We here at Spectral Review as you might imagine enjoy the “reality” based ghost and paranormal shows. These shows include Most Haunted, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters International. These shows in their own way each try to find answers to questions about the paranormal. One could argue about their methods or motivations but they do try to show how they search for ghosts.

These shows are just representations of real people who do paranormal research. Nearly 100% of these people do this paranormal research for free. That tells us that these researchers are not only dedicated to this research but passionate about it also.

We want to know more about these people. Why do they do this research? How did they start? What expertise do they have?

Our next article in the “People in Paranormal Research” series is from Steven Jeffrey De Spain. Steven is the founder of Great Lakes Area Spirit Society (G.L.A.S.S).

We hope you like this series. If you have any suggestions or want to participate in our series, use our contact form. And as always you can leave your comment here.

Onto the questions and Steven’s thoughtful answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

I have been investigating paranormal claims since spring of 2007. My reading, and research on the paranormal has been ongoing since I was in my early teens.

Where are you located, what area of the world do you do investigations? What is the farthest you have traveled to do an investigation?

My team is located in Sheboygan, WI USA. The furthest we have traveled for an investigation is Valders, WI.

Was there a particular reason or event that lead you to do this research?

I had 2 personal experiences at age 13 and one experience when I was 26. After that, I wanted answers as to what I had witnessed.

Why do you continue to do this work?

I am eternally fascinated by this field. I do this for the experiences, for the research and to help people. We don’t charge a cent for our services, so it’s certainly not for the money.

What would be the most compelling evidence you have seen or heard?

So far, I have not seen anything that was not explainable. But we have caught some EVPs that are quite impressive and very difficult for even hard core skeptics to dispute.

What is your role in your group? Is that where you started? What other roles would you like to learn and do?

I am the founder and lead investigator of G.L.A.S.S. I am also the case manager, the advertiser, the investigation coordinator and the tech department supplier, so I really do have my hands on every role imaginable. Even at that, I can’t do this stuff without my team mates. The goal is to take some of those responsibilities away from myself and slowly pass them to the other members after they have had enough time learning and investigating.

Have you taken any formal training in your life that has enhanced your skill set for your paranormal work?

My training comes from constant research on the latest theories and techniques in this field. I also spend a lot of time reviewing supposed EVPs, video footage and photographs. I am also an amateur filmmaker which helps me when it comes to watching all the footage we capture. I am also well read on electronics.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to get into the paranormal field?

Be open minded enough about the paranormal that you can accept the possibility that it does exist, but be skeptical enough to rationalize what you experience. Always test your theories and don’t be afraid to try new techniques.

Is there some aspect or point of view about the paranormal field that you wished that everyone in the field followed?

I wish more people would try to duplicate things that they’ve experienced or seen before they call it paranormal. If you see “mist” in a photo you took, can you duplicate it with elements that were present when you took the photo? Was it just cold out, and the mist was you exhaling?

What misconceptions do the public and/or media have about the paranormal field you wish you could dispel?

We do not get evidence in a matter of minutes like you will see on TV. You might be investigating for an entire night and not have anything unusual happen. It also takes days to go over footage, photographs and audio for just an average investigation. It’s never wrapped up in an hour.