An Interview With a Real Ghost Hunter!
UPDATE: We only had 12 entries total and each person only had one entry, so the randomly selected recipient of the Ghost Hunt box set and GhostHunting Texas book is…
The suspense is killing me (much like Ghost Hunt). Show me who gets the goods! ▼
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Here at FUNimation we had the unique pleasure of interviewing a real ghost hunter!
Paranormal Source is based here in north Texas. They are a branch of TAPS (from the hit show on SyFy called “Ghost Hunters”) that covers cases in our area. With the release of our very own “Ghost Hunt” The Complete Series box set we thought it’d be fun to team up with some folks who do real paranormal investigations. We spoke with the founder of Paranormal Source, and author of Ghosthunting Texas, April Slaughter to find out of the dead have something to say:
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your group?
My husband Allen and I founded The Paranormal Source, Inc. in January of 2008. We are a non-profit research and education corporation based in Dallas, TX. We have affiliates all throughout the country working with us on several interesting research projects.
How did you get involved in Ghost Hunting?
Like many other people in the field, I grew up in a haunted home. I was absolutely petrified of what was lurking in the dark, and of the things I would often see and hear. As I got older, I made the conscious decision to learn everything I could about the ‘other side’ and the more I challenged the fear, the less of it I felt. When you truly understand something, fear is removed from the equation. It started to fascinate me more than anything, and I went out in search of more answers. I was mentored in my home state of Utah by Chris and Nancy Peterson of the Utah Ghost Hunters Society, and went on to create my own team. I eventually left Utah and moved to Rhode Island where I worked as Customer Service Manager and Staff Journalist for TAPS Paramagazine, published by The Atlantic Paranormal Society and the SyFy Channel’s GHOST HUNTERS.
Do you or your team research other paranormal subjects besides Ghosts?
Yes. If it’s considered paranormal, we’re on it. We’ve recently done quite a bit of research on Skinwalkers (also commonly known as shape-shifters) and UFO Phenomena, specifically in regard to a mysterious piece of ranching property in Northeastern Utah. We’ve also been involved in investigating sightings of various cryptids, psychical experimentation, and Instrumental Transcommunication.
Have you ever seen a Ghost? Can you tell us about it?
Indeed. As I mentioned before, I used to see them a lot in my home as a child. At one point, I was the only person in my family with a bedroom in the basement and for weeks at a time I would see strange things on a daily basis. It was a general rule of mine to sleep without a single bit of light on or any illumination at all in my bedroom. If there was any shred of light coming in, I could see people walking in and out, looming over me as I laid in bed, or moving things around. The darker it was, the easier it was to tell myself it was all my imagination. Now that I am more and more involved with this type of research, I see them quite often. My theory is this: The more you pay attention to the paranormal, the more it pays attention to you. I believe people see those on the other side far more often than they realize, and just chalk it up to imagination or mistake them for other living people.
How do you decide which cases to investigate?
We have a pretty rigorous interview process on cases that we are asked to investigate. We look at the reported phenomena, try to get an accurate assessment of the physical/mental health of the client, identify safety risks, etc. all before the case moves forward. Most of our cases are residential, so we are being asked to come into people’s homes to help them figure out what may or may not be happening. It’s a huge responsibility, and we take that side of things very seriously. Anytime there is a child (or children) involved in a case, it becomes a priority for us as well. We have the best team on (or off) the planet, and we’re very fortunate to have an Advisory Board of well-known, experienced, and knowledgeable researchers to assist us.
Have you ever had someone fake a haunting?
Yes, unfortunately. Some people really want their homes or places of business to be considered haunted. It could be they want to draw attention for any number of personal reasons or for business purposes. The more time we invest in exposing fakery, the less we have to help those who are truly in genuine need.
What is the most haunted location you and your group have investigated in Texas?
Every location is different, and can have a varying degree of activity depending on the time of day or night we are there to investigate, so it is really difficult to say one place is more or less haunted than another. One of our favorite places is The Bull Ring in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Not many people have heard about the ghosts in that particular building, but we’ve been in several times now and have left with some pretty amazing documentation. Class A EVPs, personal experiences of being touched, visual manifestations, etc.
What is a Class A EVP?
EVP is Electronic Voice Phenomenon – an audio recording of voices or sounds that generally are not heard audibly in real-time but are heard when audio (either analog or digital) is replayed. It is widely believed that these voices could belong to those who have passed on. A Class A EVP is one that has not had any filtering or edits. It stands on its own as clear audio, and leaves little to no room for misinterpretation.
How do you determine if a place is truly haunted?
