The episode of “Coast to Coast AM” hosted by Art begins with his warm greeting from the “high desert,” marking the Thanksgiving period sweeping across various time zones. He sets a light-hearted tone, discussing open lines for the first hour and announcing Dr. Walter Semkiw, who claims visual evidence of reincarnation, as the guest for the second hour. Art humorously reflects on his dislike of turkey and shares a personal story about confronting Delta Airlines for limited meal options, a playful anecdote amid the festive backdrop.
He shifts focus to current events, notably the controversy surrounding EgyptAir Flight 990. Egyptian officials suggest an explosion caused the crash, contrasting U.S. investigators’ conclusions pointing to pilot error. Art also touches on cultural topics, like the Great Train Robbery, with its infamous figures now collaborating on a heist-themed video game, highlighting the dichotomy of notoriety and legal escape in certain jurisdictions.
Art revisits the dramatic alien encounter story involving Dr. Jonathan Reed, who claimed to have discovered an alien being after a bizarre attack on his dog. Art recounts Reed’s extraordinary claims, including photographing an alien craft and storing the alien in a freezer, with the evidence supposedly screaming and banging as it revived. Reed’s photos, including negatives of the alleged craft and alien, are now being validated by Eastman Kodak to dispel allegations of manipulation. Additionally, a mysterious artifact linked to the alien encounter will be revealed, with Art teasing its appearance for an upcoming episode.
In a further development, Art mentions Dr. Harold Chacon, a microbiologist, who has analyzed biological samples from the alien and will present his findings on the show. This promises groundbreaking revelations about the alien’s organic tissue and blood, aiming to substantiate Reed’s controversial narrative. Art’s excitement builds as he teases the December 9th episode, promising undeniable evidence for skeptics.
On a different note, Art introduces the concept of nanotechnology for an upcoming program, exploring the fascinating potential of microscopic machines designed to operate within the human body, repairing cells and addressing medical issues.
Art teases a variety of intriguing guests and topics for the upcoming week, including an actor-turned-spiritualist Steven Seagal, who believes in time travel, and journalist Jack Anderson, renowned for his contentious history with J. Edgar Hoover. He also shares an eerie story of Y2K arriving early in two Victoria hospitals, where a mysterious glitch reset phone systems to January 1, 2000, hinting at the broader implications of potential Y2K chaos.
The episode transitions into open-line calls, including one from a listener named Mike, now living in Montana for its serene quality of life. Mike discusses chemtrails over the expansive Montana skies and his efforts to engage local authorities on the matter. Art humorously comments on Montana’s minimal traffic infrastructure while appreciating the expansive views.
Art discusses a fascinating development involving the Flirtations, a group from Great Britain, who have been inspired by his support to re-record their song “Nothing But a Heartache” and offer him a new track for an exclusive release. He humorously shares a listener’s plea to find the original song, highlighting its emotional grip and dramatic appeal. This segment reflects the lighter, music-focused side of Art’s show.
Art then transitions into discussing shadow government theories, contemplating the idea of a coalition of bureaucracies having replaced traditional governance. He critiques the manipulation of constitutional processes, calling for systemic change to restore representation. This leads to further musings on potential Y2K disruptions, including earlier referenced issues in hospitals, which Art sees as ominous signs.
Listeners call in to share their observations about contrails and other atmospheric phenomena. One caller, Ron, from California, describes his lifelong fascination with contrails and how he recently witnessed something unusual. Art interjects with scientific details about high-altitude temperatures, drawing from his international travel experiences.
Art interacts with listeners on a range of intriguing topics during this segment. A caller describes witnessing unusual contrails resembling melting candle wax, which sparks Art’s interest in unique atmospheric phenomena. Another listener from Vermont asks about Bob Lazar and a past emotional call from a man alleging government infiltration by aliens. Art references his upcoming book, “The Coming Global Superstorm,” co-authored with Whitley Strieber, which delves into scientifically-backed predictions of catastrophic weather events.
The conversation shifts to EgyptAir Flight 990, where Art discusses political pressures influencing the narrative surrounding the crash. A caller from Manitoba highlights an inspiring aviation story—a pilot gliding a powerless 767 to a safe landing, aided by quick-thinking air traffic controllers and local civilians who improvised runway lighting using car headlights. Art marvels at the resilience and ingenuity displayed in the incident, affirming its authenticity with numerous corroborating news reports.
