On the show “Coast To Coast AM,” hosted by Art, the guest is Nick Pope, a former employee of the UK’s Ministry of Defense since 1985. Nick is known for his work on UFOs, alien abductions, crop circles, and other paranormal phenomena. His books, including “Open Skies, Closed Minds” and “The Uninvited,” have been bestsellers. During the show, Nick discusses his controversial views on extraterrestrial activities, which have led to debates in national newspapers and questions in parliament. He likens his experiences to those of the character Fox Mulder from “The X-Files.” Nick also shares his thoughts on the political tensions in the Taiwan Strait, reflecting on his recent trip to Taiwan and China. He notes the U.S. Seventh Fleet’s monitoring of the area and President Clinton’s warnings against the use of force by mainland China. Art and Nick delve into the challenges of speaking out on such controversial topics, with Nick revealing that the publication of generals’ memoirs after the Persian Gulf War gave him the impetus to share his own experiences.
Nick Pope explains that his UFO and abduction research at the Ministry of Defense would intrigue many. Despite the UK’s Official Secrets Act, recent shifts toward open government and proposed Freedom of Information Act have allowed for greater transparency. Nick had to submit his manuscripts for review, resulting in minor changes but not altering his overall thesis. Initially, his book faced strong opposition from the Ministry, but through persistence, he managed to publish it. He criticizes the “closed minds” that dismiss clear evidence of extraterrestrial craft as weather balloons or hoaxes.
Nick shares that many in the Royal Air Force believe in UFOs but fear ridicule or career repercussions, leading them to stay silent. He recounts instances where colleagues confided in him about remarkable sightings. Art emphasizes the rarity of a defense department employee openly discussing UFOs, making Nick’s participation a unique opportunity. The conversation shifts to reports of enormous craft seen by commercial airliners and others traversing the Atlantic from Europe to North America, with even NATO involved in some cases.
Nick Pope continues discussing near-misses between UFOs and aircraft, noting that while incidents are reported, many go unreported, raising safety concerns. He references the case of Frederick Valentich, a pilot who vanished after reporting a UFO hovering over his plane. This case, like others, isn’t well-known among the public but is documented and serious. Art and Nick discuss the historical reluctance of governments, including the US with Project Blue Book, to acknowledge UFOs as a national security threat despite incidents involving military installations and nuclear sites. Nick highlights that about 10% of the 300 cases he investigated annually gave him serious concern due to the advanced capabilities of the UFOs.
Despite working for the Ministry of Defense, Nick felt it was crucial to publish his findings, even though the job’s culture discouraged deep investigation. He wasn’t explicitly warned off but understood the expectation to avoid causing a stir. Art shifts the conversation to Nick’s experience in the Joint Operations Center during the Gulf War, asking about the controversial Gulf War Syndrome affecting returning soldiers in both the US and the UK.
Nick Pope acknowledges a similar controversy regarding Gulf War Syndrome in the UK but declines to comment due to a lack of official investigation on his part. Returning to UFO research, he mentions the lack of publicity in the US about this year’s crop circle formations, which have been quite remarkable in the UK and Europe. Despite media skepticism due to the Doug and Dave hoax, Nick believes these formations are too complex to be man-made. He cites research by Dr. Livengood on molecular changes in real crop circles, suggesting an effect similar to microwave radiation.
Nick dismisses the theory that the government could be testing energy weapons in public areas, noting that such tests would occur on private, secure lands. He discusses the possibility of directed energy beams, referencing controversial footage from shuttle flight STS-80, where something resembling a projected energy weapon or craft was seen. Art shares that a former SDI project worker identified it as a directed energy beam, though Nick doubts it signifies a war on UFOs.
Nick agrees with David Jacobs’ contention in “The Threat” that extraterrestrial visitors may not be friendly. Based on his abduction research, Nick believes these beings do not have good intentions and their procedures are intrusive and performed without consent.
Nick Pope expresses agreement with researchers like Dave Jacobs and Budd Hopkins that most alien encounters are not beneficial. While acknowledging some may derive positive experiences, he asserts that these interactions are generally not friendly. Referencing the movie “Independence Day,” he suggests that extraterrestrials might have a hostile agenda. Nick dismisses theories of government deals with aliens, noting that his position would likely provide him with such knowledge if it existed. Art mentions Nick’s frequent accusations of being part of a cover-up, which Nick denies.
