Why We Don’t Need to Investigate EVERY Haunted Location

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

This may be the weirdest thing to say as a paranormal investigator. But, not all places need to be investigated. Some places are sacred and should just stay that way.

During my interview with Vanessa Hogle for The Spooky Stuff podcast, talking about her newest book Ghosts Abroad Ireland, she made several excellent points. A few of those points inspired this week’s blog. Vanessa and I were talking about traveling around the world and getting outside of our own box. We also discussed when it’s time to investigate, and when to step aside.

Know When to Investigate, Know When to Remember

I know this idea could be applied to every haunted location. It seems the older a place is, the more “okay” it is to investigate. Even in the United States, we have locations that paranormal investigators avoid. For example, the Freedom Tower in New York City and the location of the Twin Towers. Same deal for the location of the Oklahoma City Bombing. The list goes on. Given that these events happened in the past 30 years, it’s still fresh in the hearts and minds of most of us.

And yet, it seems time may eventually make investigating these locations okay. Or, if the event wasn’t something that affected us personally or something we didn’t experience, then it’s fair game.

Not every haunted location warrants an investigation. Vanessa made a strong statement about this with the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Ireland. This was a place that needed to be remembered, not investigated. If you don’t know the history of this place, you can check out an article here with the backstory.

Think about it, in most traditional paranormal investigations, we say something to the effect of, “Prove to us that you’re here by knocking on the wall.” This isn’t the place for that. We know these children existed. We know they lost their lives. It’s disrespectful of us to even challenge their existence. Some places should just be acknowledged and remembered for what they were. If it doesn’t feel right investigating a location, then it probably isn’t right and should be avoided. Also, consider how someone closely connected to that event may feel if you investigated that location.

Expanding Our Horizons

I think we all know by now that there are no two hauntings that are identical. So why do we approach paranormal investigations the same way no matter where we go? It seems that we tend to look at historical locations and think the same thing; they’re must be ghosts. Not only that, but it seems we put these ghosts in a box and we expect them to act and respond in a certain way.

Do these spirits respond as expected? Sure. But we can take it even further. We can expand our horizons and focus more on the individuality of each spirit. Take into account where the spirit is from culturally, and hone in on their context.

Regionally Different Hauntings

Vanessa mentioned that hauntings are different around the world. No two countries will have the exact same type of circumstances. Of course, every country has had its share of war, famine, trauma, etc. But each country’s context is going to be different. Paranormal activity is regional. The way spirits act in Ireland will be completely different than how a spirit acts in England.

This makes sense because, well, let’s just look at the living. We all act differently around the world and that’s heavily influenced by our culture. A person from Ireland will act completely different from someone who is from France. Of course, we all have awareness of these differences in the living and we’ll make adjustments from there. It’s the same for spirits.

Spirits will act differently not only based on where they’re from but also based on their time period. This is why I appreciate and highly recommend John Sabol’s Ghost Excavation method. He takes this concept and goes even further with it by completely diving into the context of spirit.

Understanding Their Circumstances

I truly believe (and recommend) that every paranormal investigator takes a class on cross-cultural anthropology. Not only will this help us better understand the people around us, but it will help with historical context. We don’t want to look at other people’s cultures only through our own eyes. Instead, we want to see their culture through their eyes. There’s a major difference between being a spectator and being a participant.

Finally, empathy comes into play here. I don’t think a paranormal investigator is truly a successful paranormal investigator unless they are empathetic. Having the ability to share and understand the feelings of someone else is an invaluable skill to have. You can still be balanced as an investigator, even if you’re more scientifically minded. Empathy could be the key to truly unlocking the mysteries of the supernatural.

How to Talk to Spirits

Alex Matsuo

Talking to spirits seems like an easy concept, right? You just talk to them like you would any other person. Throughout my time as a paranormal investigator, I’ve learned that it isn’t that easy. If it were, we would be a lot further in the field than we are now. But what is interesting is that in order for me to learn how to better communicate with spirits, I did have to work on my people skills. Meaning, I had to consult my notes from my communications class in college. See Mom? I’m using my college degree!

If you want to dive deeper into the practice of ghost hunting and spirit communication after this, I highly recommend checking out my book, The Brave Mortal’s Guide to Ghost Hunting.

A lot of these tips were influenced by my years of investigating and working with a variety of different people. One of the heaviest influences was John Sabol’s “Ghost Excavation” method. If you’re looking to elevate your paranormal investigation, I highly recommend checking him out!

History of Modern Ghost Hunting

As we dive into the topic of how to talk to ghosts, it’s important to know where the current style of spirit communication and ghost hunting comes from.

The earliest form of ghost hunting that we know of goes back to the Spiritualism Movement and the Fox Sisters in New York. When they made contact with an alleged spirit by the name of “Mr. Splitfoot”, they were asking the spirit to make rapping sounds for “Yes” and “No” and naming letters of the alphabet. This later caught on as the Spiritualism Movement gained momentum.

Of course, we know now that the Fox Sisters fabricated a lot of their experiences and stories, but that didn’t stop Spiritualism from becoming a full-out religion.

Seances had a similar practice; knock one for yes and two for no.

How many ghost hunters still use that technique? A lot. In fact, ghost hunting on TV hasn’t changed in nearly 20 years since “Ghost Hunters” premiered.

A Rich Man’s Pasttime

As years go by, we have folks like Harry Price, Harry Houdini, Hans Holzer, Maurice Grosse, the Society for Psychical Research, the Ghost Club, Ed and Lorraine Warren, all of these different people were trying to find answers to the supernatural mystery of spirits. They were all doing in their own way.

Harry Price is regarded as one of the original ghost hunters. While he didn’t have a degree in science, he was a researcher and very much a promoter of his own work.

For example, Hans Holzer used a medium during his investigations as a tool and to be that bridge between the spirit world and the physical world.

So fast-forward, and the TV show “Ghost Hunters” hits television, and everyone realizes that they too can become a ghost hunter.

Much of the style we see on the show not only goes back to Spiritualism but with the addition of tech, it seemed that “sciences” had made its way into the field. Well, it’s always been there it’s just that the TV show made it super obvious.

K2 meters were flying off the shelves at hardware stores. Radios were selling out at Radio Shack. People were flocking to this new hobby and it has stayed that way basically ever since. Because TV has been so prominent in it, much of the way that we investigate today is influenced by TV.

Tips for Spirit Communication

These are some of the most common statements you’ll hear on TV. In turn, you may hear this during a ghost hunt.

  • “Give us a sign of your presence.”
  • “Is there anyone here with us”
  • “Do you know that you’re dead”

I don’t like that last one.

It seems that we forget that ghosts are people too. They engage and interact with us the same way that human beings do.

We just can’t seem them. But just because we can’t see them, it doesn’t mean that we turn them into science experiments that don’t have a soul.

So when you’re trying to make communication with a ghost, I always say that the first thing you should do is introduce yourself. Say your name, why you’re here, reassure the spirits that you’re not there to harm them. Also, set your intentions. Speak out loud that you’re only going to communicate with the spirits of the property and only spirits of love and light.

Super important, set your boundaries. If you don’t want to be touched, say so. Unless you want it to be a free for all, then maybe not set those intentions, but things may get messy.

Share Your Story Too

Tell the spirits about yourself. You’re going to be spending the rest of the night asking THEM questions and invading their personal life. It’s only fair that you share some things about yourself too. For example, are you married, do you have kids, did you serve in the military, do you like baking, did you go to school, are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, were you and your family affected by a major moment in history…things like that.

What this does is not only does it allow the spirit to get to know you better, but the spirit might find some common ground with you. Like, maybe they too served in the military, or they like baking, or they are bisexual like you are. If a spirit can see a part of themselves in you, they will be more open to talking to you.

Secondly, when you ask your questions, ask them like you would ask a friend. I wouldn’t get too formal with your questioning because it changes the dynamic of your position. You don’t want to come across as too authoritative, especially if the environment doesn’t call for it.

Also, pay attention to how the rest of your group is feeling. If someone is feeling cold, getting touched, etc. and no one else isn’t, then switch gears and have that person ask the questions because the spirits may want to talk to them instead.

Thirdly, when you do get responses, always say thank you and praise the spirit for the communication. We don’t know how much energy it takes to communicate so always show appreciation for the effort.

Trigger Objects

Don’t be afraid to use trigger objects like toys, alcohol (don’t drink it), music, sewing needles, posters, artifacts or replicas of items from the time period, anything that could be familiar to the spirits of that time.

