Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke

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...

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?

I...

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 th...

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?

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 awar...

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 i...

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...

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 h...

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.

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”...

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.

Th...

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 e...

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 al...

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 li...

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

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📖 Books by John Burke
Imagine Heaven on Amazon: https://a.co/d/grDeHUbImagi...

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 shap...

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 genera...

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.

Savannah Muse spent her twenties immersed in Wicca and Pagan beliefs. But in 2023, her heart stopped for 16 minutes - and she saw something that shattered her worldview. In this live interview, John Burke explores her powerful near-death experience and what transformed her spiritual path forever.

Heidi Barr was raised in a Jewish home with atheist parents—but when she flatlined after a horse-riding accident, she encountered someone she never expected: Jesus. In this extended conversation with John Burke, Heidi shares what she saw, what she felt, and how her view of life (and death) completely changed.

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling books - Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke: https://a.co/d/grDeHUb

"How can a loving God allow little children to suffer so?" It's a tough question that Crystal McVey said she wanted to ask God if she ever met him--and then she did! Listen to this live interview between John Burke and Crystal McVey about her near-death experience and the surprise answer she found to the most asked question of God.

------------------------- Stay Connected

📖 Books by John Burke
Imagine Heaven on Amazon: https://a.co/d/grDeHUb
Imagine the God of Heaven on Amazon: https://a.co/d/grDeHUb
Imagine Heaven Devotional: 100 Reflections to Bri...

In this live series of the Imagine Heaven Podcast, John Burke interviews two leading medical doctors about the science of near-death experiences.

Dr. Mary Neal, an orthopedic spine surgeon, had a powerful NDE—and then tried to disprove it. 

Dr. Jeff Long has studied over 4,000 documented NDEs through decades of research.

What they discovered changed everything. Listen as they unpack how science, clinical cases, and personal experience all point toward a life beyond this one: one more exhilarating and real than anything we know.

Do near-death experiences point to the truth of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus? In this powerful episode, John Burke interviews five people—from India, Iran, Colombia, Rwanda, and the U.S.—who clinically died without expecting to meet Jesus... yet did. Hear their firsthand stories and discover how they challenged John's own agnostic beliefs and led him to investigate the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection. Their experiences may just reshape the way you see eternity.

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling books - Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke: https://a.co/d/gr...

In this powerful Imagine Heaven Podcast episode, John Burke shares the extraordinary stories of three men whose frightening near-death experiences led to life-changing encounters with Jesus. Discover how their lives were radically transformed, impacting their relationships, priorities, and purpose here on earth. Listen in and learn how their powerful stories can inspire your own journey and offer profound insight about the life-changing power of redemption.

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling books
Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke: https://a.co/d/grDeHUbStay Connected 📖

Books by John Burke 

Im...

Not all near-death experiences are peaceful—some are terrifying, even described as hellish. People have spoken of darkness, torment, even levels of separation. Some say they were rescued… but what does it all mean? Is there a way out of these experiences? Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow something like this? And what do they reveal about God's justice and mercy and most importantly—what can we learn from it?

Explore the interviews and insights from John Burke’s research into the most unsettling NDEs and the hope that still breaks through. 

📖 Inspired by the New York Tim...

Countless Near Death Experiences (NDEs) describe an overwhelming, indescribable love that comes from the other side - a love so powerful that it changes people forever. In this video, you'll hear stories from people who clinically died, left their bodies, and encountered a love so immense that words could hardly describe it. Could this be a glimpse of God's unimaginable love and the afterlife described in the Bible?

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling books - Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke: https://a.co/d/grDeHUb

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Will your beloved pet be in heaven? Many wonder if animals have souls and if they’ll be reunited with their furry companions in the afterlife. Some say animals don’t have souls, but what do Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and the Bible reveal?

If you’ve ever loved a pet and hoped to see them again in eternity, this episode is for you!

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling books - Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke: https://a.co/d/grDeHUb

Will you still be yourself in Heaven? Will you recognize loved ones? What about marriage—who will you be with? What if there are people you don’t want to see in Heaven?

These questions have been asked for centuries, and near-death experiences provide some incredible answers. Discover what relationships in Heaven are really like and how they can transform the way you love and connect on Earth today. 

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling books - Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke: https://a.co/d/grDeHUb

Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, and Christians who have had near death experiences all report encountering the same God of Light and Love—one who knows them intimately and whose presence they never want to leave. But has this God been revealing Himself throughout history, or is He only appearing in NDEs today? This powerful video features firsthand accounts from people of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, all describing encounters with the same loving God. If you've ever wondered about God's true identity and character, this is a must-watch.

📖 Inspired by the New York Times Bestselling author -  Imagine the God of...

In this episode, John Burke uncovers the breathtaking beauty of Heaven as described in near death experiences (NDEs). Explore vivid accounts of awe-inspiring landscapes, radiant colors, and peaceful realms beyond imagination. What do these extraordinary glimpses reveal about the afterlife? Discover how Heaven’s unimaginable beauty points to a greater purpose and a deeper hope for eternity.

What do near death experiences (NDEs) from people around the world have in common, and how do they align with what’s written in the Bible? In this video, we explore 20 near-death experience commonalities I've found after studying close to 1500 NDEs.

Listen as Dr. Mary Neal, a spine surgeon pinned under a waterfall and dead for 30 minutes, along with Captain Dale Black, an airline pilot who came back from a horrific plane crash, vividly describe the commonalities of Heaven and the afterlife that overlap with so many NDEs around the world. 

Follow their parallel journies into hea...

What if Heaven is more real than we ever imagined? And what will it be like? John Burke has spent over 40 years researching 1000+ near-death experiences (NDEs) and wrote the New York Times bestseller Imagine Heaven, with over 1 million copies sold. In this video, you will hear from many of the people John interviewed from around the globe as he explores 3 incredible proofs of Heaven that skeptics have not explained.

He also shows ways that NDEs and the Bible correlate. From verifiable out-of-body observations to blind individuals seeing for the first time and encounters with the same God of...