Flip
the Ink: Allen Wolfshadow, Founder and Director of Ghost Hunters Incorporated www.ghosthuntersinc.net and host of Ghost Radio 3rd Saturday of every month
12am Eastern Time on Blog Talk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/ghost-radio. Ghost Hunters Inc. videos at www.youtube.com/ghosthuntersinc. I asked Allen to tell a little about Ghost Hunters
Incorporated:
We've been researching,
investigating, tracking ghosts since 1974, from our humble beginnings in Pottstown, Pa,... when being a "ghost investigator
& ghost investigations was not so popular & digital equipment wasn't heard of! Back in the 70's we used Polaroid cameras,
cassette tape recorders, compasses, etc.
Q/As BEGIN
Q:
Since I’ve
been a guest on your radio show…I’ve wondered, how did you get involved with the paranormal community in the
first place?
Allen:
Since I was about 12 or 13 I have always had an interest in ghost and the paranormal, not to mention
that I've had my own personal experience with ghost. My ancestors are Western Cherokee, so therefore I have been taught that
spirits exist in all things.
Q.
Given that you operate a paranormal investigation service
in an area you are very familiar with… have you come across haunting(s) that you initially thought were only local
myths…the so-called urban legend type of haunting?
Allen:
Yes, the most talked in the area where I grew was Capt.Washington
Hood.
Q.
In regard to paranormal investigations…do you have
a favorite experience that happened while on an investigation or in preparation for one?
Allen:
My favorite investigation was at a church
in Flourtown,Pa. where my case co-ordinator Nancy & I were in the chapel of the church and heard a choir singing (no choir
visible) I asked if they could sing, "Amazing Grace" we heard not only the singing with our ears but captured it
on our digital voice recorder as well. The singing was confirmed by others in our team as well.
Q.
As P.I.s, when you are on vacation, do you ever take the so-called "ghost tours?"
Allen:
Yes, Charles J. Adams III, a local paranormal celebrity & ghost author conducts tour & ghost
story telling, his web site is www.exeterhousebooks.com
Q.
I know that paranormal investigation takes up a huge chunk of your time and so does hosting a lively
talk radio show, but I have to ask, do you live, eat and sleep paranormally? In other words, do you have other interests within
the paranormal community?
Allen:
Yes, we are currently in the process
of going to libraries, historical societies, etc. not to mention Ghost Radio on www.blogtalkradio.com/ghost-radio on the 3rd Saturday @12am Eastern time.
Q.
What are your favorite techniques in regard to ghost hunting?
Allen:
Using
a ghost box to generate white noise to use in conjunction with our digital voice recorders to help the spirits to communicate
with us verbally. We strive to give our clients the most professional, knowledgeable, courteous and utmost respect with our
clients property whether business or residential. We conduct an initial interview with our clients to get permission to do
property deed search and all relevant information pertaining to the case. We respect our client's privacy and withhold names
and places if they request us to do so.
Q.
What pieces of equipment are a must-have for you when you
are on an investigation?
Allen:
Infrared cameras & digital voice
recorders. Infrared Cameras can capture video evidence that can not be seen with the naked eye & digital voice recorders
can capture audio that may or may not have been by an investigator.
Q.
When I was
guest on your radio show I talked about how to find out if an ancestor could be a ghost. That got me to wondering…
has your interest in the paranormal, specifically ghosts and hauntings, taken on a more personal aspect since your involvement
with ghost hunting?
Allen:
Yes! Since you appeared on Ghost Radio I have gotten more
involved with researching not only for our clients but for my own ancestry as well.
Q.
You’ve been active in paranormal investigations long
before it ever became so popular in the media… what obstacles did you have to overcome…back then?
Allen:
Interesting question! Lots of skepticism. Since Ghost Hunters Incorporated was founded in 1974 (by
3 guys with long hair) you could imagine a few of our obstacles...lol and lots of wise cracks ie: you guys must be crazy,
are you on drugs! However we did learn to keep a lot of the necessary items needed for conducting investigations on hand.
Q.
Do your family members have opinions regarding your involvement in paranormal interests?