Again, you want to bring something relatable to the spirits so that they feel more comfortable talking with you.

These methods may not work for every location. You want to make sure you’re flexible and can switch gears to adapt to the spirits you’re communicating with. This is why going with the flow is super important.

Write your questions down too. I’m actually working on a list of questions to ask during EVP sessions. That way, you won’t get stuck if you get spirit communication.

Really listen to the interactions you’re having, and try to mold your questions from that too. Follow up. Be careful asking stacking questions too, meaning don’t ask three questions at once, “What’s your name? How old are you? Do you live here” Be sure to leave about 15-30 seconds in between each question so the spirit can answer. You don’t want to talk over them while they’re answering.

Finally, have fun. You’re going on an amazing spiritual adventure. Be in the moment and see how much information you can learn. Check historical records after to see if anything you picked up can be backed up by history.

Sexual Harassment: Exposing the Dark Side of the Paranormal

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

When the #MeToo movement became a national story in October 2017, it exposed sexual harassment in nearly every community around the world. Millions of women came forward sharing their own story with the hashtag #MeToo. It really brought to light the ongoing issue of sexual harassment around the world. When you see the numbers on paper, there’s no denying there’s a problem. However, there seems to be one community where the movement hasn’t been embraced; the paranormal community.

Sadly, this doesn’t mean that the paranormal community has been spared from the awfulness that is sexual harassment. This past year, it has become apparent that this is an ongoing issue with women (primarily) in the field. But it does affect all genders (male, female, nonbinary, genderqueer, pangender, etc.).

Sexual harassment is defined as, “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and
other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature…when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s
work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.”

But as we know, sexual harassment happens beyond the workplace. In the situation of the paranormal community, it is happening among colleagues and friends. The United Nations has created a comprehensive list that not only defines sexual harassment but breaks down the different types of harassment from verbal to non-verbal.

According to a 2018 article from NPR, more than 3 out of 4 women have been verbally harassed. Part of the statistics included cybersexual harassment, which is the most common form of harassment in the paranormal community. A non-profit called Stop Street Harassment found that 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men had experienced some form of sexual harassment during their lifetime.

This survey focused on folks 18 and older, and the results are from 2018.

What do these statistics mean for the paranormal community? Think about how many people are in the community. This means that it’s extremely likely that you’ve interacted with a victim of sexual harassment. It’s an awful pandemic that continues to happen and too many victims are suffering in silence.

But why is no one talking about it? Simply put; victims are either afraid to come forward or they come forward, but no one listens.

A Barrage of Messages

About a year and a half ago, I did a photoshoot in a two-piece swimsuit. In case you don’t know what I look like, I’m plus size. I did it for myself since I had never actually worn a two-piece, even in my skinnier days. I did it as a way to claim my positive body image. It was about body positivity and embracing who you are. Overall, it was well-received. But it also sent me thousands of friend requests and hundreds of inappropriate messages. These messages ranged from harmless flirting to full-out threats of sexual assault.

When I clicked the profiles of these people, I was shocked to see just how many mutual friends I had with them. These mutual friends were all from the paranormal community. They were in Facebook groups, they were on Twitter replying to paranormal celebrities. These people had a presence in the paranormal. They’re being called, “Brother” by my friends in the community.

The more I shared my story, the more people came forward to share their own stories. Often, we had the same harasser. I was also shocked to hear that people I had worked with were also offenders. But just because I had a positive experience with that person, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t capable of sexually harassing others.

Why This Happens

My story is not unique, nor was this the first time I received inappropriate messages. There are countless women and men in the paranormal community who are met with this on a daily basis. This is an ongoing issue that continues to be swept under the rug. Especially when the offender is a star in not just the paranormal community, but also the entertainment industry.

Whether we like it or not, there is a hierarchal structure in the paranormal. It’s also a world where professional lines are often blurred. Perps will take advantage of their status in the paranormal world, abusing their position of power.

The victims who have shared their stories to me have stated that they didn’t report it or come forward because they’re worried they would across as overreacting. Or, they’ll negatively affect their team/event/TV show, they don’t think anything can be done, or…they’ll face repercussions in the paranormal community.

Under the Rug

It’s frustrating when your offender is called, “Brother” by your peers. Ironically, it’s para unity that is the driving force in silencing victims.

It’s hard for people to acknowledge that their brothers and sisters in the paranormal are perpetrating sexual harassment and assault. Instead of facing the issue, folks in the paranormal community dismiss the incidents as lies. Or worse, sweep them under the rug.

Paranormal community members should not have to deal with such issues in order to investigate a location, get media opportunities, or even to become a mod or admin in a group. Everyone has a right to investigate free of harassment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, identity, experience, etc.

Toxic Positivity

This just doesn’t affect the paranormal community, but also the spiritual community. We have to stop discouraging people from talking about sexual harassment because silence is condoning the behavior. Progress won’t be made if we keep discouraging hard conversations. Furthermore, we need to stop teaching that this behavior is normal and to be expected. Instead, we need to start having the conversation of how to stop tolerating it, especially if the harassment escalates in in-person.

We need to stop silencing victims, especially when they are trying to warn others of their harasser. It only encourages survivors to remain silent. There is a tremendous amount of guilt that can come with silence, especially if someone else ends up suffering because of said silence. Even if you don’t feel comfortable saying something for yourself, consider saying something for the next guy or gal that will endure the same treatment.

For the ones encouraging the silencing, especially claiming that “like attracts like” and insinuating that sexual harassment comes from talking about, just stop. Again, if someone else suffers because you silenced someone trying to speak out, that weighs heavily on your conscience and it can be a deafening and humbling experience.

How to Move Forward

Every paranormal group and organization needs to have a policy and protocol on sexual harassment. If you don’t know your group’s policy, ask about it.

To bring further awareness of sexual harassment in the paranormal community, I would also like to do a survey. Because I want to do it right, I’m going to need some help. If you are interested in assisting me in creating this survey, please contact me.

One of the strongest statements one can make is to confront the harasser directly. If someone is speaking to you in a way that you don’t want to be spoken to, say things like, “Please don’t talk to me like that.” Or “Please don’t touch me.” Say what you see, say how you feel, say what you want, and walk away. An example would be, “You made a comment about my body. I didn’t like it. Do not do that again.” Then, leave the conversation safely.

If you don’t feel comfortable confronting your abuser or reporting it, record it in great detail and tell other people about it. Keep any evidence or proof of inaction plus timelines, dates, etc. You can do this with something like a detailed diary entry. There are also tracking worksheets and downloadable templates in various anti-sexual harassment toolkits online. Venting to Facebook can be a cathartic experience. But it doesn’t always help progress with solving the issue unless you call out your abuser by name.

We need to stop tolerating this abusive behavior because “it’s going to keep happening” or treat it like some rite of passage. There need to be more conversations about sexual harassment in the paranormal community. By coming together, perhaps we can stop it, or at least discourage it and send a message that it will not be tolerated in the community.

How to Support Victims

The paranormal community must watch out for each other and encourage others to speak out. Even if you have only been a witness to sexual harassment, you have still experienced a hostile environment. You are indirectly being victimized by the behavior. This means you have the right to report on your own behalf. In addition, many abusers are repeat offenders, so when you report an incident, you are not just doing it for yourself, but also for the countless others following you.

If someone comes forward to you and tells you that they’ve been sexually harassed or abused, be there to support them. Also, ask them how you would like to support them. This is also important; never out someone by sharing their story. It is not your story to tell. Encourage them to speak out, but also respect their decision to not come forward. Here is a great resource on how to help survivors of sexual assault.

Personal Stories & Quotes

To close, a few people have graciously contributed their own stories and quotes on how to move forward in the community. Please note that these stories and experiences may be upsetting.

Since first embarking on my journey in the paranormal field I’ve encountered sexual harassment and biased at an alarming rate. When I began investigating at 18 years old I had no sense of right from wrong or how to deal with the situations I would be thrust into. The lack of confidence in myself or worth as an investigator has me accepting behavior that today I would firmly stand against. Well-known individuals speaking down to me as a woman, only allowing me on projects if I looked a certain way, coping feels in the dark are just a few scenarios I had to learn the hard way how to handle.

I’ve been sexually harassed by fellow teammates, banned from certain projects due to not wanting to get intimate with males involved, spoken down to during interviews, or told “Ill learn with more experience” when I clearly stated before I had worked on the specific topic in question…it’s a never-ending fight of showing the value in my experience and knowledge outside of how I appear physically.

