Art begins the episode from the Philippines, introducing “Coast to Coast AM” with his characteristic style, emphasizing its international scope. He notes that the night’s topics include grim world news and upcoming discussions with Jim Bell, the lead scientist for NASA’s Mars rover imaging system, Spirit and Opportunity. Art hints at Richard Hoagland’s contribution of intriguing questions for the NASA scientist.
The news segment delves into global issues. Art discusses Iraq’s troubling state, with Syria’s foreign minister advocating for a U.S. withdrawal timetable amid a devastating week of violence. President Bush’s diplomatic efforts in Vietnam and Indonesia highlight strained relations and public protests against U.S. policies. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s remark that a military victory in Iraq is unattainable prompts Art to challenge the sentiment, asserting America’s capability contingent on political will. Art also mentions Representative Charles Rangel’s controversial proposal to reinstate the military draft as a deterrent against hasty political decisions to engage in wars.
Art transitions from broader news topics to controversies and bizarre stories. He discusses Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s legal strategy to ensure a vote on an anti-gay marriage amendment, emphasizing political maneuvering. Moving to media ethics, Art criticizes Fox’s decision to air O.J. Simpson’s hypothetical interview regarding his alleged involvement in the 1994 murders, praising affiliates that refused to broadcast it.
Shifting gears, Art explores climate science, specifically geoengineering. Scientists from NASA and Stanford University are examining the potential of injecting aerosols into the atmosphere to combat global warming. This controversial idea, while potentially a safeguard against catastrophic climate events, raises fears of misuse, especially by military entities, and risks replacing efforts to reduce emissions.
Art then dives into a chilling segment on unexplained cattle mutilations, recounting precise and surgical-like incisions found on livestock in Montana since the 1970s. These cases defy natural predator explanations, leaving no blood or evidence at the scene. Ranchers and investigators alike remain baffled, with theories ranging from extraterrestrial involvement to human cult activity. Notably, predators avoid these carcasses post-mutilation, adding another layer of mystery.
Art continues to explore the eerie phenomena of cattle mutilations, recounting similarly bizarre cases from earlier years. These incidents involved surgically precise cuts, missing body parts, and the mysterious absence of footprints or blood near the scenes. A peculiar detail emerged from Peterson’s recent case: an impression in the field suggested the cow might have fallen from the sky, yet no aircraft sounds were reported, prompting speculation ranging from extraterrestrial involvement to otherworldly phenomena.
He pivots to another mysterious topic, discussing Uri Geller’s claim that remote viewing helped locate Saddam Hussein in his hiding spot. Art invites listeners to consider the plausibility of such claims, citing the extraordinary odds of finding Hussein in his nearly invisible underground location.
The show then moves to listener interactions, starting with a caller curious about mysterious AM radio signals from decades past. Art provides a technical explanation involving signal harmonics and images from lower or higher frequencies, a phenomenon less common with modern radio equipment. The conversation reflects the show’s blend of technical knowledge and nostalgic curiosity.
Art delves into a study suggesting interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans contributed beneficial genetic traits, particularly those enhancing brain development. He humorously concludes that a little Neanderthal might reside in all of us, urging listeners to ponder the implications of shared ancient ancestry.
Art shifts between thought-provoking ideas and humorous musings. He teases a theory connecting crop circles to DNA and consciousness, leaving listeners to ponder its implications. The show promises an upcoming interview with NASA’s Jim Bell about the Mars exploration mission, reflecting Art’s anticipation for an engaging discussion.
During open lines, Art entertains a variety of topics. A caller discusses a surreal life cycle concept, suggesting that life should begin with death and progress toward youth, ending in a blissful origin. This quirky inversion of life prompts laughter and philosophical reflection, tying into Art’s knack for mixing humor with deep ideas.
Another caller raises concerns about the realism of modern video games, suggesting they may mirror real-world locations too closely. The conversation turns speculative, touching on the integration of military technology into gaming and the potential dystopian future of humanoid robots. Art dismisses the idea of robot-led invasions, humorously lamenting the slow progress in robotics, which once promised a world of automated conveniences.