The conversation shifts to abductions, a major research focus in the US. Initially skeptical, Nick’s perspective changed after meeting abductees who reported similar experiences despite having no prior knowledge of ufology. He emphasizes the importance of following data wherever it leads, acknowledging a real phenomenon. Nick notes that while UFOs serve as transport, the critical questions concern the beings controlling them and their motives. Despite significant research in the US, abduction studies in the UK are less prominent, though cases do occur.
Nick explains that among the hundreds of UFO cases he investigated annually, about 10% were inexplicable. He believes a similar breakdown likely applies to abduction reports, with many attributable to mundane causes but a notable percentage remaining unexplained.
Nick Pope agrees with Art that many abduction accounts can be attributed to dreams, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, mass hysteria, and false memory syndrome. However, validating abductions is harder than validating UFO sightings due to the lack of physical evidence. Nick estimates about 20% of the reports he receives are worthy of further study, although he cannot definitively label them as extraterrestrial. He acknowledges various possible motives behind abductions, including a breeding program to hybridize humans with extraterrestrials, as suggested by researchers like Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs.
Nick also mentions cases involving dual human-alien identities, reincarnation as extraterrestrials, and repeated abductions of children to study their bonding. He believes extraterrestrials are interested in human relationships and sexuality and notes some abductees experience significant changes, developing interests in environmental issues, esoteric subjects, and psychic abilities. This suggests that abductions might aim to effect change in humanity.
Art and Nick discuss environmental changes, with Art noting the increased violence and unreliability of weather in the US, possibly due to global warming or solar activity. Nick agrees, noting similar issues in Europe and other environmental problems such as ozone depletion, ice fields breaking off, and oceanic troubles. Many abductees report being shown apocalyptic images, which might serve as a warning, leading them to become more active in environmental issues and green politics.
Nick believes in multiple possible futures and thinks the abduction experience might be deliberately transformative. He acknowledges that any traumatic experience can be transformative, but he feels abductions go beyond that. Nick also references Sir Peter Horsley, a former military aide with unofficial permission from Prince Philip to investigate a UFO event involving military aircraft.
Nick Pope confirms that Sir Peter Horsley, a former senior member of the Royal Air Force and equerry to Prince Philip, was given discreet permission to look into Air Force files regarding UFOs. Prince Philip showed interest in the subject, as did other senior figures in the British military, such as Lord Dowding and Lord Hill-Norton. This openness among high-ranking officials in Britain contrasts with the more reserved stance of their American counterparts. Nick suggests that while a cover-up may exist in Britain, the critical information might lie across the Atlantic in the US.
Nick acknowledges the possibility that there could be knowledge above his level that he is not privy to, despite his honest efforts in UFO research. He mentions Stanton Friedman’s point about ego potentially blinding individuals to higher-level information. Art shares an anecdote about a US Air Force press conference that attempted to dismiss the Roswell incident using the concept of “time compression,” which Nick finds partially plausible but inadequate to explain the entire event.
As Art and Nick discuss, they reflect on the possibility that senior military officials in both countries might be more aware of the truth about UFOs, but the details remain elusive to most.
Nick Pope acknowledges the challenges and skepticism surrounding government explanations for UFO sightings, such as the infamous Roswell incident, where explanations involving parachute tests and dummies were quickly debunked due to timing inconsistencies. Nick discusses the sightings of large, fast-moving crafts reported by commercial pilots over the North Atlantic, known as “fast walkers,” and notes that both the US and UK governments have denied ownership of such crafts, often leading to unofficial inquiries and a lack of transparent communication between the two nations.
Nick emphasizes that, although he is not currently an official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, his previous research on UFOs has allowed him to speak out on the subject. He acknowledges that in the US, most government officials who speak about UFOs do so post-retirement, such as Colonel Corso, making Nick’s current active discussions more unusual.
A caller from Florida asks about the potential influence of extraterrestrial engineering on current propulsion systems and the possibility of anti-gravity technology. Nick admits that he has no direct knowledge of back-engineered crafts but mentions cases like the Rendlesham Forest incident, which involved a craft escorted by military helicopters. He notes the difficulty of reverse engineering advanced technology, likening it to Civil War-era scientists trying to reconstruct a stealth fighter. He also mentions NASA’s recent research contract for an anti-gravity study, highlighting ongoing scientific interest in advanced propulsion systems.