Well it certainly doesn’t happen overnight. Repeated investigations and thorough documentation are really necessary before the label of ‘haunted’ can be placed on any location. One of the most interesting things we are discovering is the possibility that people and objects can also be haunted, not just specific places. Creepy? Yes, but definitely worth examining.
What kind of tools does your team use on investigations?
We try to be open to all types of tools. We view ourselves as tools, obviously, but also implement the use of technology to help verify phenomena. Simple tools such as digital voice recorders, digital cameras, camcorders, and flashlights are some of the best things you can have on hand. More complicated tools such as the various ‘ghost box’ devices can also prove helpful. The Paranormal Source, Inc. has two genuine Frank’s Boxes, two MiniBox prototypes, the Radio Shack Hacks, and other electronic equipment such as EMF meters, laser grids, infra-red strobes, etc. all at our disposal.
Can you explain a little more about what a ‘Frank’s Box’ or ‘MiniBox’ is and what they do?
Both devices are modified radios that continually sweep both the A.M. and F.M. radio bands, picking up bits of audio and energy that are, in theory, used by spirits and/or entities to audibly communicate with the living. They each have their own specific and unique qualities, but both use the radio bands and are thought to enable real-time two-way communication with the dead.
I see you have written many articles for the official TAPS Paramagazine which subjects of the paranormal are your favorite to write about?
Ghosts (obviously, but not exclusively). A recent favorite area of study is on the existence of fairies, which was my latest article with TAPS. I have written about Demonology and Skinwalkers as well. I really enjoy every area of the paranormal.
Can you tell us about your new book Ghosthunting Texas?
Clerisy Press asked me to write Ghosthunting Texas as part of their America’s Haunted Road Trip series, which is available for purchase beginning September 1st. The book takes the reader to over 30 locations all throughout the state of Texas where I have researched and personally experienced ghostly phenomena. It also discusses various investigating techniques, my ideas and theories on the afterlife, and provides helpful hints to those just starting out in the paranormal field. It’s also a fun read for those with just a casual interest in the subject.
Do you like Anime? If so, what are a couple of your favorite shows?
Yes! I was actually introduced to “Ghost Hunt” a couple of years ago, and I instantly fell in love with it! It is a very intelligent and entertaining show. I also really enjoy “When They Cry”and “Hell Girl” as they push the boundary of what’s socially acceptable, and I am all about pushing boundaries!
We want to give a lucky reader a copy of the Ghost Hunt Box set as well as a copy of April’s book Ghosthunting Texas! All you have to do is be a subscriber of our blog and newsletter, and comment on this post! We’ll email the lucky person next Tuesday 9/15 around 3:00pm CDT.
*Links: Paranormal Source website: www.paranormalsource.com
Amazon book page: http://www.amazon.com/Ghosthunting-Texas-Americas-Haunted-Road/dp/1578603595/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247074284&sr=8-1
49 Responses to “An Interview With a Real Ghost Hunter!”
Chrisc on September 10th, 2009 at 5:41 pm says:
@Tyrenol please ignore Mario.
Mario1-7 on September 10th, 2009 at 5:47 pm says:
Chrisc you blame me? 
Its him!
Tyrenol on September 10th, 2009 at 5:50 pm says:
You’re right, Chrisc.
So hey. Is it true that the souls of the dead can travel via dem innernets (like in Serial Experiment Lain)? That would be pretty scary as well.
Chrisc on September 10th, 2009 at 5:52 pm says:
No its just that it is going to turn into an argument and its dumb, you have your likes in anime and Tyrenol has his.
I need to say it now, lol
Clannad is the best.
dragon0 on September 10th, 2009 at 10:29 pm says:
@ Tyrenol
I think that since its spirts, they can probably travel however. They don’t have a solid form. Your gues is as good as mine. Side note I think my work place is haunted. Keep hearing wierd sounds later at knight near closing time. 
I’ll stay out of the Clannad thing as we’ve already established that we don’t agree on it.
Mario1-7 on September 10th, 2009 at 10:58 pm says:
Dragon0 You should head towards the sound. Its more fun that way. I don’t see why Ghost (If Real) Scare people. What can they do to you? Walk through you? OoOoOoOh I am the ~Pants~ Ghost I come for your ~PANTS~ ”NOOOOOOOOO”!!!!! Not that! ”Its Cold in here!!!” ha ha ha…. I think I’d have fun look are a Haunted house but like I said earlier they don’t come out when I am around. But I wouldn’t sleep in a Haunted House I’d wake up and some will be sitting on me then when I’d clear my eyes it would be gone…… Now THAT Would leave me in Despair. If I was rich I fly everyone here (Except for Tyrenol) out to the Most Haunted place on the Planet and we could see who chickens out first.. (Man… I need to win the Lottery being not rich sucks >_>)
Tyrenol on September 10th, 2009 at 11:37 pm says:
Me thinks that “the person on this blog who will not be named for obvious reasons” has no understanding on how annoying and (on a bad day) life-threatening ghosts can be.
