Description

Episode 10: Overcoming Near-Death Experience with Kathy McDaniel

What if dying became the moment you truly learned how to live?

In this extraordinary episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Kathy McDaniel, author of the memoir “Misfit in Hell to Heaven Expat,” to explore one of the most profound experiences imaginable — a distressing near-death experience that transformed her fear into faith and her suffering into purpose.

In 1999, while dying from lung failure, Kathy was placed on a ventilator and put into a drug-induced coma. During that time, she experienced what she later learned was a Distressing Near-Death Experience (DNDE) — a terrifying journey through darkness and despair that eventually transitioned into an indescribable experience of Heaven’s bliss and unconditional love.

Her story is not just about survival; it’s about awakening.

 Top 3 Takeaways

1. Hell Is Not Forever — It’s a Mirror: Distressing near-death experiences are often self-created reflections of fear, guilt, or beliefs carried from life — and healing them begins with love and self-forgiveness.
2. The Power of “Be Loving and Kind”: Kathy’s simple mantra became her guiding light through darkness. Choosing love and kindness — even in pain — can transform every experience.
3. Purpose in the Pain: Every struggle carries meaning. The pain you’ve endured may be the very gift that allows you to help others heal.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Kathy’s near-death experience and story
 02:15 – The illness that led to lung failure
 05:00 – Entering “The Void” and facing a self-created hell
 08:20 – The turning point: remembering God through “Away in a Manger”
 12:00 – Transition to Heaven and the feeling of unconditional love
 17:45 – Returning to Earth and struggling to integrate the experience
 21:00 – The 10-year journey before finding IANDS
 26:30 – Healing through community and sharing her story
 30:45 – What distressing NDEs teach us about God and love
 34:20 – Advice for those afraid of death or suffering alone
 40:00 – Life lessons: empathy, acceptance, and divine purpose
 44:10 – Creating heaven on earth by being loving and kind
 48:00 – Books that guided Kathy’s healing journey
 50:00 – Closing reflections and how to connect with Kathy

Connect with Kathy McDaniel

Website: www.misfitinhelltoheavenexpat.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/KathyMcDaniel
Facebook: facebook.com/KathyMcDaniel.FoxIs
X (Twitter): @MKMcDaniel3
YouTube: Watch Here
Instagram: @kathymcdaniel.foxis

Books Kathy Recommends

• Misfit in Hell to Heaven Expat: Lessons from a Dark Near-Death Experience and How to Avoid Hell in the Afterlife — M.K. (Kathy) McDaniel  https://a.co/d/7vaxNg5
• My Descent into Death — Howard Storm https://a.co/d/fbJAG8P 
• Dancing Through the Dark — Nancy Evans Bush  https://a.co/d/3Y7m1Bq

Credits

Host: Anne Vryonides
Guest: M.K. (Kathy) McDaniel

Disclaimer

The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, therapy, or coaching.

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