Spooky Isles interviews Stephen Russell, a freelance paranormal investigator from North Wales
What was your first Paranormal encounter?
My first paranormal encounter was not a ghost but a UFO. which I saw from my bedroom window as an 11-year-old child.
Do you believe in ghosts, and if so, what is a ghost?
Yes I do believe in ghosts but as a recording imprinted onto the environment. A spirit is conscious energy that will communicate and interact with the living.
What evidence have you personally uncovered that makes you consider ghosts are real?
Only personal experiences. I have personally never caught anything on camera, video or audio that I could put forward as evidence of an afterlife.
Are you skeptical of the claims others make of their findings?
Yes, only because I believe in being an open-minded skeptic. While I do not believe everybody is faking evidence, I believe that some are mistaken and need careful evaluation.
How do prepare for a ghost hunt?
By taking all I have learnt over the years and putting it into practice at a location.
What tips would you give for someone going on a paranormal investigation for the first time?
Be sensible and not to be afraid to ask for any advice from any experienced investigator.
What is your favourite piece of paranormal investigation equipment?
I would have to say my Sony Nightshot Handycam. You have audio and my IR light captures great images in the dark.
Are you psychic? Do you consider being psychic a help or a hindrance for paranormal investigations?
No am not psychic but I think am a little bit sensitive, as I have picked up on some names, places etc on some investigations in the past.
What makes a great haunted location?
Any location has the ability to be great. Sometimes the less hyped places have been the most active.
If you could investigate any haunted location, where would that be?
50 Berkeley Square, London.
What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
Nothing. I have never experienced anything negative while doing an investigation.
In your opinion, what is the most haunted area in the UK or Ireland?
I think every area has its own great locations. so I would find it hard to pick a single one.
Read any good paranormal books or watched any good paranormal TV shows/movies recently?
Last movie I saw was White Noise. Currently, I’m reading a book on Jack the Ripper.
Tell us about your favourite moment from a paranormal investigation.
I was doing an investigation at an institute. Four of us were doing a ouija board asking questions when the side I was sitting on was kicked up! Nobody was around us. We four were sitting down, very very interesting.