My message to females in the field is we do not have to continue accepting this narrative. Our work is just as valid as our fellow male investigators. We should not have to succumb to sexual harassment, being belittled, told we have to wear certain clothes, or that our work is less than because of our gender. Stand true to your morals and know that any project that lessens your spark or dulls your spirit is not meant for you. The right ones will value you and never make you feel uncomfortable.

– Melody Knapp

Years ago, I won a trip to go on an investigation with a semi-local team. My wife and I road with the founder for a torturous 4 hours. I was insisted on riding in the front with her. Two hours into the drive is when shit hit the fan. The remaining drive was spent on the founder complimenting how young and attractive I was, grabbing my arms and squeezing. The worst was the stories of her fantasy world where she has multiple boyfriends and what kind of acts they have talked about doing and her asking extremely personal questions about me and my wife.

I tried to be calm and not listen because, well, we were not in our vehicle, we were almost there, and we had already paid our portion for the location. Plus, there were going to be investigators we really wanted to meet there. My wife and I both kept changing the subject, and we both were completely disgusted and just ready to get out the vehicle with her.

Once on location, things were finally better. For awhile. Just before bed, the founder was clearly under the influence, and the harassment was back. My wife was still investigating, and this lady was just stumbling. I didn’t want her to fall and hurt herself, so I kind of stuck by close. She then intentionally “fell” on me in the chair and that was her excuse for grabbing my… well you get it. Needless to say, we hitched a ride elsewhere and never spoke to them again.

– Anonymous

There are too many creepers out there. They’re in all walks of life, granted. We should be calling out their atrocious behavior and standing up to them whenever we see it.

Women deal with this every day in every aspect of the world. It‘s far too prevalent in our field. I’ve heard horror stories from female investigators who were harassed, propositioned, sleazed and creeped on, by males who seemed to think it was not only acceptable, but *entertaining.*

We should not stand by and let this shit happen. It’s a black mark against everybody who stays silent and tolerates it.

– Richard Estep

Resources

United Nations – What is Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

RAINN & National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free. Confidential. 24/7

Stop Street Harassment

Sexual Violence is Preventable – CDC

Why We Need to Debunk Haunted TikTok

Alex Matsuo

As of 2020, there are over 800 million users on TikTok. It is one of the hottest social media platforms around. In one minute or less, you can be treated to a story, a how-to tutorial, a dance, the list goes on.

One of the most popular niches on TikTok is paranormal. From ghost stories to footage of paranormal activity, there are millions of users becoming TikTok famous thanks to the paranormal. However, not all is perfect. Some of the most popular accounts and videos include doors slamming open and shut, things moving, basically some of the most remarkable evidence of the paranormal you can find.

Sadly, most of those videos are not real.

Think about it; some of us are hanging out in the most haunted places in the world, and we’re lucky if we get 20 minutes of spirit interaction out of the eight hours we’re there. And yet, all these people get hours and hours of data and their cameras just happen to be on and pointed in the right direction.

Is TikTok Hurting the Paranormal Field?

In my opinion, yes. It’s creating a weird version of paranormal investigating that’s even further from the truth than what you see on TV. If the paranormal phenomenon was that dramatic, we would have been able to prove the existence of ghosts a long time ago. It’s creating this disillusioned version of paranormal experiences that’s almost offensive. Yet, it’s the creators who are faking who are clearly getting the millions of followers. They have their Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal info in their bio. They’re being sent gifts and other freebies from their concerned fanbase. Not to mention, the TikTok Creators Fund. If you hit 10K followers, you can monetize on the platform and you’re compensated for views. The fake accounts on haunted TikTok are making some money (if they signed up for the program).

Finally, I also think the circus-act of creating poltergeist-like phenomena for the camera is almost offensive to the people who are having true paranormal experiences. Many of them don’t have a camera pointing at it. And blatant fakery like this makes it harder for the folks having legit experiences to be believed.

Easy to Fake

I thought I would have built my TikTok platform on scary stories and ghost hunting tips. But, I’ve become a debunker. Those are my most popular videos. Well, those and making spoofs of Ghost Adventures, but that’s another conversation for another time.

Haunted TikTok and Paranormal TikTok is full of videos that contain nothing more than parlor tricks. In some of these videos, you can even see the fishing line. What is unfortunate is that many of these videos are reaching an audience that isn’t familiar with the paranormal world, let alone debunking.

One of the craziest videos I found (and debunked) included a woman who was using audio from a YouTube video claiming that it was a spirit voice coming from the walls. Even though I debunked this with the actual YouTube video, people didn’t believe me. I was accused of being a hater. Here’s one of the videos in case you’re curious.

@thespookystuff

#stitch with @danceswithwerewolves At least put some effort into it. #hauntedtiktok #paranormaltiktok #paranormalinvestigator #paranormalresearcher

♬ original sound – Alex Matsuo

It’s amazingly easy to create fake haunted videos on TikTok. You just need to use the right camera angle so that no one can see the manipulation of the physical objects. Also, you can find random audio anywhere. What a lot of people don’t realize is that you can edit TikTok videos on professional editing software like Filmora, Adobe Premiere, Canva, etc. It’s not just hitting the record button and then posting right after. People are doing incredible things with their TikTok videos.

How Are People Getting Away with This?

Simply put, no one is asking questions. When I’m scrolling through TikTok, I barely comment unless I’m friends with the creator. What is even worse is that people will reshare the content, not realizing it’s fake. I did call out one creator, and she reached out to me after and explained what happened with this photo she shared of a ghost. Turns out, that ghost came from a ghost app.

Here’s that video. Note: The original creator is a sweetheart, and she definitely acknowledged the flub and did a duet with this video after.

@thespookystuff

#greenscreen Debunking another photo. @kimberlyrhoades112, you were sent a fake. #hauntedtiktok #paranormaltiktok #ghosthunter #paranormalphotography

♬ Baby Elephant Walk – Henry Mancini

We don’t ask many questions on TikTok unless it resonates with us on a level where we want to question it. When it comes to Haunted TikTok, people like storytelling and they like being scared. They may not want to claim the energy in the video, but they’ll keep binging until they fall asleep.

There’s also little-to-no accountability on TikTok. Even if you manage to debunk something, it will get lost in the sea of videos and comments are eventually buried.

Ripple Effect

I think one of the most popular and misleading effects out there on the app is the ripple effect. It has people convinced that they’re seeing ghosts in their home. The ripple effect was made based on a algorithm created to detect body shape. This doesn’t mean it will only pick up ghosts. The AI technology that makes the ripple effect makes it go off based on anything that could resemble a body. This means that random objects can be picked up.

@thespookystuff

#duet with @witchywomanlife Its easy to trigger Reality Ripple. @cherisewilliams.xo covered this too. #hauntedtiktok #paranormaltiktok #ghosthunter

♬ original sound – Alissa Chasse

Look at it this way; we don’t know what a spirit is made of. How can we build a smartphone to pick up on something without telling it what it’s made of? Let alone, how can TikTok build an app to detect energy when we don’t know what it even is? It doesn’t. It’s made to pick up shapes, no matter whether it’s a person or your grandma’s favorite chair.

Why Should We Care?

We need to care because Haunted TikTok is turning into a circus. Don’t get me wrong, there are legitimate creators out there putting out genuine data. But they’re being overlooked by the fishing line and intentional forgery. It’s truly a shame because there are a lot of people out there curious about the paranormal and want to learn more.

Also, there are some very gullible people on TikTok who really don’t know any better. Most of the messages I’m getting these days are from folks who watched a video of an alleged haunting, and it freaked them out so much that they can’t sleep or live life peacefully after. This is why I maintain my presence as a skeptical believer. For some reason, people enjoy my content and they like how I balance between skepticism and spiritual. I also try to redirect my followers to other skeptics and balanced creators who aren’t just posting videos of fishing line for likes, follows, and even money.

What Can We Do?

Ask questions. Debunk and call out when you see obvious fakery like a fishing line. If you see a TikTok video that is too good to be true, it most likely is. Ask the creator if you can see the video from another angle. Also, ask about background and history. Finally, if it seems that they have an ongoing haunting that won’t stop, ask if they’ve had a team come in. What I’ve found is that most of these creators will not get a team involved because they’ll soon find out there’s nothing paranormal happening.

Is All Hope Lost?

