Ep 183: Return to Life with Dr. Jim Tucker

Episode 183: Show Notes

The subject of reincarnation may be a divisive one, but that does not mean there are not serious scientific researchers that are still working in this field. Joining us on the podcast today is none other than Dr. Jim Tucker, a top expert on past life memories and reincarnation.

Dr. Tucker is based in North Carolina and we get to have an amazing conversation with our guest about the subject at large, his journey through the field, as well as his reflections on what the study might bring us in the future.

We get to explore some real examples from Dr. Tucker's work, stories that he has published in his books, and these examples really lend credence to this kind of endeavor. No matter what your beliefs on the subject, these anecdotes are sure to make you think twice about your assumptions, and possibly even reconsider what you thought you knew.

Dr. Tucker maintains a strict, scientific approach to his work, with no past life memories of his own, and merely a fascination with the investigation of others' experiences. We get to talk about the commonalities between the cases, the results of disparate families connecting, and also the reality of public perception of these phenomena. So for all this, and a whole lot more, join us for this fantastic conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

Dr. Tucker's early years, family upbringing in North Carolina, and enjoyment of reading.
The early lessons in conscientiousness that Dr. Tucker's parents instilled in him.
How Dr. Tucker became aware and involved with research into past lives and reincarnation.
The effect that Dr. Tucker's second marriage had on opening his mind to new possibilities.
Feelings of unfulfillment that Dr. Tucker experienced prior to branching out into his new field.
Dr. Tucker's first case dealing with past life experience, involving a young boy and his deceased brother.
The typical ages that Dr. Tucker works with kids and the occurrence of past life memories.
Societal perceptions of reincarnation and how different cultures react to these cases.
A case in which a boy from Thailand was born with an atavistic birthmark.
The percentage of legitimate cases that Dr. Tucker deals with.
The distinction between proof and evidence, and how Dr. Tucker uses these terms in his work.
Dr. Tucker's story of Ryan and his memories of a life as Marty Martin working in Hollywood.
The donor system that has enabled much of Dr. Tucker's work and research.
Time requirements for investigation and verification for each case that emerges.
Dr. Tucker's observations of cases as the years progress; situations change, and memories fade.
The story of Kendra and Ginger and how fallouts can occur between families.
Advice for parents of children presenting signs of past life memories.
Dr. Tucker's personal beliefs and biases and how he separates these from his research and work.
How past life memories relate to experiences of deja vu and the neurological dimension to this relationship.
Further questions that interest Dr. Tucker and his take on destiny.
The lucky process that Dr. Tucker went through with the publishers of his first book.
How more cases would help open more minds to the likelihood of reincarnation.
Comparing Dr. Tucker's work now to his previous singular focus on child psychiatry.

Quotes:

“I didn't know that I wanted to do child psychiatry, actually, until the middle of my psychiatry residency, where I wanted to learn more about development, and childhood things.” — Dr. Jim Tucker [0:06:36]

“I knew I didn't want to do just what I was doing for the rest of my life. What appealed to me was not just the topic, but the approach to it.” — Dr. Jim Tucker [0:18:11]

“Lately we have gone back and talked with adults who we originally studied as kids. A fair number of them say they do still have some past life memories, even though they stopped talking about them.” — Dr. Jim Tucker [0:23:46]

“When a child comes up with very specific details that can only match one person who died in the past and they’re a complete stranger to the family, well, that's strong evidence.” — Dr. Jim Tucker [0:38:16]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Unusual Experiences Screening Questionnaire

University of Virginia

A Wrinkle in Time

Johnny Tremaine

Ian Stevenson

Children Who Remember Previous Lives