Published 2:49 pm EST, Tuesday, January 1, 2019
When Thomas John, a renowned psychic medium, was first approached about being the driver on television’s “Seatbelt Psychic,” he wasn’t interested.
“I basically said, ‘No, that sounds ridiculous.’” John said he didn’t think it would be a good idea to film passengers who opted to receive a reading from him (sharing messages from their deceased loved ones) after they’d used a ride-share app which led him to pick them up.
But his friend, comedian/television host James Corden (of “Carpool Karaoke” fame) won him over. John said Corden and his team, who wanted to do more shows in cars, said “it could open people’s minds” to connecting with the spirit world, and “be a way of sharing stories of the human experience.”
John decided it could be helpful to people. Sure enough, the Lifetime show debuted in 2018, has an addictive quality to it, and may be returning this year.
Catching a ride with “The Seatbelt Psychic,” as he is sometimes known, isn’t the only way to get a reading from John. The Massachusetts native, who has worked with celebrities such as Courteney Cox and Goldie Hawn, will appear at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, Jan. 13.
John, who splits his time between apartments in New York City and Los Angeles, shared more in a phone chat. The author of 2015’s “Never Argue with a Dead Person: True and Unbelievable Stories from the Other Side,” said the show will be very interactive and that 90 percent of it will be him doing readings.
“I’ll talk a little about myself, then get to the main thing of bringing through messages... I will read people in the audience,” he said. What he shares will depend on which spirits come through, but John said don’t be discouraged if the audience is packed. “Many people come in groups with other family members, so there might be seven people wanting to hear from one person (spirit).”
John opens his mind and spirit, then waits; different things happen. “I might hear a message in my head or I will feel pulled somewhere, or I might say, ‘This is the person who is coming through’ and someone will say, ‘That connects with me.’”
Even if you don’t get a reading, it’s still inspirational, he said. “You don’t have to prepare, but certainly the most important thing is in days leading up to event, be thinking about your loved ones through prayer or meditation or thoughts. Be sort of asking them to come through.”
And what about those who don’t believe? “I feel I am offering something... If people feel inspired and want to come, that is the best way (to experience this). But I encourage people who are skeptical to come, too. There is nothing wrong with being skeptical.”
Basically, John said it doesn’t matter to him if some people don’t believe he connects with the spirit world, because his goal is not to convince everyone, it is simply to share his gifts, which he has had since he was a child.
When asked what he’s learned from his experiences, John said, “I have learned that love never dies, that the bond we share with loved ones is there no mater what.”
lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz
