Art introduces the show, “Coast to Coast AM,” as one of the most unusual talk shows in the world, covering various regions, including Hawaii and the Caribbean. He updates the audience on a previous story about Mike Marcum, affectionately nicknamed “Mad Man Marcum,” who built a machine that might be a time machine, a dimensional portal, or even a human French fry machine. Marcum used stolen power company transformers to power his machine, which led to his arrest and time in jail. Art mentions receiving a fax about a fireball sighting over Eastern Oregon and clarifies the schedule for Richard Hoagland’s appearance on the show. He then resumes discussing Marcum’s machine, which initially was a small-scale model called a Jacobs Ladder, capable of making objects disappear and reappear nearby. Marcum plans to build a larger version of the machine after his previous model demonstrated unexpected and intriguing results.
As Art continues the conversation with Mike Marcum, they discuss the size and power requirements of Marcum’s machine. Marcum explains that he used thick metal rods for electrodes and needed high voltage to power the device. He obtained the necessary transformers by taking six from a substation, with the help of a few paid individuals. These transformers were heavy, weighing around 300 pounds each. Marcum hooked them up to create a large Jacobs Ladder, which, when activated, caused a significant power outage, dimming the southern half of the town. This incident attracted the attention of the authorities. A separate incident involving a BB gun led the police to discover Marcum’s backyard setup. This discovery resulted in Marcum’s troubles with the law, as the individual who helped him, upset about getting in trouble for the BB gun incident, informed the police about the stolen transformers.
Mike Marcum recounts how the police discovered his setup. Following a BB gun incident involving a neighbor, the police arrived with a search warrant and found his backyard contraption. Marcum was subsequently arrested, served two months, and later revealed to the newspapers the details of his project. Despite his arrest, Marcum never got to test the large model of his machine. His initial smaller model had successfully made a screw disappear and reappear, which led him to plan a more ambitious experiment. He had intended to use a laser to perfect the arc in his Jacobs Ladder but didn’t get far due to the inefficiency and local power system load issues. Marcum admits he was curious about the potential of his machine, planning to start with small objects and eventually considering biological entities. The nickname “Mad Man Marcum” stuck with him, although he never had the chance to complete his grand experiment.
Marcum explains how he planned to gradually test his machine with increasingly complex subjects. He speculates about the implications of objects not returning, considering possibilities such as them reappearing in a different time or universe. After his previous interview with Art, Marcum’s phone was disconnected, leading to speculation about his fate. Marcum clarifies that he didn’t walk through the machine and has since made improvements, using a revolving magnetic field instead of lasers. This setup involves 24 electromagnets arranged in stacked circles. He intends to use high voltage to create a strong magnetic field. Marcum acquired a 15-kilowatt generator to power the device, raising the voltage to 3 million volts with the help of several large transformers. Since his previous publicity, he has received assistance from others. He assures that his current setup is independent of the power company, with the exception of running electromagnets legally. Marcum notes the similarity between his technology and the Philadelphia Experiment, mentioning his plan to replace the Jacobs Ladder with a different electrode configuration.
Marcum explains the technical details of his new design involving electromagnets arranged in circles, applying 3 million volts. He is currently in the middle of setting it up and faces skepticism from technical experts who believe he’s taking a dangerous risk. Marcum shares that a physicist suggested the concept of controlling the holes in the fabric of the universe to theoretically travel through time. Reflecting on a past experiment involving a laser in cold conditions, he speculates about its effects. The new machine, with a diameter of ten feet, is too large for his apartment, so he has rented a garage for his experiments. His roommates are apprehensive about the project, preferring it be conducted elsewhere. Marcum’s plan involves a structure tall enough for a person to walk through, built with heavy electromagnets. He mentions other researchers working on related experiments and expresses interest in building a larger version if the small model proves successful. Ultimately, he acknowledges that a human test will be necessary, raising concerns about the potential dangers.
Marcum acknowledges the potential dangers of his experiment, including the possibility of vaporization. He is genuinely serious about his work and believes in the feasibility of moving objects through time. He has consulted with theoretical physicists who have discussed the concept of creating holes in the fabric of the universe to achieve time travel. Marcum mentions a physicist named Marshall who influenced his new design, which involves a vortex of energy.
Despite the risks, Marcum continues to pursue his project, with plans to document the experiment, either as proof of time travel or a memorial. He notes that he hasn’t spoken to his parents in ten years and has mixed reactions from friends, some thinking he’s crazy, while others are worried. Marcum reflects on his sanity but remains committed to his work.
