In this episode of “Coast to Coast AM”, hosted by Art Bell, the focus is on an intriguing guest named David John Oates, an Australian native who has dedicated 13 years to researching reverse speech. Unlike backmasking, reverse speech is a concept where language is believed to have a dual aspect – forward and backward. Oates, despite having a speech impediment, has developed a keen ear for reverse speech through his background in amateur radio and electronics. He shares his accidental discovery of reverse speech while testing the claims of an evangelist who believed rock music contained satanic messages when played backward. Oates tested this theory on his own records, leading to his lifelong fascination and research in the field. He also discusses his upcoming training course in San Diego and his methods for analyzing speech in reverse to uncover unconscious messages.
Oates explains that the unconscious mind forms thoughts before they become conscious, and these can often be revealed through reverse speech. He illustrates how complete sentences can appear in reverse before they are spoken forward, suggesting a mapping of unconscious thought processes.
Oates, despite his stuttering, found a unique connection to speech through his condition, which ironically assists in his research. He describes his journey from struggling with severe stuttering to becoming more vocal due to his involvement in reverse speech and radio. His interest in speech led him to study the nuances of human speech patterns, such as pauses and tonal inflections, which play a critical role in the occurrence of speech reversals.
The segment also highlights Oates’ website, a comprehensive resource with over a hundred examples of reverse speech and extensive research notes. Oates anticipates skepticism and criticism, hence he has meticulously prepared his research for public scrutiny.
Oates demonstrates reverse speech with an example involving Bob Dole resigning from the Senate. He explains that reverse speech can either confirm, contradict, or add information to the forward speech. In Dole’s case, the reverse speech “it’s an honor” aligns with the genuine emotion in his forward speech, illustrating the complementary nature of the two forms of communication.
Oates explains that as the speed of speech playback changes, the reverse speech remains consistent, which he attributes to the removal of conscious information, leaving behind subconscious thoughts.
Oates emphasizes the clarity of these reversals, expressing surprise that this phenomenon hasn’t been discovered earlier. He notes that the frequency of reversals increases with emotional charge in speech. For instance, a political speech may have fewer reversals compared to a more relaxed or emotionally charged conversation.
A notable example is provided with Neil Armstrong’s famous moon landing speech. Oates plays Armstrong’s statement “That’s one small step for man” backward, revealing the phrase “Man will spacewalk,” which Oates interprets as Armstrong’s subconscious reflection on humanity’s future in space exploration. He also discusses how Armstrong’s slight deviation from his scripted words (“a man” to “man”) might have been influenced by his subconscious to allow this reverse speech to emerge.
The segment concludes with Oates reiterating his theory that the subconscious mind drives our speech in both directions. He plays Armstrong’s speech forward and backward again, emphasizing the significance of the reverse speech in revealing subconscious thoughts.
Oates suggests that reverse speech is a common aspect of communication, where people often receive and process reversed messages intuitively, contributing to our sense of intuition. He proposes that reverse speech could revolutionize understanding in various fields, asserting that it reveals hidden truths and secrets in recorded speech.
The conversation shifts to a controversial topic – the O.J. Simpson trial. Oates presents reverse speech examples from Simpson, which he believes are particularly revealing. He plays a segment where Simpson discusses using a tape recorder during arguments. In the reverse speech, Oates interprets a phrase that he suggests reflects Simpson’s subconscious thoughts.
Oates further explains that reverse speech can reveal discrepancies between what is said and what is actually meant, often replaying past conversations. This is demonstrated with another example from Simpson, where his forward speech about his compassion contrasts starkly with the reversed message, which Oates interprets as reflecting inner conflict or contradictory feelings.
Oates presents more examples from O.J. Simpson, suggesting that reverse speech can reveal subconscious thoughts that differ from spoken words. For instance, Simpson talks about the American institution blocking him from earning a living, while his reverse speech seems to relate to Ron Goldman, according to Oates.
The conversation then shifts to the presence of reverse speech in different languages. Oates mentions that reverse speech occurs in the language the speaker is thinking in, even if they are speaking another language. This finding has broadened his research and teaching scope, leading to international interest, particularly in Germany.
