The episode begins with Art expressing his excitement about the new program, “Midnight in the Desert”. He discusses the origin of the show’s name, recalling a song by Crystal Gayle, which she wrote specifically for his show. Crystal joins the program, sharing that she and her husband Bill, along with Mike Loudermilk, composed the song after being inspired by Art’s show. She reflects on the ease of writing this particular song and its significance to her.
Art and Crystal then delve into her current projects, including working on a classic country album and performing concerts. Despite the challenges of touring, Crystal, influenced by her passion for music and her family’s musical background, continues to enjoy performing. She mentions an upcoming event at her sister Loretta Lynn’s ranch, emphasizing the familial joy in their music careers.
Their conversation shifts to Crystal’s iconic long hair, which she admits she has thought about cutting but finds hard to part with. Art continues his conversation with Crystal Gayle, focusing on her Cherokee heritage and its influence on her iconic long hair. Crystal shares that her hair grows exceptionally fast, about 9 to 12 inches a year, a trait she attributes to her Cherokee lineage. The discussion then shifts to the pride and honor Crystal feels in having her song “Midnight in the Desert” become the theme for Art’s show. Art, deeply moved by the song, recounts how it grew on him over time and eventually became a defining element of his program.
Art also takes a moment to lay down the primary rule for his show: no bad language. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a family-friendly environment, as the audience ranges widely in age. Art then reflects on the digital revolution, particularly the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and how they’ve become integral to our lives. He mentions his own attachment to his iPhone and how dependent he has become on it for information.
As the segment concludes, Art provides detailed instructions for listeners on how to call into the show, encouraging the use of headphone microphones for better audio quality. He also explains how listeners from both North America and overseas can use Skype to contact the show.
Art Bell announces that the guest for the evening will be Graham Hancock, an author known for his unconventional theories about ancient civilizations. Art takes a moment to express gratitude to those who helped him establish high-quality audio for his show, particularly the Telos Company and his webmaster, Keith Roland.
Art then discusses the importance of the internet in his work, recounting a recent test show that was disrupted by severe weather affecting the internet connection. He emphasizes his reliance on the internet for phone calls, Skype, and broadcasting his program. The segment includes Art taking a call from a listener named Rose in Illinois. She expresses her deep affection for Art’s show and how much she missed it during its hiatus. Art is touched by her loyalty and enthusiasm.
During the call, Art reflects on the absence of a call screener for his show, a unique aspect that often surprises callers. Rose shares her favorite topics for the show, which include changes in the Earth, such as volcanic and seismic activity.
Art engages in a conversation with a caller named Rose, who shares her experiences and interests, particularly in UFOs and Earth changes. Rose recounts a personal UFO sighting in Kansas, describing a massive, silent, arrowhead-shaped object that blocked out the moon and stars. She vividly recalls the event’s impact on her and her daughter, noting the multicolored lights on the UFO as it powered up and took off.
Art responds with fascination and acknowledges the common report of silence associated with UFO sightings. He then transitions to presenting a news segment. The news includes a report on low-flying planes operated by the FBI for surveillance, equipped with advanced technology. This raises privacy concerns due to the lack of judicial oversight in many cases.
The news segment also touches on a study predicting a potential mini ice age between 2020 and 2030, linked to solar activity and the phenomenon known as the Maunder Minimum. Additionally, NASA’s release of the Mars Track tool is discussed, which allows users to explore the Martian terrain, including landmarks like Olympus Mons and Valles Marineris.
Art discusses the transfer of control of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) from the Air Force Research Lab to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The HAARP facility, known for studying the ionosphere and capable of generating heat in the upper atmosphere, has been a subject of speculation due to its mysterious experiments. While the Air Force is handing over control to the university, the Pentagon continues to be the primary funder, adding to the intrigue surrounding the facility.
