Beyond 80%

Ryan Olexson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Beyond 80 Percent is a podcast that delves into critical thinking, shifting perspectives, and deeper discussions around self-growth and societal narratives. Join us as we interview interesting, everyday people who share their personal journeys, the experiences that shaped them, and the missions that drive them today. We invite you to awaken your consciousness and explore the world with a deeper perspective. Each episode encourages you to think critically, push beyond the surface, and engage with the ideas that shape our consciousness. Ready to awaken your mind? Let’s evolve together.

  1. Life After Near-Death: The Reality of Coming Back

    1D AGO

    Life After Near-Death: The Reality of Coming Back

    In part 2 of the Experiencers episode, host Ryan Olexson examines the challenging aftermath of near-death experiences (NDEs) through the personal stories of five individuals. The episode chronicles the painful and transformative journey of reentry into life, highlighting the physical, emotional, and spiritual adjustments each person undergoes. From medical recoveries to existential realizations, it delves into the messiness of living with the profound insights gained from near-death experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:18 The Journey Back: Awakening in a Body02:21 Ash Perrow's Return: From Surgery to Suffering03:44 John Davis: From Marble Halls to Recovery Lights05:14 Christina Duffy: An Eight-Year-Old's Transition06:29 Kathy McDaniel: From Coma to Consciousness07:17 Rosemary's Miraculous Healing07:58 The Challenges of Reentry11:49 Personal Transformations and New Purposes21:38 Catholic Near-Death Experiences22:45 Skepticism from Friends and Family24:29 Life Review and Its Lessons28:46 Past Lifetimes Revealed32:43 Free Will and Negative Energy33:36 Healing Through Compassion34:47 Living with a New Compass44:40 The Brain's Role in Near-Death Experiences Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    46 min
  2. Ep. 4: Stories from the Edge (part 1)

    JAN 28

    Ep. 4: Stories from the Edge (part 1)

    In this episode of Beyond 80%, host Ryan Olexson explores profound Near Death Experiences (NDEs) through the stories of five individuals: Ash Perrow, John J. Davis, Christina Duffy, Kathy McDaniel, and Rosemary Thornton. In part one of a two-part series, each recounts their unique journey beyond death, from tranquil voids and realms of light to darker, heart-wrenching experiences. These narratives provide compelling insights into the continuity of consciousness, the universal essence of love, life reviews, and the redefined meaning of self. The episode also traces the emotional and spiritual transformations faced upon returning to the physical world. Themes of fear, love, interconnectedness, and the purpose of life are examined, challenging conventional views on life and death. Timestamps00:00 Awakening to the Afterlife01:46 Experiencer Stories Introduction03:27 Ash Perrow's Near-Death Experience05:50 John J. Davis' Journey Beyond08:20 Christina Duffy's Childhood Encounter09:16 Kathy McDaniel's Descent and Ascent10:39 Rosemary Thornton's Peaceful Void11:48 Lessons from the Other Side13:01 Life Reviews and Soul Lessons14:18 Messages from Beyond22:31 Returning with Purpose24:24 Living with Newfound Wisdom36:14 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    37 min
  3. Ep. 3: Understanding Life Reviews in Near-Death Experiences with Dr. Robert Coppes

    JAN 21

    Ep. 3: Understanding Life Reviews in Near-Death Experiences with Dr. Robert Coppes

    In this episode of Beyond 80%, host Ryan Olexson delves into the profound phenomenon of life reviews within near-death experiences (NDEs) with Dr. Robert Coppes, a seasoned researcher in the field. Dr. Coppes shares his journey from an economist to a leading figure in NDE research, and discusses the pivotal influence that Raymond Moody's pioneering book had on his career. The conversation covers various aspects of life reviews, highlighting the interconnectedness and impact of our actions on others, the omnipotence of consciousness, and the common themes across different cultures and religions. Dr. Coppes' insights provide a nuanced understanding of how NDEs challenge our views on consciousness, morality, and life's purpose.   In this episode of Beyond 80%, host Ryan Olexson delves into the profound phenomenon of life reviews within near-death experiences (NDEs) with Dr. Robert Coppes, a seasoned researcher in the field. Dr. Coppes shares his journey from an economist to a leading figure in NDE research, and discusses the pivotal influence that Raymond Moody's pioneering book had on his career. The conversation covers various aspects of life reviews, highlighting the interconnectedness and impact of our actions on others, the omnipotence of consciousness, and the common themes across different cultures and religions. Dr. Coppes' insights provide a nuanced understanding of how NDEs challenge our views on consciousness, morality, and life's purpose. 00:00 Introduction to Life Reviews in Near-Death Experiences00:49 Exploring Consciousness and Near-Death Experiences01:49 Introducing Dr. Robert Coppes and His Research02:51 Dr. Coppes' Journey into Near-Death Experience Research05:27 Understanding the Life Review Phenomenon10:28 The Mechanics and Impact of Life Reviews32:16 Cultural and Religious Perspectives on NDEs35:50 Distressing Near-Death Experiences41:22 The Omnipotent Nature of Consciousness43:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Research Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    41 min
  4. Ep. 2: Consciousness Beyond the Brain: A Journey with Dr. Eben Alexander

