Hacking the Afterlife

My cup of tea

I thought it was going to be really hard getting past the obvious flaws in the narration and all the apologies that kept coming from the author about the content of his book. At first, indeed, it was difficult.
And then I just pretended Mr Martini was in front of a classroom reading from his journal. At that point I was able to focus on the content. This will not be a book for everyone and probably will infuriate more than a few. I allowed myself to be consumed by this and as ridiculous as it sounds (looks) I think this was life changing. I finished listening about 2 weeks ago and I still feel that way. I keep thinking about this book and have nestled it into my belief system where it might really do some good. Honestly, I have had some kind of soul-sigh - a release of stress I didn't know I had or didn't realize how big it was to me until this. It answered a lot of questions and raised quite a few. Even if I end up dismissing this as truth, it was a fabulous experience and a fun ride. I cannot say I am a true believer in all that is revealed. I am taking the coward's way out and saying it very well might be true. That's good enough for me right now.
I recommend this book and have already told a couple of special people about it. Wow

38 of 38 people found this review helpful

Hacking Reviewed

I've read and listened to many books in this genre and Rich does a great job at making the subject matter accessible and enjoyable. This is the first book that I have heard Rich narrate and so it was slightly different and not what you would be accustomed to from an audio book. However, his natural approach generates a more intimate and personal environment which adds to the entertainment.
Having read Brian Weiss, Michael Newton, Jane Roberts, and Dolores Cannon, amongst others, there was not a lot of new material but what he does is bring the concepts together in a manner that is not overwhelming. For those beginning their journey into this field, Hacking is a great springboard that will send you on your way to a deeper understanding of what you will discover on the flip side.

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

Not for those expecting a quality product

What disappointed you about Hacking the Afterlife?

I, like many others, find Martini's utter lack of concern over the quality of the production value not only annoying, but ironic given that he's a creative person and filmmaker who should take pride in his work. It literally sounds like he recorded his voice directly into his laptop while sitting on the toilet. Only the last chapter sounds like he used a mic and changed rooms. Simply put, he doesn't sweat the small stuff, doesn't correct mistakes, or edit flubbed lines and the like, which may explain why that 3-picture movie deal he's always craved has remained so elusive.

His enthusiasm, however, is genuine and it seems as though he just wants to get the story out there as quickly as possible in one sitting, and one take. I really wouldn't take issue with this had he given the book away for free. But to charge people good money for such a poor-quality product is inconsiderate at best, and unethical at worst. Richard dismisses these criticisms as superfluous. But they are not, and here's why... (see next section).

What was most disappointing about Richard Martini’s story?

His previous audio books also suffer from the sloppiness issue, which he seems to wear as badge of honor for some reason, as though it's his "Style" and I just don't get it. He's become the Ed Wood of survival research, but couldn't care less. And I worry that this carelessness also permeates his thinking and approach to the research. Not much critical thinking in play here, which is so important given the nature of the topic.

Scientist, Dean Radin, who studies Psi, rightly says that those who pursue this line of scientific inquiry are (and should be) held to a much higher methodological standard because of the nature of the claims that the data points to. Extraordinary claims need extraordinarily careful research in order to counter the massive amount of nonsense and fraud that undermines legitimate research by serious scientists and researchers. Sloppiness, whether it's icing on the cake in terms of production value, or it's the cake itself in terms of the subject matter, is and should be anathema to all who seek real evidence and want to engage skeptics in real, honest debate.

Martini's particular topic of interest is LBL, which is problematic because it's the only aspect of survival research that cannot be verified or falsified. Which is why the top researchers into reincarnation, including those who do past-life regression, tend to avoid LBL or use it as a line of evidence. Even more problematic, Martini devotes chapters to channeling Prince, Jesus, and Amelia Earhart using "mediums" associated with the book by Eliza Medhus where she tries to communicate with her teenage son who committed suicide. This book has turned into a small cottage industry with Medhus' mediums channeling Elvis, Hitler, Bigfoot, Aliens, and so on. I'm not sure if Mrs. Medhus is deluding herself with the help of opportunistic "mediums" or something more sinister is in play. But why on Earth would Martini use Jamie Butler (a Medhus "medium') instead of sourcing a real, certified medium (yes, there are reputable organizations who use scientific protocols to certify mediums) is beyond me – especially when you read reviews of Ms. Butler by clients who thought she was cold-reading them. I suspect there was some quid pro quo going on between Martini and Medhus. And the fact that Medhus is using the suicide of her son to make money is just distasteful, considering what it's turned into post book release. The whole thing seems far from spiritual, and even further from ethical or careful with respect to providing useful evidence for survival. It's books like this that do more harm than good, I'm sorry to say.

