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In this episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith is joined by filmmaker Max Rissman, whose debut feature film, Upon Waking, takes viewers on an emotional journey through near-death and shared-death experiences. The film explores themes of forgiveness, family dynamics, and the transformative power of love and healing. Max opens up about his creative process, the challenges of making an independent film, and how spirituality plays a pivotal role in his storytelling.

If you’ve ever wondered about the spiritual side of filmmaking, the role of intuition in creativity, or how art can be a path to healing, this conversation is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Max’s childhood passion for storytelling inspired his career as a filmmaker 🎭
• The significance of near-death and shared-death experiences in the film Upon Waking 🕊️
• The challenges Max faced while creating a low-budget feature film during COVID-19 🎥
• Why forgiveness—both of others and oneself—is central to healing 💖
• How spirituality and intuition guide the creative process ✨

About Max Rissman:
Max Rissman is an NYU-trained filmmaker dedicated to creating emotionally resonant stories about the human condition. His debut feature film, Upon Waking, is a powerful exploration of loss, transformation, and self-acceptance. Releasing on Valentine’s Day, the film will be available on Amazon Prime, Fandango, and Hoopla.

Links & Resources:

• 🎬 Watch Upon Waking: uponwakingfilm.com
• 🌟 Connect with Brian and join the Grief 2 Growth community: grief2growth.co

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.

🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work.
 

What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?

Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.

Register now at Conference.IANDS.org
 

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