Richard L. Smith

1. Where do you see ghost hunting and Paranormal groups, web sites or Ghost information, tours, Books Paranormal Radio and Television in 10 years?

Well, first let's assume then that society will still be intact in another 10 years or so...I'm not real sure about that one.
Nevertheless, if humans are surviving, we should continue on our present direction towards opening a new awareness of our true spiritual origins. The pioneers of this increasingly successful movement would be the paranormal groups and hard working, sincere technicians who will develop new advancements in this field, and bring forth new open minded attitudes to propel our civilization to new spiritual knowledge.

2. What would you personally consider to be the definitive proof that ghosts are real?

Tedious investigative work which combines many sources and evidence for a convincing result is one way. This compares to investigators and attorneys preparing for a court case, and must adhere to protocol and rely on a volume of evidence in order to convince the public.

On the other hand, my specialty, Electronics Voice Phenomena (EVP), offers the best single opportunity (in my opinion) for evidence which defies skeptical consideration. Personally, I have accumulated tens of thousands of such messages from "across the veil" including regular communication for 7 years with a spirit which claims to have been with me for two lifetime incarnations.

3. What is the most real evidence you personally have uncovered so far?

Talking back and forth with spirits through the use of EVP technique has changed my life, taught me much about the afterlife, and taught me a great deal about the human earth existence as well. I have had thousands and thousands of such EVP communications, and continue daily with these information gathering sessions. Some of my experiences are highly personal, and included discussions of facts about myself that are impossible for others to know.

4. Are you skeptical of the claims others make of their findings?

Let me just say one thing... I have learned from my own paranormal personal experience to "never" say "never". In this business, truth is definitely stranger than fiction !!

True enough, some amateurs may think that notoriety can be gained by fabricated paranormal claims...but the experienced investigator knows that it is much simpler to just do the real thing, and frankly, the majority of the public doesn't pay much attention anyway. So if anybody wants to get famous, they should become an actor in a movie, but NOT the guy who they made the movie about !

5. If you could investigate your "Dream Haunted Hot Spot" where would it be?

I wrote a book called "Everyplace I Go Is Haunted", and for me, it is true that I can conjure ghost visitations anyplace I go...so location is not always an issue for me. Nevertheless, the old castles of England and Scotland do hold a vision of mystery and intrigue for me, and I am usually drawn to historical sites that are NOT well known for an "original" adventure.

6. What was your first Paranormal encounter?

I have had claireaudient experiences and above average intuitive clarity since childhood. I must say, however, that since 1997 when I first made spirit contact through EVP technique, my life has not been the same. My wife and I both experience so many apparitions in our home that we forget to even tell each other about them unless they are directly related to our relationship.

7. What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?

Absolutely nothing...so far. What really scares me is Earth people on the street.

8. If you could work side by side with one of the Paranormal Investigator greats, who would it be?

I have time for any person who can teach me something . I have learned much from the common man, who has no need for public acclaim. But if you insist I name someone, send me Einstein. (I know he's dead, but maybe by EVP ?)

9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately?

I go to a resale and used bookstore in the neighborhood and read everything that I can on paranormal subjects. Funny thing though, I'm starting to find that much of what I read is repetitive and sort of "been there, done that"

The true story of Rich and Mary, a couple in Texas who find ghosts everywhere they go ! They have the unique ability to hear the voices of spirits, and actually have an electronics technique whereby they are able to record these voices for you to hear ....This is about the "WHITE NOISE" for which the movie (starring Michael Keaton) by the same name was titled, only in this case IT IS REAL !

Join this pair on their spooky adventures, and YOU can actually hear 88 ghost voices they find by listening to the FREE SPECIAL Audio CD included with purchase of the book !

10. What Question do people ask you most when you tell them you're a paranormal investigator, or Personality?

I do not tell strangers about my work unless they open the conversation on the subject. (learned that a long time ago) However, I am recognized in my community and frequently stopped by folks with questions. It's great fun talking with most of them. The first thing they usually say is "Is it real ?" or "Do you really see ghosts?"

