Art Bell begins the show by greeting listeners from various regions including the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, South America, and even the North Pole. Tonight’s segment features an open lines session for the first couple of hours. At midnight, Art will interview Claire Sylvia, a woman in her 50s who received the heart and lungs of a teenage boy. Following the transplant, she started experiencing the cravings of the boy. Art emphasizes the significance of her story, believing it may provide insights into the nature of the soul. Claire, despite experiencing rejection issues with the transplant, agreed to the interview.
In the upcoming days, Leonard Nimoy, famously known as Mr. Spock from Star Trek, will be a guest to discuss his new projects. Later in the week, Jim Keith will join to talk about his book on the real story of the Men in Black, coinciding with the release of the movie of the same name. Art hints at additional undisclosed segments being worked on for the week.
Other updates include the ongoing hunt for a fugitive named Cunningham, who is reportedly disguising himself as a woman, complicating the search efforts. Art expresses his concerns over the Russian space station Mir, hinting at deeper issues with the current crew. He also mentions a temporary loss of contact with NASA’s Sojourner rover, which was recently resolved.
In lighter news, the Miss America pageant is allowing contestants to opt-out of the swimsuit competition, a move met with mixed feelings from Art. Lastly, in Washington politics, Congressman Bill Paxon resigned from his leadership position following a reported coup attempt against Newt Gingrich.
He then talks about a study suggesting 60% of killers have a specific brain abnormality detectable by MRI, raising ethical questions about potential preemptive actions.
Art shifts to paranormal topics, urging listeners to visit his website to view two astonishing crop circles from England, one resembling the Star of David. He expresses skepticism about humans creating such intricate designs and invites listeners to challenge his belief. Additionally, Art announces an exclusive deal with Crop Circle Connector for U.S. distribution of these photos.
Art promotes the benefits of a Streamlink membership, offering podcasts and access to a vast library of Coast to Coast AM shows, including Art Bell classics. He then reads a message from a Bigfoot researcher claiming to have found matching hair samples at a sighting location, currently undergoing DNA analysis.
Art Bell engages with callers, discussing a range of topics including the possibility of a massive solar flare causing a fire and brimstone effect on satellites, a concept that intrigues him. A caller from Las Vegas mentions the triangular UFO sightings in Phoenix, likening them to past sightings in Hudson Valley, New York, and Belgium. Art notes the widespread media coverage of the Phoenix sightings and finds it surprising that some, like Michael Reagan, were unaware of them.
Art continues to promote his website, urging listeners to view the newly posted crop circle images, which he believes are too perfect to be human-made. He proudly announces an exclusive deal with Crop Circle Connector for these photos in the U.S. Art highlights the benefits of a Streamlink membership, providing access to a vast library of Coast to Coast AM shows and exclusive content.
A message from a Bigfoot researcher is shared, reporting the discovery of hair samples matching a previous sighting description, currently undergoing DNA analysis. A caller discusses the theological implications of telecommunications satellites, drawing a parallel to brimstone. Art playfully entertains the idea, appreciating the creativity of his audience.
Art Bell continues with various callers, starting with Kelly from Los Angeles, who mentions the death of Doug from the famous crop circles duo, Doug and Dave. This leads to a discussion about potential moon landings and the possibility of hoaxes, referencing how easily footage can be manipulated. Art humorously recalls being digitally inserted into an alien autopsy video, highlighting the capabilities of modern editing.
Another caller from Chicago, Vince, discusses the reverse speech of Colonel Haynes from a Roswell investigation, linking it to ominous references like Lucifer and the Antichrist, and wonders about the significance of the number 666 in Richard Hoagland’s work on sacred geometry and hyperdimensional physics. Art jokingly responds with his own humorous take on the number 666.
The conversation shifts to a peculiar advertising campaign by Old Navy, which coincided with the Phoenix Lights event on March 13th, sparking curiosity about a possible connection. Art recalls Richard Hoagland’s discussion on the significance of certain numbers in these advertisements, although he humorously suspects the caller might be promoting Old Navy.
