The show opens with Art providing call-in numbers for listeners from various regions. There’s a light-hearted moment where a brunette and a blonde observe a dead bird, leading to a humorous exchange. Art then introduces his guest, Alex Heard, an editor at Wired magazine. They discuss Alex’s transition from the New York Times Magazine to Wired, noting the differences and similarities between the two publications.
Alex and Art delve into the topic of his book “Apocalypse Pretty Soon,” touching upon millennial beliefs and expectations. Art expresses interest in Wired’s colorful and mainstream approach to journalism. The conversation shifts to the Y2K issue, a significant concern at the time. They discuss an article from Wired about programmers dealing with the Y2K bug, some of whom were taking extreme measures like moving to remote locations. Art shares anecdotes from power company employees about their management preparing for potential Y2K disruptions by purchasing generators and installing solar power.
Towards the end of this segment, Alex shares his perspective on the Y2K issue, emphasizing his relatively recent arrival at Wired and his reliance on expert opinions, which are varied.
Alex expresses skepticism about doomsday scenarios, comparing potential Y2K disruptions to the inconvenience caused by a major ice storm. He acknowledges the seriousness of the situation but doubts it will lead to riots or widespread chaos.
The conversation then shifts to the grid’s reliability and the domino effect that could occur in a power outage. Art shares his inability to afford a generator, joking about relying on backpacking gear instead. Alex talks about his book “Apocalypse Pretty Soon,” clarifying that while the title is meant humorously, the book itself is not about ridiculing people with millennial beliefs. He explains that his research focused on American subcultures with utopian visions or beliefs in a significant forthcoming transformation, which could be either peaceful or violent.
They discuss various groups with millennial beliefs, including Christian pre-millennials and others anticipating a major transformation. The topic of Jerry Falwell’s recent statement about the Antichrist being present on Earth comes up. Art and Alex delve into the specifics of Falwell’s claim, including the notion that the Antichrist is a Jewish male, and discuss historical figures who have been labeled as the Antichrist.
The segment takes a lighter turn as Art recalls opening an “Antichrist line” on his show for callers who believed they were the Antichrist, leading to a surprisingly busy night of calls. They also discuss the beliefs of Delores Cannon, a New Age figure, who claims to have contacted Nostradamus and pieced together a description of the Antichrist.
Art humorously talks about how he’s been labeled as a “millennial kook” and decides to embrace it by getting a black cake with “MM” (Millennium Master) on it and planning to wear a fancy outfit to play into the press’s portrayal of him.
Alex then discusses his book “Apocalypse Pretty Soon” and emphasizes that while he does inject humor into his work, his approach is not to mock people with millennial beliefs. He points out that most of the groups with millennial beliefs are passive and not prone to violence. The discussion moves to a group called Concern Christians, who were arrested in Jerusalem for allegedly plotting to start a gunfight, believed to hasten the return of Christ. Alex highlights that such groups are the exception rather than the rule among those with millennial beliefs.
Art and Alex also talk about the nature of prophecy and the varying beliefs surrounding it. Art expresses his skepticism but acknowledges the importance of understanding the perspectives of those who deeply believe in these prophecies. Alex shares his journey from skepticism to a more nuanced understanding of these beliefs, challenging the notion that anything outside of scientific reason is invalid. They agree that dismissing these beliefs outright is as extreme as blindly accepting them.
The segment concludes with Art giving out call-in and fax numbers for listeners to reach the show. A fax received from a listener prompts a brief discussion on the media’s portrayal of people concerned about Y2K and millennial issues, touching upon a “60 Minutes” segment on Y2K.
Alex mentions that Wired covers a range of subjects related to Silicon Valley, computers, culture, music, and books. He is currently editing articles on Y2K, science writer James Gleick, and a piece on “extreme candy,” which refers to candies with unusual flavors, such as super sour varieties, that are becoming popular among kids.
The discussion takes a quirky turn when they consider the possibility of kids reacting dramatically to the extreme candies during taste tests. Alex then explains his motivation for writing “Apocalypse Pretty Soon.” His interest began while attending a World Futurist Convention in Washington and encountering various subcultures, including a man running a sperm bank for genius donors and a person advocating for starting one’s own country due to dissatisfaction with the existing order.