Following this, Art expresses his excitement about being back on air after a two-year hiatus and introduces his guest, British writer and journalist Graham Hancock. Hancock is known for his unconventional theories about ancient civilizations, focusing on global connections, ancient myths, and astronomical data from the past. Despite criticism from many scientists who label his work as pseudo-archaeology, Hancock continues to explore these themes.
The conversation with Hancock begins with his background as a journalist in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where he stumbled upon the claim that Ethiopia possesses the lost Ark of the Covenant. This discovery piqued his interest in ancient mysteries, leading him down the path of researching and writing about historical civilizations.
However, technical difficulties arise as the connection with Hancock abruptly cuts off during his discussion about the Ark of the Covenant. Art is left puzzled by the sudden disconnection and contemplates whether to take an additional break or attempt to call Hancock back. He expresses uncertainty about operating the new equipment and decides to take a break, hoping Hancock will reconnect.
Art and his guest, Graham Hancock, delve into the topic of the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Hancock explains how his initial encounter with the Ethiopian claim to the Ark sparked his interest in ancient mysteries. He began to question the conventional narrative of history and realized that archaeologists might be missing significant elements of our past. This led him to write his well-known book, “Fingerprints of the Gods.”
Hancock believes that the Lost Ark still exists and, if not wholly, then at least a significant part of it resides in Ethiopia. He finds the continuous and active worship of the Ark in Ethiopian culture, especially within the Ethiopian Jewish community, both unique and intriguing. Unlike other cultures where the Ark is a forgotten relic, in Ethiopia, it is deeply integrated into their cultural and religious life. Hancock traveled extensively in Ethiopia, engaging with the Ethiopian Jewish community, known as Beta Israel, and found their practices to be an ancient form of Judaism, differing significantly from modern Judaism.
Hancock also explores the possibility that the Ark might be a piece of lost technology. He shares anecdotes about the guardians of the Ark, Ethiopian monks who experience a dramatically reduced lifespan and health issues like cataracts, suggesting that the Ark might emit some form of radiation. This speculation leads him to believe that our understanding of the past might be flawed and that the Ark could have been an advanced technological device. He refers to various accounts, both biblical and extra-biblical, describing the Ark as a powerful weapon capable of inflicting death and disease, further supporting his theory of the Ark being more than just a religious artifact.
Graham Hancock continues discussing the Lost Ark of the Covenant with Art Bell. Hancock expresses skepticism towards conventional historical narratives, suggesting that there may be a lost technology or civilization behind the Ark. He emphasizes the importance of considering ancient texts, like the Bible, as repositories of information from the past, on par with other ancient texts such as Egyptian hieroglyphs and Sumerian texts.
Hancock delves into the idea that ancient texts, including the Bible, should not be blindly accepted but used as tools to inquire into the past. He views them as narratives that reflect the perspectives and agendas of their authors. Hancock also discusses the ethical teachings found in these texts, acknowledging their value while maintaining a focus on the more mysterious aspects.
The conversation then shifts to the possibility of ancient technologies or sciences that appear miraculous to us today. Hancock speculates that accounts of miracles in ancient texts might be interpreted as evidence of an advanced ancient science, suggesting that these phenomena might stem from a lost civilization with knowledge beyond our current understanding.
Art and Hancock also touch on the topic of ancient astronauts, exploring the possibility that extraterrestrial influences might have played a role in ancient civilizations. However, before they can delve deeper into this topic, the segment comes to an end due to a break. Throughout this part of the show, Hancock encourages an open-minded approach to history, urging listeners to consider multiple possibilities and mysteries that traditional historical narratives might overlook.
Graham discusses his new book, “Magicians of the Gods,” a sequel to “Fingerprints of the Gods.” He explains that the book is not merely an update but a completely new work that reflects significant developments in archaeology and understanding of Earth’s history, especially focusing on the period between 12,800 and 11,600 years ago.
Hancock delves into the theory of a catastrophic comet impact around 12,800 years ago, based on the research of a group of scientists who have been studying impact proxies. This theory challenges the conventional view that the last major cosmic cataclysm was the asteroid impact that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. The new evidence suggests that a giant comet broke into large fragments, some as large as a mile in diameter, and impacted Earth, particularly the North American ice cap.
