LA PLATICA Podcast Episode Summary
Title: The Afterlife with AJ Barrera + Josh Gets a Reading!?
Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: La Platica Podcast
Guest: AJ Barrera, Psychic Medium

Introduction

In Episode 166 of La Platica, hosts Sevas and Josh welcome AJ Barrera, a renowned psychic medium, to discuss his experiences and insights into the afterlife. The episode delves deep into AJ's mediumship abilities, ethical considerations in his practice, and his unique interactions with clients and law enforcement.

AJ Barrera's Background and Introduction to Mediumship

[02:31] AJ Barrera:
"I started this work when I was maybe in junior high school. I was reading tarot cards, reading all the peers in junior high."

AJ shares his early fascination with the paranormal, sparked by TV shows like The X-Files, which led him to explore mediumship through tarot reading. Initially skeptical, AJ began practicing readings among his peers, which laid the foundation for his future career.

Understanding Mediumship and the Afterlife

AJ explains his role as a psychic medium:

[03:57] AJ Barrera:
"I am a psychic medium. I can bring information about a person's life, career, business, and connect people with those who have passed on."

He describes the process of bridging the physical world with the afterlife, emphasizing that his abilities allow him to perceive and communicate messages from spirits. AJ emphasizes that his connections are based on the spirit's preference, which can manifest as feelings, visual images, or disembodied voices.

Developing and Managing Mediumship Abilities

[07:25] AJ Barrera:
"Being skeptical about doing this work because if your ego gets in the way, you allow that energy to take over the reading."

AJ discusses the importance of managing one's ego and maintaining skepticism to ensure that messages from spirits remain clear and untainted by personal biases. He highlights the continuous growth of his symbolic vocabulary, adapting to new symbols based on contemporary events (e.g., associating respirators with COVID-19).

Ethical Considerations and Differentiating Genuine Mediums

[22:56] AJ Barrera:
"It's about the message, not the readings. Ethical mediums focus on providing genuine, respectful connections without spamming or misleading people."

AJ addresses the prevalence of fraudulent mediums, advising listeners to rely on referrals, reputation, and ethical practices when seeking mediumship services. He underscores the importance of authenticity and warns against relying solely on mediums featured on TV or radio.

AJ's Work with Law Enforcement

[33:23] AJ Barrera:
"Think of me as the canine, like the cadaver dog. I sniff out information, but detectives have to find a way to use it legally."

AJ describes his unconventional role in assisting law enforcement by providing intuitive insights that can aid investigations. While his contributions are rare and not officially endorsed in court, AJ recounts instances where his information has indirectly assisted in solving cases.

Personal Experiences and Storytelling

During the episode, AJ narrates a poignant story:

[10:38] AJ Barrera:
"I was doing an online reading for a girl about her mother and mentioned Chili Willy—the penguin cartoon. The next day, she found a penguin napkin at the grocery store, confirming the connection."

This anecdote illustrates how subtle signs and symbols can validate a medium's message, reinforcing the idea that spirits communicate through everyday objects and events.

Handling Grief and Mental Health Through Mediumship

AJ emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of his work:

[70:00] AJ Barrera:
"Grief should be treated like a wound. Respect everyone's privacy and energy when they're grieving, and encourage open communication about their feelings."

He advocates for compassionate support systems, highlighting that mediumship can aid in healing by providing closure and understanding. AJ notes the increasing presence of men at his events, acknowledging the importance of creating safe spaces for all genders to express their grief.

Cultural Practices: Dia de los Muertos

[53:21] AJ Barrera:
"Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful way to honor our loved ones through photos, candles, marigolds, and favorite foods."

AJ shares his appreciation for cultural traditions that honor the deceased, explaining how such practices facilitate connections between the living and the afterlife. He elaborates on the symbolic elements of the altar, including bread representing bones and salt for purity.

Challenges in Mediumship and Personal Well-being

Managing the emotional toll of his work, AJ discusses coping mechanisms:

[28:27] AJ Barrera:
"It's draining. I decompress by playing with my dogs, helping my wife cook, or doing simple tasks like cutting the lawn."

He openly talks about the fatigue associated with frequent emotional interactions and the importance of personal downtime to maintain mental health.

Final Thoughts and How to Connect with AJ

As the episode concludes, AJ reiterates his commitment to ethical mediumship and offers guidance for those seeking genuine connections with the afterlife. He provides his contact information:

• Instagram & TikTok: @ajore.barrera
• Website: ajbar.com

He cautions listeners about fraudulent accounts and emphasizes the importance of connecting through official channels for authentic interactions.

Notable Quotes

• AJ Barrera [03:57]: "I am a psychic medium. I can bring information about a person's life, career, business, and connect people with those who have passed on."
• AJ Barrera [22:56]: "It's about the message, not the readings. Ethical mediums focus on providing genuine, respectful connections without spamming or misleading people."
• AJ Barrera [53:21]: "Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful way to honor our loved ones through photos, candles, marigolds, and favorite foods."
• AJ Barrera [70:00]: "Grief should be treated like a wound. Respect everyone's privacy and energy when they're grieving, and encourage open communication about their feelings."

Conclusion

Episode 166 of La Platica offers an insightful exploration into the realm of mediumship and the afterlife through AJ Barrera's expertise. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of ethical practices in mediumship, the emotional challenges faced by mediums, and the cultural significance of rituals like Dia de los Muertos. AJ's personal stories and professional insights provide valuable knowledge for those curious about connecting with the afterlife or seeking closure in their grief.

Listen to the full episode to immerse yourself in AJ Barrera's profound journey and the compassionate guidance he offers through his mediumship.