A caller suggests Dr. Michael Kaufman, known for his environmental work, to discuss counterpoints to mainstream climate change narratives. Another caller from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, apologizes for a previous caller’s complaints about advertisements and asks for confirmation on a claim about a 65,000-foot altitude limit for civilian launches, which Art has not verified.
Michael from Portland, Oregon, brings up a European satellite discovery showing that Venus has a cometary tail, suggesting electrical interactions between Venus and Earth. This leads to a discussion on the theories of Emmanuel Velikovsky, who proposed that Venus was once a comet that nearly collided with Earth.
A brief mix-up occurs when a caller from Bullhead City, Arizona, ends up on the international line. Another caller from Las Vegas, known by the CB handle Eagle 17, inquires about the show’s presence in New York City and suggests reaching out to local stations for broadcasting.
A caller asks about the potential topics for David John Oates on reverse speech, specifically regarding findings in individuals under hypnosis claiming alien abduction, those with schizophrenia, and those influenced by drugs or alcohol.
Another caller, the “professor,” suggests crop circles could be created by human-engineered saucer crafts, possibly as part of a religious agenda, and shares his personal encounters with demonic attacks, claiming to have warded them off using the name of Jesus Christ.
Art humorously questions the professor’s claims, suggesting listeners in the chat room demand proof that the professor is not possessed. The professor invites Art to join the chat, where Art confirms he uses his real name.
Another caller references a tape they sent to Art featuring interviews with Willie Nelson and Dr. Scott Thomas, discussing alien abductions and implants. Art acknowledges receiving it and notes its relevance to the show’s themes. He continues to promote his website’s crop circle photos, encouraging listeners to check them out.
The segment leads into the introduction of Claire Sylvia, who received the heart and lungs of a teenage boy.
Art Bell continues his conversation with Claire Sylvia, who begins sharing her remarkable story. Claire is speaking from her home in Hull, Massachusetts, near Boston, where she enjoys a beautiful ocean view. She starts by recounting the onset of her illness in 1982 when she experienced difficulty dancing and shortness of breath. After a year of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension, a rare lung disease that causes the right side of the heart to fail and has no known cure other than a heart and lung transplant.
Claire recalls the shock of discovering the severity of her condition. Initially, her doctor downplayed the seriousness, suggesting medication instead of surgery. It wasn’t until she read an article about Mary Gargi, the first heart and lung transplant recipient, who had the same disease, that Claire realized the gravity of her situation. Confronting her doctor with this information, she learned that the progression of the disease varies, but ultimately, a transplant might be necessary.
Determined to take control of her health, Claire began proactive measures, including using a drug called Procardia, which significantly improved her condition for about three years. This period of relative normalcy was crucial for her.
Claire Sylvia continues sharing her story, detailing the preparations she made during the three years of relative normalcy provided by the drug Procardia. She focused on ensuring her teenage daughter was equipped to handle life in case Claire didn’t survive, teaching her practical skills and discussing plans with her ex-husband and a psycho-spiritual healer. Claire embraced holistic health practices, spiritual healing, meditation, and prayer, finding solace in the works of authors like Elizabeth Kübler-Ross.
In 1988, her condition worsened as the effectiveness of Procardia waned. Claire learned about a transplant program at Johns Hopkins in Maryland and was placed on a waiting list with a beeper for emergency notification. Despite the high costs, her good health insurance and the Massachusetts Transplant Fund, supported by taxpayer money, helped cover the expenses.
As Claire waited, she understood the dire shortage of organ donors and encouraged others to sign donor cards and communicate their wishes to their families. Her story, chronicled in the book “A Change of Heart” co-authored with William Novak, explores profound issues related to her experience.
Claire recalls an unexpected turn when she discovered a young surgeon opening a lung transplant center at Yale in New England. After being evaluated as a candidate, she was initially told to expect a long wait. However, just 17 hours after receiving official permission to perform transplants, Claire was notified that a donor was available. She had two hours to return to the hospital, a moment she describes with astonishment.
