What does it really mean to die—and what comes after?

In this episode of Beyond the Human, we dive deep into the anthropology, science, and spirituality of death and the afterlife. From ancient beliefs about the soul’s journey to modern debates about brain death and consciousness, we explore how cultures around the world define what it means to “die,” and how those beliefs shape the way we live.

We trace the shifting medical and philosophical definitions of death—from the “heart and lung” standard to the modern concept of total brain death—and ask: is there truly a single “moment” when life ends, or is dying a process? Through cross-cultural comparisons, we touch on rituals, mourning practices, and afterlife beliefs that reflect a universal human desire to make meaning out of mortality.

From near-death experiences and life reviews to ghost sickness and ancestor veneration, Beyond the Human examines what happens when biological death meets social death—and how the living continue to interact with the dead.

Whether you’re drawn to science, spirituality, or the mysteries in between, this episode explores how humanity’s oldest question—what happens after we die—continues to shape culture, belief, and identity.

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Topics discussed in this episode:

(2:59 ) - What is Biological Death?

(19:44 ) - The Process of Death

(30:48 ) - So What Happens After Death?

(39:32 ) - Mourning and Grief

(51:45 ) - The Afterlife Across Cultures

Resources for additional research:

Anthony Peake, Near Death Experiences: The Science, Psychology, and Anthropology Behind the Phenomenon