Nick Pope discusses the interest in antigravity technology, mentioning a research contract NASA placed for an antigravity study. Art shares a personal experience of observing a large, triangular craft near Area 51, which seemed to defy conventional flight principles by moving silently and slowly, suggesting advanced technology possibly linked to antigravity. Nick shares a similar case from the UK involving a triangular craft over two Air Force bases, described by a military witness as large, slow-moving, and capable of rapid acceleration.
Nick explains that the UK government’s official stance on such incidents is open-minded but not conclusive about extraterrestrial involvement. He points out the discrepancy between the advanced capabilities of these crafts and the lack of official acknowledgment of their potential threat to national security. Art and Nick agree that the inability of governments to explain or control these phenomena is unsettling, contributing to public skepticism.
Art references a notable incident in Michigan where multiple UFOs were tracked on radar, displaying impossible speeds and movements, reinforcing the notion that these sightings should be of national security concern. Nick concurs, highlighting the defense and security implications of these unexplained aerial phenomena.
Nick Pope concurs with the notion that governments might downplay or deny UFO phenomena to avoid public panic, suggesting that admitting an inability to control or understand these occurrences could be more alarming than dismissing them. A caller from Columbia asks about the book “Alternative 3” by Leslie Watkins, which Nick perceives as likely a hoax, though he suggests Georgina Bruni as a more knowledgeable source. Art mentions the difficulty of finding a government employee in the US to speak on such topics, contrasting it with Nick’s willingness to discuss these matters from the UK.
Nick confirms his books “Open Skies, Closed Minds” and “The Uninvited” are available in the US. Another caller questions the potential threat of advanced extraterrestrial beings. Nick speculates that these beings’ motivations and methods may be beyond human comprehension. He also suggests that the disparity in technological advancement between humans and extraterrestrials might not be as vast as presumed, advocating for a proactive approach to protect airspace and citizens.
Art and Nick discuss the famous Rendlesham Forest incident in the UK, comparable to the Roswell case in the US. Upon taking over the UFO research role for the government, Nick found a file on the incident that left him astounded, considering it substantial proof of extraterrestrial activity.
Nick Pope reflects on the December 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident, where multiple U.S. Air Force personnel witnessed not only lights in the sky but also a metallic craft on the ground. This event left physical evidence, such as tree damage and ground indentations, and radiation readings taken at the site showed levels ten times the background radiation. Nick emphasizes that this case provides empirical evidence of a structured craft affecting the environment. He has spoken with key witnesses, including Larry Warren, Peter Robbins, and Charles Halt, and believes in their truthfulness despite some differing accounts.
Nick mentions that Georgina Bruni is preparing a comprehensive book on the Rendlesham incident, expected to be published on the 20th anniversary of the event. He suggests that this case might be even better documented than Roswell, as most witnesses are still alive, offering a significant opportunity to uncover the truth.
Art raises the topic of how people might react to extraterrestrial contact, referencing a Brookings Institution study that predicted widespread chaos and challenged beliefs. Nick notes that similar studies in the UK, though not official, indicate high belief in extraterrestrial reality. He stresses the importance of considering potential biological hazards from contact, drawing parallels to historical instances of disease transmission between different human populations. This concern might explain government secrecy around UFO crashes, aiming to prevent a potential biohazard from affecting the entire world.
Nick Pope and Art Bell continue discussing various aspects of UFO and abduction phenomena. A caller from Texas inquires about the common occurrence of nosebleeds following abduction experiences. Nick confirms this as a frequent report among abductees, though he notes it can be particularly traumatic. He explains that while children often have nosebleeds for ordinary medical reasons, adults who haven’t experienced nosebleeds for years suddenly getting them post-abduction is noteworthy. Nick suggests that the nosebleeds might be related to the insertion or removal of implants, a theory supported by many abduction researchers.
Art shares a story about Whitley Strieber, who has an implant in his ear. During an attempt to remove it, the implant moved away from the surgeon’s scalpel, prompting the surgeon to stop the procedure to avoid causing harm. This incident highlights the biomechanical nature of some implants and the covert intelligence behind these phenomena.