This comet impact is believed to have triggered the Younger Dryas, a period of sudden and severe climate change. Previously, extinctions and climate shifts during this period were attributed to human activities or natural climate variations. However, the new research suggests a cosmic event played a significant role.
Hancock emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential for cosmic cataclysms within human history. He argues that historians and archaeologists have largely ignored the possibility of such events due to their focus on longer time scales. The evidence of a recent comet impact and its effects on Earth’s climate and environment challenges the traditional timeline of human civilization and opens up new avenues for understanding our past.
Graham Hancock further elaborates on the theory of a catastrophic comet impact around 12,800 years ago. He explains that the impact occurred on the North American ice cap, which was up to two miles thick and extended as far south as New York. The craters from these impacts were not initially found because they formed in the ice, and the intense heat generated by the impacts led to massive flooding.
Hancock and catastrophe researcher Randall Carlisle investigated the channeled scablands of Washington State, concluding that the landscapes there were shaped by cataclysmic flooding at the end of the Ice Age, likely caused by the comet impacts. These findings challenge the traditional explanation for the flooding and suggest a connection to cosmic events.
The comet that caused the impacts, initially possibly as large as 200 kilometers in diameter, entered the inner solar system about 30,000 years ago. Over time, gravitational forces caused it to break up into fragments, forming a debris stream around the solar system. Some fragments were large and dangerous, while others were small and insignificant. The Earth was struck by about eight large fragments 12,800 years ago, leading to continent-wide wildfires in North America, the extinction of large animal species (megafauna), and a radical change in the world’s climate.
This climate shift caused the Gulf Stream to be interrupted, which had a significant impact on global weather patterns. The Younger Dryas period, a time of sudden and severe climate change, ended 11,600 years ago, possibly due to additional comet fragments impacting the Earth, this time in the oceans. These impacts likely caused tsunamis and a greenhouse effect, leading to a rapid warming of the planet and the melting of the remaining ice caps.
Hancock emphasizes the importance of being aware of our cosmic environment and mentions that Earth passes through the debris stream of this giant comet, now known as the Taurid meteor stream, twice a year. This stream still contains many large objects, posing a potential threat to Earth.
Graham Hancock discusses the dangers posed by the debris stream of a giant comet that the Earth intersects with twice a year. He mentions that the Taurid meteor stream, which the Earth passes through, contains large objects, some of which are still unknown but potentially dangerous. Hancock emphasizes that it’s a matter of luck that we haven’t been hit by these large objects, comparing it to crossing a highway blindfolded. He expresses concern that we could encounter more significant fragments of the comet between now and the year 2040.
Hancock criticizes the lack of attention and funding towards researching Earth-crossing objects, especially from the direction of the sun, where we have no monitoring systems. He argues that as a civilization, we could prevent a catastrophic event if we dedicated more resources to detecting these objects. He laments the current state of global affairs, with its focus on wars and petty conflicts, suggesting that if humanity united in addressing the threat from space, we could effectively mitigate it.
Art Bell and Hancock discuss the possibility of crowdfunding initiatives to support research into potential cosmic threats. Hancock also expresses his frustration with humanity’s warlike tendencies, asserting that our primitive instincts, coupled with modern technology, pose a significant threat to our existence, comparable to a cosmic event.
Hancock argues for a shift in focus, away from fear and suspicion, towards collaboration in addressing cosmic threats. He believes that humanity is more warlike now than in the past and that we are manipulated into conflict, hindering our ability to think clearly and address global challenges constructively.
Hancock emphasizes the importance of a united global response to cosmic threats, suggesting that if humanity worked together, abandoning fear and hatred, we could effectively address these challenges.
