Lifetime’s “Seatbelt Psychic”

As I was curating links to share in the Haunted Headlines post for the week ending Friday, July 13, 2018, I came across an article from Travel+Leisure that was intriguing.

Judging by the title alone (“Stevie Nicks’ and Jennifer Lopez’s Psychic Medium Reveals the Most Haunted Hotels He’s Ever Stayed At“), I thought it would be something a little different. Turns out it was an interview with psychic medium Thomas John.

I’m not a follower of psychics so I’d never heard of him, but according to Bustle’s “How Do You Get On ‘Seatbelt Psychic’? The Contestants On Lifetime’s Reality Series Get A Reading In Addition To Their Ride,” Thomas John is “world-renowned.”

I’ll take their word for it.

The Travel+Leisure article turned out to be an interview with him that covered “…what he does, what it’s like communicating with spirit from different corners of the globe, how he turns off communication with the other side while in flight, how he chooses a hotel room with the right energy — and what happens when he doesn’t.”

However, what it really was was a thinly veiled promotional piece for his new TV show that premiered on Lifetime on July 11, 2018: “Seatbelt Psychic.”

About “Seatbelt Psychic”

Seatbelt Psychic? What in the world…? I thought when I first read the show’s title.

Didn’t have to read very much farther to learn what it was about though:

On the show, he will be picking up unsuspecting passengers who think they’re just calling a ride-share, and sharing spiritual messages from the driver’s seat.

Huh. I’ve got to give these people who create the reality shows credit. That’s a pretty novel idea for a series.

But it’s still not enough to make me watch. Out of curiosity I might watch part of an episode, but I’d have to figure out where I could catch it first. I don’t have cable.

The Skeptic’s Camp

Also, when it comes to psychics, I fall squarely in the Skeptic’s Camp.

Most seem like nice enough people, but I’m leery of anyone who charges for their “services.”

And rightly so. As GMA revealed in “Psychic Hot Line Secrets: Clairvoyance or Hoax?”, it’s all a con.

However, if you’re a regular psychic user, please don’t feel I’m not condemning you. Most people who seek out psychics just want someone to talk to. I get that. I do. Life is hard, nmessy, and let’s face it. When it sucks, it sucks. Those are the times most of all we need reassurance it’s all going to be okay –eventually. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even next week. But we need to know better times are coming, because it’s super easy to forget that during the dark days.

There’s nothing wrong with looking for that hope. As long as you feel you’re getting whatever you need, who I am to judge how you spend your money?

Doubting Thomas

However, I do have some concerns about this “Psychic Seatbelt” show.

As Bustle reported, “…the people who are featured on the show are reportedly not chosen far ahead of time, which may make the readings seem more believable to audiences.”

It’s called technology, folks. Who’s to say he doesn’t have an ear piece and is being fed info from elsewhere about his passengers –who I’m assuming have to sign some kind of release to appear on the show. It’s not that hard to quickly Google someone. Lots can be gleaned in mere minutes from scanning a social media account these days.

Nope. Doesn’t make it more credible in my book.

Also, isn’t it potentially dangerous to read someone while operating heavy machinery? Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. If you wouldn’t want your Uber or Lyft driver texting while driving, why on earth would you want them using their Third Eye for delivering messages?

Use that shit to avoid accidents and traffic jams and safely get my butt to where I’m going!

Just sayin’.

Speak Up

I’ve said my my peace. Now it’s your turn.

Are you familiar with Thomas John? Did you know about his new show? Did you watch  the premier of “Seatbelt Psychic?”

So many questions. But don’t worry. There’s unlimited comment space below. Knock yourself out!