The Self-Help Podcast with Deepali Nagrani · Deepali

If it is to be, it's up to me with Jay Setchell

February 1, 2026·46 min·1 clip

I wrote, am I going to live? And on another page, I put, am I going to die? And on another page, I wrote, I love you.

Marine veteran Jay Setchell shares his extraordinary story of surviving three near-death experiences: combat injuries in Vietnam (1969), a drunk driver collision (1973), and a swimming pool accident that left him paralyzed (1981). Through vivid, emotional storytelling, he recounts the out-of-body experiences, 73+ surgeries, and the devastating impact on his family, particularly his mother, while reflecting on the farm upbringing and faith that built his resilience.

As heard by us

A plainspoken survival story about persistence, faith, and rebuilding after damage.

The episode tracks Jay's refusal to quit after three near-death experiences, 73 surgeries, partial paralysis, and an infection that could have ended everything.

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Why you'd press play

You want a hard-earned reminder that inch by inch can still change a life.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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