Professional Ghost Hunting

Are Ghost Hunting TV Shows Real? – Podcast

In this 5-minute podcast, you’ll learn what’s (probably) real – and what isn’t – on ghost hunting TV shows.

In the past, I’ve talked about how “real” (or fake) ghost hunting is, on TV shows.

I’m always happy to explain why some of what you see on ghost hunting TV shows… Well, it had to be recreated from an earlier experience. That’s not quite “fake,” but it’s not entirely real, either.

Sometimes, no one with a camera was nearby, and a great, ghostly encounter wasn’t filmed. So, the cast and crew try to recreate it.
At other times, the ghost hunter was so stunned by what a ghost did, the ghost hunter didn’t react. It’s like they paused, almost frozen with surprise, thinking, “Wait, what the heck…?” And that moment also had to be recreated for the camera crew to film.
And yes, sometimes the show’s director (or other cast member) wants the ghost hunter to fake a big surprise, when — to the ghost hunter — whatever-it-was seemed silly, minor, or not paranormal. (Remember, stars of those shows are under contract, and the contract may require the star to follow all instructions from the episode’s director or producer… even if it’s at least 90% fake.)

For my related 2019 article – with a LOT more insights, and links to dig deeper. It might help you understand how ghost hunting on TV (and at YouTube, etc.) went a bit off-the-rails.

It may also explain why some of the earliest stars of related shows… Well, they quit.

Or they quit until they realized how difficult it was, going back to their lives before they became famous. Here’s that link: Ghost Hunting TV Shows – Are They Real?

For an even earlier article with additional details, especially for new ghost hunters, see my original article. It was written in 2009. To me, late 2008 looked like a turning point in ghost-related television shows. They were starting to add hype and artificial drama to the staged “ghost hunting” that fans were seeing. Here’s that link: Ghost Hunting on TV – Is It Real?

Talking about real ghost hunting, I often reference something we’ve called “baselining.” It’s rarely shown on TV, but most professionals consider it essential. For more information about how to baseline yourself before (and sometimes during) ghost investigations, see “Baseline Yourself for Ghost Hunting.”

AND THIS MAY BE HELPFUL, IF YOU WANT TO FIND GHOSTS YOURSELF…

Or… If you’d like to be ON a ghost hunting TV show, here’s that info:

Not Every “Haunted” Site Has Ghosts, But…

Peter Underwood, one of the early, leading ghost researchers of the 20th century, claimed that 98% of hauntings weren’t ghostly.

My own estimate is closer to 80%, but his estimate may be more correct.

The point is that many apparent anomalies have very normal – but perhaps odd – explanations.

Too often, when I decide to watch a ghost hunting TV show—which is rare—I’m immediately struck by how easily the ghostly phenomena can be explained.

Often, the cause is infrasound from a nearby or underground stream (flowing water) or a highway within a quarter mile.

Vic Tandy demonstrated that issue, years ago.

Does that suggest that all “hauntings” near sources of infrasound are bogus?

Of course not. For all we know, infrasound might make it easier for spirits to manifest in ways we perceive as apparitions, voices, and so on.

However, competent researchers double-check these kinds of explanations. They err on the side of caution.

That may not make TV producers happy, but it’s what genuine ghost research is like in real life.

On the other hand, when a researcher like me has investigated every normal explanation for an anomaly and the location still seems haunted, ghost hunting becomes exciting—even thrilling.

That’s why I’m still a ghost hunter. Like Peter Underwood, my interest is sustained—or even increases—when I investigate a site and can find no reasonable explanation for the ghostly activity there.

It’s probably why you’re intrigued by this field of research, too.

Look for normal – if extraordinary – explanations, first.

Once they’re ruled out, that’s when we’re faced with genuine anomalies.

And they just might be ghosts.

This short video explains a little more about apparitions:

(See more ghost-related videos at my YouTube channel: Ghost Hunting with Fiona Broome.)

Find ghosts tonight! Ghost Hunting in Haunted Cemeteries – a quick-start guide for beginners.

Earning a Living as a Ghost Hunter

Can you earn a living as a ghost hunter?

Maybe. As they say, “Don’t quit your day job.”

In general, few ghost hunters can support themselves without charging for some aspect of what they do.