Art and Alex discuss unique initiatives like Prince Lazarus’ plan to build an artificial island in the Caribbean to establish a new social order, and another project involving a floating island nation near Central or South America. Alex shares anecdotes about his research into these communities, highlighting the challenges and eccentricities of such endeavors. He notes that while these projects are serious and well-intentioned, they often face practical and financial hurdles.
Art and Alex talk about Prince Lazarus’ ambitious plan to create an island nation styled after Monaco and Venice, noting the unlikely realization of such a project.
The topic then shifts to subcultures and groups with unusual beliefs. Alex shares his experiences with a UFO group in Southern California, which, despite similarities to Heaven’s Gate, does not have a dark side. He also discusses individuals seeking to extend their lifespans, including those who believe that scientific advancements in the near future could enable humans to stop or even reverse aging.
They delve into the science and ethics of life extension, including practices like injecting DHEA and human growth hormone. Alex also touches upon his time with cryonics enthusiasts and researchers working on preserving the brain after death. He recounts interviewing Dr. White, known for his controversial experiments on keeping monkey brains alive outside the body.
A particularly intriguing topic is the idea of head transplantation, discussed in the context of Chet Fleming, a lawyer and patent attorney. Fleming had written a patent application for a device to keep a severed head alive, intending to prevent such research. The conversation explores the ethical and scientific implications of such experiments, with Dr. White’s assertion that a human head transplant could be feasible if the spinal cord could be reattached.
The segment concludes with a discussion about the potential of new drugs to reestablish neural connections in the spine and the speculative future where head transplantation might become a reality. Art and Alex ponder who might be a prime candidate for such a procedure, leading to a mention of Fleming’s unpublished novel that explores this scenario.
Art and Alex delve into the hypothetical scenario of head transplantation, considering the ethical implications and the types of individuals who might desire such a procedure. Art humorously imagines how this technology could impact his own life, particularly in the context of his radio show.
The conversation then takes a darker turn as they consider the possibility that such advanced and controversial experiments might already be taking place in private labs. Alex shares an anecdote about Chet Fleming receiving a call from someone claiming to have seen military records of severed head experiments during the French War in Indochina. While skeptical about the caller’s claims, Art notes that many seemingly far-fetched ideas often turn out to be true.
The segment concludes with Art providing the call-in numbers for the show and mentioning a ghost photograph that his wife, Ramona, found while opening mail. He describes the photo, taken on a haunted road in Michigan, as one of the best ghost photographs he has ever received. Excited about the image, Art plans to scan and upload it to his website, marveling at the speed and connectivity of the internet.
Art excitedly shares a recent experience with a ghost photograph that he received, which he believes to be one of the best he’s ever seen. He describes how, during the break, he was able to scan and upload the photo to his website, showcasing the efficiency and connectivity of the internet.
Alex, on the other hand, talks about his visit to the Monroe Institute with his wife. The Monroe Institute is known for its work in teaching people how to have out-of-body experiences using a method called Hemi-Sync, which involves audio tapes designed to synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain. Alex describes the process and the sensory deprivation chamber used for the experience. He mentions that he didn’t have a profound experience himself, but acknowledges that others did.
The conversation shifts to Art’s own experiences with out-of-body phenomena, and he shares that he has had such an experience himself. Alex admits to being somewhat of a “control freak,” which might have limited his ability to fully engage with the Hemi-Sync process.
The segment closes with Art directing Alex to his website to view the ghost photograph and give his opinion on it. They briefly discuss the content of the photo, continuing the show’s theme of exploring the paranormal and unusual.
The discussion shifts to various experiences and phenomena. Art mentions chasing tornadoes in his youth, an activity that fascinates him due to his interest in violent weather. They briefly touch upon life in Kansas and Texas, regions known for such extreme weather events.
Alex then talks about his research into earth changes, a popular topic among New Age circles. He recounts attending a New Age expo in New York, where he first encountered the concept through a lecture by Matthew Stanger. Alex discusses the map produced by Laurie Toy, which predicts significant geographical changes due to various natural disasters. He also mentions Son Mare, a figure associated with earth change prophecies.
Art and Alex delve into the sincerity of people like Laurie Toy, who genuinely believe in these visions and prophecies. Alex emphasizes that while he approaches these topics with a degree of skepticism, he acknowledges the deep faith and sincerity of individuals involved in these beliefs. He talks about visiting survival shelters prepared by those who take the idea of earth changes seriously and notes the spiritual dimensions that many adherents associate with these changes.
