Podcasts for the Paranormal Junkie
In the past, I’ve told you all how I’m an enormous fan of Jim Harold’s Paranormal Podcast. I’ve even become a paying member of his Plus Club and I’m loving every minute of it.
Today, I wanted to cue you in to 3 other podcasts that I listen to every week. The best part is that they are all FREE on iTunes.
First up is The Gralien Report. Despite its name, the host Micah Hanks doesn’t just talk about aliens. In fact, he covers every Fortean topic you can think of. Each episode is an hour or more and is run very much like a standard radio show. One of the most informative podcasts you’re going to find.
Next is a show that’s honest with a very homey kind of vibe. SEPS Paranormal Podcast. Host Paul Cagle is a paranormal investigator with a great Tennessee accent that puts you right at ease. He’s very down to earth and tells it like it is. He makes me laugh every time I listen, and that’s a good thing.
And last but not least is Whispers Radio , another show that mainly focuses on ghosts, but will also dip into UFOs and monsters from time to time. Jordan Cline, to me, sounds like a guy I want to have a few beers with.
So next time you’re hunting for something to load onto your iPod or listen to on your computer, give them a try. I wonder if there’s such a thing as podcast rehab?
New Cover Reveal
My editor at Samhain Publishing sent over the cover art for my upcoming story, THE GRAVEYARD SPEAKS, scheduled to be released April 2nd in tandem with my next novel, SINISTER ENTITY. I wanted to give you all a sneak peek at the cover.
In the parlance of my youth, I’m diggin’ it. THE GRAVEYARD SPEAKS is a 40 page short story that bridges the gap between FOREST OF SHADOWS and SINISTER ENTITY. It occurs 13 years after FOS in a dark, snow-encrusted graveyard. The dead are very much alive and even the caretakers avoid a certain section of the sprawling cemetery. This isn’t your typical ghost hunting adventure, I assure you.
I highly suggest you read it before diving into SINISTER ENTITY. You’ll get a cool insight into the events leading up to the novel. The best part is that it’s going to be FREE (at least at the start). So hop on over to Samhain and add the story and the book to your wish list. They haven’t loaded the cover art yet, but you can still easily find it.
The Ladies of Pink Kitty Paranormal : Ghost Hunters With Style
Anyone who has visited this old blog and chain knows that I’m a real big time ghost guy. From having my own experiences to visiting famous haunted locations and writing books about our evanescent neighbors, I can’t seem to get enough, During my travels, I was lucky enough to become friends with the lovely and hysterical Annaliesje Cady, head honcho of the coolest damn paranormal group, Pink Kitty Paranormal.
The crew of PKP ain’t your average ghost hunting squad. Donning pink tutus and fur-covered EMF meters, they go where others dare not tread with a sense of adventure and fun rarely seen in the paranormal circuit these days. If I could tag along with any ghost hunting group in the world for a night in a dark cemetery, PKP would be my # 1 choice. I recently sat down to chat with the beautiful members of PKP…Annaliesje, Scooby, Daniella and Zeegee, and had a blast. I can’t think of a better group to spotlight on Halloween week! Ladies, take it away…
1. I love the name of your group. How did you come up with Pink Kitty Paranormal?
ANNALIESJE…I have dreamed of having my own ghostie hunting group for like ever, that was based on a part of what I love. That would be PINK. I love Kitties (KITTY). I love the PARANORMAL. Some peeps think of PINK KITTY being a little dirty and that it means a certain female anatomy. I say to them all, “That’s fine, all of us girls have one”!!!
2. Who are your members and how did you all meet? 
ANNALIESJE…Myself, Daniella, Scooby and Zeegee (Zombie Girl Nowal) were friends before PKP got started. But we all actually met at a hair salon!! Go figure!!!
3. Because everyone in this field has a back story, what got you interested in ghost hunting and the paranormal in general?
ANNALIESJE…I had an experience with my mom when I was in high school but really got interested about 6 years ago when I started getting hooked on some popular paranormal shows. I signed up for a contest, Ghost Hunters Academy on a dare and actually got called by a producer. I ended up not getting picked for the show. I tried to contact other ghostie groups in my area but nobody wanted to let me join. That is when I said “F” it, I will start my own damn paranormal group!!
