He Died on a Plane… Then Met God | Bill Dolan
What happens when your heart stops mid-flight—and you meet God face to face? In this unforgettable episode of The Brad Peterson Show, Emmy-nominated director Bill Dolan shares his gripping near-death experience (NDE) aboard a plane to Nashville, where his heart stopped for several minutes before miraculously returning to life.
But this isn’t just a story about death—it’s about transformation.
Bill takes us through his encounter with the divine, his newfound understanding of love, purpose, and presence, and how he rebuilt his life with intention, grace, and deep reverence for every breath.
🎯 Whether you're curious about the afterlife, struggling with purpose, or seeking a deeper connection with the divine—this conversation will move you.
Chapters:
00:00 - Meeting Brad for the first time
01:36 - The day I “died” began long before 1999
02:06 - A dream job in TV—and the personal cost
03:50 - Success on the outside, fear on the inside
05:13 - Chasing mailbox money: the documentary deal
06:09 - The key to success: distribution over production
06:50 - The day everything changed: January 28, 1999
08:31 - A breathtaking moment before the collapse
09:01 - My heart stopped on the plane
10:57 - Tim's heroic chest compressions
12:54 - Emergency landing in Rapid City
14:22 - Diagnosed with malignant neurocardiogenic syncope
15:33 - Living with a pacemaker—six shocks a day
16:20 - Every breath is a gift
17:53 - Childhood trauma and escaping into film
20:07 - Crossing over: face to face with God
24:23 - Consumed by divine love
26:01 - God's love is deeper than we imagine
28:27 - Learning to listen with the soul
33:54 - Eternity isn’t a destination—it’s a presence
38:14 - Love is only real in relationship
41:04 - The power of presence with our loved ones
44:47 - Returning: a tornado of memories
47:05 - Why was I sent back? Discovering purpose
50:17 - Becoming an ambassador of God’s love
54:29 - Redefining success through love
58:07 - Every day is a new chapter
01:01:31 - Grace over guilt: forgiveness and humanity
01:05:06 - Rethinking who God really is
01:10:03 - Life is fragile. Every breath matters.