Starr Chaney

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 the ghost hunting craze is at a fever pitch right now, and knowing how people like to ride the wave of the "new and popular" I would have to say I see some of it's popularity beginning to decline. I think it is great that there is a new realization that paranormal investigations have brought about, and I think that will stay with us for a very long time. There have been some great questions asked, and many answers still to be found. In 10 years, the people that are in this field for the right reasons will still be around, and those that aren't will have some great memories to take with them on their next journey into pop culture.

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

Wow, now here is a question for the ages. A solid, mass sighting caught on some type of recording media would sure catch my attention... but it really depends on who you are trying to convince. I have been hunting ghosts for nearly 10 years, and I believe them to be real. But that's not to say that what has convinced me would convince others; even with my realization, it took more than one event to solidify it. For the diehard sceptics, there will probably never be enough evidence... and a healthy skepticism is a good thing! It keeps us honest.

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

I would have to say that would be the EVP we have gotten over the years. We have a pretty good collection, and all of them have been verified to be out of human hearing range. It still amazes me every, single time I play a recording back and hear those voices... voices of something that you didn't see but that was very near and very real. Some sounding heartbreakingly forlorn, some sounding angry, some even singing. It's quite humbling, to be honest.

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

Well, that depends. I try to keep an open mind regarding the paranormal, but I don't want to be anyone's rube either. When I am presented with what someone would consider evidence of the paranormal, I speak with them about the encounter and try to determine the conditions in which it occurred. I think that a lot of what folks believe to be evidence can be explained away, but that happens mostly when dealing with inexperienced researchers. I don't necessarily think there are researchers (not many anyway) who fake evidence, most just misunderstand it... and then again, it's always open to personal interpretation.

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

Ireland, hands down. I wish I could take several months to do just that. Ireland is a beautiful place, and so rich in history and folklore... it's at the very top of my investigation wish list.

6. What was your first Paranormal encounter?

I actually had quite a few when I was a child, but I didn't actually realize at the time that they were ghosts. My most vivid recollection from that time was seeing what I thought was my Uncle crossing through the door and walking across the living room just to my right, but when I turned to face him there was no one there. I remember being very confused, not scared in the slightest. I guess my young mind just didn't grasp exactly what had happened till some years later. Now, my first encounter that actually chilled me to the bone happened late at night a few years ago. I was working late in my office at home when I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I mean I really felt it... the warm, the weight. When I turned around, fully expecting to see my husband standing there, there was no one to be seen but the spookiest part was I could still feel the warmth of the touch lingering on my shoulder.

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

People, not the dead ones but the living ones. I have been on a good many investigations where we have had to leave due to the actions of people who we're invited. I can't even begin to tell you how many of those times the actions were related to intoxication... we even had one incident just a week ago where we were in a State Park (with permission) and there were two other groups who just showed up without permission. They were driving their cars and trucks offroad on park grounds, some were intoxicated. Two of them actually tried to sneak up on us to give us a scare while we were doing an EVP session. I have always believed we have much more to worry about from the living rather than the dead.

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

I reckon that depends on who one considers "one of the greats". I have had the pleasure to work with some great investigators, none historically known. I guess I would have to say maybe Edgar Cayce, even though he wasn't really a ghost hunter. I would have loved to have at least met him.

9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately?

Yes, David Domine's "PHANTOMS OF OLD LOUISVILLE: Ghostly Tales from America's Most Haunted Neighborhood" I was fortunate to meet David during his research for the book, and even have him participate in one of our investigations. The book is a great read!

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

Everywhere I go we always hear "don't you get scared?" and I always answer it the same way... well, sometimes, yes! I'd be daft if I didn't. I enjoy the "jump factor" in ghost hunting, it's what makes the hunt so enticing.

Haunted Journeys Documentary Series www.hauntedjourneys.com
Haunted Kentucky now Available of DVD!
View the trailer and teaser on the Haunted Journeys Site!

Haunted Journeys is a documentary by Producer Charla Stone following acclaimed Mother-Daughter Ghost Hunting team Starr and Jessi Chaney of PsyTech on their haunted travels throughout the world. Shot in Cinéma Vérité style, including behind-the-scenes moments in the life of a ghost hunter. The documentary is available in a one-disc package, which is the documentary itself, or a two-disc bonus package which includes bonus photos, out takes and interviews. A portion of the proceeds from this DVD goes to the historical sites which were visited during filming.