Oates discusses his personal experience with reverse speech, noting that his stutter does not significantly affect reverse speech patterns. He explains that his speech impediments create fewer reversals, but normal stutters and pauses do result in reversals.
The segment also touches on historical events. Oates plays reverse speech samples from Lee Harvey Oswald, both before and after the assassination of President Kennedy. These examples, according to Oates, capture Oswald’s subconscious thoughts during these crucial moments.
Oates shares an intriguing personal story about recording his twin daughters from a young age to study their speech patterns. He found that even at seven months, they were producing clear reverse speech. He plays an example where one of his daughters, upon noticing a tape player, makes a sound that, when reversed, clearly says “What’s that?” This example highlights how reverse speech can manifest even before a child learns to speak forward.
Oates also addresses skepticism around reverse speech, assuring listeners that no special processing is done on the recordings beyond playing them in reverse. He emphasizes that reverse speech can reveal truths concealed in forward speech, particularly in cases of deception, which he believes could have significant implications for politics and other areas.
The discussion also touches on the scientific basis of reverse speech. Oates suggests that the brain’s ability to process reversed information, as seen in conditions like dyslexia, supports the validity of reverse speech. He argues that the brain’s hemispheres mirror each other’s functions, which could explain the phenomenon of reverse speech.
He shares more examples from his twin daughters, demonstrating that even at an early age, children produce clear reverse speech. In one instance, a daughter’s reverse speech clearly says “Daddy loves Mum,” reflecting her early speech development and the influence of Oates’ accent on her language.
Oates emphasizes the challenge of understanding reverse speech, likening it to learning a foreign language or adjusting to hearing single-sideband radio as a ham operator. He notes that reverse speech often conveys metaphorical and pictorial language, representing the deeper levels of human thought and emotion. This aspect of reverse speech, Oates believes, can offer profound insights in therapeutic contexts, particularly in understanding the inner thoughts of children who have experienced trauma.
The discussion shifts to reverse speech in celebrities, with Oates presenting an example from Whoopi Goldberg discussing her latest movie. He notes that while his work primarily focuses on therapeutic applications, he occasionally analyzes celebrity speech when an interesting sound clip arises.
Oates plays a clip of Whoopi Goldberg talking about her latest movie, where the reverse speech seemingly reveals her thoughts about the financial gains from the film. Oates interprets the reverse speech as “See all the wealth that I got, I sucked the money,” which he suggests reflects a subconscious focus on the monetary aspect of her work.
Oates then shifts to discussing Tom Cruise’s comments about his movie “Mission: Impossible.” In Cruise’s reverse speech, Oates hears “I’ll be vain,” which he suggests could indicate Cruise’s subconscious thoughts about his public image and how it might change in the coming weeks.
Oates also delves into the predictive nature of reverse speech. He proposes that the subconscious mind, through reverse speech, can foresee future events, contributing to what we perceive as intuition or ESP. This theory is illustrated with examples where reverse speech seems to predict personal changes or events in the speaker’s life.
The segment then explores reverse speech in a therapeutic setting. Oates shares a session with a client attempting to quit smoking, demonstrating how reverse speech can reveal deeper, unspoken thoughts during a conversation.
David John Oates addresses a question about whether animals, particularly domestic ones, could produce meaningful reverse speech. Oates mentions that he has not found significant results in this area, suggesting that if animals do communicate in a language, it’s beyond his current ability to translate.
The conversation then shifts to political figures, with Oates sharing reverse speech analyses of Bill Clinton. In one example, Clinton discusses the suspension of air travel to Cuba, and the reverse speech is interpreted as “They announced this evil, then evil man, that was just evil.” Another example involves Clinton speaking about an 82-year-old campaign volunteer, with the reverse speech interpreted as “We used it, it is atheist.”