Not at all. TikTok is still a young platform trying to find its feet. The people that end up on Haunted TikTok eventually make their way to the more skeptical side. I try to devote a few videos per week to debunking videos. Some of the creators I debunk are really cool, while others are a bit mean and then try to sic their followers on me.

Also, what I really like about TikTok is I can make videos from comments left on my other videos. This puts a face and a voice to my name, and it’s so much more than just text on a screen. TikTok manages to keep reminding us that we’re all people behind these accounts, and that’s why I’m so drawn to it.

If I’m not full-out debunking, I’m honest and share the questions I have to make my viewers think differently. If I can at least plant that seed of critical thinking, I’m doing my job.

10 Silly Things We Judge Paranormal Investigators For Doing

Alex Matsuo2 Comments

We shouldn’t judge anyone, but we all do in some capacity. It’s human nature. I try not to judge, but I’m a very flawed human being; I will be the first one to admit that. Truly, everyone in the paranormal community is a bit judgy, we just don’t want to admit it. Others are a bit more subtle…but we see you.

It’s okay, we’re all human. It happens. Sometimes people just need to vent, while others may be planning elaborate schemes to “takedown” another person. I also hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if someone is gossiping and trash-talking to you about someone else, it’s only a matter of time before they do it to you.

Now that you’re totally paranoid and side-eying your friends, here’s a list of things that we all judge paranormal investigators for doing. Some of these things are just natural things to do and we need to stop judging people for doing. Other items on this list are problematic and toxic traits that just need to stop.

Boycotting investigators for petty reasons

This one is warranted if the investigator being boycotted was caught stealing, harming others, etc. But if an investigator is being boycotted for what they wear, their orientation, sobriety, their religion, their gender, their day job, etc., that’s petty. If you’re leading a boycott movement based on how an investigator looks or dresses, guess what? You’re being judged.

Allowing religious bias to taint perspectives

While the majority of the paranormal community seems to follow one mainstream religion (Christianity), not everyone aligns with that faith. There are thousands of other people who are pagan or follow another line of faith. When you have someone putting a Christian spin on everything in the field (like demons), there may be some judging happening, especially when the person they are communicating with doesn’t follow that faith.

Paraunity

I confess I judge people who are diehard for paraunity. Mainly because, well, I don’t believe in it. Do I support the idea behind paraunity? Definitely. Who isn’t on board with treating people with respect? In my personal experience, the ones who are shouting “paraunity” the loudest are the biggest offenders who cause the most division. Some of us are lone wolves and don’t want to work with other people. With the amount of backstabbing that happens in this field, some folks are really cautious about who they work with. Yet, these are the people who get the brunt of the paraunity hate.

Looping other people into their drama

This one drives me mad. I have enough of my own problems to deal with on a daily basis, I don’t need anyone else’s. Since about 2019, people have tried to loop me into their drama and asking me to be a bulldog for them. Here’s the deal, after all my years of toxic friendships where I was willing to be the bulldog, it only made me look bad in the end. Unless there’s clear black and white evidence that someone is being wronged, keep in mind that you’re only hearing one side of the story. Be careful about getting involved in other people’s drama.

Getting mad when the ghosts won’t speak to them

Oh, this one is my favorite. Just because you pay $100 to investigate a location, it doesn’t mean that the place isn’t haunted. If a ghost doesn’t want to talk to you, and they want to talk to your team member instead, that’s okay. This isn’t the zoo when someone who (willingly) paid money to go to a location expects the trained animals to perform. Hello, welcome to the paranormal field where you pay hundreds of dollars to sit in silence for eight hours. Spirits are not circus animals.

Completely dependent on equipment

Don’t get me wrong, paranormal equipment is great…ish. But it’s not going to prove the existence of ghosts anytime soon. I see people burning bridges and destroying friendships because they believe in a piece of tech SO MUCH that their entire paranormal career depends on it. Becoming too dependent on equipment can be harmful to any paranormal investigator. Actually, being hooked into just one area of the paranormal isn’t good, especially if you’re someone who wants to spread their wings and fly in this field.

Asking the same question over and over again

I didn’t think this was a real issue until I saw it firsthand several years ago. It’s one thing to repeat a question for further validation, but I don’t think it’s necessary to ask a spirit the same question a dozen times. Especially if it’s, “Uncross the rods if there’s a heaven”, “Cross the rods if there’s a heaven”, “Stand on your head if there’s a heaven.” Okay, I made up that last one. But think about it, wouldn’t you get annoyed if you were being asked the same question over and over again while doing multiple tricks? And we wonder why the spirits eventually stop responding?

Provoking

Yep. I will judge you for provoking, especially if you know better. Enough said. If you didn’t know provoking was wrong until this moment, now you know. Go and do better and be an amazing paranormal investigator with empathy!

Only following one person’s journey

There are so many facets to the paranormal community. There are also some brilliant people in the paranormal community who all come from different experiences and walks of life. That being said, you shouldn’t be depending on one person to feed you all of your entertainment and education. We all have our own personal bias when it comes to “ghost theory”, and it’s good to branch out. Then, you can take what you’ve learned from all of these people and figure out what works for you.

Worshipping paranormal celebrities

Going off of my previous comment, the same goes for paranormal celebrities. The talent you see on TV is just as human as the rest of us. Just because they are on television and have a massive following doesn’t mean that they are better than you. They may have more experience, but they are still learning about the field. Also, be gentle to the TV talent. They are people too.

Refusing to learn more

Oh, this one drives me nuts. There are paranormal investigators who are so set in their ways that they won’t even entertain the idea of learning about other theories, stories, research, the list goes on. If there is anything that you need to take away from this blog, it’s never stop learning. Once you become stagnant in your knowledge and practices, the paranormal field will be even more difficult to navigate. Keep pushing forward!

What silly thing do you judge other paranormal investigators for doing?

Are Paranormal Investigators Creating Their Own Ghosts?

Alex Matsuo

For decades, paranormal investigators and ghost hunters have been exploring the unknown. Storytelling and research are part of the process. We learn about the legends and lore behind haunted locations and other ghost stories. These elements go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly. Or, chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce. And, now I’m hungry.

Our minds are powerful tools. Is it possible to simply manifest your own thoughts with a self-fulfilling prophecy, or completely create your own entity? For the sake of sanity and keeping track of my own thoughts, let’s move forward with the idea that spirits exist in some form.

Stories, Legends, & Lore

We need the stories and the historical context to better understand what’s going on behind the reports of alleged hauntings. Is it be possible that as more people learn the stories, all of that energy collects and creates a haunting? This could very well explain activity from the ghost of a person who never existed. Let’s consider popular locations that host investigators almost every night of the year. Each night, we tell the same stories. Perhaps that expectation is what is actually haunting us instead of a spirit?

Take Gettysburg as an example. People visit the battlefield, and history is on repeat. From reenactments to films to paintings to ghost walks to museums to even just sitting in a restaurant, Gettysburg’s story is on repeat. That energy has not had a chance to just rest in over two hundred years. Could it be possible that the apparitions that we see are merely from our own minds?

Manifestation & Intention

The manifestation of thoughts and intentions is becoming widely popular these days. On social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok especially, there are creators providing exercises and meditations for the manifestation of intentions. While paranormal investigators aren’t necessarily going through this intense process, many do set their intentions ahead of time of what entities they want to engage with. They may picture specific people in their heads or just a general idea of who they want to interact with.

Thoughtforms and Tulpas

Several years ago, I want to say 2011, I was made aware of the theories of thoughtforms and tulpas. I actually covered this subject quite extensively in my book, The Haunted Actor, where I theorized that hauntings come from people, especially emotionally powerful people like actors. To put it simply, all tulpas are thoughtforms, but not all thoughtforms are tulpas. Clear as mud, right?

This is where I derail the idea that hauntings are tulpas. Tulpa is Tibetan word for a being that was created by mental discipline. It takes intense thought and concentration to manifest an entity. There is a specific intention behind a tulpa, and its creation is not an accident. I’ve also read that tulpas are created through dismantling one’s own psyche. Meaning one creates a tulpa together by piecing together parts of yourself to create this being. Essentially, a tulpa is your own creation from parts of yourself.

Thoughtforms seem to happen with a similar intention but seem to be more accidental. Also, there doesn’t seem to be parts of yourself being used for creation. For example, a bunch of people investigating the ghost of little Sally at the haunted asylum may be unintentionally creating Sally herself. Sally could very well be a real person, but her spirit isn’t what is haunting the asylum since she crossed over decades earlier.

