Professional Ghost Hunting

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 … Continue reading "Are Ghost Hunting TV Shows Real? – Podcast"

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 … Continue reading "Not Every “Haunted” Site Has Ghosts, But…"

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 … Continue reading "Earning a Living as a Ghost Hunter"

(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 … Continue reading "Ghost Hunting TV Shows – Are They Getting More Real?"

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 … Continue reading "Ghost Hunting Personalities – Entertainers… or Researchers?"

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 … Continue reading "Fake! In Ghost Hunting, Does It Matter?"

For many years, I’ve spoken to groups of all ages, kinds and sizes. It’s a delight to tell people about this field. I’ve learned a lot about what to say (and what not to say) and when to say it. I hope this checklist helps you when you’re asked to speak in public, too. Remember: … Continue reading "How to Talk to an Audience about Ghosts – Checklist"

Many of my readers are eager to be on TV, either in a ghost hunting TV series, or a more general paranormal TV show. Here’s my advice from June 2012. Much of it still applies. Here’s the LEAST you need to know. Additional info It can help to get general media exposure, first. One of … Continue reading "How to Be a Guest on a Paranormal TV Show"

Since I’ve been a resource for TV and movie producers, people ask me if ghost hunting on TV shows are real. The (too simple) answer is no, they’re not. Those shows may represent what we do, as ghost hunters. But even the most authentic shows are edited to make them more entertaining. They have to … Continue reading "Ghost Hunting on TV… Is It Real or Not?"

Some people are in this field for fame and/or fortune.  I’m not one of them, and I hope that you’re not. I know absolutely no one, personally, who’s getting rich as a paranormal investigator.  In fact, most TV stars that I know… they have day jobs. However, most of us would prefer to work full-time … Continue reading "Making Money in Ghost Hunting"

Sean Paradis has been a great friend and researcher partner for many years. I respect him tremendously. He has an innate gift for identifying the most haunted locations, and the most active areas at each one. Working with Sean was a tremendous help when I was writing Ghost Hunting in Haunted Cemeteries. Here’s my recent … Continue reading "Interview with a Ghost Hunting Pro – Sean Paradis"

For several years, Lesley Marden — the author of Medium, Rare — has been among my closest friends and research associates. In December 2011, I decided to start interviewing interesting people involved in paranormal research of all kinds.  Lesley was my first subject.  The following is a transcript of our conversation. Let’s start with the … Continue reading "Interview with a Pro – Lesley Marden"