Dave Bender
Dave Bender grew up in Montana surrounded by his Native American background.
He studied traditional ceremonies and medicine from his uncle. Dave's
family has always discussed and embraced the paranormal. He moved
to California and started American Paranormal Investigations, in part
to assist others with their struggles surrounding the paranormal,
but also to provide others with the opportunity to learn more about
the paranormal. He works in the Social Services field by day and by
night monitors the group¢s nonprofit status, as well as coordinates
and organizes the investigations.
Dave is 36 years old. We are an official TAPS Family Member for Northern
California. located in Sacramento, CA. Our contact phone number is
(916) 600-9497. web site is
www.ap-investigations.com Email is
admin@ap-investigations.com
20 Questions Dave Bender
1. Where do you see ghost hunting and paranormal groups, web sites
or ghost information, tours and books being in contact with ghosts
like your own in 10 years?
I think that these areas will continue to grow and develop. We see
a lot of groups, conferences, and tours sprouting up all over the
place in the last 5 years. With all of the new television shows coming
out, the public continues to desire this field, it will continue to
grow.
2. What would you personally consider to be the definitive proof that
ghosts are real?
It's hard to say if anyone has definitive proof of ghosts. I think
that up to this point, only the personal experiences that people have
had can be called definitive proof, at least to that individual. You
will always have individuals who debunk or claim that evidence is
not true.
3. What is the most real evidence you personally have uncovered so
far?
I would say that some of the best evidence we have collected came
in the form of EVP. They were quite audible and everyone in the room
heard them at the same time. That for me was more credible than the
orb photos we have seen.
4. Are you skeptical of the claims others make of their findings?
I think that there's always a certain degree of skepticism in other's
findings, but at the same time if I was not there to experience it,
I can't necessarily claim that the individual did not capture or experience
the phenomena they state.
5. If you could investigate your "Dream Haunted Hot Spot"
where would it be?
I would have to say Dracula's Castle. So much energy and emotion captured
in one area. It would be intense!
6. What was your first paranormal encounter?
My first experience occurred when I was participating in a Native
American ceremony. I remember opening my eyes and being in a different
place. I could see the area very clearly. It was quite amazing to
me. Other spirits would come down and observe what we were doing.
7. What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
The investigations that involve children that are either frightening
them or causing them physical harm.
8. If you could work side by side with one of the Paranormal Investigator
greats, who would it be?
I would enjoy working with Loyd Auerbach. He is such a wealth of information and knowledge and really seems willing to share his knowledge with others.
9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately?
I have not had any time lately to read any books. We have been busy
with investigations.
10. What Question do people ask you most when you tell them you're a paranormal investigator, writer?
Are you serious?
11. In your opinion, where is the most Haunted city in America?
New Orleans, Louisiana.
12. Do you feel more people should get involved with Ghost hunting
or Paranormal Investigation?
I think that if they have a sincere passion for it and want to make
a difference then yes, they should.
13. What does the future hold for you?
We will be doing more media events to bring more attention to the
paranormal community. We will also be working on a documentary as
well.
14. Paranormal Conventions do you see them growing? And which ones
are the Must go to ones?
Yes, as the field grows, I believe that conventions will continue
to develop all over the place. The ones I believe are good to go to
are the
ones that offer informational workshops on techniques. Inviting some
well-known investigators helps draw people.
15. What is your most favored tool of the trade?
I believe that the individual investigators are the most important
tool of the trade. They are the people who will gather the most information
about a location.
16. Tell us about your best moment in investigating or conference
attending for you?
I presented at a conference several years ago in San Francisco. I
met some very interesting people and conducted a workshop about blessings
and cleansing. I enjoy the workshops where people are willing to learn
more about other cultures and investigation techniques.
17. What is the hardest part about being a real paranormal celebrity?
I don¢t consider myself a paranormal celebrity, although some
consider me as one.
18. How do you document your investigations?
We utilize cameras, camcorders, digital recorders, and pen and paper
to document our investigations. We utilize as many different media
as we can.
19. Have you ever taken a ghost Tour other than your own? And, What
about it did you not like?
I took a ghost tour in San Francisco and it was quite interesting. The thing I didn't like about it is the expectations that people have when they think that they will encounter paranormal activity while on the walking tour.
20. What in the field of ghost hunting and Paranormal Investigating
needs the most attention?
I believe that the families and individuals that are requesting investigations
need to have their needs met. Often we are contacted by a
family who wants specific answers or issues resolved. Many groups
will go in and simply tell them yes or no if their place is haunted
and then leave. We owe it to the places we go to to provide them with
some answers or reassurance so that the experience was worth it for
everyone involved.