    JAN 14

    Ep. 2: Consciousness Beyond the Brain: A Journey with Dr. Eben Alexander

    In this episode of Beyond 80%, host Ryan Olexson sits down with neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander to explore the near-death experience that radically reshaped his understanding of consciousness. Once a firm materialist, Dr. Alexander recounts how a severe case of bacterial meningitis left his neocortex shut down. Yet during that time, he experienced a vivid realm of profound love, meaning, and awareness. The conversation examines whether consciousness can exist independently of the brain, the idea of the brain as a filter or transceiver, and how meditation, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness may reveal deeper truths about who we are and what lies beyond physical life. Dr. Eben Alexander is a board-certified neurosurgeon, author, and consciousness researcher, known for his transformative near-death experience following a coma caused by bacterial meningitis. Formerly a staunch materialist, Dr. Alexander’s experience profoundly altered his understanding of the mind, leading him to explore the relationship between neuroscience, consciousness, and spirituality. He is the author of the bestselling book Proof of Heaven, and his work focuses on the idea that consciousness may exist independently of the brain, positioning him as a prominent voice at the intersection of science, philosophy, and spiritual inquiry. 00:00 Introduction: The Brain as a Transceiver01:16 Dr. Eben Alexander's Near-Death Experience03:20 Exploring Consciousness and Materialism07:48 The Impact of Meningitis on the Brain12:36 Navigating Spiritual Realms15:21 The Role of Meditation and Binaural Beats26:40 Scientific Insights on Consciousness31:02 Quantum Physics and the Nature of Reality41:23 The Power of Love and Spiritual Connection47:21 Conclusion Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    45 min
  5. Beyond the Brain: The Series Introduction

    JAN 7

    Beyond the Brain: The Series Introduction

    What happens when we die — and what does that question reveal about being alive? For as long as humans have existed, we’ve wrestled with the mystery of consciousness and death. Across cultures, religions, and time, people have reported profound near-death experiences: leaving their bodies, moving through light, meeting loved ones, feeling peace, and sometimes reliving every moment of their lives. Are these glimpses of an afterlife…or the brain’s final attempt to make sense of the unimaginable? Beyond the Brain is not about proving one side right. It’s an exploration. Across this multi-episode series, we’ll journey through science, spirituality, skepticism, philosophy, and lived experience. You’ll hear from: Scientists rigorously researching near-death experiencesNeurosurgeons and neurologists who have seen the brain on the edge of lifeAuthors and researchers who collect firsthand accountsPhilosophers who question whether the “self” even existsDeath doulas who walk people through their final momentsBy the end of the series, you may not walk away with one definitive answer. But you will walk away with: Evidence to considerPerspectives to challenge your assumptionsStories that might forever change how you see consciousness, death…and lifeMost of all, you’ll be invited to ask: What do you believe about consciousness — and how does that belief shape the way you live today? Welcome to Beyond the Brain, a special series on Beyond 80%. Let’s begin. Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    3 min
  6. Ep. 1: Mapping the Mystery: Researching Near Death Experiences with Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova

    JAN 7

    Ep. 1: Mapping the Mystery: Researching Near Death Experiences with Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova

    In the premiere episode of 'Beyond 80% Near Death Experience mini-series,’ host Ryan Olexson discusses the mysteries of consciousness, near-death experiences (NDEs), and reincarnation with Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova from the University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies. Dr. Pehlivanova shares her journey into this esoteric field, the transformative power of NDEs, and the necessity of studying these phenomena with scientific rigor. The discussion delves into the universality of NDEs across cultures, the integration of psychedelic experiences, and compelling cases of children recalling past lives. Whether viewed through the lens of science or spirituality, these conversations challenge our understanding of life, death, and what lies beyond. Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova is a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies, where she investigates near-death experiences, after-death communications, and past-life memories in children. Trained in both psychology and consciousness studies, her work bridges rigorous scientific inquiry with some of the most profound questions about human existence. Dr. Pehlivanova is known for approaching anomalous experiences with intellectual humility, emphasizing cross-cultural research and careful empirical methods, while exploring the possibility that consciousness may extend beyond physical life. 00:00 Introduction to Near-Death Experiences00:32 Exploring Consciousness Beyond Death01:07 Scientific Research on NDEs01:31 Meet Dr. Marietta Anova08:43 Understanding Near-Death Experiences25:58 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on NDEs29:31 Reincarnation and Past Life Memories37:59 Concluding Thoughts on Consciousness Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    43 min
  7. 2025 Recap — And the Big Question We’re Exploring Next

    12/10/2025

    2025 Recap — And the Big Question We’re Exploring Next

    Beyond 80% didn’t even exist a year ago—and now, after a season of conversations that cracked open beliefs, challenged assumptions, and pushed us into territory most people avoid, Ryan is looking back at the moments that changed everything. In this year-in-review, we revisit the stories and guests who shaped the show’s first season: the people who faced illness, identity collapse, trauma, rebirth, somatic awakening, and the systems that shape our lives without us even realizing it. These weren’t just interviews—they were turning points, each revealing something deeper about who we are and what drives us. We break down the four big themes that kept emerging again and again—themes that didn’t just teach us something, but shifted us. Hosting these conversations didn’t just build a podcast… it rewired our perspective. And then comes the moment this entire year has been leading toward. At the end of the episode, Ryan reveals the next evolution of Beyond 80%: A multi-part exploration into consciousness and near-death experiences, featuring neuroscientists, experiencers, death workers, researchers, and skeptics. This is the biggest step the show has taken so far… and it opens an entirely new chapter on January 7th, 2026.  Listen to the new trailer here: https://beyond-80.simplecast.com/episodes/introducing-beyond-the-brain Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    22 min
  8. Introducing: Beyond the Brain

    12/10/2025

    Introducing: Beyond the Brain

    *Episode 1 premieres January 7, 2026* What happens when we die? Who are we without the brain—and why do so many people report awareness when their brain is offline? This trailer introduces Beyond the Brain, a special multi-episode investigation into one of the most profound questions in science and human experience: Does consciousness end with the brain, or continue in ways we don’t yet understand? Across this series, host Ryan Olexson speaks with: Neuroscientists researching brain activity, consciousness, and the edges of perceptionPhilosophers exploring identity, selfhood, and the nature of awarenessNDE experiencers who describe vivid moments during medical crisesResearchers examining the patterns that emerge across thousands of near-death accountsDeath doulas who bring cultural, spiritual, and human perspectives from the bedsideTogether, we explore the reported features of Near-Death Experiences—tunnels, light, presence, life reviews—and the surprising findings that challenge conventional explanations. This series doesn’t claim to have the final answer. Instead, it offers a spacious, interdisciplinary inquiry—inviting you to think critically, listen deeply, and consider what these stories and data points might mean for our understanding of consciousness. Episode 1 premieres January 7, 2026. 🔔 Subscribe to Think. Question. Evolve. Learn more: https://www.beyond80percent.com/podcast Subscribe and follow Beyond 80% so you never miss an opportunity to think, question and evolve.  If you have an idea for an episode, drop us a note at Beyond80percent@gmail.com       HGQENO5SDZH7M2SP

    3 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Beyond 80 Percent is a podcast that delves into critical thinking, shifting perspectives, and deeper discussions around self-growth and societal narratives. Join us as we interview interesting, everyday people who share their personal journeys, the experiences that shaped them, and the missions that drive them today. We invite you to awaken your consciousness and explore the world with a deeper perspective. Each episode encourages you to think critically, push beyond the surface, and engage with the ideas that shape our consciousness. Ready to awaken your mind? Let’s evolve together.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Olexson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Beyond 80%

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