Art continues engaging with listeners, welcoming a call from Roger in Illinois, who recounts a series of strange incidents involving streetlights shutting off as he approached them. Initially skeptical, Art humorously suggests explanations, including sensor malfunctions or even Roger’s “magnetic personality.” The mystery deepens when Roger’s wife reveals similar experiences during her morning paper routes, leading Art to note the oddity as potentially hereditary. The strange phenomenon evokes connections to speculative ideas, including references to “The Day After Roswell.”
Art also shares stories he has heard about similar incidents, adding to the mystery and inviting listeners to ponder these unexplained occurrences. The segment maintains a mix of curiosity and humor as Art listens to Roger’s efforts to rationalize his experiences.
Another caller, Joe from Boston, brings up a past misunderstanding, seeking to clarify a comment about representation for the visually impaired.
Art briefly discusses a listener’s offer of an affordable long-distance phone plan, showcasing his skepticism and wit. The program then transitions toward its centerpiece—a conversation with Dr. Walter Semkiw, a physician presenting visual evidence of reincarnation. Art sets the stage with music emphasizing themes of rebirth and introduces the uniqueness of having a medical professional delve into such an unconventional topic.
Before launching into the discussion with Dr. Semkiw, Art shares breaking news about a near-collision between two planes at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A misunderstanding of air traffic instructions reportedly led to the incident, heightening the show’s blend of speculative and real-world events.
Art delves into the topic of reincarnation with Dr. Walter Semkiw, a mainstream medical doctor who claims to have conclusive evidence of reincarnation. Semkiw presents striking findings, including matching photographs of over 50 individuals who have lived in both colonial America and modern times, exhibiting similar physical traits, personalities, and career paths. He further asserts that family units may reincarnate together, based on his research.
Art is curious about the reaction from Semkiw’s medical colleagues, to which the doctor admits he doesn’t discuss this aspect of his work in professional circles. Semkiw’s background includes occupational medicine for large-scale industries, but his reincarnation research stems from personal experiences outside of his medical career. He shares a story of encountering a medium in 1984, which sparked his interest in exploring the phenomenon further.
Semkiw emphasizes that his belief in reincarnation is not faith-based but grounded in extensive documentation and data. His goal is to organize and present this evidence to the public, challenging conventional views on life and the soul.
Dr. Semkiw recounts a profound experience with a medium in 1984 that catalyzed his reincarnation research. The medium unexpectedly revealed details of a past life in colonial America, providing a name and location. Initially dismissive, Semkiw shelved the information for over a decade. However, following a strong intuitive urge years later, he began investigating the claims by attending a medical conference on the East Coast and exploring genealogical and historical records.
During his research, Semkiw discovered portraits of people from his alleged past life, including one of himself. More strikingly, he identified recurring family units where individuals from his current life mirrored those in the past, both physically and emotionally. This revelation extended beyond himself, as multiple family groups appeared consistent across lifetimes, with members retaining similar personality traits and even vocations.
Art humorously ponders the implications of reincarnating alongside challenging relationships, such as an ex-spouse. Semkiw acknowledges this possibility, explaining that unresolved conflicts often necessitate reincarnation to resolve karmic ties. This naturally leads to a deeper philosophical question: the purpose of reincarnation if past life memories remain inaccessible, leaving individuals to relearn life lessons without prior awareness.
Dr. Semkiw elaborates on his view that reincarnation serves as a vital learning mechanism. He uses personal analogies, such as discovering his own aggressive tendencies through playing hockey, to illustrate how life experiences reveal hidden facets of oneself. Art humorously compares this to an NFL linebacker’s enthusiasm for crushing opponents, suggesting that such impulses are part of human nature.
The show briefly touches on broader existential questions about the nature of life and the search for meaning, speculating whether sentient beings on other planets might ponder similar philosophical questions. This contemplation aligns with the overarching theme of exploration and understanding within the universe.
Dr. Semkiw shares his perspective on reincarnation as a process of spiritual evolution, emphasizing that it helps individuals grow through cycles of ego development and transcendence. He explains that early in life, and in the early stages of reincarnation cycles, people focus on building their identity, often defining themselves by material possessions or social distinctions. This mirrors societal influences, like advertising, which equate identity with status symbols.
Art proposes that life itself reflects the larger arc of spiritual growth, where individuals begin without ego as children, build one through life’s trials, and often relinquish attachment to ego in later years, becoming more spiritual. Semkiw agrees, suggesting that reincarnation allows individuals to continue progressing from where they left off in previous lives. He uses the metaphor of a web, where individuals are interconnected, but early development often centers on strengthening one’s “knot” before appreciating the larger web.