Fun fact: I’ve also read that elementals are thought-forms. But that is a discussion for another time.

The Phillip Experiment

The Philip experiment was conducted in 1972 in Toronto, Canada by Dr. A.R. George Owen and the Toronto Society for Psychical Research (TSPR). The experiment was to determine whether subjects could communicate with fictionalized ghosts through human will. According to Dr. Owen, he believed that “Ghosts have an objective reality, but they are created out of the minds that see them.” Dr. Owen, who is a mathematical geneticist, lead the experiment while it was overseen by a psychologist named Dr. Joel Whitton.

The idea of the experiment would be that participants would make up a fictionalized ghost, and then try to make contact during seances. In case you’re wondering, yes, the 2014 film, The Quiet Ones, is loosely based on the Philip experiment.

The Participants

The participants of the experiment included eight participants, one of them being Dr. Owen’s wife Iris Owen. Other participants included:

  • Margaret Sparrow, former chairperson of MENSA
  • Andy H., industrial designer
  • Lorne, Andy’s wife
  • Al Peacocok heating engineer
  • Bernice M, accountant
  • Dorothy O’Donnel, bookkeeper
  • Sidney K., sociology student

All of the people who participated were members of TSPR.

Creating Philip

First, the group had to agree on a backstory for their ghost. They decided that the ghost’s name would be Philip Aylesford, and he would live in the 1600s during the time of Oliver Cromwell. He was an aristocrat, married to a cold woman named Dorothea, with whom he had a daughter. One day, Philip rode by a gypsy encampment and fell in love with a woman named Margo. He brought her back to secretly live in his gatehouse, and they had an affair. Eventually, Dorothea found out and accused Margo of witchcraft.

Afraid of losing his status and possessions, Philip did nothing. Tragically, Margo was sentenced to death and burned at the stake. Burdened by guilt and remorse, Philip committed suicide at the age of thirty.

Contacting Philip

The group started meeting weekly starting in September 1972. They would have informal gatherings where they discussed Philip, meditate on him, and visualize him. This went on for about a year with no results. However, it should be noted that the room was fully lit. Sometimes, the participants said they felt a presence in the room, but there was nothing extraordinary that would make them think it was Philip.

Then, the group decided to change the dynamics of their atmosphere and recreate a traditional seance environment. Dr. Owen dimmed the lights. They sang songs and pictured where Philip would have lived and what he looked like. Also, they managed to get antiques from the time period.

This seemed to have worked. Philip made himself known through a distant rap on the table. In traditional seance fashion, the group had Philip rap once for yes and twice for no. Eventually Philip was able to dim the lights on his own, create a cold breeze, and other incredible psychokinetic phenomenon. The group even did a demonstration in front of 50 people, and Philip delivered. However, the group was never able to make Philip materialize.

Continuing the Experiment

TSPR was so impressed with their results with the Philip Experiment, they attempted the experiment a few more times with different spirits. They managed to create and contact a French Canadian spy named Lilith. Instead of taking over a year to make contact, Lilith made herself known in just five weeks. The group also created a man from the future named Axel as well as a medieval alchemist named Sebastian.

In Australia, a group conducted what became known as the Skippy Experiment. With six participants, the group created the ghost of a 14-year old girl named Skippy Carmichael. According to the group, Skippy communicated mainly using raps and scratching sounds.

Final Thoughts

Even after all this, I’m not 100% certain what we’re communicating with in these haunted locations. Are we truly talking to a sentient beings created from our own minds, or are we talking to the souls of those once lived? Thanks to the Internet, these stories are more readily available than ever. This means that we will continue to read, meditate, and regurgitate these stories until we join the other side.

Even if we set up our intentions, could it be possible that we’re creating our own ghosts? Given that I can’t manipulate a K2 meter or a REM-Pod with my own mind, I have a hard time believing this. This is why I find equipment so faulty. If it is our consciousness that is manipulating the equipment, how come we can’t do it right now when we’re alive? What changes once we leave our physical body?

Sources

https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-create-a-ghost-2594058

https://livinglibraryblog.com/the-philip-experiment/

“Philip”. The Mystica. Retrieved 2015-01-16

John Robert Colombo (1995). Ghost Stories of Ontario. Dundurn. pp. 123

http://www.frontrowreviews.co.uk/news/the-story-behind-the-quiet-ones-the-real-life-philip-experiment/29720

18 Qualities Successful Paranormal Investigators All Share

Alex Matsuo

Paranormal investigators all over the world are constantly striving to be better, be the best, and try to be “successful.” I have to say that success will look different to every paranormal investigator. For example, some investigators just want to have an experience. That’s alright. Some investigators want to find proof of the afterlife. Next, you have investigators who want to make sense of the paranormal through some sort of research like history or science. Then, there are others who want to be influential to others and make a name for themselves. Finally, you have investigators who also want to be content creators. I’m sure I’m missing many other categories. These were the ones that popped up in my head.

For this blog, I observed some of my heroes in the field (go here for the list) and I took notes. I looked at how they reacted to criticism, adversity, and what they’re doing in the field throughout the year. Also, I polled my Facebook group and received input from my members. I was pleasantly surprised at the overlap of the qualities they mentioned and the qualities you see on this list.

Now, are there only 18 qualities? Of course not! Be sure to let me know what qualities you think make a successful paranormal investigator in the comments!

1. Possess passion

All successful investigators I know are passionate about this field. Passion is what drives them to keep going, and it also makes them happy. It seems that passion is the fuel that never runs out. You wouldn’t be involved in the paranormal in some capacity if it didn’t interest you and give you some drive. Otherwise, being in the paranormal is a miserable experience. Putting yourself through that isn’t successful. On that note, I need to follow my own advice.

2. Strive to uplift others

Uplifting others means that you will lift others up, even if it means you’re not getting recognition yourself. I’ve seen people in this community go out of their way to uplift someone, and that is awesome to see. When someone is not doing great, there are people to stand out because of their ability to give that person a boost when they need it most.

3. Share the spotlight

Whenever there is some sort of paranormal awards, or lists recognizing investigators, I pay attention to see the reactions. Some of the most successful paranormal investigators I know praised and uplifted the folks who got recognized. Being successful is knowing that the spotlight won’t shine on you all the time and you step aside with grace and let others shine.

4. Avoid gatekeeping

There are a lot of gatekeepers in the paranormal community. I’ve had my own skills as a paranormal investigator and researcher questioned because I don’t have psychic mediumship abilities. It’s insane. Or, I’ve seen people say things like, “You can’t consider yourself part of the paranormal because you’re not out investigating.” Finally, I’ve also seen, “If you’re not trying to find proof of the afterlife, you’re not an investigator.” Successful paranormal investigators don’t gatekeep in the field, nor have they come up with a checklist of things you have to do to consider yourself part of the community. Everyone is welcome in their eyes!

5. Willing to try new things

Something I’ve noticed some of the most successful paranormal investigators do is that they are willing to try new things. This is especially true before they give feedback or their opinion about something. I appreciate that they are willing to step into the shoes of others and give themselves a more objective perspective instead of being an armchair critic. Another thing to note is that trying new things doesn’t mean you have to keep using the tech or doing a certain method. Trying new things is a great way to expand the mind!

6. Adapting as the field changes

The paranormal field is constantly changing. There’s always new tech, new investigative methods, and new social media platforms to explore. Instead of digging their heels in and refusing to adapt, successful paranormal investigators adapt and move to the ebb and flow. Do old-school methods still have value? Of course! But there are also changes happening on a regular basis, and moving with the waves will make you grow as an investigator.

7. Willingness to learn

No matter how successful or how famous they are, these paranormal investigators are always learning. They are taking classes, reading books, listening to radio shows, and attending lectures. Successful paranormal investigators acknowledge that while no one is an expert on ghosts, there are experts in other areas like photography, videography, psychology, sound, etc. There is always something new to learn in this field when it comes to the “non-ghosty” stuff.

8. Use critical thinking

Successful paranormal investigators are constantly using their critical thinking skills. Rarely do they see evidence online and accept it as legitimate. They will ask questions and get as much information as they can. Critical thinking skills are a bit rare in this field at times. So when someone is thinking critically, they stand out. Sadly, they may get perceived as negative and closed-minded by others.