Would you be willing to try another one of Richard Martini’s performances?

I think I'm done.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

His enthusiasm is genuine. I just wish he cared enough to be more careful with both his field of study and his creativity.

Any additional comments?

I don't think Martini is cut out for filmmaking or audio production. He might make a good lecturer. But some people just don't belong behind the camera... or the microphone.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great Book! #1 on my list to read first about the afterlife!!

Narrator/Author was easy to listen to and at the top of my list for books on the afterlife. I have listened to quite a few and would recommend this one as the first book to read/listen to if you are questioning why you are here and what you will do after. Thank you for having it on Audible!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

it's like a spiritual talk over a good drink

nothing better than a real-world author reading his own words of important things like spirituality in the afterlife, but reading it as if you were sitting in a Tavern and having the conversation over a drink with a good buddy. It's not boring spirituality lectures, it's stories of research into past life regressions and medium sessions with logic and humor SD structure and bases

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wow!!!!

This book resonated with me at such a deep level! I will buy his other audiobooks and listen to this over and over. Thank you 😊

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Yawn! Waste of time.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Was hoping for some, if not brilliant, at least interesting glimpses of the afterlife. Instead this book turned into a rambling monologue with very little substance and endless "name dropping." Heard about Amelia Earhart to ad nauseum with claims that she was a spy captured by the Japanese (he spent over an hour on that alone). Then of course, there was a long torturous interview with none other than Jesus himself, who claims not to have died on the cross after all. Michael Jackson put in an appearance as well as Robin Williams and the list goes on. Although I have no way of knowing what actually happened to these individuals, the story lines which were supposed to have been given through a medium, were all over the place and sometimes even contradictory. Boring would be an understatement. After about 6 hrs. of listening and trying my best to be open minded, I simply couldn't take anymore.

Has Hacking the Afterlife turned you off from other books in this genre?

Luckily, I have listened to books by many other authors on this subject which I thoroughly enjoyed and felt that I came away with a greater understanding of the topic. Raymond Moody, Jeffrey Long, Brian Weiss, James Van Praagh, Penny Sartori, Michael Newton and Eben Alexander, among others, have some terrific books on the subject and I am hoping they will release more.

How could the performance have been better?

In all fairness, I have read previous books by Richard Martini "The Flipside" and "It's a Wonderful Afterlife" and they were not that bad. Although most of his work seems to revolve around the rich and or famous, not the regular person on the street, he at least didn't belabor one historic figure to the same degree in those books. I was able to get through them. My main complaint is that his works are filled with way too much dialogue and irrelevant information, rather than giving much insight into the afterlife. It almost comes across more like a bad script stuffed with fillers.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Main reaction was disappointment since I had really been looking forward to listening to this book, and then found out that it couldn't hold my interest.

Any additional comments?

The book came across as being fabricated and lacking in authenticity. If it was genuine, then it fell short of convincing this reader. At the very least, it could have been entertaining, even if I didn't buy it. Which is not to say that I am a skeptic on the subject, just this one particular book.

14 of 17 people found this review helpful

Nope

What disappointed you about Hacking the Afterlife?

How this ever got published is beyond me. As a student of this topic I consume everything I can find on spirituality and the afterlife. This book kept popping up as a recommendation on the list of Audible books I may be interested in. In a weak moment I selected it. I found it to be an unimaginative text of fiction. I have to hand it Mr. Martini he is in the go big or go home category by claiming to have discussions through a medium with Jesus, Prince, Edgar Cayce, Robin Williams, and more. They came forward because they had something to share, but nothing new or insightful was communicated. Mr. Martini is not lacking in ego. His nonchalant attitude made me feel like everyone in the afterlife universe was waiting in line to stop by for a chat with their friend Mr. Martini. Isn't that normal? Then there was the whole Amelia Earhart section. Maybe he wanted to share his 30 years of research that never got made into a movie with someone, and that was the unwitting people who purchased this book. As an avid reader/listener I have never been so compelled to write a review. Obviously this one stirred a reaction.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

hacking the afterlife.

A very good read. Spiritually attuned. Enlightening. Share worthy. Interesting and stimulating. Encouraging. Enchanting and Clever.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great stuff

Another excellent book Richard, I could listen to these afterlife stories all day. I've now listened to Flipside, it's a wonderful after life 1 & 2, hopefully more adventures on the flipside will be coming.
Brian

1 of 1 people found this review helpful