Art seamlessly transitions to another caller who connects the reversed life cycle idea to a “Mork from Ork” concept from Robin Williams’ sitcom, further blending cultural references with his audience’s eclectic interests.
A caller discusses the substantial budget allocated to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, which leads Art to reflect on the ongoing struggles in Iraq. He critiques comparisons to Vietnam, asserting that Iraq’s challenges are distinct but surmountable with strategic reassessment. Art emphasizes the geopolitical importance of the region, particularly its oil resources, which he believes to be a major factor in the conflict. He calls for a national dialogue to address these complex issues and avoid potential instability that could worsen global conditions.
The discussion shifts to time travel, with a caller presenting a hypothetical scenario involving data collection from a distant planet. The caller merges the concepts of time and space travel, suggesting a future where advanced technologies allow instantaneous exploration and comprehensive data retrieval. Art clarifies distinctions between time travel and space travel, delving into the philosophical implications of collecting and interpreting data as a form of reconstructing experiences from other times or locations.
One caller presents a speculative question about how time travel might influence data retrieval from distant planets. Art acknowledges the complexity of combining space and time travel concepts, emphasizing the need to resolve foundational questions before diving deeper into such scenarios.
The discussion shifts to amateur radio operations, where Art humorously recounts his covert efforts to set up a long-loop antenna in the Philippines. Despite challenges, he remains enthusiastic about testing its capabilities, even if it risks detection and removal. His anecdotes reflect his enduring passion for ham radio.
Another caller revisits the topic of remote viewing, specifically referencing Uri Geller’s claim about locating Saddam Hussein. This leads to a broader discussion of Ed Dames, a well-known remote viewer. Art shares his observations about Dames’ demeanor post his alleged remote viewing of “Lucifer,” suggesting a subtle but noticeable change. He humorously speculates about the psychological effects of such experiences, hinting at the mysterious nature of remote viewing.
Art opens this segment by explaining the logistical issues preventing Jim Bell’s scheduled interview. Despite Bell being in New York, considered a global communications hub, poor phone connections made the conversation impossible. Art contrasts this with his own successful broadcast from the Philippines, noting the irony and pointing out the United States’ lagging broadband infrastructure. He comments on how even developing countries like the Philippines often surpass the U.S. in modern telecommunications, thanks to newer infrastructure and technologies like G3.
He pivots to a thought-provoking open-lines topic: deals with the devil. Art invites listeners to share personal experiences or reflections on the concept, framing it as a moment of desperation or bargaining. He emphasizes the universal knowledge of what the devil would want in return, adding a mix of intrigue and playful provocation to the show.
A caller from New Mexico seizes the opportunity to discuss the digital divide in America. Art agrees, lamenting how outdated U.S. systems rely on copper wires while countries like the Philippines use advanced fiber-optic networks. He critiques the lack of infrastructure investment in the U.S., linking it to tax breaks given to telecom companies in the 1990s, which he argues were misused.
Art continues exploring themes of infrastructure and futuristic possibilities. A caller revisits the discussion about the U.S.’s lagging telecommunications system, emphasizing missed opportunities for infrastructure modernization despite past funding initiatives. Art agrees, lamenting the outdated reliance on copper wiring in the U.S. compared to other nations that have adopted fiber-optic technology. He broadens the conversation to highlight broader infrastructure issues, such as deteriorating roads, advocating for a national renewal strategy.
The show transitions to a discussion of microlaunchers, tiny spacecraft designed to explore near-Earth asteroids (NEOs). A caller introduces this innovative concept, highlighting its potential to make asteroid exploration affordable and efficient. These lightweight spacecraft, equipped with advanced communication technologies, could be deployed in large numbers to gather data and potentially identify valuable resources, such as water locked in asteroid minerals. Art engages with the concept, noting its practicality for advancing space exploration while expressing skepticism about earlier lunar ice discoveries, which were later revealed to be hydrogen misinterpreted as water.
A caller elaborates on the potential of microlaunchers, small spacecraft capable of exploring near-Earth asteroids affordably and effectively. Art discusses the challenges of getting payloads into space, emphasizing the high cost of escaping Earth’s gravitational pull, and expresses cautious optimism about the concept’s future.
