Filmmaker Jonas Elrod never set out to become a spiritual seeker. While making a documentary in San Francisco, his life was suddenly upended: lights flickered, voices appeared, and a portal opened in the corner of his room. What followed was a series of visions and encounters that would change his life forever — and inspire his acclaimed documentary Wake Up.

In this episode of Alive Again, we revisit Jonas’s extraordinary journey, first captured in Wake Up, and later expanded in his series In Deep Shift, from living an ordinary life to suddenly seeing and hearing angels, auras, and spirits — a shift that doctors could not explain. With his skeptical yet supportive partner at his side, he traveled the country seeking answers from teachers, scientists, mystics, and healers. Wake Up became more than a personal story; it was a call to consciousness, an invitation to look inward for peace and happiness while recognizing that life holds far more than meets the eye.

Jonas describes himself as “a southern writer and director who grew up in Georgia with a deep appreciation for story as a means for change. He fell in love with stories told on porches late at night of fallen heroes, misfit love, and spiritual redemption.”

In this conversation, Jonas recounts his extraordinary awakening, the challenges of integrating mystical experiences into everyday life, and why storytelling remains his truest path to healing and connection.

Story Producer: Dan Bush

* 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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