At the time, Claire was very ill, relying on oxygen and a wheelchair, barely able to move around her house. Despite her severe condition, she visualized herself healthy and dancing again, maintaining hope and perseverance. Her story underscores the power of positive thinking and resilience.
Claire Sylvia continues her account of the transplant experience, recalling the urgency of getting to the hospital once they received the call about a donor. The trip, which usually takes almost three hours, was made in two hours by car due to the poor weather conditions preventing a helicopter transfer. During the drive, Claire and her daughter saw a beautiful rainbow, which gave them a sense of peace and reassurance.
Claire felt calm and at peace going into the surgery, having done extensive work on healing and forgiveness. She was fully aware of the 50/50 odds of survival but was ready to accept whatever happened. She was told to bring exercise clothes as she would be expected to start physical activity soon after the transplant. The surgery itself lasted five and a half hours, during which her heart and lungs were removed, and she was placed on a bypass machine.
During the operation, the transplant coordinator experienced a powerful moment seeing Claire’s empty chest cavity after having spoken with her just hours before. Claire recounts not having any memories during the surgery but experiencing significant dreams around the anniversary of the transplant, which she believes are related to subconscious memories of the operation.
One dream involved a wrenching sound she later identified as the sound of being opened up. She also recalled being conscious of voices calling her name as she woke up from the surgery. The doctor had warned her about the fragility of the lungs, and Claire realized they wouldn’t proceed with the removal of her old organs until the new ones were confirmed viable.
Art Bell pauses the interview to allow listeners to digest the profound experiences Claire shared, indicating they are about to delve into even more intriguing parts of her story.
Claire Sylvia continues sharing her transplant experience, discussing the secrecy surrounding the donor’s identity. Initially, recipients and donors were not allowed to know each other’s identities to avoid emotional complications. However, Claire notes that this rule is becoming less strict, and more donor families are meeting recipients with the help of mediators, often resulting in positive experiences.
Claire describes waking up from the operation. She initially heard voices but couldn’t speak due to a tube in her throat and her hands being restrained. Communicating through writing, she confirmed with the medical team that she had received the organs and then drifted back into unconsciousness. The physical trauma of the surgery, which involved sawing her chest open and removing her heart and lungs, put her body into a protective shutdown mode for a while.
Claire likens the recovery process to ice cubes melting, where emotions and sensations gradually return. On the third day post-surgery, she was encouraged to start physical activity and managed to ride a stationary bicycle for a few minutes, an incredible feat considering her previous physical limitations. Her skin color returned to normal, and she started feeling physically better, though psychologically, it was challenging to assimilate the experience of having someone else’s organs inside her.
Claire acknowledges the long process of integrating the new organs, dealing with dreams, nightmares, and seeking psychological help to navigate the emotional complexities of her situation. Despite physical improvements, the psychological journey was extensive and required significant support.
Claire Sylvia continues her story by describing the challenges of adjusting to her new physical capabilities after the transplant. She recounts simple but profound moments, such as being able to bend down to pick up soap in the shower without experiencing a debilitating angina attack. This adjustment required retraining her mind to realize that she could now perform actions that were previously impossible.
Claire elaborates on the significant tissue transplant she received—two lungs and a heart—which made her question the nature of her new cravings and behaviors. The first indication of this was when she expressed a sudden desire for a beer, despite not being a beer drinker, which surprised her. Over time, she experienced more such changes, leading her to question whether her cells or those of the donor were influencing these new desires.
She knew she had received the organs of an 18-year-old young man who died in a motorcycle crash, but little else about him initially. This prompted her to seek help from a Jungian dream analyst, Robbie Bosnak, and other transplant recipients to understand her experiences better. They found that other recipients also reported personality changes and new food cravings, indicating the presence of the donor’s influence.
