Wisdom from 1,000+ Deathbeds: A Chaplain’s Unforgettable Stories of Hope and Courage

How do end-of-life rituals and personal reflections shape our understanding of life and death?  

In this thought-provoking episode, Karen welcomes motivational speaker and seasoned chaplain Jeff Hetschel. Jeff shares his profound insights and experiences from his extensive career in providing spiritual and emotional support during critical end-of-life situations. He reflects on the invaluable role of chaplains, highlighting the importance of offering hope and courage in emergency rooms and on the front lines with firefighters and police officers. Jeff delves into his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients, as well as the significance of human connection and end-of-life rituals. Throughout the conversation, Jeff emphasizes the transformative power of love, spirituality, and self-care, drawing from his personal journey and four decades of marriage. He encourages listeners to pursue their dreams regardless of age or circumstances, leaving them with a motivational reminder to cherish life's final moments.   

In this episode: 

• (00:00) Welcome and intro of guest Jeff Hetschel 
• (01:49) Origin and function of chaplains, hope and courage 
• (07:05) Personal experiences as a chaplain 
• (10:04) Thinking and speaking in retrospect about experiences during the pandemic 
• (14:07) Common chaplain situations at the end of life 
• (23:07) Is there a transitional stage between life and death? 
• (26:37) “Thin spaces” and the presence of god (as each person perceives it)  
• (29:00) Personal ND experiences of Jeff’s 
• (34:56) Changing your life after an NDE 
• (37:00) Longevity, using AI as a coach 
• (40:00) Advice for Jeff’s younger self 
• (42:00) Societal reactions to the state of the world, listening, love, learning, and acceptance 

Follow, subscribe, share, and rate….Send me your comments and feedback on the show!    ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is a podcast for listeners between the ages of 35 and 64. Available on all major podcast platforms, the show offers an engaging journey through the various challenges and experiences of midlife. ThirtyFiveSixtyFour presents a distinct departure from the traditional midlife crisis storyline. Instead, it champions the perspective that midlife should be viewed as a period marked by play, discovery, transformation and possibility. With new episodes released weekly, ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is positioned to become one of the fastest-growing podcasts of the year, providing both valuable insights and entertainment for those in the middle.    So, subscribe and get ready to join show host Karen and the ThirtyFiveSixtyFour regulars for both serious and fun conversations around living middle age to the fullest. After all, it’s not too late. You’re not too old. And you’re definitely NOT dead. 

Resources: 
The Hetschel Group 
Jeff Hetschel LinkedIn  
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. 
thirtyfivesixtyfour.com