Semkiw argues that people carry forward their spiritual awareness and inclinations from past lives. For instance, his philosophical tendencies and metaphysical interests align with his past life experiences, even as his current profession in medicine appears more grounded.
Dr. Semkiw discusses his belief in predestined life paths, which are shaped by shared karma, emotional ties, and life goals. He explains that although these paths are prearranged, free will allows individuals to navigate them in unique ways. This blend of destiny and choice provides a framework for spiritual growth, as individuals face recurring karmic scenarios where they can learn, regress, or progress based on their decisions.
Art expresses amazement at the claim that reincarnation not only preserves the soul but also replicates physical traits across lifetimes. Semkiw supports this assertion with his research involving over 50 cases, where historical portraits are matched with modern photographs showing remarkable resemblances. He highlights familial reincarnations, giving an example of a military man who married the same woman from his past life and had children resembling their previous incarnations. Later, the wife remarried a man who also bore a striking similarity to her past-life husband, underscoring the intricate connections between lifetimes.
Art humorously questions whether such karmic bonds could force individuals to reincarnate with challenging relationships, such as difficult ex-spouses. Semkiw shares a personal anecdote of meeting his former wife in a seemingly predestined manner, describing how karmic relationships often defy logic and create instant, profound connections.
Art reflects on his meeting with his wife Ramona, comparing it to the instantaneous, predestined connections Dr. Semkiw describes in karmic relationships. Semkiw expands on the role of desire in guiding individuals along their karmic paths, challenging Buddhist notions that happiness requires abandoning desire. Instead, he argues that desire is a critical tool for karma, leading people to experiences and relationships they are meant to have for growth.
Art muses on the idea that love and connections could repeat across lifetimes, drawing parallels to historical relationships written into history. Dr. Semkiw reiterates his claim that reincarnation is a fact, supported by visual evidence he has documented in his book, Astrology for Regular People. The book combines insights from various world religions and reincarnation research, illustrating how individuals’ appearances and relationships persist across lifetimes.
Semkiw notes the challenges of publishing his findings, as many people involved are unaware or skeptical of reincarnation, complicating permissions for sharing their stories.
Dr. Semkiw shares ideas for illustrating reincarnation dynamics in a screenplay, where the same actors would portray individuals from past and current lives, emphasizing the continuity of karma and connections across lifetimes. Art poses a profound question about whether love is the universe’s strongest force, which Semkiw agrees with, acknowledging its central role in karmic paths and reincarnation.
The discussion touches on speculative elements of the afterlife, with Semkiw theorizing that individuals create their own realities after death, reflecting their spiritual beliefs. Art introduces the idea of time spans between reincarnations, pondering the purpose of brief lives or early deaths. While Semkiw is cautious about venturing beyond his evidence, he acknowledges the possibility of staging areas or interim periods for reflection and learning.
In a deeply personal story, Semkiw explains the karmic context of his past marriage. He describes a painful relationship where his wife repeatedly threatened to leave, ultimately leading to their separation. Later, his reincarnation research revealed that his ex-wife had been his son in a previous life, creating a karmic bond that brought them together in this lifetime to address unresolved emotional dynamics.
Dr. Semkiw delves deeper into karma and reincarnation, explaining that karmic relationships are designed to teach lessons, often through difficult experiences. He shares another personal example, revealing that his ex-wife in this lifetime was his son in a past life, and their relationship served as karmic retribution for rejection he inflicted in that previous life. This discovery helped him contextualize the pain he endured during their marriage, underscoring the role of karmic payback in emotional growth.
Semkiw discusses his current relationship with a woman named Nadia, whom he met under similarly karmic circumstances. Unlike his previous relationship, he believes they share good karma and align on a deeper, intuitive level. Art reflects on how such connections can start with bliss but acknowledges the unpredictability of relationships. Semkiw remains optimistic, attributing the harmony to their shared understanding of reincarnation and karmic bonds.
The conversation shifts to the historical and religious context of reincarnation. Semkiw asserts that reincarnation was part of early Christian beliefs and appears in biblical references. He cites examples like Jesus discussing past prophets and John the Baptist as the reincarnation of Elijah. While acknowledging that interpretations vary and are often contentious, Semkiw points to church fathers like Origen, who supported the idea of souls transitioning between bodies.