SCOOBY…I had some experiences but mainly fell into it when Annaliesje asked me to be a photographer for PKP. I am scared as “F” but can’t stop coming back for more with these crazy bitches!
ZEEGEE…I have had experiences since I was born and my mother as well. Something has been following me, well, since I was born. I have been curious every since. When I was asked to join PKP, I said HELLS YES!!
DANIELLA.. I have been interested in the paranormal since I was little. I had my first paranormal experience when I was about 10. But really I have to say that it is because Leonard Nimoy’s show, In Search Of. He is the one that made me the ghostie huntress that I am today. THANKS LEONARD! ❤
4. How do people react when your team comes to investigate in pink tu-tus and fur covered EMF meters? Is it tough winning over some of them?
ALL OF PKP..We have to say that every one of our clients have been coolio with us investigating. They usually know what we are about and how we dress. A lot of times they want to investigate with us. We have to say we end up winning them all. Maybe we might get a few in the future that we won’t be able to win over. All we have to say to that is…..OLE!!!
5. Some of you were featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures. Care to tell everyone what that was like? Did you meet any of the GA crew?
ANNALIESJE..hahaha yes, I wouldn’t say we were featured. We did get credits at the end but not for PKP. Myself and former PKP member, Nurse Rachel, helped with GHOST ADVENTURES reenactment scenes on the Shanghai tunnels episode. PKP then were volunteers for the Cascade Geographic Society, who runs most of the tunnel tours, and we were asked to help. With such short notice, Nurse Rachel and I were the only ones that were able to participate. We both had a blast. I played Nynah, a young native American girl that was sold into slavery. I also played a saloon girl . Nurse Rachel played the main saloon girl that helps shanghai a poor chap..lol. The only one that we got to chat with were the filming crew for Travel Channel. Joe was my favorite. We picked on each other a lot. Filming took from 10am to 7pm on a Tuesday. It is amazing how long it takes to film a few minutes of what really airs. Sadly Zak, Aaron, Nick and Billy were already gone but months later Aaron and Billy did meet my dad in Vegas and took pics with him at a Gold Show..don’t ask..long story..always is..lol
6. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever seen or heard during an investigation?
ANNALIESJE…I would have to say the second time we investigated an old hotel in Carson, WA. It’s funny how you can investigate a location and it’s quiet the first time and the second time you go back it does a one eighty..zoom! We went back to film some footage that was asked for by a network. Everything that had to do with video died, even with fully charged batteries. Something there clearly did not want us to film. We got clear sentences in our PKP gotcha ghostie box (when asked, “Was that you that made our cameras die?” the reply was a very loud and clear, “yup”!!! and when asked, “Why don’t you want us to film you?”, the reply was, “Because it’s abomination!!!”
And we were also followed to our hotel room. Let’s just say we left the lights on when we went to bed and for the record, I NEVER DO THAT EVER!
SCOOBY..F ing everything!!!
ZEEGEE..Agree with Annaliesje..something followed us to our room and we got a lot of readings on our k-2 meters and more evp’s from our room..that shit was carrrazy!
DANIELLA..Carson, WA for sure. Something was f ing with us! It was the first time we encountered a hostile ghostie. The whole investigation was awkward and uncomfortable!!
7. If you could list your top 3 dream ghost investigations, what would they be and why?
ANNALIESJA..DisneyLand! Because I want to see if I can talk to Walt!! It would be great to get some evp’s of that brilliant man and plus..I love everything Disney ❤ Alcatraz! Because I want to dress the team up in prison stripes and have Daniella be a cop and get some evp action with birdman!! Amityville Horrrror House. Well because, I just remember watching a documentary about it when I was little and some paranormal group left cameras in one hallway and caught a little boy with glowing eyes..I want to mess with that little ghostie! Lol 
SCOOBY…Graceland! Because I want to see if Elvis still lives! Neverland..well, just because! Last but not least..THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE! Get some dirty evp’s on the royals!!
DANIELLA.. I like psycho shit, so first off would be Trans Allegheny, Viscilica Axe Murder House. Last would be Hurricane Mills..Loretta Lynn. Because I love her and love that she has haunted shit happen to her there. Want to hear her stories!!