Hancock criticizes the current global situation, highlighting the absurdity of nuclear weapons, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, and the general psychotic behavior of society. He sees the looming danger of cosmic impacts as something humanity could collectively work to prevent if we shifted our focus from internal conflicts to external threats.
Regarding the transformation of human consciousness, Hancock sees the Internet as a key factor. Despite its drawbacks, he believes the Internet is a powerful tool for awakening and uniting people worldwide through shared ideas. He is particularly optimistic about the younger generation, which he sees as a growing force for positive change. However, he acknowledges the Internet’s role in negative phenomena, such as radicalization.
Art and Hancock discuss the concept of government and its role in society. Hancock expresses his disdain for government and nationalistic sentiments, advocating for an awakening of the human species to realize its full potential beyond governmental constraints. He criticizes the current system for failing to address global issues such as hunger, nuclear proliferation, and environmental destruction.
Hancock does not propose a specific alternative to the current governmental systems but emphasizes the need for change and believes that once the need is recognized, the direction of change will emerge collectively.
The conversation shifts to a range of topics, beginning with the extraordinary story of a century-old lobster discovered and decided to be preserved rather than consumed. Art Bell and Graham Hancock then move on to discuss the potential of transferring human consciousness, a theme explored in the recently released movie “Self/less.” Hancock touches on the idea of consciousness not being confined to a specific location in the brain but arising from the mode in which neurons communicate. He posits that one day it might be possible to map and upload an individual’s consciousness into another mind.
The segment also includes a news report on a discovery of the world’s oldest fossilized sperm, estimated to be 50 million years old, found in Antarctica. This discovery underlines the continuous uncovering of new information about Earth’s history.
Returning to the main conversation, Hancock discusses his new book, “Magicians of the Gods,” which is a culmination of three years of research and is set to be published in the coming months. He emphasizes his role as an independent thinker rather than a scientist or archaeologist, seeking to make complex data accessible to a broad audience.
Graham Hancock expects a strong reaction to his new book, similar to the response he received for “Fingerprints of the Gods” in 1995. He anticipates criticism but remains committed to presenting his findings and theories, despite potential backlash from the scientific community. He differentiates between critiques of his work and personal attacks, expressing dismay at the latter. Hancock emphasizes his passion for his work and his commitment to sharing important information about the past, despite the challenges.
The conversation then shifts to the pyramids of Giza and Hancock’s interactions with Zahi Hawass, a well-known Egyptologist. Hancock recounts a contentious debate with Hawass that was scheduled but ultimately did not occur due to Hawass’s refusal to participate. He also comments on Hawass’s arrest and accusations of smuggling artifacts, though Hancock focuses more on what he sees as Hawass’s negative impact on archaeological thinking.
Art Bell shares his experience of being shown the worker’s graves and inscriptions at Giza by Hawass, who claimed these were the people who built the pyramids. Hancock acknowledges the presence of worker’s villages and workforces at Giza but questions whether these were indeed the builders of the Great Pyramid. He does not subscribe to the view that the pyramids were built entirely by extraterrestrial forces or that they are solely the work of ancient Egyptians from 3000 BC onwards. Instead, he proposes a more nuanced view of Giza, suggesting that the site comprises elements from different eras, some of which may be ancient.
Hancock believes that the ancient Egyptians saw themselves as inheritors of knowledge from the gods, which included advanced stone-cutting techniques. He traces this tradition back 12,500 years, citing the subterranean chamber beneath the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, supported by geological work indicating their ancient origins.
Hancock does not dismiss the possibility of extraterrestrial life or past contact with other intelligences but believes that the explanation for ancient archaeological mysteries is not solely dependent on high-tech aliens. He suggests that the universe is filled with life and that our understanding of reality is multilayered and complex. He proposes that we might be dealing with interdimensional connections, and modern physics supports the idea that there are different levels of reality.
Hancock emphasizes his extensive exploration of mysterious archaeological sites worldwide, stating that he has not found any evidence that requires the explanation of high-tech alien intervention. Instead, he believes in a more straightforward explanation: that humanity has forgotten a significant episode in its history and that a lost advanced human civilization is at the root of these mysteries.