Art emphasizes the seriousness of the earth changes concept, sharing insights from his interview with Hopi elders who believe it’s too late to avert these changes. Alex adds that he keeps a file of news clips that seem to align with earth changes predictions, noting that 1998 was a significant year for such events.
Art then returns to the topic of the ghost photograph he received. He calls Jeff Burton, the sender of the photograph, and discusses its background. Jeff explains that the photo was taken on Denton Road in Canton, Michigan, a place known for urban legends and paranormal activity. The photograph, showing a young lady and an eerie figure, had surprised and scared them.
Jeff elaborates on the circumstances of taking the picture and his decision to send the original print to Art. Art expresses his appreciation for receiving one of the best ghost photographs he’s ever seen. He also mentions his upcoming interview with a guest focused on biblical prophecy and earth changes.
The segment shifts to Alex’s work history, revealing that he was an editor at Outside magazine before joining Wired. He mentions his involvement with the book “Into Thin Air,” about the disastrous Everest expedition, and his acknowledgment in the book.
Art and Alex Heard discuss the tragic Everest expedition chronicled in Jon Krakauer’s book “Into Thin Air.” Alex shares his professional connection to the story, having been one of the editors at Outside magazine when the story was assigned. He describes the impact of the book and the controversies surrounding it.
Alex explains that Krakauer’s assignment was initially to write about the overcrowding on Everest but ended up documenting the disastrous 1996 expedition. He talks about the differing perspectives on the event and the debates over Krakauer’s portrayal of it. Art asks Alex to provide a brief summary of the Everest disaster for listeners who might not be familiar with it.
Alex recounts the key events of the 1996 Everest expedition, noting the presence of multiple guided expeditions on the mountain at the time. He explains that a combination of delays in descending from the summit and a sudden blizzard led to tragic consequences, with several climbers, including the guides Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, losing their lives.
The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of the disaster, highlighting how Everest expeditions have changed over time. Alex points out that, unlike in the past when only highly experienced climbers attempted such feats, the mountain is now accessible to less experienced individuals who are physically fit and can afford to pay for guided expeditions. This shift has led to increased risks and challenges on Everest.
Art discusses the link between ocean health and human activity, mentioning a recent ABC News article that emphasizes the interconnectedness of oceans and human life. The article highlights concerns such as fish with diseases, dying coral reefs, and unusual ocean temperatures.
Alex agrees that these environmental issues are concerning and overlaps with some aspects of earth changes theories. He explores this intersection in an article for Outside magazine, examining real-world phenomena that should be of concern, independent of prophetic beliefs.
The discussion then shifts to the broader question of environmental responsibility and the potential for change. Art expresses a pessimistic view, doubting whether significant action can be taken to address these global environmental issues, especially given the desires of nations worldwide for development and modern comforts.
Alex shares a unique experience he had participating in a workshop called the “Council of All Beings,” which involved environmental activists expressing their concerns through a spiritual ritual. In this workshop, participants assume the roles of different nature entities to voice their anger and fear about environmental changes. Alex chose to represent a blue jay, expressing concerns about forests and insect populations.
Alex expresses a somewhat optimistic view of civilization’s ability to solve problems, aligning with the forward-thinking perspective of Wired magazine. He acknowledges the potential for science to address current challenges but remains cautious about the outcomes.
Art shares his view that humanity may be past the point of no return in terms of environmental degradation. He believes that our actions could significantly reduce the Earth’s capacity to support human life. However, Alex maintains a more hopeful stance, believing in the possibility of positive change.
The discussion turns to the concept of space colonization and living in space, referencing the work of Marshall Savage, author of “The Millennial Project.” Savage’s ideas about colonizing the oceans and eventually expanding into space are mentioned as grandiose but intriguing.
Art also brings up the ghost photograph again, sharing feedback from listeners and discussing its authenticity and impact. He notes that the area where the photo was taken, near Denton Road in Michigan, has a history of paranormal sightings.
The conversation then shifts to Alex’s approach to writing and research. He describes himself as a skeptic who has softened somewhat over time. His work involves understanding the origins and significance of various subcultures and beliefs, incorporating historical research to provide context.
The segment concludes with a discussion about the drug subculture and its coverage in Wired magazine, particularly in relation to smart drugs and their implications.
Art and Alex speculate about future drugs that could be developed by big companies and the societal implications of such advancements.
