Alive Again

iHeartPodcasts

That which doesn’t kill us… Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Dan Bush, Alive Again is a weekly series featuring extraordinary stories from people who faced death—and came back changed. From near-death experiences to near-fatal accidents and moments of profound crisis, each episode dives into the transformation that happens on the other side of survival. Told in their own words, these first-hand accounts explore not just what happened in the moment, but how everything changed after: perspectives, priorities, purpose. Some stories are miraculous. Others are brutal. All of them are unforgettable. Our mission is to find, explore, and share these stories to remind us all of our shared human condition. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you don’t die– this show is for you. * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com

  1. 27 | No One Makes It On Their Own

    HACE 3 DÍAS

    27 | No One Makes It On Their Own

    On a dangerous Australian beach, actor Frankie Mulinix was swept down the coast by a powerful undertow, slammed against rocks, and pulled under again and again. Time telescoped; panic rose; then came a stark clarity—“I’m done… I made peace with it.” At the very moment of surrender, a stranger hauled Frankie to safety and lifeguards took over. What followed was the quiet chaos of shame, flashbacks during rehearsals for Dante’s Inferno, and a hard re-examination of identity, purpose, and community. Frankie reflects on accepting death, being “robbed” of that ending, and choosing a second act—anchored by the realization that “we need each other… nobody makes it on their own.”  Today, Frankie is a performer, emcee, producer, dramaturge, choreographer, director, mental health worker, voice and performance educator, swimming and triathlon coach, and intimacy choreographer and coordinator.  Their theatre company Burning Bones Physical Theatre, is dedicated to collaborating with fellow creatives to engage with the local community and expand the possibilities of live performance in daring and imaginative ways. In addition, they are an internationally ranked competitive endurance athlete and integrate their expertise in optimum performance techniques as a teacher, performer, and athlete. Links: IG: @Vandellous   @burningbonesphysicaltheatre @VibranceCentre   website: https://frankiemulinix.com/   Story Producer: Kate Sweeney   * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
  2. 25 | Unfortunate Brain News

    14 OCT

    25 | Unfortunate Brain News

    What happens when the part of you that defines your identity begins to fail? Dana Swanson was a rising creative force—an award-winning writer-producer at Adult Swim, a voice actor, a musical performer, and a self-proclaimed comedy nerd on the brink of big things. But in 2012, her world unraveled when she began to lose control of her speech. What started as a stuttered sentence became a devastating diagnosis: a rare brain tumor—neuronal neoplasm—lodged in a precarious part of her brain. In this episode of Alive Again, Dana recounts the surreal journey from slurred words to a high-risk, eight-hour brain surgery that would change her life forever. With humor, vulnerability, and crystal clarity, she explores the collapse of identity, the death of an old self, and the painful but profound process of learning to live—and speak—again. But Dana’s story doesn’t end in silence. It becomes a story of spiritual awakening, intuition, chosen purpose, and using her voice to help others connect to their own. From losing her father at 14 to channeling messages from the other side, Dana opens up about survivor’s guilt, intuitive healing, and embracing the power of reinvention. She reminds us that we all have “battle scars,” and that the ability to evolve—again and again—is the truest sign of being alive. Cover Art: Daniel Garcia @Superduperfi Story Producer: Nicholas Tecosky* If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min
  3. 21 | A Better Person Than I Was The Day Before