Regarding the Great Pyramid, Hancock suggests that its purpose is multifaceted, but primarily it is an instrument that works on human consciousness. He observes that the Great Pyramid continues to attract people from all over the world, despite the troubled times in Egypt, indicating its profound impact on human consciousness.
Art Bell shares his personal experience of feeling something powerful when he laid in the sarcophagus in the Great Pyramid.
Hancock shares his experience of lying in the sarcophagus inside the Great Pyramid, where he felt a profound effect on his consciousness. He suggests that the Great Pyramid is an instrument designed to enhance human consciousness, explaining how it affected him and many others who visit it.
The conversation then shifts to the Arab Spring and the potential destruction of ancient sites in Egypt and other parts of the world. Hancock criticizes fundamentalist ideologies within Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, noting their tendency to destroy the past, which he views as essential for understanding humanity’s true history and potential. He emphasizes the danger of fundamentalism when beliefs become so extreme that they lead to the persecution or killing of others.
Art Bell and Hancock discuss consciousness, with Hancock expressing his belief that consciousness is key to understanding reality and potentially accessing other dimensions. He criticizes mainstream science for failing to adequately explain consciousness and advocates for the exploration of consciousness, including the use of psychedelics as tools for understanding.
Hancock confirms a rumor that he once announced he had had enough of marijuana, explaining that this was a personal decision. He clarifies that he does not categorize marijuana with other psychedelics, which he views as valuable for exploring consciousness.
He expresses excitement about the legalization of marijuana in some parts of the United States, viewing it as a step towards respecting adults’ rights to make decisions about their own consciousness. Hancock advocates for adult responsibility and criticizes the government for imposing restrictions on consciousness exploration, particularly regarding the use of psychedelics.
Hancock shares his own history with marijuana, revealing that he started using it later in life and eventually began to abuse it, smoking it all day long while writing his books. He credits marijuana for boosting his creativity but acknowledges that he did not treat the herb with respect, leading to negative effects on his personality.
During a series of sessions with Ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic used in the Amazon, Hancock was confronted with the need to change his relationship with cannabis. He took a break from cannabis for three years, learning to respect its power and use it more responsibly.
Hancock believes that marijuana can enhance creativity, but this effect varies depending on individual body chemistry. He credits marijuana for helping him write his books on historical mysteries, including “Fingerprints of the Gods,” but emphasizes the importance of using it respectfully and not allowing it to dominate one’s life.
Graham Hancock shares his experiences with Ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic used for thousands of years in the Amazon. He describes Ayahuasca as “the vine of souls” and explains its ability to connect users with the realm of the dead and the deceased. According to Hancock, Ayahuasca is made from two jungle plants: the Ayahuasca vine, which contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and a bush called Chacruna, which contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine), the most powerful hallucinogen known to man.
Hancock elaborates on the Ayahuasca experience, noting its capacity for profound explorations of reality that can last up to four hours. He contrasts this with the shorter, more intense experience of smoked DMT. Ayahuasca, he explains, often induces vomiting and diarrhea, making it a physically challenging experience. However, it also provides access to what appears to be other intelligences or dimensions of reality. Hancock believes these encounters are not merely hallucinations but genuine interactions with other levels of reality, a concept supported by quantum physics.
Discussing the legal status of Ayahuasca in the United States, Hancock mentions that it is available through a couple of Ayahuasca churches that operate legally due to exemptions for religious practices. These churches mix aspects of various spiritual traditions and allow members to have legal experiences with Ayahuasca.
Hancock describes Ayahuasca as a tool for exploring inner space and believes that understanding consciousness should precede outer space exploration. He stresses the importance of using ancient plant technologies, like Ayahuasca, for exploring the mysteries of consciousness.
