA Memoir/Biography of the Year, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I've Seen the End of You⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://amzn.to/42fqKn0 Hope Is the First Dose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://amzn.to/3mAqGLG. Sign up for his weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://bit.ly/3Xc26iW. (Get his free Thought Biopsy Worksheet when you subscribe)
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  Teen's Jet Ski Tragedy Leads to a Startling Near-Death Experience 26.08.2025 1h 57min

  What began as a fun day on the lake with a friend ended in tragedy when a jet ski accident took 19-year-old Riley Huddleston’s life. In that moment, she was transported to Heaven, where she discovered a "lit" new life and a God more personal and loving than she ever imagined. But amid the joy and wonder, Riley received a startling message from God — one that would quickly turn the best day of her life into the worst. In her first-ever interview, Riley shares her near-death experience with John Burke — and the urgent message she now carries for her generation.🌐 Connect with Riley:Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @RoseHuddy007Facebook: Riley HuddlestonMusic Credits:Joshua Spacht - “The Plot Thickens”RXIAIXL2BVRIE59ZCody Martin - “Every Life Matters”P10N2RQNERPFM7OCEnoch Yang - “War”CLQPDNH0MLDKEEGL
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  Three NDEs Give Hope for Texas Floods Families (Special Episode) 16.07.2025 43min

  Susanne Seymour and Heidi Barr died tragic deaths as children, and Dr Mary Neal drowned. However, they never experienced fear, panic, or the suffering their loved ones imagined they had. They all were rescued and removed from the scene before the suffering began, and instead felt safe and loved in the arms of Jesus. In this video, they share powerful words of comfort and hope for the parents and families grieving the loss of their children and loved ones from the July 4, 2025, Texas Floods.