February 8, 2002: Electronic Voice Phenomena - Brendan Cook & Barbara McBeath
The pair plays numerous EVP recordings throughout the broadcast, including a child's voice saying "bye-bye" at a private residence, a woman identifying herself as "Alma Berg" at a pioneer cemetery matching a nearby headstone, and a disturbing whisper declaring "our death gate" inside a mausoleum. Art reacts with particular unease to a recording of a spirit saying "plastic eyes," which Brendan confirms relates to the mortuary practice of placing plastic forms under a deceased person's eyelids.
Cook and McBeath explain their methods, recommend equipment for listeners who want to try EVP themselves, and discuss how spirits appear aware of the investigators' presence, often responding directly to questions. They note that cold weather tends to yield the clearest recordings and emphasize they accept no money for their work, maintaining credibility through their refusal to commercialize the research.
Key Moments
How they record the dead: Art explains the GIS method: high-quality cassette decks loaded with brand-new tapes still in the wrapper, taken to cemeteries, hospitals and prisons - and they get results.
Nothing to sell: Art notes audiences dismiss guests who are pushing books or merchandise. The GIS members confirm they've turned down even t-shirt requests because they don't want to look like they're in it for the money.
A child's voice says bye-bye: First playback of the night: a private residence with reported ghost activity. As GIS member Jenny says thank you on her way out, a child-like voice answers bye-bye on the tape.
Get out: At a Victorian-style house, Jenny says "the window's open" and a separate voice cuts over hers ordering them out. Barbara tells Art they're told to get out periodically at investigation sites.
Chorus of voices in the cemetery: GIS plays a cemetery recording where what should be Barbara saying she needs bug spray is overlaid by what sounds like a crowd. Art compares it to Grand Central Station.