Nick reflects on the secrecy and the potential for a cover-up by extraterrestrial intelligence, noting how efforts to obtain proof are often thwarted. The segment concludes with Art reading a New York Times report about the Pentagon spending hundreds of millions of dollars on unapproved secret military projects, admitting to “honest mistakes” in failing to notify Congress. Nick comments on the complexity and fallibility of government operations, suggesting that bureaucracy often prevails over conspiracy.
Nick Pope and Art Bell continue their discussion, now addressing callers sharing their personal experiences. One caller reports significant psychological changes and a nosebleed coinciding with a strange physical change in his nostril, suggesting something had been removed. Despite seeing a specialist, no medical explanation was found. Nick and Art speculate on the possible link to abductions and the insertion or removal of implants. Art shares an anecdote about Whitley Strieber’s implant, which moved away from a surgeon’s scalpel, suggesting a biomechanical nature designed to evade detection or removal.
Another caller describes an incident where his car, on the verge of spinning off a snowy road into a river, inexplicably stopped just short of the edge. He experienced a sense of missing time, feeling as though months had passed in an instant. Nick advises the caller to seek out experts like John Mack to explore the possibility of an abduction.
A former police officer from Southern California shares an experience of lost time while on duty. After responding to a routine call, he found himself an hour and fifteen minutes later in a different location, without any memory of what had occurred in the intervening time. This incident, like the others, suggests a potential abduction scenario, with common elements such as missing time and unexplained events.
A former police officer from Southern California shares his experience of missing time during a routine night shift. After responding to a call, he found himself disoriented and miles away from his original location without any memory of the journey. Despite the unusual event, the incident was only discussed within his squad and didn’t escalate further. He recalls a sensation of driving through broken glass and waking up 22 miles away, suggesting a possible abduction. Nick Pope notes that such cases are not uncommon and advises the caller to seek help from experts like John Mack.
The officer reveals that he wasn’t alone during the incident; his partner, a trainee, was also present and equally disoriented upon waking up. They didn’t discuss the experience, likely due to confusion and embarrassment. Art and Nick recommend the officer contact his former partner to discuss the event and seek further investigation.
Art and Nick then discuss the interest of extraterrestrials in human relationships and reproduction. Some believe that extraterrestrials, particularly the Grays, are attempting to strengthen their genetic structure by mixing it with humans. Nick suggests that extraterrestrials might be interested in multiple facets of human behavior, including bonding and forming relationships. This theory is supported by his caseload, where he frequently encounters these themes.
Art mentions a man named Adames, a remote viewer, who suggested that serious research groups like NIDS (sponsored by Bob Bigelow) are investigating these phenomena. Nick confirms his familiarity with NIDS and Bob Bigelow, noting that their research includes studying unusual occurrences at a secretive ranch.
Nick Pope and Art Bell discuss the work of the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), including controversial suggestions like using a mother and infant as bait to attract extraterrestrials. Nick agrees that while human relationships and bonding seem to attract extraterrestrial interest, using humans as bait raises serious ethical concerns. Art mentions that Colonel John Alexander confirmed the removal of a mother and infant from the ranch for their safety, aligning with NIDS’s responsible approach.
Nick suggests that extraterrestrials might be interested in human bonding and relationships because they may lack this ability themselves, making our humanity uniquely valuable. A caller from Florida shares an experience of missing time while hunting, which altered his sleep patterns. Nick acknowledges that such changes are common among abductees and advises the caller to seek out experts like John Mack or Budd Hopkins.
The conversation shifts to media skepticism and how it shapes public perception of UFOs. Nick believes that persistent public pressure and lobbying representatives can help advance the conversation beyond debunking. He notes that younger media professionals are more open to these topics.
Art asks if a show like his would succeed in the UK, and Nick confirms there is massive interest. The segment concludes with Art thanking Nick for his participation and announcing upcoming guests and topics for future shows, including Robert Bigelow’s first national radio interview.
Art Bell wraps up the show by announcing upcoming guests and topics, including Dr. David Jacobs, who will be on the following week to discuss his work further. Art briefly mentions the ongoing national news dominated by the JFK tragedy, choosing not to elaborate on it. He shares a heartening story from Baltimore about a teenager, Amber Ramirez, who was released from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center after having half of her brain removed to stop a deadly neurological disease.