Interview with Justin, Founder of PROOF Paranormal

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8282.asp

Danielle Garrison: Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Justin: I am a 25 year old father of a 2 yr old little boy. I live in Indianapolis, IN and have my whole life. Besides the paranormal I enjoy listening to, and/or playing music on my guitar.

Danielle Garrison: How did you get involved with the paranormal?

Justin: I just have always been interested in the paranormal, since elementary school right on up. I think I checked out every book in the school, local, and city library on the subject by the time I was 10. Not too mention a huge dose of ghost shows on TV and maybe one too many Unsolved Mysteries episodes... then there were the Ghostbusters movies, and well, that’s a whole 'nother story.

Danielle Garrison: What is it really like to be a Paranormal Investigator?

Justin: It's a lot of fun being able to travel to locations that are off limits to most, and being able to meet new people and hopefully help them out a bit. We have met some really great homeowners who have welcomed us into their homes and treated us like part of the family. It's not always an action packed lifestyle, but I try to enjoy it even in the times when it's not that exciting. Nothing like traveling all over the place with your best friends, and maybe having some interesting experiences along the way.... paranormal or not.

Danielle Garrison: Have you ever been afraid during an investigation?

Justin: Honestly, no... in fact sometimes I would say I was overly un-afraid (is that a word?). I am of the opinion that if you are only in this to get your chills and thrills, and are afraid on investigation, that you need to find something else to be doing. If you are not objective and somewhat skeptical, then you'll accept anything and everything as proof. And that is the opposite of what we're trying to accomplish with this group.

Danielle Garrison: Is this a life long passion/obsession?

Justin: Yes, without a doubt

Danielle Garrison: Have you ever seen a ghost(s)?

Justin: I have witnessed some very strange things, although nothing I can say hands-down was a ghost. They never seem to want to give me a good enough look at them for my mind to truly decide what it saw. There one millisecond, gone the next.

Danielle Garrison: Would you consider yourself a scientific skeptic?

Justin: Yes, to the point where many other groups are probably sick of hearing me :D .

Danielle Garrison: In your opinion, what is the most haunted location you’ve investigated?

Justin: Central State Hospital, as well as a couple of private residences where something interesting was definitely going on.

Danielle Garrison: What is the best evidence you’ve ever collected?

Justin: In my opinion, a child's voice caught on an EVP, in a home where no children lived or were present at all. Not to mention that it seems to answer the question presented to it.

Danielle Garrison: Do you believe we will ever provide proof of the paranormal?

Justin: I believe that right now that is completely impossible. There will never be any source of video, audio, or photo, that cannot be called a hoax by one person or another. I also believe that right now there is some negative progress taking place in the investigation community, due to the recent mega-flood of disinformation out there. People are being shown pics of dust, bugs, hair, and the like, and it's being pawned off to them as paranormal activity. Then, they go start up their own group, and misinform some more people.. who start up a group... and on and on.. so our goal is to steer people away from that kind of thing and pursue this more realistically.

Danielle Garrison: Are you sensitive or psychic in any way?

Justin: No

Danielle Garrison: How do your friends and family feel about you being a Paranormal Investigator?

Justin: Once they find out we're not a group of hoakie psychic frauds who run around calling everything haunted, they’re typically pretty interested.

Danielle Garrison: Who was the person that most influenced you and how?

Justin: I'm not sure I can say there has been one person who has influenced me, as this has always been something I was into. I pretty much took it up on my own. I have been more influenced by groups out there spreading false information than anything. I would really like to see that stopped, which was a major factor in taking up organized investigations. TAPS has been a TON of help to us, from investigation requests, to help with our overnights, to taking us out to dinner and a night of partyin' with them... they have been great and I can honestly say they are all real-deal people who haven’t lost touch with the real world at all just by being on TV. It's a challenge to find good people like that in this day and age.

Danielle Garrison: What would you say to someone thinking about starting up this ghostly hobby?

Justin: Learn how to use your equipment forward and backwards. Learn about photography and what causes the things you see out there on paranormal websites. Id say 99.999 percent of it all is explainable. Don’t just run around with an EMF detector and freak out every time it spikes; learn what causes them to do so, and how to identify in a heartbeat what is doing it. Keep a sense of objectivity, and reality, and you'll gain more respect.

Danielle Garrison: Would you recommend any books related to the paranormal to get started?

Justin: Stay away from pretty much all of the "how to be an investigator" books and courses you see out there. I just recommend reading stories and accounts of paranormal events and try to weed out the garbage from the stuff that might have some credence. Try to recognize patterns and subtle similarities between occurrences. I feel this can really help keep an investigator well rounded.

Danielle Garrison: Is there any other information you would like to share?

Justin: Make sure to check out the site at proofparanormal.com and come spend a night with us at the Hannah Mansion as well. A lot of great people have been coming out, and helping to make these stays a lot of fun for everyone. We thank all of them, and hope to see them back soon. Also thanks to all the people who've visited our site and forum and helped keep this group going strong.