Art Bell announces to the listeners that Marcum’s plans have advanced significantly, with much of the work completed. The segment ends with a summary of Marcum’s journey from his initial Jacobs Ladder experiment to his current large-scale time machine project, now housed in a rented garage. Marcum is no longer using power from the grid but relies on a 15-kilowatt generator and several large transformers to power his new machine.
Marcum elaborates on his machine’s scale, involving 168 electromagnets arranged in circles. This massive setup is reminiscent of the stargate concept. He mentions a large lab being set up for him in Springfield, Oregon, for more extensive experiments. A pastor volunteers to be the first human test subject, raising ethical and legal concerns about potential harm. Marcum insists on being the first human to test the machine. Suggestions include using a camcorder to see what’s on the other side, though it might not survive the electromagnetic field.
Comparisons are drawn to Bob Lazar’s description of UFO drive units, with similar electromagnetic configurations. Marcum initially planned for more sectors but settled on 24 for practical reasons. He discusses applying 3 million volts to the main unit and the technical details of wiring, highlighting the dramatic nature of the experiment. Art offers to document the experiment, whether it results in successful time travel or serves as a memorial for Marcum. Marcum acknowledges the risks, including the possibility of ending up in another universe or being vaporized, stressing the uncertainty of the experiment’s outcome.
Art discusses the potential risks of Marcum’s experiment, noting that it could result in Marcum being vaporized. Marcum, however, is serious about his work and is determined to proceed. He estimates that he might be able to conduct the experiment within a month if there are no technical issues. Art expresses interest in documenting the experiment, either as a proof of time travel or a memorial, depending on the outcome.
A caller from Seattle inquires about Daniel Webb from Springfield, Oregon, who is helping Marcum set up a large lab. Marcum clarifies that Webb is coordinating the project with a few others. The caller asks about the videotaping of Marcum’s earlier Jacobs Ladder experiment. Marcum explains that he didn’t expect the results and didn’t have a camcorder handy during the initial tests. The laser he used for the initial experiment caught fire before he could document it, prompting him to build a larger model.
Another caller asks why Marcum replaced the laser with a rotating magnetic field. Marcum explains that a rotating magnetic field is more efficient and avoids issues with electric sparks. He mentions that this change was advised by a physicist, who believed Marcum was on the right track. The discussion highlights Marcum’s transition from using a laser to a more sophisticated and scalable design involving rotating magnetic fields.
A caller from Mississippi suggests that Marcum try sending a message back from the future to himself to test the experiment’s success. He proposes using a radio frequency to send a message that Marcum could retrieve in the present, thus providing proof of concept without risking his life. This idea intrigues Marcum, adding another layer of possibilities to his experiment.
Art and Marcum discuss the potential risks and outcomes of the experiment, including the possibility of Marcum being vaporized. They explore the idea of leaving a note in a predetermined place to verify if Marcum successfully travels to the future and returns. They also discuss the possibility of ending up in the past and the technical complexities involved in controlling the direction of time travel. Marcum compares his machine to a black hole, suggesting it could function like a doorway, allowing him to return to his original location.
Art’s comparison to “Stargate” resonates with Marcum, who acknowledges the similarities. They take a break, and upon returning, Art asks Marcum about the overwhelming response he received the last time he shared his contact information on the air. This time, Marcum provides his address for people to contact him: 209 and a half South 13th Street, St. Joseph, Missouri, 64501.
A fax question raises a point about the screw experiment, questioning how it can exist in both the present and the future. Marcum explains that the screw seemed to skip over a segment of time, appearing roughly half a second later. Art then brings up the serious potential consequences of Marcum’s experiment, suggesting some might view it as a form of suicide. Marcum reveals that he is on probation and has been seeing a psychiatrist, who is aware of his experiments and considers him healthy.
Marcum discusses his psychiatrist’s opinion, who believes he might be delusional, but notes that the medication prescribed has had no effect on him despite taking it for six months. A caller named Dr. Joe, who has experience in amateur physics, advises Marcum to use a spring-loaded timer and a plexiglass container to test the machine safely before walking through it himself. Another caller from Tennessee brings up the enormous energy requirements suggested by quantum physics for time or interdimensional travel, questioning Marcum’s ability to generate such energy. Marcum acknowledges the challenge but explains that his current setup involves high voltage and a rotating magnetic field, which might suffice.
