Q 1: What attracted you to your paranormal interest?

Jessie: I have been interested in the paranormal since I was very young, maybe around the age of 5, first there was a show that reenacted personal experiences and that is what made me believe. I can't remember what this show was called, it opened my eyes to the possible and made me more aware. Around the age of 7 is when I saw my first spirit. Forever, I thought that me (and my family) had figured out the name of this spirit… until with the help of your book "Ghost Hunters Research Guide to Free Internet Sources" I decided to research a little more. The clothes that the ghost was wearing did not match the era in which this person lived. The spirit still haunts my childhood home, which my parents still live in, but he does not show himself often. So far… it is just me and my mother who have seen him. Seeing this at a young age really made a stamp of the paranormal on my soul, and I believe it was meant to open my eyes.

Q 2: As a parent of young children, how have you explained, or will explain in the future, what ghosts are?

Jessie: Wow you know how to ask the good questions Elizabeth! I have a child that is ten and he has already asked this question. I told him that a ghost is a spirit of a living being that has passed. I tried to explain to him that the spirit is probably confused and doesn't know what happened or needs help. He still is scared of ghosts and doesn't quite understand, but until you have someone pass I really don't think you can fully grasp what a spirit truly is.

Q 3: To change the topic, ever so slightly… I’ve noticed a minority number of women are apparent in paranormal investigations. By apparent, I mean the women are easily found on the Internet and in the public eye because they have made an effort to have a public profile in media. Overwhelming, it appears that the guys are the investigators making their mark on public awareness. You have a low profile on Ghost Hunters United, the paranormal community you are cofounder of… Is your low profile a choice for you, or is it simply the result of your schedule and having less time to promote your paranormal involvement?

Jessie: It is true that the majority of paranormal investigators seem to be male, but if these women are anything like me, I can tell you why. I am not a computer person or do I like electronics, don't get me wrong I don't want to go back to the stone age. I just am a more hands-on kinda chick. I live a life of balance or at least that’s what I try to do, I do my best to spend time with my kids before I go to work and when they are in school I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I look at it this way: Help the living by day, and help the spirits at night. My ultimate goal is to make a dent in this world, try to show people you can make a difference and just turns out that the best way for me to do this is not take the spotlight, someone else can make a difference that way.

Q 4: Other than your immediate family, meaning your spouse and children, what feedback have you received from other family members and close friends in regard to GHU and your paranormal interests?

Jessie: At first, I think my parents just shrugged it off and thought it was gonna be a stage in life that we would eventually drop, but as time went on, they finally started to take it seriously. After all, I think most people’s reaction is that you’re crazy, why do this? You aren't making any money off of it. At work is where I get all the different feedback. Some think it’s so cool that they want to go on a hunt and be one of the team just to say they have done it. Others look at you like you have mental issues and need to see a doctor. Oh, but my favorite reaction is: "I don't believe in spirits, it’s against my religion, therefore you are not dealing with spirits, they are all demons." I respect everyone's thoughts on this subject until you look down your nose at me and tell me, as a fact, that I don't know what I’m dealing with. There is one person that I do believe avoids me because they know what I do and they don't agree with it. All I can say is… If you join this field please do so for the right reasons and not just because you think it’s cool.

Q 5: Here’s a scenario to consider answering: What kind of paranormal experience would it take to scare you away from an investigation?

Jessie: Demonic!!!! Demonic is about the only thing that could scare me away from an investigation. I have strong faith, don't get me wrong, but dealing with that kind of a being is not my cup of tea. Or, should I say I’m not ready for yet.

Q 6: What techniques or equipment have you found the most useful in ghost hunting?

Jessie: Using trigger objects is one of my favorite techniques, because to me it becomes more personal that way. I have had good results from this strategy in the past and not to mention it makes the investigation more interesting.

My favorite piece of equipment though, will always be the DVR (digital voice recorder), as soon as you hear that spirit’s voice, it’s butterflies in the tummy!

Q 7: What is the most compelling evidence that you have come across in a ghost investigation?

Jessie: A familiar voice and name. It hit home hard and the news wasn't delivered yet.

Q 8: I’ve been asked this question and I liked to know your answer to it: Can a ghost/spirit follow a person home from an investigation?

Jessie: I believe that anything is possible, that is why I strongly encourage anyone starting off in this field to enter it with courage and self confidence. And make sure it is for the right reasons and not for show.

Q 9: Typically, in media and literature, a ‘haunting’ is characterized by a tragedy and or sadness. What if this were not the case, what if a spirit visitation or haunting was caused from a joyful energy? Imagine this to be true and explain that after you pass over, if you were to make a spirit visitation, with whom would it be and what positive message would you hope to convey?

Jessie: Well I have always believed that strong emotions played a big role in any haunting, so why not a joyful haunting. So if I were to make a visit after I’m dead, it would definitely be to my kids. I would show myself to them with the biggest smile on my face and well, I guess I would try to make them feel peace, show them that it’s okay.

Q 10: What direction would you like to see ghost hunting and paranormal investigation take a stronger, more positive, lead in?

Jessie: Respect for sure. A lot of the ghost hunters now, are interested in one thing: Evidence, and they will go to extreme lengths to get it. Stop, Research the spirit and try to put yourself in that spirit’s shoes. Don't yell, scream and taunt these spirits, after all, one day you might me hunted too.

Q 11: As a cofounder of Ghost Hunters United, what goals do you have for GHU’s future?

Jessie: GHU is so much more, already, than we could have ever dreamed, it started off as just a small site that you (members) could share your experiences on. Now, it has grown with more that a thousand members. Members even have games to play, a place to share evidence, and people to talk to that have more experience in the field. A member can make their own profile and find members close to them. The main goal and what I would like to see in the future is people that may have questions about paranormal, or need help in there homes, that GHU will be able to help. We have > recently added a page where a person can look-up hunters by state. A person will be able to find a group near them that can help, when needed. All in all, Ghost Hunters United was created for one reason FOR YOU! We are all > united as one seeking the truth.

End of interview with Jessie Hedge. Jessie, like all moms, is a busy parent who balances raising her children with work and her passion for the paranormal. I sincerely appreciate Jessie taking the time to appear in this interview and allowing me to pick her brain. I know readers will have enjoyed this interview, as well.

Editorial Note from Elizabeth Eagan-Cox. I’m a member of Ghost Hunters United and I’m sure that Jessie would not mind if I invite YOU, the reader of this interview, to join GHU. Membership is free… no strings attached! GHU is for persons with varied interests in paranormal research and investigation… and members’ background and experiences range from those who are just curious about paranormal topics to persons who have years of expertise. You decide how much you care to share about yourself and there is never pressure to visit, check-in or stay ‘active’ on a scheduled basis. Here’s the direct link to GHOST HUNTERS UNITED: http://www.GhostHuntersUnited.com