Oates also delves into the Vincent Foster case, playing a clip of Clinton speaking about Foster’s death. The reverse speech in this case is interpreted as “Silly hit nerve, the one they kill to stay, get out of it.” Oates notes that longer reversals can be harder to discern and may require more effort to understand.
Oates delves deeper into the practical applications and implications of reverse speech, using various examples to illustrate its power and scope.
He starts by analyzing a speech by Steve Forbes, noting an entire conversation that occurs in reverse. Forbes’ reverse speech, according to Oates, aligns with his forward speech, demonstrating congruence in his message. This example highlights how reverse speech can sometimes confirm the overt message being conveyed.
Oates then touches on the controversy his work can generate. He shares an example involving the Prime Minister of Australia, whose reverse speech during an election campaign allegedly revealed a reference to marijuana use. This instance underscores how reverse speech analysis can lead to contentious and potentially sensitive revelations.
Oates also discusses the potential of reverse speech in business partnerships, suggesting it could reveal a potential partner’s true intentions or thoughts. However, he cautions about the explicit nature of some reversals, noting that they can be quite revealing and sometimes unsettling.
David John Oates describes how initially, many people reacted with anger when confronted with their reverse speech. However, Oates has learned to present his findings in a way that mitigates such reactions. He also shares a personal anecdote about the dangers he faced due to his work, including bullet holes in the walls of his old house, emphasizing the controversial nature of reverse speech analysis.
Oates expresses his hope that the technology will gain widespread acceptance and support, believing it is vital for bringing truth back into society. He envisions reverse speech analysis as a tool to counteract the pervasive lying, stealing, and cheating in modern life.
Additionally, Oates offers practical advice for those interested in reverse speech analysis. He outlines five checkpoints to ensure accuracy: correct syllable count, clear vowel sounds, clarity in the beginnings and endings of words, a distinct tonal shift in the reverse speech, and the presence of a singsong tone. These guidelines are crucial for differentiating meaningful reverse speech from random sounds.
In this segment of “Coast to Coast AM,” the focus shifts from reverse speech to a roundup of current news items. Art discusses various topics, starting with the U.S. House of Representatives overturning the President’s veto on a bill related to a specific abortion procedure. The segment also covers the Pentagon’s admission that 5,000 more Americans were exposed to chemical agents in Iraq, a topic that has generated significant anger among veterans.
The conversation then moves to international news, highlighting a security breach at the CIA, where their website was hacked, leading to its temporary shutdown. The CIA Director’s testimony before Congress about Saddam Hussein’s growing power and control in Iraq is also mentioned.
A significant event in South Korea is discussed, where a North Korean submarine ran aground, leading to the deaths of 11 North Korean commandos and the capture of one, who was reportedly tortured on television. The Pentagon is considering whether this incident was an act of terrorism, a destabilizing effort, or a prelude to a possible invasion by North Korea.
Art speculates on the American public’s willingness to support another war in Korea, given the current geopolitical climate. He also touches on the Clinton administration’s decision to scrap plans for a manned mission to Mars, suggesting governmental secrecy regarding extraterrestrial life.
Additionally, Art plans to interview Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr., who as a child handled debris from the Roswell UFO incident. This interview aims to shed more light on the infamous event.
The segment concludes with news about astronaut Shannon Lucid, who is returning from a long-duration space mission, and a humorous note about a wrench found in a space shuttle’s rocket booster.
The show continues with a news update about the U.S. House of Representatives overturning the President’s veto of a bill related to a specific type of abortion procedure. The Pentagon’s announcement about more Americans being exposed to chemical agents in Iraq and the hacking of the CIA’s website are also covered.
The program then shifts to international news, focusing on a tense situation in South Korea involving a North Korean submarine. This incident raised concerns about possible acts of terrorism or even a pre-invasion move by North Korea.
The discussion about global warming and its potential impact on wildlife, particularly migratory birds, follows. Art expresses skepticism about the reality of global warming and invites listeners to share their opinions.
The program also touches on the U.S. government’s decision to cancel plans for a manned mission to Mars, suggesting a potential cover-up regarding life on Mars and other extraterrestrial matters.
