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 John Howard of Lachesis Sight Paranormal Investigation & Research (LSPIR). John is the Technical Director for LSPIR.

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 John’s great answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

I have privately been into it for about 5 years and just recently joined a group, because I finally was able to work in some free time.

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

We are located in the Tampa Bay area, and we have investigated Spring Hill Cemetery and Rogers Christmas house. Which also the farthest I have traveled yet.

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

When I was younger my grandfather would tell me stories of when he was a gravedigger that would scare me but yet piqued an interest. Then after my father passed away I had an experience were I had talked to him and I have always wondered was it real or a dream. Then recently my middle son who is 8 now but at the time was about 5 picked my father out of a photo album and said “Hey!! I know that guy he has the same name as me I talked to him the other day.” Which is true my son is named after my father and he has never met my father because he passed the day before my 13th birthday.

Why do you continue to do this work?

To learn is there more. Do we continue in a different form? Why do some people who pass haunt and others do not? Does how we live affect us after we pass?

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

The most compelling evidence I have had so far is an EVP from Spring Hill Cemetery. I was talking to a fellow investigator and I had said I bet there was more than one hanging tree. Then you hear a voice that was not from either of us say “You’re right there are 2″. That one blew me away a history lesson from beyond.

(Editor’s Note: Listen to the EVP that John mentions. It’s creepy.)

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

My role is Technical Director and Investigator and I would really like to be our EVP Specialist, still learning the little nuances of Adobe.

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

When I was doing theft investigations it taught me watch everything closely and pay attention to smallest detail.

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

Don’t let the slightest unknown noise scare you, have an open mind about everything and always be aware of the environment you are in.

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

No not really. I think diversity and different approaches are great. What works for you may not work for me and it’s all good.

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

We are not wacko’s and nut jobs claiming to talk to the ghost of Elvis. There are things that go bump in the night and we want to film it and catch it on audio!