9. Set healthy boundaries

I’ll get on my soapbox with the awareness that I myself need to adhere to this quality. Setting healthy boundaries ensures your survival mentally and physically. A successful paranormal investigator is aware that in order to do well in the field, they have to take care of themselves. Sometimes, that means not accomodating every request that comes their way or investigating every weekend out of the year. Setting boundaries means different things to different people. Figure out what boundaries you need to set and you’re on your way to helping yourself get to success!

10. Recognize differences

This one is huge. In the paranormal community, there’s a popular mindset that basically says, “We’re all the same”, or “We’re all at the same level.” As I’ve said before, this is absolutely not true. We are all different in the paranormal with different life stories, skills, education, and background. It is only when we embrace these differences that we truly grow. Part of that is acknowledging that someone may have more skills than us, or they have more education in an area than us. The most successful paranormal investigators I’ve met recognize and honor these differences, and it’s beautiful to see.

11. Utilize healthy skepticism

This rounds up several points into one. Everyone needs a healthy dose of skepticism in order to be successful in this field. If you’re not questioning everything, thinking critically, and skeptical of paranormal events around you, you’re missing out on an opportunity to grow. Skepticism is needed in this field because, otherwise, everyone would be believing that every speck of dust and water droplet was their spirit guide or grandmother coming to say hi. We would be making no progress in this field.

12. Demonstrate humbleness

Being humble in this field can be tricky. You want to be confident in what you do, but you also don’t want to come across as arrogant and self-absorbed. It’s even harder to achieve this on social media when text doesn’t always translate the way that we want it to. Yet, the successful paranormal investigators I watch are so humble, and yet, they bring a room to silence when they walk in. They still have their authority and they are still confident, but they manage to balance themselves out with humbleness. That’s incredible!

13. Admit when they’re wrong

Admitting when you’re wrong is hard. I struggle with this. But, it’s necessary for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes, especially in the paranormal, we’re not always right. And yet, sometimes we think we’re right, only to be corrected. Less successful paranormal investigators will argue, they will dig their heels into the ground, and they will stand their ground until they’re red in the face. Successful paranormal investigators will admit when they’re wrong and use it as a learning experience.

14. Provide constructive feedback

Successful paranormal investigators say more than just “That’s not good” or “Do some research.” They provide constructive feedback that helps the receiver learn more. This can be hard if the person receiving the feedback isn’t receptive. Sadly, it happens pretty often in the field. But successful paranormal investigators offer feedback as they are requested to do so, and they are able to do it with immense kindness.

15. Able to debunk

Debunking can be a scary thing to do since so many in the paranormal community seem to align debunking with losing credibility. I will die on this hill; some of the most successful paranormal investigators I’ve met will debunk themselves. Or, they will graciously accept the information from someone else that debunks their work. For me, that’s impressive and I’m sure this is some superhero skill.

16. Compassionate and empathetic

Being able to use compassion and empathy while addressing difficult people is an incredible skill. If I could also add a third element to this, it’s that successful investigators also know how to set boundaries. Those boundaries are helpful when it comes to dealing with people in general. Having compassion and empathy with healthy boundaries seem to be one of the biggest qualities with my paranormal heroes and I really strive to possess those qualities.

17. Don’t invalidate others

This is another superhero skill I’ve noticed in the paranormal that I’m striving towards. Invalidating others rarely goes well because…well, you’re making that other person feel bad. Yes, there are certain ideas and beliefs that should be invalidated because they are harmful to others. This section isn’t talking about those situations. I recently watched a friend (who is a very successful investigator in my eyes) who was able to switch naysayers on a post and get them to agree with him. It was like watching a magic show. But what I noticed was that my friend didn’t invalidate their thoughts, and segued their thoughts into something more constructive and positive.

18. Don’t start drama

This is a big one. I’ve noticed that the successful paranormal investigators in my circle don’t start drama, nor do they get involved with drama. They’re not creating slam posts or making passive-aggressive comments attacking someone. But, to be honest, when someone envelopes all of these qualities, they typically don’t get involved in drama. More importantly, when someone brings drama to their front doorstep, they simply close the door and don’t let it in.

17 Things That Happen When You Fall In Love With a Ghost Hunter

Alex Matsuo

It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is on the horizon. Even though I’m in a committed relationship, I still have funny feelings about this holiday. Yet, it happens every year with a plethora of pink, red, balloons, flowers, and chocolate. But you’re not here to listen to me rant about how Valentine’s Day is problematic!

I’m not sure my partner realized what he was getting himself into when he asked me out for our first date. Since we got together in 2015, it’s been an adventure of cemetery visits, me being behind a computer doing research, and calming him down when he sees something he can’t explain. If you have a non-paranormal partner, you know it’s definitely an adjustment!

Let’s talk about what happens when you fall in love with a ghost hunter! This list was made in good fun. I hope it brings a smile to your face.

1. You’ll be asked to do it again, but louder!

2. You have unexpected spirits coming home with your ghost hunter.

3. Your loved one randomly knocks once for “yes” and twice for “no.”

4. You find random crystals around the house.

5. No outlet is available the day before an investigation

6. They yell at the TV while watching paranormal shows, “That’s not how it works!”

7. Your partner wears a lot of black.

8. They talk to someone that isn’t there.

9. They get into flame wars with other paranormal people on social media.

10. There will be light up electronics all over the house.

11. You’re never short on batteries.

12. They ask you about a random relative that passed away.

13. Your animals will stare at things that you can’t see.

14. There’s a collection of old books that only grows by the day.

15. You spend a lot of time at cemeteries now.

16. The travel budget is quadrupled.

17. Life is a constant road trip for new investigations.

What would you add to this list?

30 of the Most Influential People In the Paranormal

Alex Matsuo4 Comments

It’s important to say that this was compiled based on my personal development in the paranormal over the years. I have learned something from every person on this list. I’ve made some connections with a few of these folks over the years. This is me talking about who inspires me. Perhaps, a better description of this list is it’s a thank you letter to the people who have influenced me in this field. When I’m asked, “Hey, who should I be following in the paranormal?”, these are the people I send them to. There are hundreds of influential people in the paranormal, and these thirty are ones that resonate with me.

I’m always curious to see who other people are following, so I’ll ask the paranormal community. I’m grateful that I also asked the community for their thoughts as well because I discovered some truly AMAZING people doing incredible work. Now I have new heroes to follow! Also, everyone at the time of this blog’s publishing is alive. This was intentional. This doesn’t mean I don’t love and respect the greats who have left us. I just want to put the spotlight on those who are alive and working today so you can check them out, see what they’re working on, and interact with them.

How & Why This List Was Created

I compiled this list based on my own experience with these people, as well as common mentions when I was polling the community. These folks are the ones who resonated the most with me. The order does not have any particular meaning, as I feel funny ranking these amazing folks. I did number them for the sake of my own sanity in making sure I listed 30. You think making this list was hard, creating a specific order would be insane! Does everyone in the community contribute something to the field? Yes, I agree that everyone contributes in their own way, whether it’s their expertise, willingness to listen, or even just having connections. With that being said, will there be multiple parts to this topic? Definitely!

1. Alexandra Holzer

I first met Alexandra Holzer in 2013 when I interviewed her for Paranormal Insider Radio. She is true paranormal royalty, as she is the daughter of the late Hans Holzer. You may recognize her from the show, The Holzer Files. What I really appreciate about Alexandra is that she is tirelessly working to preserve her father’s legacy as well as making her own contributions to the field. I highly recommend her book, Growing Up Haunted: A Ghostly Memoir.

2. Loyd Auerbach

I would not be where I am today had I not taken a class or two from Loyd Auerbach. He is one of the most respected people in the world of parapsychology and the paranormal. Loyd is also one of the few folks who holds an MS in Parapsychology (John F. Kennedy University, 1981). He has written several books about paranormal investigations, psychic development, and more. You can check out his books here. I highly recommend them!

3. Kitsie Duncan

What can I say about Kitsie Duncan? She is a true delight, and she is one of the hardest working women in the field I know. She had a successful show on Amazon called The Oddity Files, she has several podcasts, and in all the “free” time she has, she also wrote a book! I find Kitsie’s approach to the paranormal field so refreshing, and I wish more investigators took on her approach. You can listen to my interview with her for The Spooky Stuff podcast here. I promise you’ll see what I’m talking about when I tell you how fabulous she is!