Claire describes vivid dreams, including one where she became a man about to marry a blonde woman. This dream and other experiences led her to believe she was experiencing memories and emotions from her donor, Tim. Remarkably, Claire discovered her donor’s name, Tim, through a dream and later confirmed it through an obituary, despite being warned not to seek this information.
Eventually, Claire met Tim’s family, who were eager to meet her as well. This connection provided deeper insights into Tim’s life and helped her integrate the donor’s presence within her.
Claire Sylvia continues discussing her post-transplant experiences, describing a visit with her donor Tim’s family, where they corroborated various experiences and food preferences. One significant moment was learning that Tim’s favorite food was chicken nuggets, a craving Claire had after her transplant despite never liking them before.
Claire explains that these cravings and dreams, which began soon after the transplant, have faded over time, and she has found a sense of resolution. A notable moment of closure came through a dream about revving 22 motorcycles, which symbolized Tim’s passion for motorcycles and marked his 22nd birthday. Claire decided to honor this dream by riding on a motorcycle with a friend, which led to an emotional release and the sense that Tim’s spirit had been freed.
Art Bell probes deeper, asking whether Claire believes Tim’s spirit was truly with her or if it was more of an echo of his life. Claire expresses that she felt Tim’s essence intimately and knew him deeply, which provided her with a unique sense of companionship. She felt that his presence helped her through her journey until she was ready to let go.
This process of letting go allowed Claire to move forward in her personal life. She could enter into a lasting relationship with her dance partner, Gerry, something she hadn’t been able to do before due to an underlying sense of jealousy and attachment to Tim’s spirit.
Art raises an intriguing question about organ donation, suggesting that the idea of a donor’s spirit lingering might give potential donors pause. Claire responds by discussing the concept of cellular memory and energy fields. She mentions Julie Lotz’s work at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where she performs healing and cleansing on donor organs before transplantation to release any trauma.
At the top of the hour, Art Bell prepares to take calls from listeners for Claire Sylvia. They summarize Claire’s story, mentioning her receipt of the heart and lungs of an 18-year-old boy named Tim, who died in a motorcycle accident, and how she began to experience aspects of his identity.
Art revisits a question about whether Claire felt Tim’s ongoing presence or if it was more of a cellular memory. Claire believes it was a combination of both, explaining that organs carry memory and DNA, which can transfer aspects of the donor’s identity to the recipient. She likens it to transferring a programmed floppy disk from one machine to another, suggesting that Tim’s cellular and spiritual essence combined with her own being.
Claire describes the presence she felt as having a sort of consciousness, providing her with information and dreams that seemed to belong to Tim. This blend of memories and spiritual presence became part of her experience.
The conversation highlights her book, “A Change of Heart: A Memoir,” coauthored with William Novak, who has written several notable biographies, including those of Lee Iacocca, Magic Johnson, and Nancy Reagan. The book delves deeper into Claire’s experiences and the profound questions raised by organ transplants and cellular memory.
Claire recounts the date of her operation, May 29, 1988, and mentions that nearly a decade later, she has had no rejection issues and remains very active, participating in ballroom dance competitions and conducting workshops.
During a call-in segment, a listener from Albany, New York, asks Claire if individuals who sign organ donor cards should receive priority if they need a transplant. Claire responds by mentioning a case where a living donor needed a transplant later and successfully advocated for a law change to prioritize donors. Art Bell asks about the criteria for determining who gets priority for transplants, with Claire explaining that factors like blood type, tissue type, organ size, and the severity of the recipient’s condition play crucial roles.
Another caller from British Columbia discusses the idea of cellular memory and its potential role in organ rejection. The caller suggests that cellular memories might cause conflicts if the organ and recipient are not in resonance. Art and Claire explore this concept, with Claire sharing that she embraced the presence of her donor, Tim, which might have contributed to her lack of rejection issues.