The topic shifts to Iraq, with a caller agreeing with Henry Kissinger’s statement that a military victory in Iraq is unattainable. Art challenges this perspective, arguing that while the U.S. presence contributes to insurgency, it also serves a strategic purpose by keeping conflict away from American shores. He reflects on the relative safety since 9/11 and attributes this, in part, to ongoing operations in Iraq, framing it as a difficult but necessary engagement.
Art passionately defends the notion that extremist ideologies pose a continuous threat to American values and lives, advocating for a proactive stance. He acknowledges the divisiveness of his views but insists that confronting threats abroad is preferable to facing them at home. His commentary underlines the complexity of global security and the challenges of balancing military action with long-term stability.
Art begins this segment by encouraging listeners to discuss deals with the devil, acknowledging that many may hesitate to share such personal and provocative experiences. He highlights the common temptation to make such a deal during moments of extreme hardship, creating a platform for candid storytelling.
The discussion shifts when Maria from New York calls in to advocate for Essiac, an herbal tonic she claims cures cancer. Art approaches her claim with caution, warning against making definitive statements without substantial evidence. He shares similar anecdotes of unconventional cancer remedies, like a doctor who consumed excessive carrot juice, resulting in both her skin turning orange and her cancer remission. However, he stresses that isolated cases do not constitute scientific proof and encourages listeners to research claims like Essiac independently.
Another caller, Chase from Missouri, a law enforcement officer, discusses America’s deteriorating infrastructure, suggesting a revival of public works projects akin to those during the Great Depression. Art agrees, lamenting the decline of roads and telecommunications systems in the U.S. and endorsing the idea of infrastructure renewal as a means to boost the economy. He acknowledges challenges such as differing economic conditions and employment rates compared to the 1930s but maintains that modernized public investment could have substantial benefits.
Art continues his commentary on U.S. infrastructure, discussing the potential for employing immigrant labor to modernize roads, highways, and communication systems. He reflects nostalgically on a time when the country’s infrastructure was a point of pride and contrasts it with its current state of disrepair. He draws comparisons with Europe, citing France’s exceptional public transit systems and well-maintained infrastructure, which he attributes to high taxes and public investment.
A caller from California discusses UFO sightings near Red Bluff, referencing historical accounts from the 1960s and 1970s documented in Project Blue Book. Art advises the caller that while the final report from Blue Book is accessible, it concludes without definitive answers, asserting that UFOs pose no threat to national security. Art challenges this notion, pointing out the inability of any nation to control unidentified objects in their airspace as a potentially significant security concern.
Another caller from Louisiana questions the assumption that U.S. efforts in Iraq have directly prevented further terrorist attacks since 9/11. She points out the eight-year gap between the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 2001 attacks, suggesting that terrorist planning cycles might naturally be prolonged. Art acknowledges her point but emphasizes that the scale and success of 9/11 could motivate extremists to attempt something even more devastating, which might take considerable time to orchestrate.
Art continues to engage with callers about terrorism and the U.S. presence in Iraq. A caller expresses concern about the inevitability of future attacks, emphasizing that the absence of incidents since 9/11 doesn’t guarantee safety. Art agrees, reiterating his stance that engaging extremists abroad reduces the likelihood of attacks on American soil. Both acknowledge the complexity of the situation, describing it as a “no-win” scenario but agreeing that a complete withdrawal from Iraq could lead to more significant threats domestically.
Another caller from Canada discusses Paul Williams’ book The Al-Qaeda Connection, which alleges the existence of nuclear weapons and biological labs under terrorist control, along with plans for simultaneous attacks on U.S. cities. Art reflects on the plausibility of such threats, emphasizing that extremists with access to weapons of mass destruction would likely use them. He stresses the patience and planning characteristic of such groups, pointing out the long timelines between previous attacks as indicative of their strategic focus.
Art then circles back to his solicitation for listeners willing to share stories about making deals with the devil. Despite his efforts, no callers have yet come forward, which he attributes to the personal and taboo nature of the topic. He humorously references Father Malachi Martin’s claim of recognizing the “perfectly possessed” on the streets, suggesting that such individuals might be among his audience but are unwilling to speak.