4. Kenny Biddle

I have always believed that all paranormal researchers should have skeptics in their circle. Or, at the very least, keep up with skeptical publications like Skeptical Inquirer. One of my favorite skeptics is Kenny Biddle. He is a former believer in the paranormal and now a passionate skeptic. He manages to keep his knowledge at a high level and can explain things in a way that empowers you with education. Kenny also makes himself accessible to anyone who has questions. You can check out his Facebook page here.

5. Sharon A. Hill

Sharon Hill is…incredible. Where do I even begin? She is brilliant, and she is able to back up her scrutiny of the paranormal with her background and education. One of my favorite articles from her basically debunks the Stone Tape Theory, and since she has a degree in geology, she has the credentials and credibility to make the claims. I also appreciate her feedback on various paranormal pop culture hot topics, books, and others. We need accountability in this field and Sharon gives it out in large batches. She is definitely someone to check out.

6. Richard Estep

You might recognize Richard Estep from several TV shows like “Haunted Case Files,” “Haunted Hospitals,” and “Paranormal 911.” He is from Great Britain and he is a paramedic and paranormal investigator who currently lives in the United States. When he is not traveling the world collecting ghost stories and investigating haunted houses, he’s writing about those very same places or having fun writing fiction with a distinctly supernatural theme to it. Richard has been a huge inspiration to me, as I’m a huge fan of his books. You can visit his website by clicking here.

7. Stormy Daniels

Stormy Daniels is a force to be reckoned with. Like any woman trying to make a name for herself in this field, she was met with animosity and doubt. Not that it even matters, but naysayers keep bringing up her other career and dealings with a certain orange Cheeto. But Stormy looked at all of them and keeps doing what she’s doing without flinching. As someone who has investigated with her, I can tell you with full confidence that she is legit. Seriously. She’s incredible. I admire her for her resilience and perseverance. She’s making big contributions to this field!

8. Sam Baltrusis

Where do I begin with Sam Baltrusis? I first interviewed him for Paranormal Insider Radio back in 2013 and back then I was completely captivated with his work. He has written several books about hauntings and legends in New England and Massachusettes, and he has also made several television appearances. Sam is also the host of Paranormal Rewind, which is a fantastic radio show featuring amazing folks in the community.

9. Dr. Rachael Ironside

Dr. Rachael Ironside has her Ph.D. in her research exploring social interaction and paranormal experiences. She completed her studies at the University of York, and since then has dedicated herself to continuous study. I also love that she has a keen interest in society’s interactions with paranormal tourism and strange events that happen in empty spaces. You can check out more of her research here. You can also follow her on Twitter here.

10. John G. Sabol

John Sabol is one of the most brilliant minds in the paranormal field. He has a background in archaeology and has come up with one of my favorite methods of investigating the supernatural; Ghost Excavation. This method is far more intensive than your traditional reenactments. It brings historical context to the spirit and brings them something familiar to them with scenarios. I have found this to be an exceptional method for getting the ghosts to speak. His partner, Mary Becker, is also an amazing powerhouse too.

11. Beth Darlington

I appreciate Beth Darlington for so many reasons. I interviewed her for my podcast not too long ago. When it comes to Beth, I truly enjoy her passion for learning and her mission to make education more accessible in the paranormal field. She encourages people to ask questions and dig deeper! You can check out her website and courses here.

12. Dave Schrader

Dave Schrader has been a huge influence in the paranormal for quite a bit. It’s only fitting that he is making waves now with his show, “The Holzer Files.” I’ve been following Dave ever since I discovered Darkness Radio many MANY years ago.

13. Caroline Watt

Here’s another brilliant woman in the field of parapsychology. She’s the holder of the Koestler Chair of Parapsychology at the University of Edinburgh. She literally wrote the textbook on parapsychology. Yeah, she’s a big deal. What I really appreciate about Caroline Watt is her ongoing conversations with the skeptic community. She really encourages everyone to think critically when it comes to paranormal claims. You can check out one of her books here.

14. Joshua Cutchin

Joshua Cutchin is one of the smartest and most eloquent guys I know. I first met him at ConCarolinas a few years ago and I’ve been an avid follower of his work ever since. He has authored several books about cryptids, fae, and other paranormal topics. I especially enjoy our conversations and he has certainly challenged me to become a better researcher.

15. Dr. Ann Winsper

I first learned about Dr. Ann Winsper from my friend Dylan Jones (who you’ll meet in a moment). I honestly wished I knew about her much earlier in my life! She’s freaking dynamite in the world of the paranormal and parapsychology. She’s the co-founder of Para.Science psychical research and investigation. Not to mention she’s also studying the psychology of EVP.

16. Robert Murch

I appreciate Robert Murch on so many levels. I’ll admit that when I first started to become curious about the Ouija board, I was nervous. But Robert’s research and presentations have really been a breath of fresh air for me. If you’re curious about the Ouija board and want to learn more about its origins, how to

17 & 18. Anne Rzechowicz and Renata Daniel

I’m going to combine two people into one entry because these amazing gals are a packaged deal. Anne Rzechowicz and Renata Daniel are incredible ladies in the paranormal. They are passionate about history, education, ethics, and making the paranormal accessible to everyone around the world. Their podcast, “True Hauntings”, is also at the top of my playlist. I’ve also interviewed them for my own podcast and it was a true delight. If you’re not following them by now, be sure to check out their Facebook page and dive in head-on!

19. Mike Ricksecker

Mike Ricksecker is a true powerhouse in the field. Not only is he an accomplished author and YouTuber, but he also runs a publishing company called Haunted Road Media. I’ve been inspired by a lot of his work for my own YouTube channel and blogs. Also, I really appreciate how he’s elevating others in the field with HRM, especially women!

20. Dr. Susan Blackmore

Photo by Adam Hart-Davis 2020

I appreciate Dr. Susan Blackmore on so many levels. She’s a psychologist as well as a skeptic. Her research into consciousness and anomalous experiences are worth looking into. The parapsychology section of her website is like a treasure trove for researchers like me. I’m so grateful she has made her research available to us, and she has definitely inspired me to dig deeper.

21. Dylan Jones

Dylan Jones is a UK-based parapsychologist who is currently working on his Ph.D. in the paranormal and media studies at the University of Aberdeen. The knowledge he has on not only paranormal history but also the media’s effect on the paranormal community is nothing short of fascinating. Dylan is also a passionate investigator of the paranormal and he surrounds himself with some of the most brilliant minds in the UK.

22. Tina McSwain

I met Tina in the convention circuit in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. She is the founder of Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS), and she is truly one of the legends in the field. She’s been investigating for over 20 years. What I find most impressive with her is that she isn’t stagnant. A lot of investigators who’ve been doing this for a while tend to get stuck in their ways. Not Tina. I have had amazing conversations with her over the years and she is also willing to help you in anyway she can.

23. Tally Johnson

Tally is another one I met in the convention circuit, and I’m quite fond of him. He’s become a good friend! You may remember him from my video about the tanning yards in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tally is an incredible storyteller who is also well-versed in the world of paranormal knowledge. He has had some amazing experiences and will be more than happy to tell them to a listening audience. Tally has also written several books about ghost stories in South Carolina, so be sure to check those out.

24. Courtney Mroch

Whenever I think of Courtney Mroch and Haunt Jaunts, I just feel joy. A smile comes to my face and I’m in awe of everything she does in the paranormal. She blogs, she runs virtual cons, and she makes significant contributions to the field, no matter where you are in your journey! Courtney is truly the embodiment of positivity and inclusivity, and she is living the dream!

25. Brandon Massullo

Brandon Massullo is the author of one of my favorite books, The Ghost Studies. He’s a clinical therapist and a parapsychologist. He has a graduate degree in parapsychology from the University of Edinburgh, under the supervision of Caroline Watt. His approach to supernatural studies is not only refreshing, but it’s accessible. Meaning, I don’t feel like an idiot when I read his book. I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon in person a few years ago at the Ghost Excavation Conference, ran by John Sabol.

26. Robin Pyatt Bellamy

This lady means the world to me. I first met Robin Pyatt Bellamy back in 2013 when I interviewed her about Mothman for Paranormal Insider Radio. Did you know she’s a Mothman witness? We became fast friends after that. Not only is she knowledgeable about cryptozoology and all things spooky, but she is a genealogist. She is the reason why I started incorporating genealogy into my own process of investigating and researching the paranormal.

27. Lesia Miller Schnur

Lesia Miller Schnur is another person I look to for research knowledge. She’s a former librarian and she integrates her research expertise into her paranormal investigations. Lesia is a part of Archer Paranormal Investigations. She has a blog called The Haunted Librarian, which is one of the Feedspot’s top paranormal blogs! What I really love about her work is that she works hard to integrate the history of a historical location and brings together the context of the reported haunting!