A caller suggests using electromagnetic fields to “erase” the cellular memory of donor organs, but Claire explains that instead, Julie Moss performs a kind of spiritual cleansing on the organs to release trauma before transplantation.
Art and Claire talk about the potential for spirits of those who died suddenly and tragically, like Tim, to linger. Claire admits that the experience was frightening at times and led to an identity crisis. She recounts feeling confused about her medical history, realizing she no longer had her original heart, which had previously had a hole.
Despite the emotional roller coaster, Claire has no regrets about the transplant. When a skeptical caller expresses disbelief in the concept of cellular memory, Claire calmly states that she is simply sharing her story and isn’t trying to prove anything. Another caller from Sebring, Florida, who had a kidney transplant, shares his own experience of having strange cravings after receiving a kidney from his sister-in-law, aligning with Claire’s account.
Claire emphasizes the importance of ongoing research into these phenomena and encourages people to share their experiences. She notes that historically, there hasn’t been much interest from the medical community in documenting the personal stories of transplant recipients. This is starting to change, and Claire’s book and research project aim to collect and analyze these stories.
Art and Claire discuss how doctors have reacted to her story, with many initially dismissing her experiences. Claire’s work highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the complex interplay between physical and spiritual aspects of organ transplantation.
Art Bell and Claire discuss the potential future of medical science, particularly the use of cloning and animal organs for transplants. Claire expresses mixed feelings about these developments, finding them both exciting and potentially dangerous if misused.
A caller from Chicago studying traditional Chinese medicine explains that in Chinese belief, the mind and spirit are associated with internal organs, with the heart linked to memory and consciousness, and the lungs to the corporeal soul. Claire finds this perspective fascinating and reflective of her own experiences.
Claire elaborates on the range of memories and influences she received from Tim, her donor. She describes feeling his rhythm through his heart, which changed her behavior and led her to undertake actions more characteristic of a young man, such as traveling around France and staying in hostels. This youthful energy clashed with her middle-aged body, creating both exhilarating and confusing experiences.
Callers express curiosity and empathy, asking about the emotional toll of waiting for a transplant and the feeling of living with someone else’s organs. Claire shares how she coped with the uncertainty by living each day fully, never knowing if the transplant would come. Another caller, waiting for a heart transplant himself, seeks advice and reassurance from Claire about what to expect.
Claire Sylvia emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset through meditation, visualization, and reading inspirational books by authors like Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. Claire attributes a significant part of her successful transplant to her spiritual practices and positive thinking, aligning with the mind-body connection theory.
Callers ask Claire about the ongoing challenges of living with a transplant, such as the necessity of taking anti-rejection medication indefinitely. Claire acknowledges the lifelong requirement of these medications and the potential side effects but highlights the importance of their role in preventing organ rejection.
Art Bell poses a challenging hypothetical question to Claire about whether she would have accepted animal organs if human organs weren’t available. Claire explains that making such decisions is difficult until one is actually in that situation. She recalls not being fully certain about accepting human organs until the moment the call came, suggesting that she might have considered animal organs as well if it were her only chance of survival.
A caller from Colorado asks Claire to share experiences of other transplant recipients. Claire recounts a story about a man who believed he received the heart of a sedentary person, which initially affected his ability to perform activities he excelled at before the transplant, such as dancing and playing horseshoes. Over time, he had to “teach” his new heart how to engage in these activities again.
Another story involves a woman who donated her husband’s organs after he died in a car accident. She later met the recipient of his heart and found solace in feeling her husband’s heartbeat within the recipient’s chest. These stories illustrate the profound and varied experiences of transplant recipients, emphasizing the deep emotional and psychological impacts of receiving another person’s organs.
Claire Sylvia shares a poignant story about a woman who met the recipient of her deceased husband’s heart. This meeting allowed the woman to resolve her feelings about their last fight and hear familiar sounds, like the clicking of windshield wipers, which the recipient also experienced. Claire highlights the therapeutic benefits of such meetings for both donor families and recipients.