The conversation then shifts to listener interactions. A caller from Washington State, Michelle, brings up concerns about the health of the oceans and its impact on human life. She also draws a parallel between the carefree attitudes of people in the Roaring Twenties and the current times, suggesting a potential for a significant economic downturn.
Alex reflects on the historical context of the Roaring Twenties, acknowledging the possibility of cyclical economic trends, but he remains cautiously optimistic about the current state of growth and prosperity.
Michelle then shares a personal poltergeist story from her teenage years, which prompts a discussion about poltergeist phenomena often being associated with young teenage girls. Art explains that intense emotional and physical changes during adolescence might contribute to such paranormal activities.
A caller shares an experience of witnessing a meteorite fall near Corpus Christi, Texas, and encountering military personnel restricting access to the site. This leads to a discussion about government secrecy and public distrust, especially regarding UFOs and free energy inventions.
Alex and Art delve into the fears of persecution and secrecy surrounding inventors in these fields. They discuss the historical case of Wilhelm Reich, highlighting the government’s harsh treatment of him and the impact on civil liberties. Alex notes that while he understands why inventors might fear for their safety, he is skeptical of claims that they are routinely targeted for murder.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of free energy inventors and their mysterious deaths. Alex recalls the case of Stanley Meyer, a free energy inventor who claimed he was being targeted by the government and corporations. Meyer’s death, reportedly from a heart attack, fueled conspiracy theories about foul play.
Art proposes a hypothetical scenario where an inventor creates a device allowing every home to be independent of power companies, posing a threat to major oil consortiums. He asks Alex to consider the possibility of such an inventor being targeted by powerful interests. Alex acknowledges the potential for such scenarios but remains cautious about jumping to conclusions without evidence.
They also discuss a Japanese inventor who claimed to have developed a motor that ran on water, hosted by radio show hosts Bob and Joe Hieronymus. This example illustrates the ongoing interest and controversy surrounding unconventional inventions and the potential for revolutionary technological breakthroughs.
The discussion takes a lighter turn as Art addresses the skeptics who analyze the ghost photograph he posted on his website, requesting them to refrain from overanalyzing the image with technical scrutiny.
Art and Alex then discuss the potential for human brain capabilities beyond the known five senses, exploring the idea of additional sensory or intuitive abilities. Alex remains open to the possibility but emphasizes the need for convincing evidence.
Alex mentions his plans to interview Gordon Michael Scallion again, highlighting Scallion’s sincerity and authenticity in his visionary experiences.
The conversation then shifts to the role of skepticism and debunking in the realm of paranormal and scientific claims. Art shares his experience of receiving the “Snuffed Candle Award” from the Council for Media Integrity, presented to him for promoting pseudoscience. He expresses pride in the award, seeing it as a badge of honor. Art also recounts inviting a skeptic, Professor Nickell, onto his show, only to discover that Nickell had never listened to the program, leading to a discussion about the nature of debunking.
Alex agrees that while debunkers can be overly grumpy and dismissive, their work is important in identifying hoaxes and frauds. He emphasizes the need for caution and scrutiny, especially in areas like free energy, where claims can be misleading or fraudulent. They discuss the fine line between healthy skepticism and debunking that dismisses all unconventional claims without consideration.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of understanding complex scientific concepts like quantum mechanics, and how this can be exploited by those promoting dubious scientific claims. Art and Alex discuss the role of skeptics in providing clarity and debunkers who might go too far in their criticisms, dismissing the possibility of phenomena like ghosts or poltergeists outright.
Art and Alex Heard entertain a call from a listener named Robyn, who claims to be a tri-hybrid involving human and extraterrestrial genetics. Robyn suggests that this unique heritage has significantly slowed or reversed his aging process. He also makes a bold prediction about an impending earthquake that would affect the entire West Coast from San Diego to Vancouver.
The conversation then shifts to another caller from Tennessee, discussing the unusual weather patterns and tornado activity experienced in the region. This leads to a broader discussion about the changing weather patterns and their possible implications. Art and Alex reflect on whether these changes are part of a short-term cycle or indicative of a more profound, long-term shift in climate behavior.
Alex talks about his book “Apocalypse Pretty Soon,” which is set to be officially released on February 8th. He shares that the book is already available in some bookstores and can be ordered on Amazon. The conversation reflects on the unpredictable nature of book publishing and the importance of word-of-mouth and reviews in determining a book’s success.