I first wrote the following article in 2008. I’ve updated it a few times since then, but it’s impossible to be 100% current regarding income in the paranormal field.

I’ve updated it for 2021, when the Covid lockdown had a major impact on ghost hunting.

(In 2012, I wrote a related article that may shed a slightly different light on this field: Making Money in Ghost Hunting.)

To be honest, I have no idea whether ghost hunting will be a viable career field in the future.

So, use this as a starting point, and carefully examine any income sources that appeal to you.

Since around 2002, the following have been the main income sources in this field.

Professional ghost investigations – not recommended

A few ghost groups and individuals charge a fee to investigate private homes and businesses. They may charge per hour or a flat fee for a certain number of hours plus a printed illustrated report.

The number of them charging a fee… that’s dwindling daily. (As of 2017, I don’t know anyone who does this.)

Today, most ghost investigators — including some of the most competent and experienced people in this field — work free of charge.

The sleazes in this field — people who are eager to make a quick dollar at the expense of vulnerable people — their true colors are becoming more & more obvious now.

I’m not saying that you have to work for free or pay expenses out of your own pocket.

However, by the time most people actually admit they have a ghost problem, they’ve probably lost their jobs due to stress and lack of sleep, and they’re in desperate financial shape.

Personally, I can’t accept a cent from them. It feels immoral.

So, I can’t recommend investigating for a fee.

Teach ghost-related classes – success varies

Some paranormal professionals teach classes related to ghost hunting. Assuming there’s interest in your community, here are a few options:

You can teach privately.
Your adult ed program or community group may ask you to teach a workshop or class series.
A local college may hire you to teach informal or for-credit classes.

Teaching can be profitable, as well as rewarding on a personal level.

But, not everyone is comfortable speaking to groups. In addition, paranormal studies can attract quirky, independent-minded people.

Flexibility and a sense of boundaries are essential for a teacher. If you can handle that, it’s a fine career choice.

You’ll meet fascinating, intelligent people. Everyone has a story to tell, and every day–and class–is more interesting than the previous one.

Work as a media consultant – it works well for some

Movies and TV shows often rely upon professionals for insights, locations, historical research, script corrections, and advice on realistic special effects. However, these jobs are few and far between.

I’ve been a consultant for TV shows, usually off-camera, and—as I’ve made clear—I don’t recommend it to others.

Remember, most of my friends who’ve been on TV shows—even if they’re the stars of those shows—kept their day jobs or were supported by a spouse or partner. Despite rumors to the contrary, TV series don’t pay very well.

Learn as much as you can about this career field before accepting work.

Do space clearing – best in areas with a New Age community

Whether the house or business is plagued by ghosts, poltergeists, or some other negative energy, space clearing can be a fulfilling and interesting field. And, since many states’ laws require disclosure of ghosts when a house is sold, realtors can be a fine source of work.

If you can banish negative ghostly energy, the house is likely to sell for a much better price… and faster.

As you achieve results, you’ll also receive referrals to homes and offices that aren’t on the market but need help with negative energy and perhaps hauntings.

When I talk about this, many people raise an eyebrow and ask if it’s not just a placebo effect.

Yes, maybe it is, most of the time. Lapsing into geek mode, that concept fits with the “observer” factor in quantum studies.

All in all, if it makes people happy and it’s a benign practice, I don’t see anything wrong with that.

However, if this goes against your beliefs, don’t do it. It’s that simple.

I’m certain that something in space clearing works, in some cases. It’s a field that covers far more than ghosts and hauntings.

You can use prayer (a “house blessing“) or — at the other extreme — a sage smudge. It’s vital to use whatever fits your beliefs and the beliefs of the homeowner or realtor. (The latter is very important. Do not offend those who need your help. At best, you’ll annoy them; at worst, your efforts may backfire and attract unwanted, negative energy.)

For non-religious space clearing methods, I recommend books such as:

Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui: Learn the Art of Space Clearing

Space Clearing: How to Purify and Create Harmony in Your Home

The way I look at space clearing is like using an air freshener: It should make the room (or floor or house) feel better. When you’ve finished, the site should seem lighter, happier, and cleaner.

Do not internalize this. It should not be a ritual, unless that’s your spirituality and everyone involved agrees with it.

