On today’s episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Mario Costabile talks with Paul Zucarelli, author of Faith Understood: An Ordinary Man's Journey to the Presence of God. Paul shares his extraordinary near-death experience testimony after suffering eight cardiac arrests in two days. He discusses the power of intercessory prayer, trusting God in moments of doubt, and how this profound encounter with God shaped his faith journey and gave his life a new mission: to evangelize His Truth.

In this interview, we cover:

• What was your life like before the cardiac arrests?

• Can you walk us through the moments you experienced NDE after eight arrest episodes?

• What did you see or feel when you “went to the heavenly realm”?

• How did intercessory prayer, especially on Pentecost, factor into your recovery?

• How has your relationship with the Catholic Church deepened through this?

• What impact did Bishop Olmsted’s prayers have on your healing?

• What was the single most transformative moment during those two hours?

• How did this near-death experience reshape your faith and purpose?

• Why did you choose “Faith Understood” as the title?

• What practical advice would you give Catholics encountering suffering or doubt?

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

03:12 Paul's Near-Death Experience

07:36 What is a locution?

17:12 The Role of Faith and Family

21:08 Miraculous Healing and the Bishop's Intervention

24:50 Verbum

25:45 Scapulars.com

26:30 Donate

27:24 Transformation and Spiritual Awakening

32:13 Faith Understood

36:40 The Contrast Between Heaven and Hell

39:00 God Is Light

41:58 The Challenge of Faith and Intellect

44:21 Last Remarks-Living a Life of Hope and Virtue