1998-10-12 – Open Lines – Art’s Retirement Announcement

Show: Coast To Coast AM

Air Date: October 12, 1998

Guest(s): Open Lines

Topic(s): Art's Retirement Announcement

In this episode of “Coast to Coast AM,” Art delves into conversations with listeners, discussing topics such as paranormal studies, theories on the fourth dimension, and the role of credibility in discussions around unexplained phenomena. A caller references an old book about the supernatural, while Art and another guest debate the lack of proof for the existence of dimensions beyond the third. Art emphasizes that many theories, like those from theoretical physicists, remain speculative, with no conclusive evidence.

Another discussion focuses on the role of guests promoting their books, which raises questions about the authenticity and intentions of such appearances. Art acknowledges that many guests indeed use the platform to promote their work, which is often met with skepticism from listeners. He defends this practice by pointing out that selling a book does not necessarily compromise the credibility of the information shared. This theme continues as they discuss specific individuals, like Whitley Strieber, whose intentions and financial struggles post-publication are highlighted by Art to illustrate the complexities of being a published author in this field.

As the conversation continues on “Coast to Coast AM,” Art addresses a range of topics, seamlessly transitioning between callers and subject matter. The discussion touches on the technical aspects and advantages of a specific cordless phone, emphasizing its clarity, privacy, and extended range. Art’s focus on these practical details is characteristic of the varied content covered on his show, mixing personal endorsements with the more abstract topics.

A caller then comments on Art’s recent return to live shows, expressing a preference for the immediacy of live broadcasts over reruns. The conversation moves to a discussion about migratory birds, particularly geese, with the caller sharing observations about the changing behaviors and numbers of snow geese in their region, a topic that adds a down-to-earth, observational aspect to the show’s usual focus on the unusual.

The dialogue shifts to international politics, where the caller praises the U.S. president’s handling of foreign policy, despite domestic challenges. This includes remarks on Iran, China, and other geopolitical dynamics. Art and the caller also compare the differences between the U.S. presidential system and Canada’s parliamentary system, highlighting how the latter prevents civil litigation against its prime minister while in office. This leads to a reflection on the ongoing legal troubles faced by the U.S. president at the time, including the Paula Jones case and the broader investigation by Ken Starr. Art and the caller express sympathy for the personal toll these events have taken on the president’s family, particularly on his daughter, Chelsea, emphasizing the tragic nature of the situation.

Art navigates a mix of interactions with listeners and infuses the show with some lighter moments, such as discussing music and reminiscing over popular songs. He and a caller reflect on the complexities of judging a political leader’s actions, noting how some people can separate a president’s personal controversies from their professional achievements, while others hold steadfast to their grievances. The conversation touches on how emotions and political biases can strongly shape public perceptions.

Art then returns to one of his characteristic on-air advertisements, promoting a range of products from digital phones with advanced privacy features to shopping websites and video capture devices like the Snappy. The tone during these endorsements is enthusiastic, aiming to connect with listeners through everyday tech and shopping experiences, blending practical information with the show’s eclectic and informal atmosphere.

The conversation eventually shifts back to listener calls, with Art interacting with someone from Phoenix. They touch on the topic of auroras, continuing the show’s blend of scientific curiosity and personal stories.

One caller recounts a story passed down from their grandmother about the days before World War I, connecting it to broader themes of solar cycles and apocalyptic predictions. Art notes that while geomagnetic storms are part of the sun’s natural cycle, their intensity at this stage is unusual, though he remains uncertain about their larger implications. This segment also touches on religious interpretations of prophecies, such as the “three days of darkness,” bringing a mix of science and spirituality into the discussion.

Another caller questions the authenticity of a previous caller’s apocalyptic vision of Washington, D.C., suggesting that it might have been influenced by the 1976 sci-fi film “Logan’s Run.” Art humorously acknowledges how Hollywood often mirrors reality, either before or after significant events, leaving room for speculation about the connection between fictional portrayals and actual visions.

A more personal and serious story comes from a caller who recalls their childhood in South Africa, describing the volatile climate and safety concerns that led their family to leave. Art and the caller agree that the violence in the region is not strictly racial but rather driven by broader social instability and crime, a nuanced perspective that challenges some common narratives. The conversation touches on the broader issues of safety in various parts of Africa, illustrating the high risks faced by those who remain.

The dialogue then shifts back to lighter topics, including the puzzling logic problem of why “2 plus 2 doesn’t always equal 4,” a familiar brainteaser that Art and the caller dissect. They also discuss potential guests for the show, including a columnist who could provide insight into zero-point energy and other unconventional scientific theories, highlighting Art’s willingness to explore diverse and often controversial ideas.

Art and a caller delve into philosophical discussions, exploring the paradox of having a deep sense of the divine while identifying as an atheist. The caller elaborates on the idea that an inherent “god module” in the brain can exist, allowing someone to experience a sense of holiness without belief in a creator deity. They suggest that advanced civilizations might contain beings whose knowledge and power would render them almost god-like from a human perspective, touching on the concept of different societal levels, such as Type II or III civilizations.

The conversation shifts as a caller inquires about Father Martin’s recovery, revealing the personal connections and concern listeners have for recurring guests. Art updates them on Father Martin’s condition, emphasizing the support and well-wishes he receives from fans. The discussion moves to the subject of Ed Dames, a frequent guest known for discussing remote viewing and predicting future events. Art mentions that Ed has more information he wishes to share, stirring curiosity among the listeners about what insights he might bring next.

Another caller recalls Art’s past experiments in collective thought, where listeners were encouraged to focus their mental energy on altering events. The idea of using collective focus to influence potentially catastrophic events, like solar activity, sparks a discussion on the power of collective consciousness and its possible impact on natural occurrences. This touches on a recurring theme in Art’s shows: the blending of speculative science with listener participation, creating an atmosphere of communal exploration of the unknown.

The segment concludes with reflections on Art’s return from South Africa and the appreciation for the comforts and stability of life in America. A caller expresses gratitude for being back in the United States, reflecting on the challenges faced abroad and the importance of appreciating one’s homeland.

A caller and Art delve into the intricacies of hyperdimensional physics and its speculative links to mysterious phenomena like tornadoes and time travel. The caller draws parallels between Richard Hoagland’s theories, such as the idea that the sun draws energy from higher dimensions, and phenomena like straw being embedded in glass during tornadoes, suggesting that such events might temporarily align different dimensions. They even reference past discussions about time travel experiments, such as the Philadelphia Experiment and “Arts Parts,” which Ed Dames once claimed were related to time travel, emphasizing the show’s ongoing fascination with theories that blur the lines between science and the paranormal.

After this discussion, Art makes a sudden and surprising announcement to his audience. He reveals that this episode marks his final broadcast, citing a serious, undisclosed event involving his family that compels him to step away from the airwaves indefinitely. While he is unable to share specifics due to the need to protect his family, he assures listeners that he will disclose the details when it is safe to do so, likely through the media. Art emphasizes that his decision is out of necessity, not desire, and he expresses hope that his audience will understand his position once the truth is revealed.

He closes with gratitude, reflecting on the incredible journey he has had with his audience and the unique platform that “Coast to Coast AM” provided for exploring the unknown