Near-Death Experiences and Past-Life Memories: Inside UVA's Division of Perceptual Studies with Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD (Episode 168)

Near-death experiences and past-life memories are often dismissed, yet at the University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies they are examined using rigorous psychiatric and neuroscience research methods. In this episode, Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD, Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at UVA, explains how near-death experiences are defined and measured in scientific research, why many experiencers struggle after returning, and what decades of data suggest about consciousness beyond the brain. The conversation also explores children who report past-life memories, how cases are investigated, what makes a case verifiable, why many children stop talking about these memories in early childhood, and what long-term follow-up studies reveal. Skepticism, academic stigma, and why this research is gaining broader attention are also discussed. A grounded, science-first discussion of near-death experiences, past-life memories, grief, and what the evidence actually shows. My Books + Offerings: WTF Just Happened?! Book Series Join the Science + Spirituality Circle Host or Attend a Science + Spirituality Salon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter ⁠⁠⁠ |Patreon | Buy me a coffeeMore at: https://www.wtfjusthappened.net/ Guest: Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD Follow DOPS: Website | Instagram | YouTube  Attend the Forever Family Foundation Grief Retreat in Florida -  January 16th - 18th 2026 Full Show Notes