There’s something kinda weird about being celebrated for paranormal investigations – flattering, sure, but also a little absurd when you’re regularly crawling through attics that smell like old mothballs and disappointment. But I love it so there I was, explaining to The Mind’s Eye audience what paranormal investigators do and why it matters.
The podcast, hosted by the amazing Stephanie Hutnick, set the tone immediately. Stephanie’s energy was infectious, her admiration sincere. She dove headfirst into the work, highlighting the juxtaposition between the historical preservation efforts and the spirits and encounters we seek. We talked about restoring locations steeped in tragedy and mystery, places where whispers of the past seem to get tangled in the air.
Haunted Spaces, Preserved Stories
The conversation ventured into one of my favorite topics: the delicate dance between preserving history and chasing ghosts. Stephanie asked why we dedicate our time and resources to these locations. My answer is simple: history deserves its voice. If we don’t protect these spaces, they crumble into dust, taking their stories with them.
Paranormal investigations, for me, are as much about understanding human experiences as they are about uncovering spectral phenomena. Places like the Oliver House in Middleborough, Massachusetts, hold so much more than creaky floorboards and sudden chills. They house lessons we can still learn from—about mental health, resilience, and how the past shapes us.
I recounted a few standout investigations, like Westborough State Hospital, where the air still seems to hum with sorrow. We need these reminders of our shared history, even if they come with a side of poltergeist. Losing these locations to bulldozers or neglect isn’t just erasing brick and mortar; it’s erasing part of who we are.
The Demon in the Details
Now, let’s talk demons. Stephanie brought up a topic that always gets my blood boiling—the sensationalism of the paranormal field. There’s an industry obsession with slapping the “demonic” label on every cold spot or shadowy figure. I’ll be blunt: not every squeaky door hinge is Satan’s calling card. Spirits, like the living, are often just misunderstood. They don’t manifest to terrify us; they’re reaching out, much like we do when we’re lost or seeking connection.
I shared a laugh with Stephanie over the irony of investigators begging spirits to interact, only to scream “demon!” when they get their wish. It’s like inviting someone to dinner, then accusing them of being a vampire when they ask for seconds. If you’re not ready for the unknown to answer, maybe don’t ask the question.
Ghosts, Gadgets, and Guts
Another highlight was discussing the tools of the trade. I’m old-school at heart. Give me a digital voice recorder and a quiet room, and I’m in my element. Gadgets are fun, sure, but nothing beats the intimacy of an EVP session. That’s where you find the heart of the haunting. Stephanie asked about my most captivating evidence, and I couldn’t help but mention the apparition of Billie Holiday I captured at the Storyville in Boston. Sometimes, these spirits are just… there, living their lives alongside ours, oblivious to the cameras and questions.
Preserving More Than Buildings
We wrapped the discussion by talking about people—the living ones, I mean. The connections I’ve made in this field, the friends who’ve turned into family, and the clients who’ve entrusted me with their stories. It’s an honor to step into someone’s world, even if only for a moment, and help them make sense of the unexplainable. It’s why I do what I do. Sure, there’s the thrill of the chase, the allure of the unknown, but at its core, this work is about humanity. It’s about preserving not just places, but people—their legacies, their fears, their hopes.
An Invitation to the Paranormal Curious
As we signed off, I felt a ghost of gratitude. Sharing my experiences with an audience that’s curious and open-minded is a gift. So, if you’ve ever felt a chill down your spine or wondered if the creak in your hallway was something more, know this: the stories we’re preserving, the spirits we’re seeking, they’re as much about the living as they are about the dead.
Maybe next time you hear a knock in the night, you’ll ask the question… and wait for an answer.
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