Listeners then call in to discuss various topics, including superconductivity, political opinions, and a book discussion. One caller brings up Richard Hoagland’s recent appearance on the show and his comments on superconductivity. Another caller shares his political views influenced by the show’s content.
Art begins by addressing a caller’s misunderstanding about an interview with Andrew MacDonald, author of “The Turner Diaries.” He clarifies that the purpose of such interviews is to provoke thought and challenge listeners’ perceptions, even if the subjects may seem controversial or unconventional.
Art then discusses a news bulletin about President Bill Clinton’s announcement of a new space policy, which includes sending robotic vehicles to Mars by the year 2000. This leads to a humorous suggestion that Mars might be declared a national monument.
A caller named Dennis from Warner Robins, Georgia, brings up the topic of reverse speech, wondering how it would apply to a sociopath or psychopath who might not have a normal conscience. Art explains that reverse speech reveals truths from the subconscious, regardless of the speaker’s conscious intentions or defects. This discussion emphasizes the potential of reverse speech to uncover hidden truths, even in complex psychological cases.
Art also shares his personal experience with insomnia, attributing it to his work hours and his interest in the O.J. Simpson trial, which disrupted his sleep schedule.
Art addresses a caller’s disappointment about the cancellation of the manned mission to Mars. The caller suggests a cover-up, believing there might be something on Mars that authorities do not want people to encounter.
A discussion on nanotechnology follows, with Art explaining how these tiny machines could potentially be used for medical purposes, such as repairing bodily functions.
The conversation shifts to a caller in Honolulu living on a sailboat with his cat, leading to a light-hearted exchange. The topic then moves to Richard Hoagland’s theories about the moon and Mars. Art expresses his belief that Hoagland’s research on Mars is compelling and has some scientific backing.
Listeners call in with various inquiries, including asking about the music played on the show and seeking health advice for conditions like arthritis and diabetes. One caller inquires about a product previously discussed on the show, and Art provides the contact information for further assistance.
A caller from Riverside criticizes the political strategy of Bill Clinton, particularly in relation to environmental issues and the electoral college system. Art agrees that the electoral college has its flaws and suggests that change might only come after an election where the popular vote winner loses due to the electoral college.
A caller debates the political motives of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, contrasting Clinton’s pragmatic approach with Gore’s environmentalist stance. The conversation delves into the nature of politics, the necessity of ruthlessness in politicians, and the ideological differences between various political figures like Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.
Art and a caller from Canada discuss the earlier segment on reverse speech, particularly the striking example involving a baby’s babble that, when reversed, articulated a clear phrase. This example generated considerable interest and demonstrated the potential of reverse speech analysis.
The discussion then shifts to the topic of sleep paralysis. A caller from Los Angeles inquires about this condition, leading to a conversation about the experience of being awake but unable to move, a state often occurring between sleep and wakefulness. Art explains the phenomenon as best as he understands it, noting its unsettling nature.
One caller, Dennis from Los Angeles, describes his experiences with sleep paralysis, a condition where a person wakes up but is unable to move. Dennis shares that during these episodes, he feels fully conscious and can see his room, but is unable to move his body. He also describes a sensation of being propelled and a buzzing noise, suggesting that these experiences might be the onset of an out-of-body experience.
Art and Dennis delve into the details of these episodes, discussing the physical sensations and emotional impact of sleep paralysis. Dennis explains that he once tried to let the experience happen without resisting, which led to a feeling of his hand moving out of his body, although he could still see it lying on the bed.
This conversation highlights the mysterious and often frightening nature of sleep paralysis, and Art acknowledges the courage it took for Dennis to share his story. Art also reflects on his own need for control and how he might react in a similar situation.
Following Dennis’ call, another listener comments on the earlier segment about reverse speech. This caller shares his personal experiment with reverse speech and reveals that it exposed unpleasant truths about his feelings in his current relationship.
A caller shares his experience with sleep paralysis, describing how he feels conscious but unable to move, and the sensation of being propelled. Art shares a similar sentiment, acknowledging the fear and discomfort associated with the inability to control one’s body.