If you offer this service, you’ll charge by the square foot or by the time spent commuting to the site and clearing it. Allow extra time for return visits to sites with very heavy energy or residual hauntings.

Debunk ‘hauntings’ (false anomalies) – opportunities have dwindled, but it may provide occasional income

There are many opportunities in this field. As I’ve already mentioned, realtors are dismayed when they have to tell a buyer that a property is haunted.

If you can prove that the house’s problems aren’t caused by ghosts, you’re providing a valuable service to the real estate community.

As a consultant, I’ve confirmed that something paranormal is going on at some locations.

However, at least 50% of the time, the real problem is wiring (elevated EMF), carbon monoxide, plumbing, squirrels (or racoons), or infrasound. So, it’s a good idea to work with a handyman who’s familiar with problems in local houses.

Some paranormal consultants charge a flat fee, up-front. That’s usually about $50, and it’s just for the diagnosis, whether the home is actually haunted or not. (Do not promise to fix the problem, yourself. If it’s a wiring issue or plumbing, that could get very expensive. Give that part of the job to the handyman who accompanied you during the inspection.)

Other consultants charge a percentage of the selling price of the home when the sale is complete. That can mean a far bigger paycheck, but only if the house sells.

Either way, get everything in writing.

Write articles – still viable, if you’re ambitious and a prolific writer

Magazines still offer the best paychecks, and competition isn’t as bad as you might think. Get a copy of The Renegade Writer, and use your public library’s copy of Writers Markets.

Some articles will sell for $15, others for $150, and a few for $1,500. If you’re good with words and “hooks” to sell your articles and interest readers, you can earn four figures per month, in your spare time.

Write books – unless you write for Llewellyn, go indie

I love being an author.

However, you’re not likely to get rich writing books for traditional publishers. I earn about 25 cents for each book sold by my traditional publishers, and that’s normal, even for best-selling authors.

Instead, become an indie author. You can write & publish your own books through Amazon, B&N, and other online booksellers.

You probably won’t earn a living from one book. You may not earn much from five or six books. However, if you’re a prolific author, you could support yourself with books.

Create a popular YouTube channel or Internet TV show – lots of competition

YouTube, Roku, and other services can provide great platforms for your videos.

All you need is a video camera (even the one on your phone) and Internet access. YouTube makes it simple. Alternatively, you can create a private channel on services such as Roku, build your audience, and be on your way.

If you’re an entertainer, this might be your opportunity. Remember that you’re competing with a lot of other ghost hunters who offer a wealth of free videos. Find a way to present something different that still appeals to people who loved the Ghost Hunters TV series, Paranormal State, or other TV shows.

And remember, Most Haunted (UK) returned in 2017. Ghost Adventures continues to attract viewers, too. So, there’s still an interest in ghost hunting, but it’s not what it was in 2004.

Even now, you can earn a living as a ghost hunter

Since 2008, it’s been increasingly difficult to earn a living as a paranormal researcher. In the U.S., opportunities have dwindled.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it’s just challenging. Very challenging.

No two ghost hunters will make the same income choices. Compromises may be necessary.

You’ll also need to be creative and find niches well-suited to your interests and talents.

However, if you’re determined to earn a full-time living as a ghost hunter, you can do it.

Photos courtesy of GraphicStock.com

Ghost Hunting TV Shows – Are They Getting More Real?

(Note: The following represents my opinions as of 2021. They may change in the future.)

First, a brief history of ghost hunting tv shows

In the early 2000s, ghost hunting TV shows introduced ghost hunting to a wide audience.

Ghost hunting looked like fun. Or maybe a “good scare.” Lots of people wanted to try it, too.

So, this field expanded – practically exploded – almost overnight. Everyone wanted to visit a haunted place and find ghosts.

But… many viewers were disappointed.

Ghost hunting wasn’t nearly as much fun as it had seemed on TV.

I’ve talked about this in the past, and – I’ll admit – ranted more than a little.

Here are my current thoughts about ghost hunting TV shows.

Recently, a news report confirmed what I’ve been saying… and more concisely (and perhaps with more authority) than I have.

The article is “5 Myths about Reality Television,” and it was in the Washington Post newspaper.