The conversation then shifts to global warming and climate change. Hancock acknowledges that the Earth’s climate has undergone radical changes in the past, citing the Younger Dryas as an example of sudden climate shift induced by a comet impact. He believes that while humans are undoubtedly a factor in climate change, they are not the only factor, emphasizing the complexity of Earth’s climate system.
Hancock argues that instead of focusing solely on climate change, humanity should examine its behavior and impact on the planet. He advocates for a shift towards positive, light-filled actions and away from destructive behaviors, regardless of the climate change debate.
Hancock agrees with a caller’s perspective on the significant connection between humans and plants, emphasizing that plants exhibit a form of intelligence that can profoundly affect human consciousness. He believes that this connection is deliberate and vital for understanding the world.
Responding to a question about messages received during Ayahuasca sessions, Hancock shares that the most important message he received was the need to set aside hate, fear, and suspicion. Ayahuasca taught him the importance of love and positive action. He stresses that while we cannot change our past, we can choose to act more lovingly and positively in the future.
A caller from Hawaii mentions the legal use of Ayahuasca in ceremonies and inquires about the use of psychedelics in ancient cultures and their potential impact on neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. Hancock believes that the use of psychedelic plants was extensive in the ancient world and contributed to healthier civilizations and individuals. He contrasts this with modern society, which he views as an aberration in history, especially with its ongoing war on drugs.
Throughout the segment, Hancock advocates for a broader understanding of consciousness and the beneficial role that psychedelics can play in exploring and enhancing it. He encourages a shift in societal attitudes towards these substances and emphasizes the need for love and understanding in human interactions.
Hancock talks about the potential existence of a second Sphinx in Egypt, suggesting that it might be buried under the sands. He believes that the Sphinx was originally entirely a lion and later had its head reworked into a human form by Egyptian pharaohs. Hancock connects the Sphinx to the constellation of Leo, dating it back to around 12,500 years ago, a period of significant global change.
A caller from Scotland inquires about the idea that the Sphinxes might be dogs, guardians of the gate, rather than lions. Hancock dismisses this idea, maintaining his belief that the Sphinx has always been associated with a lion and connected to Anubis, the Egyptian guide of souls.
Another caller from Indonesia asks for an update on Gunung Padang, which Hancock describes as a 25,000-year-old pyramid. He credits Indonesian geologist Danny Hillman for the exploration and investigation of the site and mentions his own research visits there, emphasizing the significance of this ancient structure.
Throughout the segment, Hancock engages with the audience’s curiosity and provides insights into his research and theories on ancient structures and civilizations. He encourages listeners to preorder his book, “Magicians of the Gods,” and continues to explore the mysteries of human history and consciousness.
Hancock discusses the dual nature of psychedelics, emphasizing that they can be used for both positive and negative purposes depending on the intention of the user. He highlights the importance of positive intentions, filled with love and light, for beneficial psychedelic experiences. He acknowledges the possibility that the Nazis might have used psychedelics to enhance their occult practices, showcasing the dark side of these substances.
One caller inquires about Hancock’s previous comments on the Sphinx, specifically about water erosion marks. Hancock explains that the precipitation-induced weathering of the Sphinx suggests it was subjected to heavy rainfall thousands of years ago, which would date the Sphinx back to more than 12,000 years old, far earlier than the last 5,000 years of Egypt’s history. This theory supports the idea that the Sphinx is much older than commonly believed, a view championed by Professor Robert Schock and John Anthony West.
In the concluding segment of “Coast To Coast AM,” Graham Hancock wraps up his discussion with host Art Bell. He reiterates the significance of Gunung Padang in Indonesia, describing it as an extraordinary ancient site that he covers in depth in his book, “Magicians of the Gods.”
Art Bell expresses his appreciation for having Hancock on the program and invites him to return in the future. Hancock responds with gratitude, acknowledging Bell as an old friend and a great broadcaster. He expresses his delight in participating in the show and sharing his insights with the audience.
The segment ends with Art Bell thanking Hancock and the listeners, and he looks forward to future broadcasts.