Dr. Semkiw elaborates on historical references to reincarnation within early Christianity, quoting church fathers like Origen, who described the soul’s journey through successive lives. He also cites Gregory of Nyssa, who emphasized the necessity of purification across multiple lifetimes. Semkiw explains how reincarnation was eventually removed from church doctrine, attributing this to Emperor Justinian, who convened an ecumenical council excluding pro-reincarnation factions. This political maneuver reshaped religious teachings, with Pope Vigilius notably boycotting the council in protest.
Art speculates that reincarnation was stripped from Christian theology to consolidate control over followers. He argues that a belief in reincarnation undermines the concept of eternal heaven or hell, which has been historically used to instill fear and obedience. Semkiw agrees, adding that similar exclusions occurred in other major religions like Islam and Judaism, suggesting that the suppression of reincarnation served a broader power dynamic.
Dr. Semkiw returns to the question of why individuals forget past lives, linking it to the necessity of emotional learning. He explains that if people retained full knowledge of their karmic lessons, they might intellectualize and avoid the emotional experiences required for growth. Using his marriage as an example, Semkiw reflects on how the pain of rejection taught him a profound lesson that will resonate through future lifetimes.
The conversation touches on ego development, a two-stage process where individuals must first build a strong sense of self before they can transcend it to embrace interconnectedness. Semkiw notes that discussing reincarnation can be unsettling for those still developing their egos, as it challenges their current identity. He shares that even as a child, his metaphysical inclinations were apparent, indicating that spiritual wisdom carries over and unfolds over time.
Dr. Semkiw introduces the concept of a “web” to illustrate interconnectedness. In this metaphor, individuals are knots in a vast net connected by cords representing relationships and shared experiences. Early in spiritual development, people focus on strengthening their individual knot (ego). However, as they grow, they begin to see themselves as part of the larger web, aligning with what he describes as “Christ consciousness” or collective awareness.
Dr. Semkiw discusses the importance of understanding reincarnation as a way to encourage responsibility for the planet, emphasizing that knowing one will return to live on Earth again might inspire greater environmental care. He connects this concept to cultural influences, noting how spiritually themed movies like What Dreams May Come and The Sixth Sense promote interconnected thinking, or “web consciousness,” compared to more ego-driven, violent films.
Art raises the idea of eventual spiritual perfection, where reincarnation ceases once all lessons are learned. Semkiw agrees, aligning this concept with teachings from spiritual traditions, though he admits his work does not provide direct evidence for such an ultimate state.
The conversation shifts to phenomena like ghosts and communicating with spirits, with Semkiw supporting the validity of such experiences. He praises mediums like James Van Praagh, whose accurate messages from deceased loved ones provide strong evidence of life after death. Semkiw counters skeptics who attribute near-death experiences to physiological processes, arguing that these experiences and mediumship offer compelling support for the continuity of consciousness.
Dr. Semkiw discusses the predictive aspect of astrology, focusing on “transits,” which involve the current positions of planets and how they interact with their alignment at the time of a person’s birth. Unlike static natal horoscopes, transits are dynamic and suggest potential events or transformations in a person’s life based on planetary angles. He notes that his interest in astrology developed by chance over decades, similar to how he became involved in reincarnation research.
Semkiw shares an impactful story involving medium James Van Praagh. During a session, Van Praagh communicated with the spirit of a young man who had committed suicide. The spirit apologized to his grieving mother and provided highly specific details, such as her scattering his ashes and reading his note with trembling hands—details that Van Praagh could not have known. Semkiw ties this to his astrology book, Astrology for Regular People, where he emphasizes the influence of planetary movements during periods of personal transformation, such as the mother’s loss in this case.
Dr. Semkiw addresses listener questions, including one about whether animals might progress to human reincarnation. He shares his intuition that this progression could occur, supported by personal anecdotes about his connection with birds and animals displaying human-like behavior. He notes that members of his karmic group also share an affinity for birds, suggesting a spiritual connection to specific animal groups.
A listener recounts how her young child remembered being with her in a past life. Dr. Semkiw mentions Dr. Ian Stevenson, a noted researcher on children’s past-life memories, as someone interested in such cases. He encourages contacting Dr. Stevenson for further exploration.
A caller from Memphis raises biblical references to Elijah’s return, suggesting this as evidence of reincarnation. Art and Semkiw clarify that reincarnation reflects ongoing personal growth and karmic reckoning rather than a singular event. Semkiw also discusses apocalyptic biblical writings, explaining they were shaped by the historical context of early Christian persecution under Roman rule and may not align with literal interpretations.