Allen:
Yes, My mom had always supported my dreams and ideas when it came down to the actuality of my paranormal
investigations. I loved science when I was in school & at an early age I needed to know the how and why behind what made
things tick!
Q.
How do you explain ghosts/spirits to kids?
Allen:
My explanation is short & simple, I just tell them that ghost/spirits are just people without
bodies.
Q.
What’s the best way for an aspiring paranormal investigator
to learn as much as possible about paranormal investigation?
Allen:
I would
suggest that he/she find a well established team & just jump right in get their feet wet, don't be afraid to ask questions,
and learn all you can on teams procedure & equipment.... most of all be truthful with your team leader and team members.
Q.
I have to ask, because I ask all the paranormal personalities I interview, Do You Believe in Ghosts?
Allen:
Yes 100 %
Q.
One more question… how would a person who suspects
he/she is in a place that has a haunting get in touch with you?
Allen:
Thank you Allen for answering my questions with the sincerity and forthrightness of a person who
has a great deal of experience in paranormal investigations.
And next up…
I Flip the Ink on Scott Wise of G.H.I.
Q.
Since I’ve
been a guest on your radio show…I’ve wondered, how did you get involved with the paranormal community in the
first place?
Scott.
As far back as I can remember I have always been interested
in anything to do with the paranormal. I read tons of books, but most of them dealt with hauntings. I never encountered anything
paranormal, but decided I would like to try something that would maybe increase my chances of encountering something other
worldly. Thats when I decided to contact Allen to meet up with to discuss becoming a member of his team.
Q.
Given that you operate a paranormal investigation service in an area you are very familiar with…
have you come across haunting(s) that you initially thought were only local myths…the so-called urban legend type of
haunting?
Scott.
Yes, The Seven Gates of Hell.
Haunted America: The Seven Gates of Hell
Published January 19, 2008 by:
Sherri Granato from "Associated Content" Web site.
The Seven Gates of Hell is only one of the many stories involving the terrors that surround asylums
and the very nature of their being. These buildings were usually made from large rocks or bricks, and ornamental in appearance
with Gothic style themes, complete with medieval spired balconies as to leave the feeling of tranquillity, peacefulness, and
an overwhelming feeling of well being. Unfortunately this was not the case once a patient was thrust into the interior of
these cold castles where hell awaited their arrival.
Pennsylvania had its share of insane asylums, and legend has it that one of the worst asylums in existence
was located in the bordering towns of York and Hellam, Pennsylvania… to read the entire article please go to Miss Granato’s
web site: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/536773/haunted_america_the_seven_gates_of.html
Q.
In
regard to paranormal investigations…do you have a favorite experience that happened while on an investigation or in
preparation for one?
Scott.
I would have to say the Battlefield Bed and Breakfast. I
was in the old barn with Allen and Bill doing an EVP session, and I heard distinct whispering in my ear, and then actually
found out it was picked up on digital recorder.
Q. As P.I.s, when you are on vacation, do you ever take the so-called "ghost tours?"
Scott:
Not since becoming a PI, but many years in the past I probably done Gettysburg Tours at least a dozen
times and did one in Williamsburg one year. My wife and I one year stayed over night the Farnsworth Inn in Gettysburg for
our anniversary and I had my Video Recorder running through the night, unfortunately all we picked up was my snoring.
Q.
I know that paranormal investigation takes up a huge chunk of your time and so does hosting a lively
talk radio show, but I have to ask, do you live, eat and sleep paranormally? In other words, do you have other interests within
the paranormal community?
Scott:
Your right it does take up a lot up
time, we have been extremely busy lately with investigations, were averaging 2 per month but we have been scheduling them
every other week. Then you need to find time to review all the evidence, then there’s more time needed to meet with
client for a prescreen interview and then meet again with them for the Reveal. My son is always begging me to go along, he
says he wants to be a ghost hunter like daddy. The other open weekends I spend with my family, we may go to the park and take
a picnic lunch. We also love Amusement Parks, my seven year old included. He’s starting to get a little more brazen
with the bigger rides. My wife and I love the Roller Coasters. Also when time allows, my best friend and I brew our own beer,
I would love one day to be able to have my own Micro-Brewery (come on lottery).
Q.
