The show also had a sense of piercing intimacy - his singular voice, cutting through the lonely folds of the night to offer a human connection. Like you said, he offered respect to listeners set apart from the daywalkers who *really* ran things. Or did they?
I don't know a ton about Art Bell, but I think he would be pleased and proud of your audio feature, and his role in your broadcast development. Also glad TCR has a producer on board for that extra level of polish.
Wow—really enjoyed this audio treat. Thanks for the memories. I was a regular Art Bell listener as well. He was one-of-a-kind. He was down to earth and relatable—almost to a fault—like when he accidentally glued his lips together during a commercial break while trying to repair some piece of gear. Or when he went outside and fell through his unfinished deck. But I Ioved his open mind and true libertarian spirit. I still go back and listen to old episodes on occasion.
I agree that as much as I enjoy podcasts and Youtube, there's nothing quite like the AM dial and the immediacy and mood of live radio. It's also interesting to note how many shows do seem to stand on Art's shoulders to some degree—the Why Files is one I enjoy. As a kid I was mostly into AM sports radio ( wrote about that here: https://runningroadblocks.substack.com/p/a-tribute-to-sports-radio)
Anyway, thanks again for taking me back. I hope you'll revisit the topic.
I'm glad you liked it! Prior to this, I did a small nod to Bell each year on the anniversary of his death. I think there's tons to revisit though. One day in the future maybe we'll do an episode on Madman Marcum or John Titor.
I love the Why Files. Used to listen to it when I worked at WGBH.
I've always heard of "coast to coast," but associated it mostly with the Adult Swim show "Space Ghost Coast to Coast." I was vaguely aware of Art Bell, but more familiar with major network productions like The X Files. I'm now convinced that radio, at least in the way that Art used it, can be a form of social media. I am finding it increasingly likely that our desire for social media created the internet, as opposed to the conventional explanation that social media "captured" the mind and forced us to become addicted to it, and without it, we would be hanging out at the bar or the mall. This is a very well-done episode and I look forward to more like it.
The show also had a sense of piercing intimacy - his singular voice, cutting through the lonely folds of the night to offer a human connection. Like you said, he offered respect to listeners set apart from the daywalkers who *really* ran things. Or did they?
Totally brilliant,Katherine!
Thank you!
I don't know a ton about Art Bell, but I think he would be pleased and proud of your audio feature, and his role in your broadcast development. Also glad TCR has a producer on board for that extra level of polish.
Wow—really enjoyed this audio treat. Thanks for the memories. I was a regular Art Bell listener as well. He was one-of-a-kind. He was down to earth and relatable—almost to a fault—like when he accidentally glued his lips together during a commercial break while trying to repair some piece of gear. Or when he went outside and fell through his unfinished deck. But I Ioved his open mind and true libertarian spirit. I still go back and listen to old episodes on occasion.
I agree that as much as I enjoy podcasts and Youtube, there's nothing quite like the AM dial and the immediacy and mood of live radio. It's also interesting to note how many shows do seem to stand on Art's shoulders to some degree—the Why Files is one I enjoy. As a kid I was mostly into AM sports radio ( wrote about that here: https://runningroadblocks.substack.com/p/a-tribute-to-sports-radio)
Anyway, thanks again for taking me back. I hope you'll revisit the topic.
I'm glad you liked it! Prior to this, I did a small nod to Bell each year on the anniversary of his death. I think there's tons to revisit though. One day in the future maybe we'll do an episode on Madman Marcum or John Titor.
I love the Why Files. Used to listen to it when I worked at WGBH.
Madman Marcum—one of the best! Mel's Hole too. WGBH? Nice. Jealous of anyone who's worked in radio.
The production value here is so good. It reminds me of This American Life. I mean that in the best possible way.
Thank you!! Taylor did great work on this
I've always heard of "coast to coast," but associated it mostly with the Adult Swim show "Space Ghost Coast to Coast." I was vaguely aware of Art Bell, but more familiar with major network productions like The X Files. I'm now convinced that radio, at least in the way that Art used it, can be a form of social media. I am finding it increasingly likely that our desire for social media created the internet, as opposed to the conventional explanation that social media "captured" the mind and forced us to become addicted to it, and without it, we would be hanging out at the bar or the mall. This is a very well-done episode and I look forward to more like it.
Dude I couldn’t agree more — this was one of the theses of this ep, that radio is social media in a way. You’re right on the money. And thank you!!