Podcast Summary: The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett Episode: Neuroscience Expert Dr. Tara Swart on Evidence We Can Communicate After Death and Her Experience Speaking to the Dead! Release Date: August 14, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Steven Bartlett engages in an in-depth conversation with Dr. Tara Swart, a renowned neuroscientist and psychiatrist. Dr. Swart delves into her groundbreaking research and personal experiences suggesting that communication with those who have passed away is not only possible but also grounded in scientific evidence. This episode explores the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality, offering listeners a profound perspective on life, death, and the beyond.
Personal Journey and Tragic Loss
Dr. Tara Swart opens up about the profound loss of her husband, Robin, who succumbed to leukemia almost four years prior to the episode (00:08). The suddenness of his passing two days before their fourth wedding anniversary left Dr. Swart devastated and questioning her understanding of the world.
Dr. Tara Swart (00:08): "I lost my beloved husband to leukemia almost four years ago, two days before our fourth wedding anniversary. Everything I believed in had gone wrong. I was just totally lost and broken."
Her grief led her to seek answers beyond conventional mediums, determined to scientifically validate the possibility of communicating with the deceased. This personal quest became the foundation of her research and subsequent revelations.
Scientific Exploration into the Afterlife
Dr. Swart shares her journey into exploring the science behind communicating with the dead. She emphasizes the taboo nature of such discussions in the scientific community due to fears of being perceived as insane. However, driven by her professional expertise and personal experiences, she ventured into uncharted territories of neuroscience and psychiatry.
Dr. Tara Swart (01:02): "And the things I found out are going to shock you."
Her research led her to discover that humans possess far more sensory capabilities than the commonly accepted five senses, expanding our understanding of perception and consciousness.
Expanding Human Senses
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the revelation that humans have 34 senses, challenging the traditional notion of the five senses. Dr. Swart conducted a comprehensive literature review to support this claim, suggesting that our sensory perception is vastly underestimated.
Dr. Tara Swart (04:10): "We actually have 34 as we currently understand it."
She posits that these additional senses contribute to our ability to perceive subtle signs and signals from beyond the physical realm, laying the groundwork for communication after death.
Communication with the Deceased
Dr. Swart recounts her personal experiences of receiving signs from her late husband, Robin. These signs began with subtle indicators like the increased presence of robins in her environment, followed by more direct manifestations such as apparitions and clear messages.
Dr. Tara Swart (07:03): "I could see next to my bed a very vague, hazy version of Robin... I saw him become more and more clear. And then suddenly he just dissolved from the top down."
These experiences led her to hypothesize that the mind and consciousness can operate independently of the physical body, challenging the conventional understanding of life and death.
Neuroaesthetics, Intuition, and Trauma
Dr. Swart explores the concept of neuroaesthetics—the study of how the brain perceives beauty—and its role in processing grief and trauma. She discusses how creativity and intuition are intertwined with our neurological functions, enabling individuals to access deeper levels of consciousness and possibly communicate with the beyond.
Dr. Tara Swart (15:11): "So body work, whether that's massage or dance or art... trauma requires some kind of physical therapy."
She emphasizes the importance of somatic therapies in healing trauma, suggesting that the body holds imprints of our emotional experiences that cannot be fully addressed through verbal therapy alone.
Near-Death Experiences and Scientific Evidence
Delving deeper, Dr. Swart discusses near-death experiences (NDEs) and phenomena like terminal lucidity—unexpected moments of clarity before death. She references studies and personal accounts from fellow medical professionals who have encountered these inexplicable occurrences, strengthening her argument for the mind's independence from the physical body.
Dr. Tara Swart (34:34): "There is no explanation for how can a brain that's irreversibly damaged suddenly function completely normally."
These accounts suggest that consciousness may persist beyond clinical death, offering a scientific basis for the possibility of communicating with the deceased.
Spirituality, Consciousness, and the Universe
Dr. Swart ties her findings to broader philosophical and spiritual concepts, exploring the nature of consciousness and its relationship with the universe. She discusses theories that propose consciousness as a fundamental aspect of reality, independent of the physical brain.
Dr. Tara Swart (40:08): "Professor Donald Hoffman suggests that space time is not the basis of how the universe works. Suggests that consciousness is the basis of how the universe works."
This perspective challenges materialistic views of existence, advocating for a more integrated understanding of life, consciousness, and the afterlife.
Healing from Grief and Finding Purpose
Addressing listeners who may be grappling with loss, Dr. Swart offers guidance on healing from grief through a combination of talking therapies, somatic practices, time in nature, and creative outlets. She emphasizes the importance of not repressing emotions and engaging in activities that foster connection and purpose.
Dr. Tara Swart (51:06): "The first thing would be to not repress or deny how they're feeling and, you know, really feel the emotions that, that have to come along with grief."
By embracing these practices, individuals can navigate their grief more effectively and find a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
The Role of Intuition and Gut Health
The conversation shifts to the significance of intuition and its connection to gut health. Dr. Swart explains the gut-brain axis and how maintaining a healthy microbiome can enhance cognitive functions, including intuition and creativity.
Dr. Tara Swart (52:54): "So the body is basically the physical foundation for, you know, all of your senses to be able to flourish..."
She advocates for a holistic approach to health, where physical well-being supports mental and spiritual growth, enabling individuals to access higher levels of intuition and perception.
Balancing Skepticism and Open-Mindedness
Throughout the episode, Steven Bartlett maintains a balance between skepticism and open-mindedness, challenging Dr. Swart to substantiate her claims while respecting her personal experiences. This dynamic encourages listeners to question their beliefs and remain open to new possibilities.
Stephen Bartlett (19:45): "I think skepticism is healthy. But I'm also open minded. It's almost this paradox if you think you're gonna learn more."
Conclusion and Future Insights
As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Swart reflects on her ongoing journey of grief and healing. She expresses a deep commitment to helping others navigate their pain and find meaning beyond loss. The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Steven Bartlett and Dr. Swart, highlighting the transformative impact of their dialogue on both personal and broader societal levels.
Dr. Tara Swart (101:55): "There's something... I don't know exactly what it is. I hope I find out before I die..."
This episode serves as a profound exploration of the human experience, blending scientific inquiry with personal narrative to challenge our understanding of life, death, and the connections that transcend physical existence.
Notable Quotes:
- Dr. Tara Swart (01:02): "And the things I found out are going to shock you."
- Dr. Tara Swart (04:10): "We actually have 34 [senses] as we currently understand it."
- Dr. Tara Swart (07:03): "I could see next to my bed a very vague, hazy version of Robin..."
- Dr. Tara Swart (15:11): "So body work, whether that's massage or dance or art... trauma requires some kind of physical therapy."
- Dr. Tara Swart (34:34): "There is no explanation for how can a brain that's irreversibly damaged suddenly function completely normally."
- Dr. Tara Swart (40:08): "Professor Donald Hoffman suggests that space time is not the basis of how the universe works. Suggests that consciousness is the basis of how the universe works."
- Stephen Bartlett (19:45): "I think skepticism is healthy. But I'm also open minded. It's almost this paradox if you think you're gonna learn more."
- Dr. Tara Swart (51:06): "The first thing would be to not repress or deny how they're feeling and, you know, really feel the emotions that, that have to come along with grief."
This episode invites listeners to reevaluate their perceptions of reality, urging an open-minded exploration of the possibilities that lie beyond traditional scientific understanding. Through Dr. Tara Swart's insights and personal experiences, the conversation bridges the gap between neuroscience and the enigmatic realm of the afterlife, offering a thought-provoking perspective on human consciousness and connection.