ZEEGEE..Tower of London, Lizzy Borden House and of course Waverly. Why? Because I like GUTS!
8. OK, if you could have your favorite cocktail, food and dessert right now, what would they be?
ANNALIESJA..Margarita on the rocks but with fresh oranges and lime freshly squeezed..triple sec and the most expensive f’ing IT WILL KILLYA (tequila) possible. Sushi..I just love sushi!! I would say all dessert..I am like Buddy the elf..I love anything sugar..it is my weakness!
ZEEGEE..I just trust my bartender to set me up..whatevs. Sushi..oh yeah..A spoon of NUTELLA!!
SCOOBY..A slightly dirty martini made with Kettle 1. Kraft Mac And Cheese. The inner Mexican in me says, FLAN!
DANIELLA..Well, I am drinking a GodDamn good Cab right now. Anything prepared by the sexy chef, Gordon Ramsay! Lavender crème Brule!! Mmmmm!
To follow the adventures of PKP, just click on any of thier pictures and it will take you right to their YouTube channel and FaceBook page. Happy hunting!
The Paranormal Panel
OK, so I understand this particular panel won’t be anything like being a judge on American Idol (which is why I’m happy to do it). I’ll be on the NY Spotlight on Success first ever paranormal panel this Thursday night in NYC. My Monster Men co-host, Jack Campisi, will be by my side along with a host of paranormal researchers and psychics. It should be a blast. Hope you can make it.
I’ll have copies of Forest of Shadows and Evil Eternal on hand if you’d like to get a signed copy for less than the cover price!
Here’s some info on the event and how to purchase tickets.
Click here to learn more about the panel and to get your tickets.
Live Radio Show Tonight!
For those of you interested in my ramblings, I’ll be co-hosting the Working Things Out radio show tonight with Tony Ventarola, one of my oldest friends in this scary world. The show goes from 6-7pm ET. You can listen live by clicking the Listen Live link or come back another day and check out the archive. Lord knows what we’ll talk about, but knowing us, UFOs, ghosts, baseball and politics will probably rear their heads.
If you missed it live, you can access the archive here on YouTube. A big thank you to Diana Navarro for lending us her air time.
The Whaley House – The Most Haunted House in America
I recently had to go to San Diego on business and being the paranormal addict that I am, I made sure to carve out some time to visit some haunted spots around the city. I originally booked a ghost tour so I could get more bang for my buck, but on the day I was supposed to go, they cancelled the tour. Ghost deprivation didn’t sit well with me, and as I stormed off to find a place to eat, I stumbled upon one of San Diego’s most famous haunted locations : The Whaley House!
Imagine my surprise when I saw the sign outside the old storefront. 
Here I was in Old Town (the best place on earth for great Mexican food), a stranger in a strange land with no ghostly tour van to take me around, and I just happen to find what is probably one of the top ten haunted locations in the country. Tacos could wait.
Now, I’m not going to go into the whole history of the Whaley House. You can get that right here. But briefly, it was built in 1857 when San Diego was a fledgling western town by Thomas Whaley. During it’s time, the old brick house was a mercantile, courthouse, playhouse, and site of public gallows as well the spot where criminal Yankee Jim Robinson was caught and hanged, with Thomas Whaley in attendance. And we can’t leave out that one of his daughter’s committed suicide on the property. It’s a location rife with sadness, extreme hopes and joy, bitter justice and broken dreams.
The ghosts that reportedly inhabit the house are numerous and even extend to dogs and cats. So, who are these unsettled spirits that roam the creaking floors? Let’s take a tour.
When you first walk in, you see the old mercantile counter, complete with antique goods. 
On the counter you’ll find 2 books. One that outlines the history of the house and the Whaley family, and another that contains photos of supposed ghosts that have been taken by visitors over the years. More on that later.
Right next to it is the old courthouse. This is where a woman in white has been seen, as well as ethereal Native Americans and Confederate soldiers. Mind you, when I went, it was a sunny day and the house felt as benign as a house can be, but I could feel the weight of history around me. Any place with a rich past has a capacity to become a beacon for lost souls.
Next, I went upstairs. There have been numerous reports of visitors feeling like they’re being choked when they are on the ninth step. Could this be the presence of Yankee Jim, making sure folks feel the pain he experienced as he took his last breath? I will admit, the staircase was pretty eerie, even during the day.