Here’s part of what the article said, with emphasis added:

With very few notable exceptions (like “Big Brother”…), most reality television is shot first over a period of days or weeks, then edited. A month in the field could be whittled down to 44 or 22 minutes of action. That way, the audience sees reality stars only in essential moments… Almost nothing airs exactly as it fell into the lens, but the final product is usually more or less what happened.

That’s true about many (not all) ghost hunting TV shows.

A typical one-hour episode might require three to five days of daily filming at the site… so you see about 10% (or less) of what really happened.

After filming, there’s editing. That makes the show compelling to watch.

Also, ghost hunting TV shows schedule cliffhangers immediately before each commercial break, even (or especially?) when what follows is a big letdown.

What viewers see are the highlights of an investigation.

When you watch a ghost hunting TV show, you don’t see time spent waiting while nothing happens.

“Nothing” can be most of what goes on, at many (perhaps most) ghost investigations.

We sit for an hour, and then something odd happens.
We investigate it and debunk it. Big letdown.
So, we sit or walk around for another hour.
And then – finally! – something creepy happens, and it’s memorable.

When we can’t debunk it, that’s what makes the wait worthwhile.

Ghost hunting starts with a good location.

Two things you should know:

1. The stars of ghost hunting TV shows don’t decide where to investigate or where to film. When it comes to locations, producers usually make that decision

2. Most ghosts don’t perform on command. So, wherever a show is filmed, the location should be very, very haunted. The odds should weigh heavily in favor of at least something weird to happen during a full day of filming.

That’s the job of a location scout:

The producers rely on location scouts. That’s something I do: When a producer hires me, I’ll spend days (or more) looking for genuinely haunted places in a location that interests the producer.

The producer might ask for “haunted places around Tilton, New Hampshire,” if the producer also wanted to film at the famous, haunted Tilton Inn.

With that kind of request, I’d look for known haunts in the area, plot some ley lines to identify “hot spots” for ghosts, and — if I’m in the New Hampshire area — start visiting likely locations.

(But if a producer asked about that specific location, I’d tell them to read Rue Cote’s book, Ghost Hunting in Tilton, New Hampshire. I’m not likely to find any additional locations.)

Or, it might be a request like, “Find me some haunted hotels near Avebury, England,” and I’d dig into historical records if I’m not in the U.K. when the producer called. Then, I’d use maps and insights from British friends, and then start sending emails to prospective sites.

Location scouts know that many (or most?) ghost stories are more fiction than fact.

(If you’ve gone ghost hunting, I’m sure you’ve visited many places where absolutely nothing happened. It can be discouraging.)

As I said, the stars of ghost hunting TV shows rarely have much input. They go where they’re sent, and hope they find something ghostly. Or at least eerie enough to hype into a good, startling scene.

Nobody wants to have to rely on editing to make a scene look scary.

That means finding great, very haunted locations that are willing to let a film crew in, usually for three to five days.

Finding a site that meets those requirements can take time. Perhaps weeks. And some shows have rushed schedules. So, they film at “good enough” locations… and hope for the best.

Don’t blame the show’s stars when their investigation looks hyped. Or downright fake.

An encouraging trend among ghost hunting TV shows…

From my experience, most sites featured on TV shows are actually haunted places, even if the ghosts weren’t fully active during the filming.

Also, what viewers see is usually what happened… more or less.

Are ghost hunting shows getting more real?

Shortly before Covid, I saw a shift – towards almost radical authenticity – in some ghost hunting TV shows.

After an awkward controversy, Most Haunted regrouped and emerged among the leaders in this trend.

In fact, it’s looked like Most Haunted’s producers were eager to test show ideas (and investigation techniques) and go far out on a limb with fresh ideas.

For example, Most Haunted producers suggested they may air shows featuring outtakes. That’s a fun idea. (See @OnlyMostHaunted at Twitter.)

While more authentic ghost hunting TV shows – like Most Haunted – aren’t the adrenaline fuel of their fast-paced, highly edited counterparts, I like this trend.

I hope it continues.

2021 update: Okay. Some TV shows have reverted to absurd, extreme, and campy pretenses. Ick. That’s not real ghost hunting. We aren’t that gullible.

Others have returned to formulaic “ghost hunting.” Knowing many of the stars as well as I do – I’m raising an eyebrow. Their facial expressions suggest at least some of what they’re doing is just for the cameras. Learn more from Jason Gowin, former star of “Extreme Paranormal.”

