LightSong School of 21st-Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine Talking Stick Podcast
Death, the Great Mystery: A Shamanic Perspective on What Happens After We Die
Death is one of life's greatest mysteries—and one of its most universal experiences. In this profound and deeply personal conversation, Micah Schwader and Jan Engels-Smith explore death through the lens of shamanism, spirituality, personal experience, and the wisdom gained from working with those who have crossed over.
Together, they discuss the shamanic view that death is not an ending but a transformation—a process of shapeshifting from one form of existence into another. Jan shares teachings about the soul's journey after death, the role of belief systems in shaping our transition, and why many indigenous traditions placed such importance on preparing for a "good death."
Micah reflects on near-death experiences, encounters with discarnate spirits through compassionate spirit release work, and the profound lessons learned from the deaths of both parents. The conversation explores life reviews, soul journeys, the concept of the Inner Akasha, unexpected deaths, spirit communication, and the healing that can occur when we release our fear of the unknown.
Along the way, Jan recounts remarkable stories of assisting souls during their transition, witnessing life reviews, and discovering that the spirit world appears far more compassionate and accepting than many religious traditions suggest. The discussion challenges conventional ideas of heaven, hell, judgment, and reincarnation, inviting listeners into a broader exploration of consciousness, purpose, and the soul's eternal nature.
Both hosts share deeply personal stories — including Jan's experience guiding her own father's soul through a life review, and Micah's encounter with past-life memories on the sacred Scottish island of Iona — that point to the same truth: death is far more expansive, compassionate, and mysterious than most of us are taught to believe.
Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, curious about what lies beyond this life, or seeking a more expansive understanding of death itself, this episode offers comfort, insight, and a reminder that mystery need not be feared. Sometimes it can be embraced with wonder.
The conversation covers:
· The shamanic understanding of death as transformation rather than ending
· How belief systems may influence the death experience
· Unexpected deaths versus conscious transitions
· Why souls sometimes get "stuck" after death — especially in sudden or unexpected deaths — and the compassionate shamanic practice of psychopomp work (spirit release) that helps them move on
· The role of discarnate spirits and how they can affect the living
· Personal near-death experiences and what they revealed about fear, the unknown, and the nature of consciousness
· The concept of the inner Akasha — your soul's internal record of all lifetimes and existences
· The ancient, instinctive wisdom that can arise in the moment of death
· Finding peace with life's greatest mystery
Memorable Quote
"I don't think death is what we're making it out to be. It's not this horrible thing. The fear comes from not knowing—the mystery is the most fearful part of death." — Micah Schwader
Audience Takeaway
What if death is not an ending, but a transition? This episode invites listeners to examine their beliefs, release fear-based narratives, and consider the possibility that consciousness continues beyond the physical body. Through stories, teachings, and personal experiences, Micah and Jan offer a compassionate exploration of one of humanity's oldest questions: What happens when we die?