Art finally connects with a caller, Chris from New Jersey, who claims to have made a deal with the devil. Chris describes how, during a particularly low point in his life, he mentally declared his willingness to sell his soul in exchange for an end to his misery. Initially skeptical, Chris noticed significant changes soon after: his gambling luck improved dramatically, leading to large financial wins, and his personal relationships flourished. Despite these positive changes, Chris now grapples with the psychological weight of his supposed deal.
He poses an existential question to Art, wondering if this was truly a “deal” or simply a psychological phenomenon. Art leans toward the former, reasoning that Chris’s intent and the tangible outcomes suggest a deal, even in the absence of a formal contract. Chris expresses regret and uncertainty about whether such a pact can be undone, contemplating whether forgiveness, as taught in Christian doctrine, might offer a way out.
Art advises Chris to focus on enjoying his improved life while acknowledging the unsettling implications of the agreement. The caller admits the unease diminishes the sweetness of his successes, as he constantly questions whether they result from his own efforts or the deal. Art empathizes, suggesting that the ultimate resolution may only come at a later point, leaving the caller with a mix of hope and lingering doubt.
Art transitions from the unsettling story of a deal with the devil to a listener’s chilling supernatural encounter. The caller, Dan from Indiana, recounts waking one night in 2002 to a strong sensation of being watched. He describes seeing the floating, green head of an elderly woman at eye level near his bed. The entity appeared just as startled by Dan’s awareness as he was by its presence, and it slowly receded before disappearing entirely. Dan’s wife, awakened during the event, did not see the apparition.
Years later, a childhood friend shared an eerily similar experience, also involving a green, disembodied head watching him as a child. This revelation cemented Dan’s belief in the encounter’s reality. He asks Art if he has ever heard of similar phenomena.
Art responds that while the specific image of a green head is new, the theme of supernatural entities appearing startled when seen by humans is a common thread in ghost stories, accounts of shadow people, and other paranormal reports. Art theorizes that these entities operate under the assumption that they are invisible, and when that assumption is proven wrong, their surprise mirrors human reactions to the inexplicable. He encourages further audience feedback, emphasizing Coast to Coast AM’s role in exploring such mysterious occurrences.
Art dives into a fascinating and controversial conversation with Wesley, a self-identified Satanist from Iowa, and his wife, Josie. Wesley shares how his wife introduced him to Satanism, a spiritual path inspired by Anton LaVey’s teachings. He describes his “deal with the devil,” clarifying that instead of offering his soul, he pledged allegiance, a commitment that he believes aligned with his spiritual beliefs. Wesley discusses his ongoing communication with Satan, likening it to prayer or communion with God, but filtered through his understanding of a fourth-dimensional existence.
The conversation takes a more personal turn as Art asks how Josie, originally a Christian, transitioned through agnosticism to Satanism. Josie shares that her spiritual evolution was driven by personal exploration and dissatisfaction with traditional religious structures. She describes how her initial adherence to LaVeyan Satanism gave way to a broader spiritual approach she terms “spiritual Satanism.” The couple met online, and their shared beliefs became a foundational aspect of their relationship.
Art teases apart their motivations and experiences, balancing respectful curiosity with pointed questions. He sets the stage for further exploration of their beliefs and practices after the break, promising a deeper dive into their journey and philosophy.
Art continues the conversation with Josie, Wesley’s wife, exploring the philosophical and practical aspects of their Satanist beliefs. Josie explains her transition from Christianity to agnosticism and finally to Satanism, emphasizing that her version of Satanism rejects stereotypical practices like blood drinking or sacrifices. Instead, she describes it as a belief system where Satan is seen as the creator and provider, akin to how Christians view God.
She recounts how her family, particularly her mother, reacted negatively to her beliefs. Josie even humorously shares her response to her mother’s prayers for her return to God, threatening to pray to Satan for her mother in return. This highlights the tension between her beliefs and her family’s devout Christianity.