* They tend to possess you.
* They tend to HAUNT you (if, say, you’re inadvertantly responsible for someone’s death).
* Does anybody NOT heard of the series known as “The Ring?”
* Did anybody NOT play the third (and beyond) installment of Guilty Gear? Zappa, anybody 
And I’m one of those people who believe that everything can be solved with science and such, but I’m not gonna say outright that poltergeist don’t exist.
And believe you me, Chris. I have better things to do than get stuck in some lame argument. I’d rather talk about how AWESOME orz life can be instead of cruel people can be.
dragon0 on September 11th, 2009 at 12:39 am says:
Well Mario considering I’ve yet to be possesed or anything like that, I say ghost cant do much to me. But I’d rather not press my luck , for all I know one could do so right now and………….. (dissapears). ……………….(comes back). See what I mean. haha. But seriously. Unlike Tyrenol I do nto think everyhting can be solved by science. I personaly believe some things just can’t be explaned. Diffrent views for diffrent people. Besides who said all ghost are bad, anybody remember Casper? yeah, not all ghost are scary now are they. Pretty much what I think it boils down too is if they are there, they’re there, if not oh well. If they are there as long as that don’t have ill will towards me. I say let them go about thier buisness.
Mario1-7 on September 11th, 2009 at 3:22 am says:
Well Mario has seen the Ring and if I saw a Girl was coming out of the TV I would Beat her ass I wouldn’t sit there and scream yea I could run but all her stupid water would have messed up my TV and that is one thing you don’t do. Yeah I don’t believe a Man should hit a women under NO circumstance but 1 I’d be pissed about my TV, 2 I mean the only thing the girl could be coming out of the TV to do is to kill you, not sit and have a chat. There will be an all out War in my house she better know how to through down because I won’t be playin no games.
Ghosts don’t Possess you Demons do..
I am not really afraid of things like that, I am not afraid of much but I am afraid of one thing and that’s Bugs. I have like a Phobia against them, the Main bugs being Cock Roaches God I hate those things I can’t even kill theme I am so afraid. If I see one I drop everything an run and I am a 21 year old Man, Shame, Shame..
But Really, I grew up in the Church and i have been taught that when you Die you live for eternity in Heaven or you burn in Hell but things like Ghosts where never explained. So i always thought if someone saw a Ghost there was a Logical explanation or it was a Demon they saw, like that Pantry Ghost i Posted a Link to Earlier I want that explained because if its a trick its a Damn good one…..
Maybe that’s why they won’t come out when i am around cause I probably don’t know what to look for or they probably think ”well there is no point this guy isn’t who I need to talk to or show myself to”
dragon0 on September 11th, 2009 at 7:30 am says:
I won’t get into the religious aspect, since that gets to be a touchy subject with some, but ghost demons, ghouls, goblins etc… I think theres the possibility fo rthem all. I will say this, I do beleive in the after life. So I believe death to only be a kind of begining to a new “life” elsewere.
On another note. Mario………………. bugs, really, you sure your a guy? haha. Roches I can understand, but others too. Ok if they’re deadly thats understandable, but just ordinary bugs, wow. Hope this doesn’t freak you out but my favoriet bug id the Mantis. That thing is sweet looking.
Mario1-7 on September 11th, 2009 at 7:56 am says:
When I think about any kind of Bug my the hair on my arms and Legs stand straight up. Roaches are the worst ever since I was a kid, bugs have been my greatest fear. If someone comes and threatens to put a Roach on me I’d run as fast as I can even if I don’t see the Roach and if i can’t get away I will fight, cry and swing my fists (No kidding). I am not ashamed to admit it, That’s just me. I am not a Violent person I have NEVER been in a real fight in my life but if someone tries to put a bug on me I will do what ever i can to get away. I don’t even like seeing them in pictures and I can’t be in the same room with them. And yep I am a Dude 21 years old. A couple of months ago my dad thought it was funny to put a bunch of crickets in a zip lock bag and throw it on me. I jumped up screamed like a girl and started Crying Like a 4 year old. If he had put Roaches in the bag I would have passed out.