At the top of the stairs was the old playhouse, still set up like it’s ready for the next show to go on. The man who was responsible for creating this area died right after the first show. I was told by one of the docents that furniture on the stage has been moved, with chairs being swapped out and lecterns moving off the stage entirely. A young, new docent was in the room reading while I was in the theater and I asked her if she ever saw or heard anything odd. Just a couple of months into her employment, she said she hadn’t…yet. I got the feeling she wouldn’t mind a little otherwordly show to open on the stage.
Next, I explored the various bedrooms where the spirits of the Whaley family, from Thomas to his wife, Anna, their children and a host of other unidentified wraiths have been seen. Many of the rooms have a plastic barrier that keeps people from going inside. That also means reflections off the surface can produce odd, but entirely natural phenomena. Notice the little dolls. For some reason, old toys give me the willies.
Then I came upon the parlor where Anna seems to spend a great deal of her time. This was one room that wasn’t blocked out, though you couldn’t walk inside. I can easily picture Anna sitting at the piano, playing a sad tune, mourning the loss of her children.
Exiting the house, I had to photograph the upstairs window where many people have seen a man staring out at them, and not always with a smile on his face. Many believe this is old Thomas, probably wondering why all these folks are tramping around his house.
Now, I will say that as a museum, The Whaley House is a must see. The historical society has done a good job keeping it in shape and the self guided tour was set up perfectly. You can take two minutes or two hours. It all depends on you. And it’s only a few bucks. You can’t beat that. You buy your tickets in the store right next door where you can pick up some Whaley House merchandise when you’re done.
I did speak to one of the more experienced docents and she was wonderful enough to go through the ghost photo book I mentioned earlier. She pointed out photos that were obviously nothing more than tricks of the light or camera lens, and others that were truly unexplained. She even took me to the spots in the house where the pictures were taken so I could get a clearer perspective and see how things could be misinterpreted or beyond doubt. I can’t thank her enough for the extra TLC.
Now for some odds and ends. If you book in advance, you can do a nighttime paranormal investigation. I wished I knew about that, but there’s always next time. As I was taking pictures, I noticed what I thought was a phantom face in this one – 
Can’t you see it in within the upper right of the front facing wheel? Well, it turns out it was the sun reflecting off the mercantile counter, through the spokes and onto the wall. It only took 10 seconds to figure it out, but I wonder how many people would declare it a ghost photo without a second thought.
So, although I didn’t encounter anyone from the other side, I can cross this off my paranormal bucket list. Like I said, book ahead of time and see if you can get into one of the night investigations.
I’ll leave you with this, possibly the creepiest thing I saw the entire day. Here’s a Whaley family member photo that will haunt you well into the night. Pleasant dreams!
OK, I came, I saw, but I didn’t experience anything particularly spooky or paranormal. I know that tons of people have been there during the day and night. Have you? Has anyone had a ‘ghostly’ moment at the Whaley House? Come on and give us goosebumps!
In the mood for all things ghostly and horrific? Check out Evil Eternal and Forest of Shadows and get your goosebumps on.
Goodbye to a Ghost Hunter
Well, it’s finally here. Grant Wilson’s last investigation on Ghost Hunters takes place this Wednesday. I thought it was fitting to re-post this, which was written right after the announcement that he was leaving the show. And this time around, The Monster Men have added our video tribute. Good job Grant. On to the next.
For at least one episode of Ghost Hunters, the ghosts took a back seat on February 15th. After eight seasons of chasing spirits from coast to coast and even across the Atlantic, Grant Wilson announced that he will be leaving Ghost Hunters at the end of the current season.
Truth be told, I’m kinda sad he’s leaving. I’ve been a fan of the show since the very first episode. Yes, I fully understand that it’s entertainment. I don’t take everything I see on the show as paranormal gospel. I simply can’t stop tuning in week after week, getting my night-vision fix of spooky places.
I know it has its detractors and critics. It’s a rule that the greater your success, the greater your criticism. However, I do give them props for their dedication and passion. I’ve spoken to a few folks who are on other paranormal shows on TV, and the truth is, they only do investigations when there’s a camera crew in tow. This isn’t a vocation for them. It’s a job that gets filmed, edited and broadcast. Grant and Jason and their T.A.P.S. team have been living this life, years before TV came calling.