Another problem: shows’ time limits

Ghost hunting shows are short— really short — compared with real-life ghost investigations. What you’re seeing on the show probably isn’t a “real-time” investigation.

In the U.S., a one-hour TV episode is typically 37 to 42 minutes long, including the “reveal” (or summary) at the end, if you don’t count commercial breaks. If it’s a 30-minute show, what you see is around 22 minutes.

The only sites I’ve investigated that rapidly are those that seemed too dangerous for research.

Usually, that had nothing to do with ghosts; instead it was about creepy people in the area, or imminent lightning strikes. (Vale End cemetery was an exception.)

My average, first-time visit to a verified, haunted site is probably 2 – 3 hours. Maybe a little more.

Later, I may revisit that location multiple times, and each additional visit can last several hours.

Or, if I’m familiar with a site and just checking to see what’s new, I might investigate for 45 minutes (the content of a one-hour TV show).

That brief ghost investigation is probably a follow-up visit, to debunk (or confirm) anomalies we previously encountered. I’m revisiting a creepy room in the building, or a particular area at a battlefield, or a limited number of graves in a cemetery.

So, though the time problem isn’t exactly new news, I’m glad to see mainstream media mention the reality behind many “reality” TV shows. (Okay, they’re now calling them “unscripted,” since producers can tell the cast to say or do certain things, but there’s no actual script.)

Your paranormal investigations will be different

If you’re new to ghost hunting, don’t expect something startling every five or ten minutes.

Instead, arrive at events and investigations with low expectations. Lots of waiting may be required.

That’s a good opportunity for you to do a thorough (and sometimes repeated) “baseline yourself” check, so you’re always aware when weird things start happening at a haunted site.

What you see on TV rarely represents everything that happened at the site. I’d describe it as “ghost hunting without the boring bits.” (That’s a nod to Horrible Histories and Ghosts. I love their humor.)

However, TV shows can reveal the wide range of phenomena you might encounter at an extraordinarily haunted site.

Shows that emphasize real ghost hunting experiences… they’re well worth your viewing time.

You can learn a lot from them.

And, with their insights, you might be better prepared when you encounter something chilling.

Related podcast

Update: Are Ghost Hunting TV Shows Real? (2023 update)
Baseline Yourself for Ghost Hunting – article and podcast. (The free worksheet will return, soon.)
Are Ghost TV Shows Real? (Earlier, 2009 article)

Want to be ON a ghost hunting TV show…?

Also, search related keywords at sites like AuditionsFree.com, and – for the UK – Starnow.co.nz, TheStage.co.uk, and similar sites. (There are many.)

And, since so many TV shows feature creepy or gruesome “haunted mirrors,” here’s a short, honest video about seeing ghosts in mirrors, and where you might see one, yourself:

Learn more about ghosts and haunted places at my YouTube channel, Ghost Hunting with Fiona Broome.

Ghost Hunting Personalities – Entertainers… or Researchers?

In ghost hunting and the paranormal field, in general, there are two very different approaches… and a broad overlap between them.

Entertainers appear in the media, and they’re paid guests at events and at “investigations.”

They are there to entertain you. They may be speaking from memorized scripts. If what they’re saying (or portraying on TV) is true, that’s nice… but not necessary, as they see it.

If you enjoy their performances, they’ve succeeded and their careers grow. If they don’t, they fade away, reinvent themselves, or shift to another line of work.

They create an illusion so the audience suspends disbelief long enough to enjoy the performance. That’s measured in TV ratings and tickets sold at events.

David Blaine is one of many entertainers who appear to be working mystical feats. He correctly describes himself as an illusionist.

Researchers look for breakthroughs in paranormal studies. Their standard is integrity.

Most don’t care if they entertain anyone.

What they discover – and the tools and techniques that they develop – may become far more famous than the developers’ names.

Bill Chappell is the inventor of many brilliant research tools (often featured on Ghost Adventures). More people recognize the name of his inventions (such as the Ovilus) than his own name.

Me…? I’m a researcher, not an entertainer. I say, “Fiona Broome” and people may look confused. I mention HollowHill.com, and they suddenly recognize me. (It’s nice when people recognize my name, but I’d rather have them remember my discoveries.)

Few are both researchers and entertainers.