Art questions whether Josie truly believes in Satan’s power or if her beliefs are more symbolic. Josie expresses confidence in the positive impact Satan has had on her life, particularly in bringing her and Wesley together during a time of mutual frustration with relationships. While she admits to not fearing traditional concepts of hell or eternal punishment, she acknowledges belief in Satan as a real entity, even as she views heaven and hell as mythical constructs.
Art challenges the apparent contradiction in her belief system, pressing her on what she imagines comes after death. Josie suggests she doesn’t dwell on such concepts, instead focusing on Satan’s presence everywhere in the world.
Art wraps up his conversation with Josie, delving deeper into her beliefs and how they shape her worldview. Josie shares that she and Wesley imagine an afterlife not defined by traditional concepts of heaven or hell but as a collective waiting room where souls linger. She explains that her communication with Satan reassures her she would not face eternal punishment but might instead act as one of his assistants.
Art questions the contradictions in her belief system, noting her acknowledgment of Satan as a real entity yet dismissing the concepts of hell and eternal damnation. Josie responds confidently, describing her interactions with Satan through tools like a Ouija board, which she claims affirmed her role as a spiritual advocate for the devil. She also reveals that Satan has foretold their potential to bring forth the Antichrist, an idea they have embraced, even considering the name Damien for a future child.
The conversation takes a personal turn as Josie discusses her struggle with self-mutilation and major depressive disorder. Art encourages her to seek emotional stability and reassess her beliefs, emphasizing her progress since August in overcoming harmful behaviors. Josie maintains an open mind, admitting she reads the religious messages her mother sends her and continues to reflect on her choices.
Art engages with two callers reflecting on the gravity and consequences of deals with the devil. The first caller, Stuart, offers to trade his soul to have his son’s band’s song played on air. Art immediately dismisses this as a poor deal, humorously urging Stuart to “aim higher,” like securing a spot at the top of the Billboard charts. Art reinforces the idea that trading one’s soul for a single opportunity is not only risky but also undervalues its worth.
The second caller, Ray from South Dakota, recounts a time when he jokingly considered selling his soul. Initially lighthearted, the thought became serious as he felt a spiritual pressure urging him to follow through. Ray describes how he ultimately rejected the notion, forcefully rebuking the entity he believed was influencing him. Despite this rejection, Ray reports strange occurrences afterward, including recurring illnesses and a sense of lingering repercussions. He notes that the entire experience profoundly altered his perception of spiritual matters, reinforcing his belief in both divine and malevolent forces.
Art advises that such topics, even in jest, are not to be taken lightly, likening them to joking about bombs at an airport. Ray agrees, noting how his casual attitude toward the supernatural was replaced with a deeper respect and caution.
Art welcomes Eric from San Diego, who recounts how he “sold his soul” on eBay as part of a quirky auction. Eric explains that he listed a “vial of air” and cheekily labeled it as containing his soul, eventually selling it for $215. While Eric insists he does not believe in the literal transfer of a soul—citing his belief that the spirit remains bound to the body—Art humorously questions whether Eric’s ritualistic gesture of breathing into the vial might have unintentionally added weight to the act. Eric dismisses any concerns, stating that he used the money for a car payment and feels no attachment to the vial or its implications.
Eric shifts gears to critique earlier callers who identified as Satanists, suggesting they lack the intellectual depth and power-oriented mindset he associates with genuine Satanism. Art finds Eric’s casual attitude toward selling his soul intriguing but reiterates that $215 feels like a low price for such a significant trade. They both laugh at the absurdity of the situation, though Art adds a note of caution about treating matters of the soul lightly.
The conversation transitions when Mike from New Mexico revisits the medical marijuana debate. Art candidly shares his belief that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and predicts its eventual decriminalization in the U.S. He reflects on the significant societal costs of alcoholism compared to the relatively benign effects of marijuana, addressing the historical stigma of cannabis as the “devil’s weed.”
Art continues discussing marijuana with a caller who highlights its historical and religious context. The caller notes connections between cannabis and ancient religious practices, mentioning interpretations of biblical anointing oil possibly containing hemp. Art acknowledges these theories but focuses more on modern issues surrounding marijuana, including the potential economic benefits if legalized. He cites studies suggesting it could contribute up to half a trillion dollars to the U.S. economy through taxation and regulated use.