Damn I got Carried away again. But anyway now all of you know my weakness.
dragon0 on September 11th, 2009 at 8:21 am says:
(Laughing hard) crickets in a bag………..placed on you……(more laughing, eyes watering). ………….(catches breath). WOW thats funny. Sounds live somthing you’d see on AFV. Unless they get on me I don’t mind them. They do their thing I do mine. If they get on me consider their lives over, they crossed a sacred boundry.
I can’t say I have a weakness like that, but one of them would be well anime. I get uncontrollable urge to watch anime and lots of it, so it takes a bit of self controll.
Pearl on September 11th, 2009 at 11:33 am says:
@Tyrenol
http://resources.zdnet.co.uk/articles/comment/0,1000002985,39116048,00.htm
“Because the physical hard drive is a conduit for a unique type of energy, it is possible for nature spirits (called vaettir) to take up residence within it.”
AND
“Do not curse, yell, smack, or otherwise vent your anger on your computer. Most vaettir are extremely sensitive to emotions.”
Mario1-7 on September 11th, 2009 at 11:48 am says:
@Dragon0@
Dude you have no Idea the amount of Despair I was in. My Mom and everyone was just Laughing at me. After it was all over I was sitting in one spot with tears in my eyes and I was pissed.
@Pearl@
…. What? Dude what are you talking about? What does that website solve (Yeah i didn’t read anything on it)
dragon0 on September 11th, 2009 at 1:54 pm says:
@ Mario1-7
Ohhh I can imagin. Reading what happend did no justice I’m sure. That was definetly somthing I would have to have seen to appresiate it true hillariousness. Sorry it was you, but I’m sure anyone would freak seeing crickets on them when they wake up. Infact just after I got home and pulling in the driveway, a freaking cacata (spelled probably) flew in my car right in my face. AHHH! Neddless to say the initial shock freaked me out as I’m jumping around in my seat trying to get the dam thing off of me. Little bugger was lucky it escaped with its life. If I cought him I would have killed him. 
Richard J. on September 11th, 2009 at 3:34 pm says:
@ WolfieGal: I’d like to see that interview! An interview with a 600 year old Wolf Goddess of harvest would be beyond awesome. (Not going to happen but one can dream.)
Any more interviews or articles ya’ll at Funimation can find that connect to shows would be very appreciated! You keep up the great work WolfieGal!
@ April Slaughter: Thank you so much for doing an interview for the blog and for openly supporting anime! Keep yourself safe at work.
Tyrenol on September 12th, 2009 at 10:18 am says:
@ Pearl:
I’m more frightened with the Best Buy credit I have to pay back on my computer than the actual spirits within them. So I’d never physically harm it.
@ dragon0:
Casper… Check. Sayo… Check. Ichigou and his associates from Bleach… Check. Michael Jackson… Check. Billy Mays… Check. 
dragon0 on September 12th, 2009 at 4:56 pm says:
@ Tyrenol
Who ya gonna call?
Mario1-7 on September 12th, 2009 at 10:38 pm says:
GHOSTBUSTERS!!!! *Epic Music Plays*
Richard J. on September 12th, 2009 at 10:58 pm says:
The Ghostbusters are too expensive. Call the Winchester brothers! (Though they handle demons more than ghosts nowadays. . . .)
Although I’d be perfectly okay with having another ghost in the house if it was Sayo from Negima. No need for busting if it’s a cute ghost girl like her. Elizabeth from Maburaho would be okay too. (Ghost Hunt’s ghosts tend to be a little too dangerous to have around the house. Eek.)
dragon0 on September 13th, 2009 at 1:00 am says:
Why not Jiro…….oh right he’s a vampire. Well if its unexplainable call the S.O.S brigade. That is if you want a head ach in your house. Ok how about Dokuro-chan…….no wait shed kill ya before anything else then bring you back. Ahhh screw it I’ll just have Yusuke come and deal with it, he’s a former spirit detective he should know what to do. just as long as he dosn’t blow the place up.
A ghost you want in the house? Elizabeth is too clingy to who shes with. I’m thinking…….. Misao from Asura Cryin would be better. Or even Ayu from Kanon.
glennt123 on September 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm says:
I hope I win, I always wanted to watch Ghost Hunt. I will probably get it some day anyways, but it would still be cooler to win it. lolz
Tyrenol on September 15th, 2009 at 7:57 pm says:
I finally won something. Huzzah. 
Thanks, Rojas. And everyone at FUNi keep up the good work.
alicia ostrander on November 10th, 2009 at 11:13 am says:
the anime show ghost hunt is one of the best i’ve ever seen and I JUST loved it from the very first ep that i watched where miya enters the building that every one at the school belives to be hunted to find out scr is working on a case that was given to him. 
. I loved his work(besides his amzing work in samurai champloo). he will be...