Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Art Bell invented this shit. Right, so a part of it is that he understood the pull. And so maybe let's cut to, let's cut to an example." — Ben Kissel
"Well, the thing is that when you smoke a lot, for about 10 years there, you have the best radio voice ever. Because Art Bell had that wonderful drive, going down like this. And it wasn't something like he was faking it. Because his voice was just like a ragged mess." — Henry Zabrowski
"And he also spoke about how humans cause global warming. He wanted to decriminalize marijuana before this was really a mainstream idea." — Ben Kissel
This episode of "Side Stories" from the Last Podcast on the Left delves into the life and legacy of Art Bell, the influential host of "Coast to Coast AM." Ben Kissel and Henry Zabrowski explore how Bell's show became a national phenomenon, providing a platform for paranormal discussions, conspiracy theories, and true crime stories, and how he inspired a range of other broadcasters, including figures like Alex Jones. They highlight Bell's early career, including his time as a medic in Vietnam and his early forays into amateur radio, noting his protest against the war through pirate radio broadcasts.
The discussion touches on Bell's unique broadcasting style, his ability to engage with a wide array of callers, and the enduring fascination with his show, which at its peak reached 22 million listeners. The hosts analyze his personal evolution, from his early adoption of controversial topics to his later stances on issues like climate change and drug decriminalization, painting a picture of a pragmatic individual who was also a pioneer in his field. They reflect on the show's impact and the nature of its content, including a famous segment with a caller discussing extraterrestrial infiltration, and debate the authenticity of some of the stories shared.
The conversation also touches on Bell's personal life, including his marriages and his later move to Pahrump, Nevada, where he continued broadcasting. The hosts contrast Bell's approach with that of later hosts like George Noory, who they suggest is more of an entertainer focused on merchandise. They celebrate Bell's courage in exploring fringe topics and his role in shaping the landscape of late-night talk radio, concluding that even if some content was fabricated, it made for compelling and influential radio.