Another caller talks about her struggle with dyslexia as a child, mentioning how she used to speak in reverse and had to learn to adapt by mimicking others. Art ponders whether dyslexic speech, when reversed, might be understandable, and the caller recounts how she eventually overcame her dyslexia.
The conversation then shifts to a caller’s eerie experience at Donkey Canyon in California. The caller describes a moment when she felt like she was in a vacuum, followed by the sight of a baby in a white dress at the bottom of a pool of water, and two little shoes with roses neatly placed in them. This supernatural experience adds a chilling twist to the range of topics discussed on the show.
One caller recounts a harrowing experience of sleep paralysis, describing it as a terrifying state where he was conscious but unable to move. He explains that during these episodes, he could see parts of his room and felt a sensation of propulsion.
Another caller discusses how the show’s earlier segment on reverse speech, particularly the examples involving children and political figures, resonated with them. They describe a sense of unease they felt when listening to the reversed audio, particularly noting the ‘singsong’ quality of the speech and how it elicited an eerie response.
A different caller shares his varied experiences with sleep paralysis. Unlike the previous caller, he describes being able to hear but not see, and with great effort, being able to move a single body part during these episodes. He contrasts his experiences with those of the previous caller, highlighting the diverse and subjective nature of sleep paralysis.
A caller describes a traumatic episode of sleep paralysis, feeling as though he was falling through his bed and floor. He shares how he tried to relax during the episode, leading to a unique experience.
Art reads a disturbing news story from the Orange County Register about a woman’s gruesome death caused by an explosive device, highlighting societal issues. This is followed by a caller discussing the earlier segment on reverse speech, particularly noting the eerie ‘singsong’ quality in the examples played. The caller compares this to whale songs, suggesting a potential line of research in understanding reverse speech.
Another caller brings up environmental concerns, particularly regarding land use in Utah and the preservation of natural areas. The conversation touches on the balance between environmental protection and other interests.
The discussion then shifts to a caller curious about private space exploration and building a flying saucer. They mention reading an article about how to build a flying saucer and its relation to known artifacts and theories about pyramids and rotating disks.
IA caller discusses the intriguing properties of a centric erratic motion generator and expresses interest in seeing a video of the experiment conducted at Redstone in Alabama. Art mentions that he will soon receive a video related to the Roswell crash materials and plans to share it online.
The conversation then shifts to a discussion about same-sex marriage and the separation of church and state. A caller from San Diego argues that marriage, often defined by religious standards, should be legally recognized regardless of the couple’s gender. Art agrees, predicting that the courts will eventually legalize same-sex marriage due to the lack of valid reasons against it and the need for equal rights and benefits.
Another caller shares her experience with sleep paralysis, describing how she experimented with the sensation and felt as though she was leaving her body. She recounts reaching the ceiling of her room and feeling afraid to go further. Art relates this to his experience of passing out after taking codeine, drawing a parallel to the sensation of rushing and losing control.
A caller shares a story about a date gone wrong at a drive-in theater, leading to an amusing incident with an ambulance and shredded tires.
The topic then shifts back to reverse speech, with a caller from Tennessee inquiring about its connection to speech patterns and stuttering. Art confirms that the guest’s interest in speech patterns was indeed influenced by his stutter. They also discuss the difference between reverse speech and backward masking in rock music, emphasizing that reverse speech is not done intentionally, unlike backward masking.
Another caller brings up sleep paralysis, relating it to the dream state and suggesting that paralysis prevents people from acting out their dreams. Art shares his personal story, which he finds similar to the sensations described by callers who have experienced sleep paralysis.
The conversation takes a lighter turn with a caller who has a talking parrot and wonders about the potential of reverse speech in animals. Art jokes about the parrot’s phrases possibly meaning something different in reverse.
A final caller from Seminole discusses techniques for dealing with sleep paralysis, suggesting that moving the neck can help. They also touch upon the idea of energy entering through the medulla oblongata and how the brain reconciles physical and mental states during sleep paralysis.