28. Amanda – Spook Eats

Amanda runs the blog, Spook-Eats, which combines my two favorite things; ghosts and food. Anytime someone puts a paranormal spin on hospitality and travel, you know I’m going to pay attention! What I absolutely love about Amanda is that she rates each location based on not only their hauntings but also their food! So, if you love traveling to haunted locations but also need a place to eat and rest your head, Spook Eats is the place to be.

29. John E.L. Tenney

You may recognize John E.L. Tenney from a few different major paranormal projects like the show, “Ghost Stalkers.” He is one of the few “TV people” that I absolutely love to see in the media and frankly, he needs to be just as famous as some of the more mainstream paranormal stars. He’s one of the most highly sought after investigators and researchers in the world of ghosts, UFO, and the occult. He’s a wealth of knowledge as well as one of the most gracious and nicest guys I’ve interacted with.

30. Adam Berry

I’ve always enjoyed Adam Berry because he’s also a theatre person. Anytime someone in theatre is also in the paranormal, my ears perk up and I pay attention. Adam is also one of the few [out] members of the LGBTQIA+ community that’s on mainstream paranormal television. I can’t tell you how much that means to me as a queer ghost hunter.

If your favorite investigator isn’t listed here, does that mean that they’re NOT influential? Of course not! If you think there are folks missing from this list, please, by all means, include them in the comments.

Problematic Statements in the Paranormal Community

Alex Matsuo1 Comment

You don’t have to dim someone else’s light for yours to shine.

Recently, I was nominated for Best Blogger for a small paranormal-centric awards site. It’s one of many award movements that have happened over the last twelve months. You see some of the same names throughout the different ballots, while others have some new faces. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with awards, especially when nominations are determined by votes. It gives people a chance to acknowledge someone whose work they enjoy. People nominate for their friends and then vote to determine the winner. No judgment from people on the side.

The Award Trend

Honestly, I’ve never been one to get too excited about award nominations since I usually don’t win. Just the acknowledgment of “Hey, someone thinks you’re doing a good job” is nice, especially when I lose motivation to continue The Spooky Stuff. There have also been times I haven’t been nominated. While disappointing, it isn’t the end of the world. Truly. The names I’ve seen on these various nominations lists have had people who are kicking butt in this field and working hard. There’s a time to bow out.

Of course, there have been some harsh criticisms with these paranormal awards. The whole idea of awards can invoke strong, emotional reactions. There are some fair questions to ask, like who is on the panel that decides who is nominated? Anyway, I think there is room for criticism and constructive feedback. But, some of the criticisms against these awards seem to stem from bitterness over being left out, or even feeling threatened (not sure by what). Sadly, it’s hurting the people who were nominated and now they are feeling less proud of their accomplishment, which is a shame. In this blog, I’m going to dissect some of the more problematic statements and offer a solution.

Problematic Statement #1: We’re All at the Same Level

I’ve seen this comment hundreds of times just this past year since Higgypop announced their award nominations. I vehemently disagree with this. Why? When I look at folks like Loyd Auerbach or Dr. Rachael Ironside, they are absolutely not at the same level as the rest of the paranormal community.

And some hard truths…the ones who most often say, “We’re all at the same level” are the ones who are floating by in the field. Sure, they’ve made friends and have great connections. But they’re not writing, they’re not researching, they’re not creating content, they’re not studying or experimenting, they’re not teaching, they’re not questioning data…should I stop now?

To say, “We’re all at the same level” greatly diminishes the amazing work that major contributors have put forth. Also, if we refuse to embrace the diversity in this field, we will continue to be stagnant and not make any progress in the field of anomalous research.

Solution: Acknowledgement

Instead of putting everyone at the same level, acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of others. It could be a degree, the discovery of a new investigation method that everyone has adapted, a new book, a new podcast, etc. There are folks in the paranormal field who are working harder than others. That’s truly a neutral statement.

Problematic Statement #2: We’re All the Same

Again, this is like saying, “I don’t see color.” We are not all the same. Everyone comes into this field with different experiences, different thoughts and ideas, and different motivations. This is a blatant refusal of embracing and acknowledging our differences. This mindset is exactly why people get so mad when someone disagrees with them. When someone has a differing opinion, differing method, differing thought process, people get so angry. This also might be why the paranormal community struggles with peer-reviewed studies and classes because of the lack of acknowledgement of expertise, background, and experience.

Solution: Embrace Differences

Embracing differences of opinions, thoughts, and backgrounds would really make the paranormal community thrive. Saying something as simple as “I disagree” seems to trigger such animosity. Not everyone is going to agree, and the best way to manage it is try to disagree with as much grace as possible. Even if the other person ends up burning that bridge with you, you can rest easy knowing you tried to embrace the difference instead of pushing back.

Problematic Statement #3: In the Field for the Wrong Reasons

Actors win awards, are they in it for the wrong reason? Scientists win awards, are they too in it for the wrong reason? I don’t think it’s a bad thing to get kudos for your work. This is especially true for researchers who want to get their work out there. Teachers get awards too! Are they in education for the wrong reasons? No. People get acknowledged for their work.

Do they get attention? Sure. Isn’t everyone on social media for some kind of attention? Do you not have a YouTube channel for views? Do you not have a website for views? Hey, guess what? When you post a status ranting and having your friends comment, that’s all attention. When you post an emotional status, you’re expecting a response, right? That’s attention-seeking behavior. Everyone does it to a certain extent. That’s just life. Seeking attention for your work (in a healthy way) isn’t a bad thing.

Solution: Check Your Motives

Why are you here? Ask yourself why you’re here in the paranormal community. Do you want to meet like-minded people? Do you want to find proof of spirits? Maybe you want to visit as many haunted locations as possible? Or, are you wanting to become famous? Write a New York Times bestseller? None of the things I listed here are bad things. Focusing on your motivation and what drives you in the field is a great way to keep yourself in check. It will help you evaluate what really matters and whether you’re getting upset over nothing.

Problematic Statement #4: It’s Not a Competition

Um…it absolutely is. Every day is a competition of some kind. This is based on my observations outside of the context of awards. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Also, I’m constantly in competition with myself to do better next time. A little competition and motivation to step it up as has never hurt anyone. Many facets of our lives include a competitive environment like work, volunteer organizations, family, etc.

I’ve seen so much back-biting, social media drama, and just high school level temper tantrums that all come from the fact that the paranormal community is a competition. It’s a competition for friendships, it’s a competition for likes and follows, it’s a competition for interviews, and it’s a competition for a television show. If someone hasn’t grown up in a competitive environment, they may not recognize the signs. Also, they won’t know how to handle it.

There’s even competition to be a speaker at a convention. Even in academic circles, there is competition. In the scientific world, there is competition. These other communities have managed to embrace it and use it to their advantage to further their respective field. Why can”t the paranormal community do that?

Solution: Embrace Abundancy

To counter myself, because that’s fun, competition can also be a toxic cesspool if people don’t know how to handle it. Which, let’s be honest, the paranormal community can’t handle it. I do believe that we can eliminate this thought of competition by replacing it with a mindset of abundance. There are enough likes, follows, TV opportunities, locations, book deals, etc. for everyone to have a piece of the pie. You can still believe in abundance AND competition. What does this mean? Celebrate others when they receive recognition. Know in your heart that your time will come because of abundance! There is plenty of room for everyone to succeed, whatever that means to them!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the people who are getting hurt from these words are the folks who were nominated. There are many folks out there who are not part of the popular paranormal cliques on social media and they got nominated. Many of these folks often are underappreciated and not acknowledged nearly enough. Sadly, I’ve seen a few of them want to drop out because they’d rather not deal with the negativity and the hate. That’s incredibly disappointing.

To me, this is worse than the awards themselves. It’s one thing to criticize the awards, but to devalue the nominees is awful. Frankly, it’s nearly crossing a line over to bullying. This is not “para unity”, and it is only creating more dissent in the community. Why not offer your own solution to the issue? Saying “No one gets a trophy” is just as bad as “Everyone gets a trophy.” If someone wants to start an awards page to acknowledge their favorite people or market their own platform, it’s okay. Live and let live. We can acknowledge folks in the community. Someone getting nominated for an award doesn’t devalue or diminish what you’re doing in the field.

What do you think?