Art critiques the long-standing stigma against marijuana, referencing propaganda like Reefer Madness as having created false perceptions of its effects. He suggests that marijuana’s illegality is less about health concerns and more about economic productivity, as marijuana use has historically been associated with a more relaxed lifestyle that conflicts with America’s high-productivity ethos.
A new caller from Pennsylvania shifts the topic to a “unifying theory” about the inability to sell one’s soul. The caller argues that love and good expand when shared, while evil, controlled by Satan, is limited and hoarded. Art humorously challenges the comparison of capitalism to Satanism, debating its morality and economic impact. They discuss the polarizing dynamics between ideologies of good and evil, mixing philosophical musings with lighthearted banter.
Art continues with Karen from Iowa, who claims to have sold her soul but then successfully reclaimed it. Karen recounts her story from when she was a young musician touring with her band. Frustrated with her career’s lack of progress, she declared her willingness to “do anything” to become famous. Soon after, an encounter with a wealthy man seemed to set a series of peculiar events in motion. Her band gained sudden popularity, extended contracts, and increased attention, particularly from male audience members showering her with money.
Karen describes being approached by influential figures, including a member of the mafia, who tried to separate her from her band and involve her in questionable activities. She became increasingly uneasy, particularly when she realized the intentions behind their offers. Karen refused to compromise her integrity and fled the situation, metaphorically reclaiming her soul as she resisted further temptation and manipulation.
Art asks how Karen managed to take her soul back, and she explains that the moment she became aware of the spiritual cost of her sudden fortune, she consciously rejected it. This decision was accompanied by a renewed sense of self and a commitment to staying true to her values.
Art shifts the focus to Vincent, a 51-year-old veteran living out of his car, who declares his willingness to sell his soul to the devil for a better life. Vincent shares his hardships, including estranged family, financial struggles, and the recent suicide of a friend. He expresses a desperate desire for stability, wealth, companionship, and freedom from poverty. Art cautions him against the decision, highlighting the eternal consequences of such a pact compared to the fleeting years of life remaining.
Art probes whether Vincent has given the matter sufficient thought, comparing it to the gravity of buying a used car but emphasizing the far greater stakes. Vincent acknowledges the seriousness, stating he has contemplated the idea for a long time and is ready to accept the consequences. Art advises him to reconsider, suggesting that merely entertaining the thought may already bind him spiritually.
Vincent commits to calling back in the future to share whether his pact improves his circumstances. Art reflects on the poignancy of the call, remarking on the desperation that drives people to such decisions, and transitions to Tammy from Pennsylvania, who critiques the portrayal of Satanism in previous calls. Tammy discusses her understanding of Satanic practices, including meditation, rituals, and controversial behaviors, asserting that Satan deceives followers with false promises of power.
Art transitions from Tammy’s detailed commentary on Satanism to another caller, John from California, who challenges the idea that selling one’s soul requires a formal contract. John argues that living a life contrary to divine principles can constitute a spiritual transaction, effectively “selling one’s soul” through actions and intent rather than ceremonial agreements. Art partially agrees but offers a nuanced perspective, emphasizing that being undecided about faith—such as agnosticism—doesn’t automatically align someone with the devil.
John recommends listeners read the story of Howard Storm, an atheist who had a near-death experience (NDE) involving hell, which profoundly changed his life and led to his conversion to Christianity and priesthood. Art acknowledges the transformative power of such experiences, noting that few people return from negative NDEs willing to share their stories.
Art concludes the episode with Tom from Phoenix, Arizona, who offers a reflective perspective on the themes discussed throughout the night. Tom observes that many callers seem to be grappling with personal weaknesses and turning to the concept of selling their souls as a way to cope. He frames these moments of vulnerability as spiritual testing points, where the devil metaphorically waits to exploit one’s struggles.
Tom humorously critiques Eric, the caller who claimed to sell his soul on eBay, suggesting it’s unwise to “cheat Satan.” He also notes that many callers appear youthful, attributing their experiences to existential confusion and perhaps an underlying agnosticism. Tom highlights the growing prevalence of atheism and skepticism in media and society, framing it as a backdrop for the existential questions callers have raised.