Art Bell questions why the medical community is often resistant to these meetings. Claire explains that some doctors believe the emotional complexities might complicate the recovery process. However, she advocates for these meetings, noting their healing potential.
Claire discusses her interactions with doctors who understand the spiritual side of transplantation. She recalls a positive experience lecturing in Mexico, where the doctors asked deep, life-and-death questions, unlike the more clinical approach she encountered in the U.S.
A caller from Austin, Texas, inquires about Claire’s dreams post-transplant, while another caller asks about therapeutic touch and its potential benefits. Claire mentions that while she worked with a psycho-spiritual healer before her transplant, she did not specifically use therapeutic touch.
Art Bell suggests that Kirlian photography, which captures the energy fields around objects, might reveal changes in Claire’s energy pre- and post-transplant, which intrigues her.
Another caller from Detroit commends Claire’s strength and suggests that ritualizing experiences, like her desire for beer or motorcycle rides, could be therapeutic for other transplant patients. Claire agrees, and they discuss how incorporating such therapies might improve transplant success rates.
Art notes the concerning statistics for heart-lung transplants, with only 50% of recipients surviving out of 1,000 transplants worldwide. Claire believes that integrating spiritual awareness with medical care could improve outcomes, though she acknowledges the importance of specialized focus within the medical field. She advocates for a more open-minded approach, incorporating both medical and spiritual support for transplant patients.
Art Bell concludes the conversation with Claire Sylvia, expressing admiration for her remarkable story and the insights she shared. The interview leaves Art pondering deeper questions about identity, the essence of the self, and the ethical implications of organ transplants.
The program transitions to open lines, and Art teases an upcoming interview with Leonard Nimoy, inviting listeners to submit questions.
An international caller from Shenzhen, China, shares their experiences and observations. They describe the bustling commerce and rapid development in Shenzhen, a city that has grown significantly over the past decade, transitioning from a small railroad town to a major city with numerous high-rise buildings. The caller recounts their impressions from witnessing the handover of Hong Kong to China and notes the unexpected smoothness of the event, which disappointed the media expecting more dramatic coverage.
The conversation shifts to the challenges Hong Kong faces post-handover, particularly the issue of children born in China to Hong Kong fathers seeking to immigrate to Hong Kong. This situation has created complications due to the large number of such children and the legal rights they have under the new administrative region’s laws.
The caller, a travel agent from Sacramento, explains how they ended up teaching English in Shenzhen after frequently visiting Hong Kong over the past decade. They discuss the rapid development and economic growth in the region, noting the bustling commerce and the importance of learning English for the future of trade with Hong Kong and mainland China.
The caller shares their observations of the constant stream of trucks at the border checkpoint, emphasizing the volume of commerce and how it’s like a continuous train. They recount their experience of being a redhead in China, which attracts curiosity from locals who are fascinated by their appearance. This curiosity often results in people coming up to touch their hair or watch them intently, especially in towns where westerners are rare.
Art and the caller also discuss the prevalence of the internet in China despite its high costs. The caller mentions plans to get online soon, highlighting the rapid adoption of technology in the region. Art recommends looking into “iPhone” technology, which allows video calls, suggesting it as a way to stay connected with people back in the U.S.
The caller expresses their excitement about the potential to teach full-time in China, which would be a significant lifestyle change. They sign off by saying hello to their family in Sacramento, expressing how much they miss them.
A caller from Las Vegas mentions having read Art’s book and appreciates its content. They also discuss a recent UFO sighting in Medford, Oregon, and its connection to Phoenix City, Oregon, and LaGrange, Georgia. Art reads from an email publication, UFO Roundup, detailing a V-shaped UFO sighting over LaGrange, Georgia, which was observed by multiple witnesses and even reported by a pilot.
Another caller from Prescott, Arizona, named Deborah, shares her experiences with kidney failure and her hope for a double transplant of a pancreas and a kidney. She mentions that this procedure is considered experimental, despite being around for over ten years, leading to difficulties with insurance coverage. Deborah expresses frustration with being advised to raise money through bake sales and yard sales to afford the procedure, and she questions the logic behind insurance companies not covering a procedure that could ultimately save money in the long run.