Some researchers have been cast in paranormal “reality shows.” Some actors in those shows – with no prior research experience – became brilliant investigators.

But, in general, how someone seems on TV may be very different from how they appear in person… and how much ghost-hunting expertise they actually have.

I could list several “ghost hunting experts” from TV shows who, in real life, had little understanding of paranormal research.

I’ve also known several genuine experts who had more experience and integrity than viewers saw on related TV shows.

A few genuine researchers who’ve starred on TV shows

Both Grant Wilson and Jason Hawes began their TV careers as experience paranormal researchers. I’ve known them for decades, and have no doubt that they’re genuinely intrigued by ghostly phenomena. (See my article, Ghost Hunters TV Show… Fake?)

John Zaffis is a good example of someone who’s worked in both research and entertainment (The Haunted Collector). He was a respected researcher and demonologist for many years before ghost hunting became popular. His joking manner can be entertaining… but he’s speaking from decades of genuine research.

Barry Fitzgerald has also bridged the gap between academic and scientific study, and the entertainment field (Ghost Hunters International).

Zak Bagans is another researcher who – at least partly due to the direction his research has taken – can be seen as an entertainer as well. I don’t agree with the risks he takes, but I respect his courage in researching sites I’d never visit for any reason.

They’re just a few of the many researchers/entertainers I’ve admired for their integrity and expertise in real life. (I mention them because I wasn’t thrilled with how they were edited for their respected TV shows. They deserve more recognition as innovative investigators.)

Have low expectations and you won’t be disappointed.

Before attending an event or public “investigation,” it’s important to adjust your expectations. For the past 15+ years, I’ve said in my Guidelines for ghost hunters, “…if someone is charging you money as if they’re providing a show… perhaps they are.”

Keep in mind that there’s a difference between a con artist and an entertainer. In most cases, the entertainer separates his (or her) role, on stage, from what’s true in his personal life. The lines may blur, but there’s no fraud involved.

Sure, an entertainer may disappoint you with a poor performance, but that’s different from being a fraud.

Likewise, a researcher’s results may be disproved by later studies. That’s not a con, it’s a normal part of trial-and-error research… there will be errors!

The vast majority of entertainers and researchers are good, honest people. They have every reason to be proud of their work.

The biggest confusion is when a TV show or movie presents an entertainer as an expert when he (or she) isn’t one in real life.

Or when people attend an event or public ghost hunt and expect every expert to be chatty and entertaining.

“Reality shows” can blur the lines. When you meet stars or researchers in real life, keep your expectations in check so you’re not disappointed.

Do you have a question or opinion on this subject? Please let me know in the comments form below.

Fake! In Ghost Hunting, Does It Matter?

Integrity is a researcher’s most valued asset. In paranormal research, it’s especially important. However, since entertainment has become part of the paranormal scene, the lines have blurred between reality and showmanship.

“Fake!”

I hear that accusation far too often, and usually about the wrong people.

It’s true that there are fakes, frauds, and con men (and women) working in ghost-related professions.

More are sincere researchers, looking for answers to questions that have been around for centuries.

It’s important to know the difference.

Or, depending on your goals and interests, maybe it doesn’t matter.

What are your goals?

Entertainment

Many people enjoy ghost-related TV shows, ghost tours, dinner and stage presentations, and ghost-themed events.

If you’re looking for entertainment, keep your focus on the fun. Don’t worry how much of it is real or just a clever presentation.

In real life, ghost hunting is tedious. The one-hour show you see on TV may have taken two to five days to film. You’re seeing only the interesting moments.

If you’re at an event and just one or two people keep you entertained for an entire evening, as if it’s a show… maybe it is.

But, if you’re only there for the fun and an occasional “good scare,” does it really matter how much of it is real?

Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction isn’t “real.” However, many ghost enthusiasts – including me – wait in line for an hour or longer to enter that attraction, because it’s great entertainment.

If you’re at an event or watching a show to be entertained, judge it by the fun, period.

You Have a Question

Many people have questions about ghosts.

You may want to know if there really is something after death.
You may have had a ghostly encounter, and want to know if it was real.
You may suspect that you’re psychic, but you’re not sure.
Or, a movie or TV show scared you, and you want to know if that kind of phenomena is real.

If that’s what draws you to paranormal research, get involved with a good research group, or start one yourself.