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

My guess, I'd say New Orleans. Just look at it's history! Voodoo, smugglers, natural disasters, the cultural melting pot, scandalous behavior on a major scale... what's not to love!

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

If they have an interest in finding answers, absolutely. This field can use all the serious researchers we can get. What we can do less with are groups or individuals that call themselves ghost hunters and are in it strictly to have fun. I have run into many roadblocks in our area because groups like this have gone before us somewhere and caused problems by acting like it was a social event. Investigators need to always remember that we, as a ghost hunting community, are often judged on the actions of a few.

13. What does the future hold for you?

I plan to stick around and keep searching for that elusive beyond-the-shadow-of-a-doubt evidence. It's my Holy Grail and my passion. I would love to be able to do more traveling to investigate more places in other states, see all there is to see. And then of course, there is always Ireland... someday!

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

Well-planned ones, yes. I believe there are many worthwhile conferences to attend. I prefer the more "regional" conferences to the "mega" conferences... I go to learn, not so much to listen to people talk. Check out the web, you can find a one near you, I'm sure. My advice, check out the group to make sure they've been around for awhile before committing to anything.

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

My recorders, and my dowsing rods. I love to use my rods to find areas of spirit energy and then set up for EVP sessions. It has worked very well for us and I have been asked to teach dowsing at conferences across the country. Some are open to it and others aren't. I don't push it on anyone, but I believe it to be a great aid in ghost hunting.

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

I would have to say that my both could be covered in one conference that I attended in San Antonio, Texas. I was fortunate to be asked to come teach at the "Ghosts of Frontier Texas" conference, and has some great times there. The other speakers where wonderful, and we had the privilege of investigating a hotel which had been closed to the public for over 20 years. In the chapel of this hotel, our group experienced some phenomena that was nothing short of awesome. The first encounter was about 10 minutes after arriving in the chapel, I was sitting on the back pew and the others were still standing, when a loud BANG came from the pew directly in front of me. It sounded like someone had thrown a large phone book down on it, and it just reverberated in the tiny chapel. The next thing we noticed was that one of the ceiling fans had begun to turn, had actually been turned on. After checking it out we learned that the only way to turn them on was to climb up on the back of the pew and physically pull the chain... no small feat considering the high vaulted ceilings... plus, we would have noticed if one of our small group had done that. The next occurrence was a french door swinging shut, hard enough to knock the two girls standing in the doorway to the floor. And right after that by just seconds we watched as the large chandelier in the foyer began to, well for lack of a better word, JUMP... it was actually going up and down as if in a bouncing motion, the movement was well over a foot and repeated several times. It was simply spectacular, and of course very little of it was caught of video because of all that was happening in different areas... now that would have been something to show the grandkids!

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

Dealing with ignorant people. By ignorant, I mean people who consider us "unbalanced", "wicked", "evil" or "abominations" because of what we do. Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I have had more than enough conversations with folks who think that what we do is morally wrong. I was called "an abomination to God" by the Bishop of my church just over a year ago, and threatened with excommunication because of his interpretation of scripture. He was not open to hearing my reasons, he just kept thumping that bible. It's this kind of ignorance that I find reprehensible.

18. How do you document your investigations?

I usually document things using a recorder, then I transfer it to an investigation report on our computer later on. I used to take pad and pen with us, but it just wasn't convenient to whip out a flashlight to make notes every couple of minutes. Plus with a recorder you can actually hear the emotion that goes along with the encounter, and hopefully even capture the encounter itself.

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

I have taken many ghost tours. I enjoy them, for the most part. What I don't like about them is when you get negative people in your group, and you are trying to honestly have a good experience but they just suck all the fun out of it by complaining constantly. I really don't understand why people feel the need to do act that way. If you aren't into ghosts or the paranormal, why come to events such as these in the first place?

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

I actually have two thoughts on this. 1) Share our information with others, and 2) Stop all the backstabbing, name calling and childishness. If we are ever to be taken seriously as a valid field of research, we need to strengthen our research and/or evidence by sharing information and findings with other groups. There is no room in this field for jealousy. If another researcher has a great find, congratulate them! I hear so many negative things being said about other groups, and I have even received some nasty emails myself... why is there a need to berate others to make oneself feel superior? Don't let your emotions get the best of you, take the higher road. Given, not everyone out there is trustworthy, that's true in any field of research, but let's not add to the spectacle by acting like children fighting over the monkey bars during recess. There is enough playground for all of us.

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