Dr. Semkiw and Art address several listener queries, starting with a caller who shares an extraordinary experience involving a woman claiming to have searched for him across continents. The caller ties this event to his broader research into precognition and reincarnation, but ultimately, the unsettling nature of the encounter led him to involve the police. Art and Dr. Semkiw reflect on the unresolved nature of such profound experiences.
Another listener asks whether biblical references to reincarnation were removed or altered in the scriptures. Dr. Semkiw clarifies that these changes relate to post-New Testament church doctrines rather than direct biblical edits. He emphasizes the human element in these decisions, acknowledging the struggles of early church authorities to define doctrine. Art adds that the exclusion of reincarnation was decided by a narrow vote, underscoring the arbitrary nature of such theological determinations.
A separate caller raises the topic of The Michael Teachings, a spiritual framework addressing reincarnation and soul evolution. The caller suggests the possibility of reincarnating into non-human forms, such as animals or even alien life. Dr. Semkiw acknowledges the speculative nature of these ideas but emphasizes his preference for simplicity and evidence in discussing reincarnation, aligning with the principle of Occam’s Razor.
Dr. Semkiw concludes his segment, expressing gratitude to Art for the opportunity to share his insights on reincarnation and astrology. He briefly touches on the unfinished astrology discussion, hinting at a potential future episode. Art reflects on the logical appeal of reincarnation, acknowledging that while it may not be the definitive answer, it remains a compelling perspective.
The show transitions into open lines, with listeners raising a variety of topics. One caller discusses a personal experience at the Great Pyramid of Giza, describing a profound and shocking sensation while lying in the sarcophagus, an anecdote that resonates with Art’s own exploration of mystical experiences. Another listener references Jane Roberts and her channeled entity, Seth, noting parallels between Roberts’s work and Dr. Semkiw’s views on reincarnation and spiritual growth.
Art shares his skepticism about channeling, expressing concern about the potential for fraud in the practice. While he acknowledges that channeling might be real, he highlights how easily it can be imitated, making skepticism a reasonable stance. His humorous demonstration of a “channeled” voice illustrates the ease of mimicking the process.
Listeners contribute their perspectives, with one caller recounting an eerie experience involving a stray kitten that seemed to embody the spirit of a recently deceased neighbor. The kitten’s behavior and its persistent following left the caller unsettled, prompting speculation about whether humans might reincarnate as animals. Art and the caller humorously discuss the possibility of spiritual connections with animals.
Art revisits the idea of reincarnation as a progression, emphasizing the human tendency to view humanity as the peak of the spiritual hierarchy. While admitting this view could be egocentric, Art supports the notion that reincarnation represents an upward trajectory, a belief shared by Dr. Semkiw.
Art navigates an engaging array of listener calls, starting with a caller who shares concerns about reincarnation, fearing that belief in it could diminish accountability in the present life. Art counters, emphasizing the karmic consequences of actions, suggesting that reincarnation serves as a form of moral restraint rather than a loophole for irresponsible behavior.
Another caller introduces the name David Blaine, described as a “magic man” known for feats like levitation and mind-reading. Art expresses interest and invites the caller to provide more information for potential follow-up, intrigued by Blaine’s reputed abilities and their alignment with the show’s themes.
The discussion takes a speculative turn with a caller proposing an alternative explanation for apparent reincarnation: demonic possession. They argue that demons, as parasitic entities, could transfer memories from one host to another, creating the illusion of past lives. Art entertains the theory, noting its consistency with certain scriptural interpretations, while highlighting how it challenges the concept of free will.
Art wraps up the show with a mix of listener interactions and reflections. A caller raises the intriguing idea that ancient Egyptian inscriptions, which some interpret as depictions of modern technology, might instead represent visions of the future perceived by ancient remote viewers. Art finds this concept fascinating, suggesting that such phenomena could be linked to human abilities that have existed in some form throughout history.
The conversation shifts to more lighthearted exchanges, with listeners expressing gratitude for the program and discussing its widespread appeal. Art shares updates about the show’s broadcast changes in Las Vegas, noting its enduring popularity despite shifting formats. A caller humorously challenges Art’s method for selecting calls, prompting him to admit that there’s no specific strategy—just a bit of randomness in the process.
As the show concludes, Art thanks his audience and bids them goodnight, encouraging everyone to have a wonderful Thanksgiving.