In the first half, Dan Mason took us on a journey through his radio broadcasting career, from his humble beginnings as an overnight disc jockey in Kentucky to his role as president and CEO of CBS Radio. With a natural talent for connecting with listeners, he sought to reinvent himself throughout his 50-year broadcasting career. His various roles in radio included Program Director, General Manager, and executive leadership. Another example of reinvention in the media industry is Bob Pittman, the current CEO of iHeartMedia, whose diverse trajectory —from radio to MTV to AOL— can be seen as a model for adaptability, Mason said.
Reflecting on radio's resilience amid technological shifts, Mason recalled skepticism during the advent of color TV, cassettes, CDs, and satellite radio. Despite these challenges, he asserted, "We're still there...Still doing our thing, getting stronger and stronger." He highlighted radio's unique role: "People listen to the radio because of companionship," and praised the personal bond between hosts and audiences, and radio's unique connection to listeners despite advances in formats and platforms.
Sharing hard-earned wisdom, he encouraged listeners to heed their inner voices and take risks. Yet, he cautioned against believing one's own hype: "If you believe your own hype, believe your own press, it will eventually destroy you." Discussing the future of media, including radio, TV, and podcasting, Mason advised newcomers to "follow your passion" and be prepared for challenges, noting the necessity of perseverance.
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In the latter half, Archbishop Ronald Enright, a chief exorcist with nearly five decades of experience and founder of the international Order of Exorcists, delved into case histories and signs of demonic possession and infestation. Discussing the Order of Exorcists, founded in 1982, he explained the rise in cases of demonic activity reported to his team, from poltergeist phenomena to possession. He stressed the rarity of true possession —"maybe one out of 500," as mental illness is sometimes the culprit rather than demons. Yet, he noted that demonic infestation is more common than possession and often linked to occult practices like Ouija boards. He warned of the psychological toll, describing possession as "one of the most tragic, most traumatic experiences that anyone can go through," and highlighted the risk of demonic influence that encourages a person to commit suicide.
Noting the physical dangers of his work, he cited a 2013 incident in San Bernardino where he was struck three times by an invisible force during a ritual, resulting in a two-liter blood sac around his heart. While some Hollywood depictions of possession and exorcism are more for entertainment or shock value, he confirmed some extremely bizarre or disturbing phenomena have been observed, including:
- Vomiting of solid objects from the ears, nose, or mouth
- Levitation and bodies sticking to ceilings.
- Walls secreting substances.
- Individuals crawling on walls or ceilings.
Enright suggested that extreme criminal behavior, such as that seen in serial killers, could potentially be influenced by demonic forces. He detailed the process his organization follows when contacted about potential demonic activity, explaining that assessments involve scientific investigation to rule out natural causes. Real-life cases are handled with strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of the victims and their families, he added.
News segment guests: Lauren Weinstein, Seth Shostak