Here’s a high-quality, curated resource list for those of you interested in exploring Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), organized by websites / research, podcasts, and books (plus a bonus section for YouTube channels that many people use like podcasts).
For those of you not wanted to consume all of this information right now, just go to YouTube and type “NDE” into the search bar and enjoy!
1) Best Websites (Primary Sources + Research Hubs)
Near Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF)
• Why it’s essential: The largest online collection of NDE accounts, searchable and organized, with thousands of first-hand reports in many languages.
IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies)
• Why it’s essential: The most widely known NDE research + support organization; includes conferences, groups, education, and serious NDE scholarship. (Also produces NDE Radio—below.)
Exceptional / Archived NDE Collections (via NDERF)
• Why it’s essential: NDERF highlights unique, high-impact accounts (“Exceptional Experiences”) for deeper study.
2) Best Podcasts (NDE-focused and first-hand accounts)
NDE Radio with Lee Witting (IANDS)
• Why it’s great: One of the most respected NDE-centered shows (education + research tone, not sensational).
Let’s Talk Near Death
• Why it’s great: Many first-person stories + integration conversations; long-running show with a strong NDE focus.
The Other Side NDE (Near Death Experiences)
• Why it’s great: A steady stream of NDE stories in audio form (Spotify).
Close Calls Podcast
• Why it’s great: Not strictly NDE-only, but extremely useful for those who love “brush with death” / transformation stories.
Tip: If someone is new to NDEs, the best entry point is usually interview-format podcasts, because the emotional resonance + detail “lands” deeper than reading abstracts.
3) Best Books (Foundational + Modern Classics)
Life After Life — Raymond A. Moody, Jr.
• Why it’s essential: One of the most influential books in modern NDE history (foundational language, patterns, themes).
Embraced by the Light — Betty J. Eadie
• Why it’s essential: A famous first-hand account that has helped millions soften fear of death.
Dying to Be Me — Anita Moorjani
• Why it’s essential: Widely loved NDE memoir connected with healing, worthiness, and transformation.
(Optional) Goodreads “Near-Death Experience” bookshelf
• Why it’s useful: A large browsing list when someone wants to explore by style/theme (memoir, research, spiritual).
4) Best YouTube Channels (Most people treat these like podcasts)
JeffMara Podcast
• Why it’s great: One of the most mentioned NDE interview sources online; massive volume of first-hand stories.
Next Level Soul (Alex Ferrari)
• Why it’s great: Deep spiritual interview format; many NDE episodes; strong emotional/spiritual impact.
IANDS / NDE Radio on YouTube
• Why it’s great: Research-friendly, calmer, grounded approach.
5) Best “Starter Path” (for someone brand-new)
If you were telling a beginner exactly what to do, I’d recommend:
1. Listen to 3 episodes of NDE Radio with Lee Witting (foundation)
2. Read 10 NDEs on NDERF (pure primary sources)
3. Then jump into JeffMara or Next Level Soul for volume + variety
4. Finish with Life After Life (classic framework)
BOOKS I HAVE FOUND INCREDIBLY USEFUL IN CREATING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE AND DEATH:
-WHAT DREAMS MAY COME, by Richard Matheson
-A WALK IN THE PHYSICAL, by Christian Sundberg
-THE FIVE INVITATIONS, by Frank Ostaseski
-BECOMING NOBODY, by Ram Dass
-THE SIGNS, by Dr. Tara Swart
Top 25 NDE Starter Library
PHASE 1 — Open the Door (Gentle + Grounding)
1) Read: What NDEs are (without theology wars)
IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies) — start here as your “official orientation.” This website contains THOUSANDS of stories shared by those who have had Near Death Experiences.
2) Browse: Your first set of firsthand accounts
NDERF (Near Death Experience Research Foundation) — read 5–10 short NDEs to get familiar with common patterns.
3) Podcast: a steady, research-friendly entry point
NDE Radio with Lee Witting — listen to any episode that features an actual experiencer (not debates).
PHASE 2 — The Classic Foundation (the “OG” map)
4) Book: the modern beginning of NDE language
Life After Life — Raymond Moody, M.D.
5) Podcast: continue NDE Radio (2nd episode)
NDE Radio with Lee Witting — choose another experiencer interview.
6) Read: NDERF again (Pattern recognition)
Read 10 more NDERF accounts, focusing on:
• life review
• being of light
• unconditional love
• return to body
PHASE 3 — The Memoirs (Heart-opening experiences)
7) Book: (very popular / healing)
Dying to Be Me — Anita Moorjani
8) Podcast series: story-based and deeply human
Let’s Talk Near Death (Kirsty Salisbury) — start with a highly-rated episode; focus on the aftereffects/integration.
9) Book: classic bestseller account
Embraced by the Light — Betty J. Eadie
10) Podcast: Let’s Talk Near Death (2nd episode)
Pick another episode that includes:
• “return with mission” themes
• fearlessness after experience
PHASE 4 — The Science & Consciousness Phase (for skeptical minds too)
11) Book: the best scientific bridge book
After — Bruce Greyson, M.D.
12) Read: UVA / Perceptual Studies reference page (context)
This gives legitimacy + framing for Greyson’s research (high credibility).
13) Book: medical research + consciousness question
Consciousness Beyond Life — Pim van Lommel, M.D.
14) Website: Pim van Lommel (author’s site)
Use this as a supporting reference and credibility anchor.
PHASE 5 — Massive Firsthand Content (NDE “immersion”)
15) Podcast: JeffMara Podcast (your high-volume NDE library)
Start listening here when you want LOTS of stories.
16) JeffMara episode: “brain dead / coma / hospital verified”
Pick an episode like the Robert Marshall style accounts (medically intense).
17) JeffMara episode: “stroke survivor”
These often include accurate out-of-body verifications.
18) JeffMara episode: “childhood NDE”
These can be extremely pure, less belief-filtered.
19) JeffMara episode: “military/veteran NDE”
Often powerful around purpose, forgiveness, and meaning.
PHASE 6 — The “Big Spiritual Conversation” (integration + depth)
20) Podcast: Next Level Soul (Alex Ferrari)
Start with a strong NDE-focused episode (long format).
21) Next Level Soul episode:
NLS 634: “Brain dead for 90 minutes”
(Excellent for listeners who love details + testimony.)
22) Next Level Soul “Best Of” compilation
This is like a rapid immersion / pattern-training for your intuition.
PHASE 7 — “Evidence” Collections (the structured proof phase)
23) Book: the evidence compilation classic
Evidence of the Afterlife — Jeffrey Long, M.D.
24) NDERF: read “Exceptional” accounts
Now that you have context, these hit way harder.
25) Return to NDE Radio for Integration
NDE Radio with Lee Witting — choose a topic episode on meaning, grief, purpose, or transformation.
OPTIONAL “Weekly Flow” (perfect beginner rhythm)
If someone wants a routine:
• Mon: 1 NDERF account
• Tue: 1 NDE Radio
• Wed: 1 JeffMara episode
• Thu: read 20 pages from a book
• Fri: Next Level Soul long episode
• Weekend: journal “what changed in me?”