Art acknowledges the significant medical costs associated with diabetes and the potential benefits of covering such transplants. He then poses a challenging question to Deborah about whether she would accept an animal organ transplant if no human donors were available. Deborah admits it would be a difficult decision, but if it came down to a life-or-death situation, she would seriously consider it.
A caller from the West of the Rockies appreciates the previous night’s guest, Dannion Brinkley, and Claire Sylvia’s interview. They discuss the importance of integrating spiritual aspects into medical treatments, particularly organ transplants. The caller suggests that science has a long way to go in understanding electromagnetic energy fields used by healers, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to medicine.
Art agrees, acknowledging the complexity of balancing hard sciences with spiritual considerations. He remains unsure about the ethical implications of organ transplants but admits that, if faced with a life-or-death situation, he would likely opt for a transplant to extend his life.
Another caller from Maine shares an amusing encounter with a woman who seemed to have psychic abilities, insisting that “Art Bell is cool.”
A 16-year-old caller from Tennessee discusses their strong opposition to using animal parts in human transplants due to religious beliefs and being a vegetarian. Art appreciates the caller’s perspective and questions how they might feel about it when older, considering the hypothetical scenario of being on their deathbed.
A caller from the West of the Rockies shares their sighting of three white circular objects behind a space shuttle during a launch, describing how the shuttle passed right in front of these objects. Art notes the possibility of camera anomalies but acknowledges the caller’s intriguing observation.
Another caller from Madison, Wisconsin, comments on Claire Sylvia’s side effects from anti-rejection drugs and shares a story about their aunt who fought and won a legal battle against an insurance company to cover an experimental treatment. They encourage a previous caller to explore legal options with their insurance company. The caller also expresses concerns about environmental issues, particularly the impact of large agricultural companies on local ecosystems.
Art discusses the importance of environmental awareness, noting the well-documented issues such as changing weather patterns and UV radiation. The caller highlights problems in their agricultural area, including the use of antibiotics and steroids in hog farming and the resulting environmental damage from manure leaks.
A caller, a kidney-pancreas transplant patient, shares their experience of undergoing a double transplant due to diabetes. They discuss the challenges they faced with insurance and the fortunate match they received within a year. They mention meeting a man who had been on a waiting list for five years and explain the complexity of matching organ transplants, which involves more than just blood type.
The caller notes that while they haven’t experienced unusual cravings post-transplant, they’ve met heart transplant patients who have. This phenomenon, where transplant recipients take on the cravings of their donors, is a theory among patients, although not widely documented. They reflect on the ethical and emotional implications of needing a donor, especially considering that someone had to die for them to receive the organs. This realization brings a deeper understanding of the phrase “someone died for you.”
Art Bell and the caller discuss the moral dilemma of wishing for an organ, which implicitly means wishing for someone’s death. The caller stresses that people do die, and it’s crucial to consider the positive impact of organ donation. They recount meeting brothers who received organs from the same donor as Mickey Mantle, highlighting the life-saving potential of a single donor.
Art poses the challenging question of whether the caller would accept an animal organ if no human organ were available. The caller expresses hesitation due to the lack of a track record but acknowledges that in a critical situation, they might consider it as a last resort. They emphasize the importance of the mind-body connection, mentioning their admiration for Dr. Bernie Siegel, a pioneer in holistic health and the mind-body-spirit approach to healing.
Art Bell wraps up the night’s program, reflecting on the importance of considering the mind-body-spirit connection in successful organ transplants. He acknowledges the compelling insights shared by callers and prepares to conclude the show.
As he signs off, Art announces that Leonard Nimoy will be the guest at the beginning of the next night’s program, promising listeners an intriguing week ahead. He bids goodnight from the high desert, thanking his audience and guests for their participation.