11. In your opinion, Where is the most Haunted city in America?

My city, my house! Damn, it's crazy sometimes! Just this morning my dog woke me up so I could let him outside. I immediately heard (NOT EVP-this was audible to the ear) a friendly male voice say "Hi guy !" (I recognize him as one of my regular EVP contacts) then after I let the dog back in and got back in bed trying to settle down, a very tall bald headed male, nude, appeared and floated through the living room and quickly moved out of sight. His color was a pale, chalky looking white and he paid me no notice and was visible from the side and back for a second or two at most. This does not happen every night, but usually these sort of things happen once or twice a week and sometimes my wife and I will both be awakened and find ourselves in a discussion in the middle of the night.

But If I had to pick a city, I'd pick older, historical places like Galveston, St Augustine, Savannah, etc.

12. Do you feel more people should get involved with Ghost hunting or Paranormal Investigation?

I wish it could be that way...but alas, the truth is some are seeking adventure and notoriety by what they consider a "sport". ...that couldn't be farther from the truths of the paranormal. Humility, spiritual awareness, love for one's fellow man....those are the qualities which help most when studying the spiritual mysteries surrounding mankind. I will admit that we all are adrenalin junkies to an extent...but sooner or later our exposure to the secrets of life after death will hit us between the eyes, and as investigators we inevitably evolve towards a more spiritual attitude.

13. What does the future hold for you?

death and more taxes. Man, I hate that.

14. Paranormal Conventions... do you see them growing? And which ones are the "Must go to" ones?

Wow ! I just yesterday wrote an editorial on that and "media" appearances ! (see it on my home page)
I do hope these conventions grow, I enjoy them tremendously when there is a good group, and I especially like speaking to experienced groups of my peers.

15. What is your most favored tool of the trade?

T hought you'd never ask. Why, the digital recorder and the PC, of course !

16. Tell us about your best moment in investigating the paranormal for you?

H mmm, very difficult, there are so many. However, I must say that the time my spirit friend "Rachael" told me she had brought my Dad to me to speak (seven years after his death) and then his voice appeared speaking directly to me and calling me by name, was a moment which shocked me so much that I could not do any paranormal tasks for nearly a month. Not to say this was a "bad" experience because it certainly was NOT. It just was a surprise, and I had no idea of the impact such a personal experience can have on a person. Talking about it does not describe it adequately, the experience will humble the strongest person. You too can actually hear Rachael introducing my Dad, and then my Dad speaking to me...go to my website "a personal message from Rich and Mary to you"

17. What is the hardest part about being a paranormal investigator?

No doubt..the pain felt from creeps who heckle and so called "skeptics" who publicly speak against paranormal investigators with years of dedicated experience. And the worst, the friggin' media who give them a platform and air time for their "lack" of dedication. Go figure...

18. How do you document your investigations?

EVP is not difficult to document by saving audio files on your PC. When I am doing an EVP investigation nowadays, it is video taped and audio recorded. I like to use an extra mini cassette recorder to verbally note technical variations (EMF, Temp etc) and timeline, all this of course further documented by video.

19. Have you ever taken a ghost Tour? And, What about it did you not like?

I'm trying to be polite here, but asking an investigator to take a "ghost tour" must be kind of like asking a pro wrestler to sit in the audience and watch a wrestling match :-)

20. What in the field of ghost hunting and Paranormal Investigating needs the most attention?

1. setting of standards and protocols for the newer, inexperienced thrill seeking crowd.
2. gaining better control (by use of contracts and agreements) with media and film makers who constantly try to present tainted, edited versions of paranormal experiences which result in the loss of respect for the efforts of investigators and researchers.
3. Investigators need to stop kissing up to the rhetoric of "science rules" which is largely a media fabrication. We (as paranormal Investigators) are explorers, innovators, and discoverers. Most of us are not scientists and don't want to be . Personally, I don't want to be assigned a repetitive lab test, or be buried in text and manuals, or wear a bow tie and live in a university classroom or lab. I want to be the guy that meets face to face with the ghost, I want to be the guy in the field that gets the cold chills or the one that finds himself with the nearly impossible task of explaining " what the hell just happened here !?!

Science will do it's job when it is called for...meantime there are actually a few real scientists dedicated to establishing NEW science for a subject which practically no one in the academic community cares for. I'd hope to work with one some day, but only if I don't have to.... :-)

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