With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAist Interview: Paranormal EXP
Marcus, Jason, and Clare form Paranormal EXP.
()
We met Paranormal EXP, one of LA's foremost ghost hunter squads, outside the Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Coming off the recent taping of an episode of Paranormal Challenge for the Travel Channel (airing August 26th) and a win at STU CON, Clare, Jason, and Marcus were happy to talk about some of their recent adventures as we wandered the empty cages and picnic benches on an all-too bright Sunday afternoon. Finding shelter in an old cage, we got to talking about the show, past exploits, and why LA is so great for ghoul hunting.
LAist: Tell me about this Travel Channel episode.
Jason: We can't really talk about it too much. Zak Bagans, the creator of the show, pits two teams against each other. We do an investigation of a location and are rated for knowledge of history, use of technology, teamwork, and evidence captured.
Marcus: Thousands of teams applied, out of a few of the teams, we were selected.
Support for LAist comes from
LAist: What's the deal with the Linda Vista Hospital? Why there?
J: Basically, it was built in the 1930s. The main reason it's haunted is gang members in the area were brought in there after fights, stabbings, and treated... It used to be the Old Santa Fe Railroad Hospital, before the gang violence erupted, railroad workers were brought there. It was closed after a bunch of malpractice suits. Nurses mistreated patients, stuffing them in closets and that sort of thing. It's a dangerous area, too.
LAist: What do you tell non-believers?
Clare: We're skeptics too. We've just had unexplained things happen to us and want to learn more. We don't automatically think it's paranormal. We want to look deeper.
M: We're skeptics with an open mind.
C: Marcus has been scratched several times.
M: We were at the Vulture Mine in Arizona.
C: All of a sudden we hear a voice say "Look up." And his back burned. He lifts up his shirt, and there are three scratches going down his back, like lines.
LAist: How did you meet each other?
C (nodding to M): We're boyfriend and girlfriend.
Support for LAist comes from
J: Marcus and I work together. One of our other coworkers told me about Marcus, that he was into the paranormal. I came over and we nerded out over his ghost hunting equipment. We've taken a more logical approach since then.
LAist: Why LA?
J: There are lots of people, lots of cultures, and so many stories.
C: LA is rich with history, and has always hosted celebrities. Certain buildings, certain haunts are famous, like the Roosevelt Hotel, where Marilyn Monroe's ghost is supposed to reside. And many people like to chase celebrity culture.
M: We could go out anywhere, like Hollywood Cemetery, and find paranormal activity. We don't have to rely on private residences.
This interview has been edited for length.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to declare immigration enforcement actions a local emergency. -
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
Best of LAist