Marcum’s girlfriend tried to dissuade him from the experiment, but she ultimately left him. A caller from Santa Monica asks about protective gear, and Marcum explains he plans to wear something akin to a giant rubber glove to avoid electrocution. The segment highlights the skepticism, technical challenges, and personal impacts of Marcum’s experiment, emphasizing the serious risks involved.
Marcum and Art continue discussing Marcum’s ambitious experiment. Marcum confirms he’s not a physicist, just an enthusiastic 23-year-old experimenter. A caller asks technical questions about the type of screw Marcum used and whether he reversed the magnetic field to potentially travel back in time. Marcum responds that he’s exploring how to control the machine’s functions, including possibly reversing the magnetic field.
Another caller from Kansas City suggests that if Marcum takes someone with him through the machine, they could decide together what happens on the other side. Marcum notes that while some of his friends are willing to help build the machine, they are not eager to go through it, considering the risks. He explains that some friends who are willing might be suicidal, seeking a dramatic end.
A caller from Kentucky suggests attaching a string to an object or shining a flashlight through the machine to pull it back and observe what happens, which Marcum agrees could be a good preliminary test. Art emphasizes that Marcum should conduct several initial experiments before attempting to go through himself and urges Marcum to inform him before attempting the final jump.
Another caller asks if Marcum considered combining a laser with the magnetic field for more efficient results. Marcum responds that the magnetic field is already more efficient than the laser, which was affected by the 15-degree air temperature in his initial experiment. He remains open to exploring different methods to enhance the field’s stability and efficiency.
Art and Marcum continue their discussion, touching on the potential risks, including the possibility of being vaporized or going insane, as referenced by the Philadelphia Experiment. Marcum explains that the frequencies he plans to use are similar to those of the HAARP transmitter, ranging from 0.1 to 30 Hz, which align with brainwave frequencies. Art suggests that Marcum might want to continue their discussion for another hour.
During the break, Art shares his thoughts with his wife, comparing Marcum’s experiment to a “Stargate,” while his wife humorously likens it to a barbecue. Art resumes the show, summarizing Marcum’s journey from his initial small-scale Jacobs Ladder to the current large-scale experiment involving massive transformers and electromagnets.
A caller from Platte City asks about the scale of Marcum’s project. Marcum describes that he is working in a garage now, with 27 circles of electromagnets, each weighing about 200 pounds. The setup involves seven circles of 24 magnets each, forming a large structure that deviates from the traditional Jacobs Ladder by using a screen mesh. The voltage generated by the transformers reaches 3 million volts. Marcum’s transformers, each weighing around a ton, contribute to the massive scale of the experiment.
The conversation emphasizes the sheer size and complexity of Marcum’s project, comparing it to science fiction scenarios while acknowledging the real scientific and personal risks involved.
Art and Marcum discuss the potential risks and moral implications of time travel. A caller from Houston mentions that Marcum could get parts from Saint Joseph Electronics, where he is a regular customer. Another caller suggests Marcum think about the one-way nature of his journey, comparing him to inventors like Thomas Edison, who were once considered mad.
A caller brings up the moral ramifications of time travel, such as altering history and causing havoc. Marcum acknowledges the concern but notes that quantum physics suggests he might end up in a different universe, mitigating the risk of impacting his original timeline. Another suggestion is to place money in a reinvesting CD and take the bankbook to become wealthy if he arrives in the future.
A first-time caller asks why Marcum associates the disappearance of objects with time travel. Marcum explains that while he initially considered teleportation, current quantum physics theories support his time travel hypothesis. Art and the caller also discuss the potential dangers of Marcum reappearing inside solid objects, like the concrete floor of his garage, drawing a parallel to the Philadelphia Experiment.
Another caller from Colorado asks if Marcum has considered using Dan Davidson’s gravitational formulas or theories to enhance his experiment. Marcum explains that he is already using a massive rotating magnetic field, which is significant enough for his purposes.
The discussion continues with a caller from Houston, Texas, offering support and parts from Saint Joseph Electronics, where Marcum is a frequent customer. Another caller suggests considering the risks of time travel, comparing Marcum to past inventors who were initially seen as mad. A moral question is raised about the potential consequences of going back in time and altering events, but Marcum explains the multiverse theory, suggesting he might end up in a different universe, minimizing the risk of affecting the original timeline.