The discussion then shifts to a caller’s question about the Freemasons and their alleged association with Luciferian worship, a claim based on the writings of Albert Pike. Alex defers detailed comments on the Freemasons to his friend Jonathan Vankin, author of “The 70 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.” He expresses skepticism about the widespread conspiracy theories surrounding the Freemasons, suggesting they are a relatively harmless group often blamed for more than they could realistically orchestrate.
Another caller, identifying himself as a Mason, refutes the satanic claims associated with the organization. He describes part of his initiation process, which included kissing the Bible, asserting that the Freemasons are not a satanic organization.
The segment concludes with a light-hearted exchange between Art and Alex about their experiences in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, respectively. Art shares a humorous story about being kicked out of the Cub Scouts for arriving late to a meeting and missing out on a cupcake.
A caller from Colorado Springs, involved with a military organization, reports a mysterious object appearing over NORAD. He describes the object as about 35 yards in diameter and one and a half stories tall, which was visually confirmed and then disappeared after 87 seconds. This caller’s account adds to the numerous stories of unidentified flying objects and military interest in such phenomena.
Another caller, John from Houston, brings up an interesting point about the Amish community and their potential indifference to the Y2K problem due to their non-reliance on modern technology. He humorously notes that the Amish wouldn’t be affected by a technological collapse until others begin to intrude on their resources.
The conversation then shifts to a widespread issue that callers, including Art himself, have been experiencing: difficulties with long-distance phone calls, often getting messages that all circuits are busy. This problem has raised concerns and speculation about the reasons behind it, particularly in the context of the upcoming Y2K transition.
Alex Heard, while intrigued by these topics, admits he does not have enough information to draw conclusions on the NORAD incident or the phone issues. These discussions reflect the show’s engagement with current events, technological mysteries, and paranormal experiences, showcasing its broad appeal to an audience interested in a wide array of speculative and real-world topics.
Another caller brings up ongoing issues with telephone circuits being busy or failing, especially when calling certain area codes. This problem prompts speculation about whether the phone companies are deliberately allowing service to deteriorate to push for per-minute charges on local calls.
Art and Alex also discuss the Y2K panic, with a caller suggesting that much of the concern is overblown and primarily driven by companies looking to profit from the fear. They refer to a recent Time magazine cover story that echoes this sentiment, highlighting the surge in books and products related to Y2K preparedness.
Art shares an anecdote about a news report suggesting potential banking glitches due to the Y2K bug, where deposits might not register correctly, leading to bounced checks. However, another caller counters this with a local news story reporting that banks claim to be Y2K compliant and that ATMs and other banking services should function normally.
A caller from a bank mentions that many banks, including Bank of America, claim to be Y2K compliant. Art advises the caller to request a written statement from the bank confirming their 100% Y2K compliance. He also notes that credit unions have been displaying signs assuring customers of their readiness for the Y2K transition.
Another caller, from a telecommunications consulting firm in Kansas, addresses the ongoing problem of busy signals and circuit issues. He explains that the problem is primarily with long-distance calls, not local ones, and suggests it’s partly due to increased Internet usage and a larger number of people accessing phone lines.
The discussion then returns to Y2K readiness, with Art expressing concern about the global interconnectedness of computer systems and the varying degrees of preparedness in different countries. He mentions Russia’s approach of waiting to see what happens, which adds to his apprehension. Alex admits he’s still learning about the Y2K issue and agrees that there’s an element of the unknown.
One caller, a telecommunications consultant, explains that the busy signals and circuit issues are due to a combination of factors including the increased number of long-distance carriers, different types of switches used by phone companies, and internet usage tying up phone lines.
Another caller raises concerns about the potential panic that might be caused by people in response to the Y2K issue, rather than the technological failures themselves. Alex acknowledges this concern, noting that many groups with millennial beliefs are incorporating Y2K into their narratives, leading to heightened anxiety and potential panic.
A subsequent caller discusses a device attached to a car that supposedly increases gas mileage, produces no exhaust, and causes the tailpipe to remain cool to the touch. The caller claims the device uses “implosion” technology, which Alex and Art discuss with skepticism, noting the lack of widespread adoption or evidence for such a technology.
The episode concludes with Art and Alex agreeing that the issues discussed, particularly the telephone circuit problems, would be a fitting topic for investigation by Wired magazine. Art thanks Alex for his participation and hints at future discussions on similar intriguing topics.