My Tribute to Art Bell

As you may have already heard, Art Bell, long-time paranormal radio show host, has died at at the age of 72, at his home in Pahrump, Nevada on Friday.

​​Art made a big impact on me as a kid. He and his many diverse guests spurred my imagination like nothing else. He opened my mind to the possibility that there are alternative explanations out there and taught me that the world is far from the mundane façade we encounter every day. Although I traveled a more traditional academic path, it was his show that kept me from becoming another guardian of the "Ivory Tower." I, like many listeners, saw his show as an escape; a place to virtually commune with other open-minded seekers during a time before the internet was firmly entrenched in our culture. 

While many of his shows challenged us to ask if we were alone in this universe, I think Art's greatest achievement was creating a community, reassuring his audience that they were not alone in their everyday lives. 

Now, with our open minds, we have the power to reach out to the next generation of curious seekers in ways some of us could have never imagined. I am honored to have come full circle in my life; from being a listener, to a Coast to Coast guest, and “alternative” researcher. It was a bittersweet day to learn that Art passed on the day my own show, Digging Deeper, was set to launch. 

I don’t believe Art would want us to dwell in the negative. Instead, I picture him under a starry night sky rocking out to Blue Oyster Cult song, “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” (one of the songs he often played in his bumper music). Imagine the look The Reaper must have had when Art asked him; “Wanna take a ride?” 

Thank you, Art Bell. 

From Heather, East of the Rockies.