Further, a caller proposes the environmental implications of ripping a hole in the universe. Marcum responds that such an event would only happen with a black hole, not an electromagnetic field. A caller from Kentucky raises concerns about the biological effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body. Marcum acknowledges the risks but is determined to proceed.
Another caller questions whether Marcum should be allowed to continue his experiment or be institutionalized. The consensus is that he should be allowed to proceed since he is only risking himself. Art points out that Marcum was not seeking publicity until the police got involved, suggesting he has strong convictions about his work. The caller agrees that Art should videotape the experiment, ensuring it is documented for either scientific validation or as a memorial.
A caller from Houston offers support and parts from Saint Joseph Electronics, where Marcum is a regular customer. Another caller suggests considering the risks of time travel, comparing Marcum to past inventors who were initially seen as mad. A moral question is raised about the potential consequences of going back in time and altering events, but Marcum explains the multiverse theory, suggesting he might end up in a different universe, minimizing the risk of affecting the original timeline.
Art discusses the potential of Marcum’s machine as a time travel device or an improvement on conversion methods, suggesting it could be patented and sold. During a break, Art mentions that the Sony Corporation began in a garage, drawing a parallel to Marcum’s current setup. A caller suggests the possibility of something or someone coming through the machine from the other side before Marcum steps through, and another caller advises Marcum to avoid wearing metal buttons or zippers due to the high voltage involved.
A discussion follows about a couch that mysteriously disappeared and never reappeared, which Marcum attributes to a possible joke by friends or a side effect of his experiments. Marcum also recalls consultations with psychics who foretold events in his life, adding an intriguing element to his story.
Marcum shares that psychics had predicted his death around 2060. A caller compares Marcum’s experiment to the Tower of Babel, suggesting it might be an attempt to reach a heavenly realm, similar to a stargate concept.
A caller from Anchorage, Alaska, references the Philadelphia Experiment and questions what the government has been doing with the information gathered since then. The caller also raises concerns about the effectiveness of a rubber suit in protecting Marcum from the magnetic fields and high voltage. Marcum explains that as long as he isn’t touching the ground, he should be safe.
Marcum updates on his progress, mentioning that two circles of his device are completed, and he is working on the third. He has finished building the transformers and most of the electromagnets. The discussion continues with concerns about what might come through the device from the other side and the potential dangers of such an event. Marcum reassures that the effects would be localized and not globally catastrophic.
A caller from Sacramento suggests using titanium as a shield against detrimental frequencies, citing its properties mentioned in the Montauk Project books. Marcum acknowledges the suggestion and emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive outcomes while being aware of the risks.
A caller from Little Rock speculates on the existential implications of Marcum’s experiment, questioning whether there is more to existence than life and death. Marcum appreciates the support and notes the increased interest and encouragement from listeners compared to his last appearance on the show.
Another caller from Sacramento asks why Marcum is pursuing this experiment and whether he plans to travel forward or backward in time. Marcum explains that he is driven by curiosity and a desire to explore new possibilities. He hopes to achieve significant advancements in his experiments, potentially using up to 80 million volts in the future.
A caller from Jacksonville, Florida, suggests using a cat or a dog with a radio transmitter to test the device. Art and Marcum discuss the practicality of using animals and emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of the experiment.
A caller from Oahu raises concerns about the heat generated by the electromagnets and the potential for the rubber suit to melt. Marcum acknowledges the risks and considers alternatives such as using military surplus flight suits. The discussion also touches on the potential impact of the magnetic field on videotaping the experiment.
As the conversation wraps up, Art advises Marcum to provide his contact information once more for listeners who wish to reach out. Marcum’s address is 209 and one-half South 13th Street, Saint Joseph, Missouri, 64501. Art asks Marcum if he needs any assistance, and Marcum mentions that he requires a large capacitor, specifically one rated at 10,000 volts and 25,000 microfarads. He emphasizes the need for an electrolytic type, as opposed to an AC oil capacitor.
Art assures Marcum that with the show’s wide audience, someone is likely to provide the necessary part and advises against “appropriating” one. Marcum agrees, stating those days are behind him. Art humorously reminds Marcum to call before attempting the leap through his device, drawing a parallel to the “call before you dig” advice for safe excavation.
The segment concludes with Art referring to Marcum affectionately as “Mad Man,” comparing him to Thomas Edison or suggesting he might be seen as loony, but acknowledging that only time will tell. The show ends with the host thanking Marcum and emphasizing the importance of documenting the experiment.