Sherri Brake-Recco

20 QUESTIONS WITH Sherri Brake-Recco

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

I think that we will see a decrease in Paranormal Groups as the novelty wears off for many. I think the same will be said for ghost tours and TV shows as well. Popular is at is now, I think the popularity will wane a bit due to the over saturation in the media. In a few years, those who take this field serious will be the only ones left as happens with many fads. I do think that the paranormal is less "para" these days and more openly talked about and studied.

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

The history and repetitiveness of hauntings prove that something exists. One cannot discount true and credible reports of paranormal activity once the obvious has been ruled out.

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

While leading tours and ghosthunts, I record peoples experiences in the areas we explore. I often note patterns of activity in certain areas and these coordinate with different people who come and go on the tours. When I see a certain area in a building for instance, where people all have the same feeling or reaction, it gives more credence to the fact that 'something' out of the ordinary is triggering this feeling, emotion, equipment reading etc..

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

I am always skeptical. I am even skeptical of my own findings and experiences! I always try to rationalize, re create or explain anything paranormal I experience whether on equipment, in a photo,in person etc..

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

Can I pick 2? Scotland and Ireland!!

6. What was your first Paranormal encounter?

When I was 2 years old I had an imaginary playmate. Now I realize that this playmate" was probably a spirit or ghost. He appeared to me as a very tall, thin older gentleman in a dark suit. He would play games with me. I named him "Lerch" after the Adams Family character that was on tv as thats who he reminded me of. Lerch hung around with me for several months until my baby sister was born and then he never came back!

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

People in this dimension! I always tell folks that they have more to fear from the living than they do from the dead. So far, I have been right!:-)

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

If I could pick someone from the other side, it would be Harry Price of course! If I had to pick from the living, there are too may good ones to choose from. I admire so many and respect their opinions.

9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately?

The Case for Ghosts by J. Allan Danelek, Ghosthunting Ohio by John Kachuba, and Spook- Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach.

10. What Question do people ask you most when you tell them your a paranormal investigator?

What got you into this field and are you hiring?

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

Gettysburg!

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

Only if they are honest and passionate about it and respectful of property, history, and the dead.

13. What does the future hold for you?

Adventure! I see Haunted Heartland Tours continuing to grow and spur interest in history and hauntings.The basic goals that we have for our tours and events is to educate, entertain, and enlighten. I think we succeed due to the fact that we have we have so many repeat guests and compliments from both believers and skeptics alike.

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

I think we see paranormal conventions dwindling down a bit over the next few years. Putting on an event requires a lot of patience, time and effort and many think that they are big money makers. You must love the field and people more than you want that almighty dollar or you will burn out quickly! The Must go to ones would be the one that pique your interest the most in the location of the nation that you would love to explore!

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

The human brain and your gut intuition. Next up would be a good camera.

16. Tell us about your best moment in investigating or conference attending for you?

The best moment up to date was contracting with the West Virginia Penitentiary in 2006 to instruct their Ghosthunting 101 classes. We are in our 2nd year at that site instructing classes once a month from April-September.

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

Not being able to clone myself and add extra hands to hold all that equipment! I also find myself defending what I do for a living to others. Religion always has been a factor as well as the impression others automatically think you are a witch!

18. How do you document your investigations?

On good old fashioned paper. I have a 4 page investigative report I use as well as camera and video.

When I instruct classes on Ghosthunting, investigation documentation is covered and stressed.

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

Yes, I have taken other ghost tours. The only suggestion I would ever give another tour company is to limit the size of the group. I always lead 2 haunted walking tours a night instead of just one. That way I can meet everyone face to face and talk with them making it more fun and personal. I like the fact that I meet every single person and try to shake their hand or exchange a word or two.

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

Protocol and procedure. Just basic education! Many groups tend to dismiss this important aspect of documenting the investigation. If more groups adopted a universal code of ethics and procedure, it would generally help how this field is viewed.

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