These two plumbers with a passion for ghost hunting have accomplished something that I, as a horror writer, truly appreciate. They made the paranormal cool and almost…normal. Their millions of fans seek out other venues to get their shivers. And that’s where I and a load of other writers come in, sharing the spirits and demons that roam our minds.
I’m not surprised that Grant is leaving. I’ve always thought that he and Jason would retire, leaving the show to the young hands to carry on their work. I’m the same age as Grant, and I know all that travel, combined with what I’m sure is a comfortable bank account, would equal my early retirement. You have to wonder how many days out of the year Grant actually got to be home with his wife and kids. I’m sure, at times, his family felt he was the ghostly presence left behind as a faint ripple of energy in their house. It’s time to kick back, recharge, reconnect and relax. The ghosts will still be there should you decide to get back in the game. In fact, with each dying breath taken every minute of every day, the number of potential undead to investigate just keeps on building.
Grant, thank you for eight years of creepy, fun Wednesday nights.
For everyone watching since he’s left, what do you think of the show? Do you like the dynamics of the team?
And now, The Monster Men get to say so long, and come back any time…
The Haunted Well at the Manhattan Bistro : Affirming the Eternity of the Soul
Sometimes, writing has its perks. A couple of months ago, I was asked to be on a radio show (Working Things Out hosted by the lovely Diana Navarro) that usually broadcasts out of a midtown Manhattan restaurant. For my interview, the venue was moved to Soho in a place called The Manhattan Bistro. What’s so special about the Manhattan Bistro? The small restaurant houses a well that dates back to the 1700’s and has been reportedly haunted since 1800. My perk? The owner gave us rare permission to go down after the show to see the well and do a little paranormal investigation! 
Right from the get-go, the Manhattan Bistro looked like a place out of time. The structure is far older and smaller than all the other surrounding buildings and stores. You can tell that the entire neighborhood has grown up around it. When I first stood across the street, it made me think of the Little Red Lighthouse living under the shadow of the George Washington Bridge.
A little on the background of the well: The unhappy ghost of Elma Sands has been seen and heard in and around the old, deteriorating well ever since her murder in 1800. It’s believed the 21 year old was killed by her well-to-do fiancé and stuffed in the well and was the scene of the city’s first murder trial. The fiancé was defended by Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton and the prosecution never had a chance.
So now we have the perfect locale for a haunting. A woman violently slaughtered and a crime without a punishment. People have been seeing her ghost rising from the well, ala The Ring, for centuries.
Three of us walked into the cramped basement to see the well. I’m not a tall guy, and my head almost touched the ceiling as we shuffled down the tight corridor that was straight out of The Amityville Horror. 
I was shocked to see that the well itself rose well over six feet out of the ground. The sandy stone has crumbled in some spots but carries the weight of history. We turned out all the lights. It was as dark as a tomb. After asking a few questions, we just let the silence take over. Pictures were flashing and my audio recorder was placed on the lip of the well. I didn’t feel anything supernatural around the well. Not even one tiny goosebump.
I asked, “Do you want us down here? Would you like us to stay or leave?”
We waited expectantly, the darkness covering us like a burial shroud. There was a knock on the ceiling, but I quickly realized someone had dropped something upstairs.
All and all, we left feeling that the well, this night, was benign. Poor Elma Sands was elsewhere, hopefully with her family or maybe out enjoying the sights.
Later in the night, I slipped back down to the well. This time, I didn’t feel alone, though whether it was due to the paranormal or just human nature when one finds oneself in a dark room standing next to a well that everyone has said is haunted is highly debatable. No matter the cause for my discomfort, it was worth it for the chill that danced down my spine. 
And that is why I write about ghosts, and why I run to the things that go bump in the night. Ghost hunting is an extreme sport, with one difference; the payoff is beyond comprehension. Affirming there are ghosts in our midst is proving the eternal nature of the soul, thus eradicating the fear of death. There aren’t many other human endeavors greater than that.
Hungry for more? Check out this video of the most haunted buildings in New York City.
Hunter Shea 