Some TV shows*, stage presentations, and events lean towards “entertainment.” In other words, they may be faking some or all of what you see.

Unfortunately, people who want to believe in an afterlife can be among the most gullible.

If you’re looking for answers to spiritual questions, keep these two points in mind:

1. You may never find absolute proof of an afterlife or ghosts. “Clear evidence” for one person may seem ridiculous to someone else. Only you can decide if you’ve found answers you seek.

2. Many seekers are vulnerable. Become a skeptic. Don’t confuse performers with genuine researchers. Learn to tell them apart.

After you find an answer to your questions – or decide that there is no answer – you may lose interest in paranormal studies.

It’s okay to walk away from ghost hunting if (and when) it stops being interesting. Don’t keep watching TV shows, paying for events, or going on investigations if they’re disappointing you.

If asked, say, “I found the answer that I was looking for. It’s personal.”

And then, change the subject.

Or, once you feel as if you found what you’re looking for, you may be more interested in paranormal research.

You’re with a Friend and…

Sometimes, people join a friend (or friends) at a ghost tour or a ghost investigation. Soon, they’re involved in paranormal research, too.

Or, they go to an entertainment-style event, find it intriguing, and become a fan.

Remember why you’re there, and – before taking anything seriously – use your critical thinking skills. Get educated. Listen to believers and skeptics alike. Both provide important advice.

Power, Fame, and Money

When any subject is featured on several TV shows, some people get involved for fame and fortune.

There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as everyone’s reasonably honest about it.

Most theatrical ghost tours and Halloween “haunted houses” are clearly fake.

As long as you remember it’s just a show, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it.

Now and then, an entertainer will mix reality and performance. More than one genuine psychic has been tripped up that way, feeling obliged to put on a show when nothing was actually going on.

Would you be happier spending $150 for a ghost hunt in which nothing happened all evening… or if a few people exaggerated their experiences, to give attendees a chill?

My advice for fans: Treat ghost hunting like any other form of entertainment. Some shows will be more authentic and more fun than others. Decide your goals – and your spending limit – ahead of time.

Entertainer or Researcher… or Both?

Among ghost hunters, psychics, and paranormal “experts,” some people are entertainers. They can be tremendous fun, on- and off-stage.

Some tell wonderful stories. They may also be moderately psychic… or good at convincing you that they are.

Enjoy that for what it is: Great fun.

Others are serious researchers. I’m one of them.

Frankly, we can be geeky, boring people.

However, if you can keep from nodding off when we talk about our latest projects, you may glean some useful insights for your own research.

People like me were paranormal researchers long before TV shows made ghost hunting popular**. We’ll be here long after the fad is eclipsed by the next popular trend, too.

If you’re attending an event, listening to the radio or watching TV, ask yourself:

Is this person an entertaining speaker presenting reliable information?
Is this improving your understanding of ghosts and ghost hunting?
Or, is he (or she) putting on a show? If so, is it entertaining?

Houdini wasn’t a “fake.” He was a performer.

The same can be said for modern-day stage magicians. The fun (and the challenge) is figuring out how he or she makes it seem real.

The excruciatingly boring speaker at a conference probably isn’t “fake.” He or she is sharing research results. If you thrill to news about scientific breakthroughs, the fun is examining the evidence to see if it’s helpful. The learning curve… maybe not so much fun.

In general, if you know what your goals are, use them to judge the merits of the TV show, event, investigation or personality.

Fake? That’s an issue if you’re looking for answers and a genuine encounter with the paranormal world.

A better question is whether you’re disappointed, and if the show, event or person is worth your time.

If you’re concerned that someone is a fraud, see my article, Scams and Con Artists.

*For many years, I defended Jason Hawes’ and Grant Wilson’s work on the Ghost Hunters TV show.

Today… I don’t know if they were set up, if they knew, and how much their contracts prevented them from admitting to it.

Editing can dramatically change how something looks.

** This website – first as Yankee Haunts and then Hollow Hill – has been online since the mid-1990s.

In other words, I can prove how long I’ve been professional in this field. My integrity – and legacy – are important to me. My articles are completely honest, though I try to be tactful, especially when talking about friends in this field.

But frankly, I’m terrible at lying.

Category: Professional Ghost Hunting