What are
your favorite techniques in regard to ghost hunting?
Scott.
When
going into a possible location for investigation sometimes you can pick up on certain vibes the location may give off, some
would probably call it a sixth sense. You, yourself is the best tool on any investigation. Common sense plays a major role
and trust your instincts, they are almost always dead on. And if something doesn't feel right, then get out immediately.
Interviewing clients is one of the most important parts
of paranormal investigating. The information received by our client interprets how we will go about the investigation. Basic
information is asked about location, when was property was built, do they have any names associated with the properties past,
and if time allows and if it is available, we will do research on the property to try to coincide with what stories the clients
are telling us.
Information from clients,
like names given to us and certain events which they told us, could be the cause of paranormal activity. We will use this
info when doing EVP sessions.
Q.
What pieces of equipment are a must-have for you when you
are on an investigation?
Scott:
You don't have to have tons of equipment
to do ghost hunting. I’ve listed below what most people probably already own (except maybe the voice recorder, which
you can get a half decent one for about $35).
Flashlight
Digital Camera
Video Camera
Voice
Recorder
First Aid Kit
Plenty of batteries.
Q.
When I was
guest on your radio show I talked about how to find out if an ancestor could be a ghost. That got me to wondering…
has your interest in the paranormal, specifically ghosts and hauntings, taken on a more personal aspect since your involvement
with ghost hunting?
Scott.
Yes, During the investigation of York Little Theatre in
York, PA. A friend of mine of plus 20 years passed away from cancer last August. He was a volunteer for the York Little Theater
for many years. So during the investigation while I was doing EVPs I would ask questions only he would know the answers to.
During our last EVP session, I had said last chance for any responses before ending session and imagine to my surprise I get
the reply "Hey Scott, how are you." I really believe it was my friend Steve because he always would say "Hey"
instead of "Hi".
I know he
wasn't an ancestor, but if you get any information on your ancestor, where they lived, for starters, and possibly a favorite
location frequented that made them happy in life, I believe there is a good chance you could get some kind of sign of their
presence.
Q.
You’ve been active in paranormal investigations long
before it ever became so popular in the media… what obstacles did you have to overcome…back then?
Scott:
I let Allen take this question since I wasn't around at that time.
Q.
Do your
family members have opinions regarding your involvement in paranormal interests?
Scott:
My wife
knew how much I was into the paranormal from the get go. She also encouraged me to try to find a group that I could at least
try out to see if it would be something I would enjoy doing.
Needless to say I am loving every minute of it. My wife doesn't really believe in ghosts, but some
of the evidence I have shown her from past cases left her shaking her head. My son is always asking to come along with daddy
to ghost hunt and I keep telling him maybe in a few years.
Q.
How do you
explain ghosts/spirits to kids?
Scott:
Ghost/Spirits are people who passed
away and for reasons unknown sometime show themselves, maybe they feel they need to do one last thing before going to heaven
or maybe they liked the place so much in life they sometimes come back to see how things are going.
Q.
What’s the best way for an aspiring paranormal investigator to learn as much as possible about
paranormal investigation?
Scott.
Don’t spend a lot of money right away on equipment.
I suggest looking for a local paranormal group and give them a call to see if they are accepting members. Or ask if you could
meet up with them for an investigation to see if its really what you want to, depending on your group you could be very busy,
a lot of time and effort will be expected.
Q.
I have to ask, because I ask all the
paranormal personalities I interview, Do You Believe in Ghosts?
Scott:
Yes,
I do believe in ghosts that’s why I became a paranormal investigator and ever since I joined the group and getting a
lot of great evidence just solidifies my belief even more.
Q.
One more
question… how would a person who suspects he/she is in a place that has a haunting get in touch with you?
Scott.
Main Website: http://www.ghosthuntersinc.net
Case Files Website: http://ghicasefiles.ucoz.net
Scott Wise Email: ghi_investigator@verizon.net
Scott Wise Phone: 717-542-9661
Thank you Scott for answering my questions. I found it interesting and informative to receive answers
(to some duplicated questions) from two ghost hunters… it is clear that both of you are on the same page when it comes
to being dedicated to ghost hunting and getting results based on evidence.
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