#749 - She Almost Died—and Heard Music From the Other Side! With Kendra Dahlstrom
Sun Feb 08 2026
EVEN MORE about this episode!
What happens when a near-death experience awakens your true purpose and changes how you see life forever?
Join Julie Ryan and transformation guide Kendra Dahlstrom as they explore a powerful near-death experience, spiritual awakening, divine guidance, and the shift from corporate success to soul-led living. After a near-death experience while whitewater rafting—followed by septic shock and respiratory failure—Kendra describes hearing symphonic music and sensing divine guidance that forever altered how she sees life, leadership, and purpose.
In this deeply moving conversation, Kendra opens up about navigating fear, presence, and the space between worlds—revealing how trusting an inner voice helped her release old trauma and step into a life led from the inside out. Her journey marks a powerful shift from chasing external success to cultivating inner fulfillment, reshaping not only her personal path but also how she leads and serves in the professional world.
Together, Julie and Kendra explore what it truly means to live aligned in today’s high-pressure, high-achievement culture. Drawing from Kendra’s AIM True Method, they unpack themes of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-compassion—offering practical wisdom for overcoming imposter syndrome, redefining success, and reclaiming your authentic purpose. This episode is an inspiring reminder that even life’s darkest moments can illuminate the clearest path forward.
Guest Biography:
Kendra Dahlstrom is an executive coach, spiritual guide, and host of The Unworthy Leader Podcast, but her most powerful credentials come from a near-death experience in 2024 that changed everything. After years of chasing success, titles, and validation, Kendra’s brush with death cracked open a deeper truth: she had been living from performance, not presence. On this episode, she shares the story of her awakening, how she dismantled the toxic belief systems that once defined her, and why so many overachievers feel empty despite their accolades. Her message is clear: your purpose isn’t something you earn—it’s something you remember. Through her work, Kendra helps high-performing individuals reclaim their worth, reconnect with God, and lead from the inside out.
Episode Chapters:
(0:00:01) - Surviving a Near-Death Experience
(0:09:11) - A Brush With the Afterlife
(0:15:55) - Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Finding Balance
(0:27:25) - Balancing Work, Life, and Spirituality
(0:36:59) - Navigating Emotions With Emotional Intelligence
(0:48:07) - Reclaiming Purpose and Setting Boundaries
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Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener’s actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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EVEN MORE about this episode! What happens when a near-death experience awakens your true purpose and changes how you see life forever? Join Julie Ryan and transformation guide Kendra Dahlstrom as they explore a powerful near-death experience, spiritual awakening, divine guidance, and the shift from corporate success to soul-led living. After a near-death experience while whitewater rafting—followed by septic shock and respiratory failure—Kendra describes hearing symphonic music and sensing divine guidance that forever altered how she sees life, leadership, and purpose. In this deeply moving conversation, Kendra opens up about navigating fear, presence, and the space between worlds—revealing how trusting an inner voice helped her release old trauma and step into a life led from the inside out. Her journey marks a powerful shift from chasing external success to cultivating inner fulfillment, reshaping not only her personal path but also how she leads and serves in the professional world. Together, Julie and Kendra explore what it truly means to live aligned in today’s high-pressure, high-achievement culture. Drawing from Kendra’s AIM True Method, they unpack themes of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-compassion—offering practical wisdom for overcoming imposter syndrome, redefining success, and reclaiming your authentic purpose. This episode is an inspiring reminder that even life’s darkest moments can illuminate the clearest path forward. Guest Biography: Kendra Dahlstrom is an executive coach, spiritual guide, and host of The Unworthy Leader Podcast, but her most powerful credentials come from a near-death experience in 2024 that changed everything. After years of chasing success, titles, and validation, Kendra’s brush with death cracked open a deeper truth: she had been living from performance, not presence. On this episode, she shares the story of her awakening, how she dismantled the toxic belief systems that once defined her, and why so many overachievers feel empty despite their accolades. Her message is clear: your purpose isn’t something you earn—it’s something you remember. Through her work, Kendra helps high-performing individuals reclaim their worth, reconnect with God, and lead from the inside out. Episode Chapters: (0:00:01) - Surviving a Near-Death Experience (0:09:11) - A Brush With the Afterlife (0:15:55) - Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Finding Balance (0:27:25) - Balancing Work, Life, and Spirituality (0:36:59) - Navigating Emotions With Emotional Intelligence (0:48:07) - Reclaiming Purpose and Setting Boundaries ➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube ➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube ➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube ➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube ➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube ✏️Ask Julie a Question! 🌟Follow on Instagram! Please join Julie next week with your question. Thursdays at 8pm ET, 7pm CT, 5pm PT. https://askjulieryanshow.com And, please leave a five-star review and subscribe so you can hear all the new episodes. Sponsors & Recommendations Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener’s actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.