    16 SEP

    21 | A Better Person Than I Was The Day Before

    When Matthew Fortune flatlined for 45 minutes, he didn’t see a tunnel or meet a divine being—he experienced nothingness. But coming back to life forced him to confront everything. In this unflinching and ultimately redemptive episode, Matthew shares his long and painful battle with addiction and homelessness. From growing up in a strict Christian household to surviving a fentanyl overdose and then rebuilding his life through faith, service, and hard-won responsibility, Matthew’s story challenges assumptions about recovery and the human capacity for change.  Story Producer: Brent Dey Resources for opioid and other harm reduction: Georgia Overdose Prevention: https://georgiaoverdoseprevention.org/ National Opioid Action Coalition: https://www.noac.org/ National Harm Reduction Coalition: https://harmreduction.org/ If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support those experiencing homelessness, here are some trusted organizations and resources that can help: National Organizations (U.S.) National Alliance to End Homelessness — endhomelessness.orgAdvocacy, research, and policy work to end homelessness. Great starting point for understanding the issue and supporting systemic change. National Coalition for the Homeless — nationalhomeless.orgEducation, advocacy, and grassroots organizing around homelessness and housing rights. National Low Income Housing Coalition — nlihc.orgFocused on expanding affordable housing and influencing housing policy nationwide. Direct Support & Volunteering The Salvation Army – Homeless Services — salvationarmyusa.orgProvides shelters, transitional housing, and food assistance. Habitat for Humanity — habitat.orgVolunteer opportunities to help build affordable housing in local communities. Feeding America — feedingamerica.orgHelps reduce food insecurity, often a major factor in preventing homelessness. * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
  4. 20 | Only The Word Gets Out Alive

    9 SEP

    20 | Only The Word Gets Out Alive

    Our episode title is a lyric by ​​Scott McCaughey, the beloved singer-songwriter behind bands like Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5. McCaughey was also a member of R.E.M.’s touring band and contributed to their albums. He had spent his life living and breathing music—until a massive stroke in 2017 shattered his ability to speak, play, and understand the world around him. He describes the early aftermath as “a bizarre netherworld,” where reality blurred and even the simplest words failed him. In this deeply human episode of Alive Again, Scott opens up about the long road of recovery—his first terrifying moments in the ER, the confusion of aphasia, and the odd beauty of watching The Wizard of Oz while relearning language. His story isn’t just about survival, but transformation. With honesty, humor, and an artist’s insight, Scott explores what it means to lose the thing that once defined you—and how love, creativity, and community helped him find something even more profound in its place. Scott McCaughey has led The Young Fresh Fellows since 1981. In 1993, he and Peter Buck founded The Minus 5 as a side project along with The Posies’ Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow. The group’s lineup has featured a rotating cast of musicians over the years. From 1994 to 2011, McCaughey was a member of R.E.M.’s touring band and also contributed to that group’s albums. In 2008, McCaughey formed The Baseball Project with Buck, Pitmon, and Linda’s husband, Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn. The group, which now also features R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, plays original baseball-themed indie-rock tunes.   Scott will be on tour with Minus 5 and The Baseball Project this September (2025). For more info and tour dates, go here:  The Minus 5 / Baseball Project – September, 2025 Tour    Scott graciously shared tracks from his incredible body of work, including: “Johnny Volume,” “Heartbeat Smile” - Alejandro Escovedo  “Young Fresh Fellows Theme,” “Power Mowers Theme”  - The Young Fresh Fellows  “Hey Lacey (Live)” - Filthy Friends  “All The Time,” “Emperor Of The Bathroom,” “Placent Folk,” “Scar Crow,” “MRI,” “Let the Rope Hold, Cassie Lee,” “House Of Four Doors (End Theme),”  “Words & Birds” -  The Minus 5 “Sun Station Vadsø” - The No Ones   Story Producer: Brent Dey * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 h y 2 min

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That which doesn’t kill us… Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Dan Bush, Alive Again is a weekly series featuring extraordinary stories from people who faced death—and came back changed. From near-death experiences to near-fatal accidents and moments of profound crisis, each episode dives into the transformation that happens on the other side of survival. Told in their own words, these first-hand accounts explore not just what happened in the moment, but how everything changed after: perspectives, priorities, purpose. Some stories are miraculous. Others are brutal. All of them are unforgettable. Our mission is to find, explore, and share these stories to remind us all of our shared human condition. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you don’t die– this show is for you. * If you have a transformative near-death experience to share, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us at aliveagainproject@gmail.com

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