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

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.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Reading books as a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator is so important if you want to grow. There are so many resources out there! It’s important to know what other people are talking about and what their experiences are.

The listed books are a mix of “how-to”, personal ghost stories, legends, history, and more. This is just the start of a massive list! If you have a book that you would like to recommend, let me know!

The Brave Mortal’s Guide to Ghost Hunting – Alex Matsuo

Yes, I’m going to plug in my own book. The Brave Mortal’s Guide to Ghost Hunting is all about how to be a paranormal investigator. In this book, I cover a multitude of topics. I cover historical research, evidence review, best practices on the field, as well as paranormal history from a cultural standpoint. If you are new to the world of paranormal investigating, this book is for you!

The Ghost Studies: New Perspectives on the Origins of Paranormal Experiences – Brandon Massullo

This is one of the best books to read as a paranormal investigator. For example, it dives deep into the psyche of paranormal experiences as well as the latest research in hauntings. It was written by Brandon Massullo, who is a clinical therapist and a parapsychologist. He has been cited in numerous journals and is a go-to resource on the topic. It’s safe to say he knows what he is talking about!

Guide to Psychic Protection – Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Rosemary Ellen Guiley was such a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the paranormal. While she has since passed, she has left us a treasure trove of books and resources. One of my favorites is Guide to Psychic Protection. One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “How do you protect yourself during an investigation?” Rosemary has answered that question. It will not only help you on a ghost hunt but also in your daily life.

Haunted Land: Ghosts, Witches, and Divination in the 18th Century – Michelle Hamilton

It is important to learn where the world of ghost hunting and paranormal research came from. Michelle Hamilton has written several books on the historical context of our belief in ghosts. She knocks Haunted Land out of the park. You get to read actual historical documentation of ghosts, witches, and divination in the 18th century. You might also notice that some of these beliefs are still prevalent today. Civil War Ghosts is another favorite of mine from here.

The Victorian Ghost Hunter’s Casebook – Tim Prasil

If you’re ghost hunting without the fancy tech, are you even ghost hunting? The answer is a resounding YES! Back in the Victorian era, people were absolutely fascinated by ghosts and the supernatural. It’s important to know why Victorians were ghost hunting. This is because it gives us so much context as to why we do what we do today. Tim Prasil also includes a few notes from female ghost hunters from the Victorian era. Did I mention that Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are included in this book? They were truly captivated by the supernatural! I’m thrilled this book includes their notes.

Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife – Mary Roach

This book is truly a classic for any ghost hunter’s library. Mary Roach writes about the subject in a funny and entertaining way to keep you engaged. She includes a lot of articles from CSICOP’s Skeptical Inquirer Magazine. Also, she discusses how folks have been trying to debunk elements of the paranormal using science. Her perspective is objective, and a “must-read” for any paranormal investigator or ghost hunter.

The Good Death and the Civil War: The Haunting of an American Battlefield – John G. Sabol

John G. Sabol is the creator of the Ghost Excavation method, which takes an anthropological and archaeological approach to paranormal investigating. Instead of dressing in jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts, and asking questions in the dark, Sabol and his team are in period clothing and engaging in scenarios to interact with the spirits. He’s also written dozens of books with his research, and his historical knowledge is invaluable. In the book, Sabol discusses why American Civil War battlefields are haunted, and how the Civil War violated “The Good Death”. I think if you truly want to understand Civil War hauntings, you have to understand what The Good Death was.

Ghost Hunter’s Handbook: Supernatural Explorations for Kids – Liza Gardner Walsh

We can’t forget the kids! There’s some controversy as to whether kids should be in the world of ghost hunting. But they still have paranormal experiences. Often, they don’t have the context or knowledge to understand what they experienced. Liza Gardner Walsh covers the history of ghosts, how to ghost hunt, how to tell a good ghost story, and more. It’s all in a kid-friendly manner that’s engaging and educational.

Where the Footprints End: High Strangeness and the Bigfoot Phenomenon, Volume I: Folklore – Joshua Cutchin and Timothy Renner

I had the pleasure of sitting alongside Joshua Cutchin for ConCarolinas 2019. He is a wealth of knowledge on theories and folklore, and his resources are astounding. If you’re interested in Bigfoot, aliens/UFOs, and the history behind the beliefs we have about them today, this book is for you. Truly, it is really interesting to read about some of the data and theories being ignored by modern-day Bigfoot hunters. It also discusses how the significance of Bigfoot has impacted our society from a cultural standpoint. This is a great resource for any cryptid lover or researcher.

Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death – Deborah Blum

The American Society for Psychical Research, and the Society for Psychical Research are big names in the paranormal field. Deborah Blum dives deep into the research of William James. She also includes the experiments he performed on the mediums of the Spiritualism movement. What is truly wonderful about this book is while James did find there were many frauds in the movement, there were also those that defied logic and left him scratching his head.