Interview with Jason Hess, Founder of Rock Island Paranormal and Host of Ghost Support Radio

Lisa: Jason, how long have you been hosting Ghost Support at Blog Talk Radio?

Jason: It's been about 7 months now.

Lisa: Have you had any well-known or influential people on the show?

Jason:Well, yes. But to be honest i think even people from small groups are just as important.

Lisa: Do you base the show towards a local audience in Illinois, or is your target market also in other states?

Jason: I try to reach all groups and investigators.

Lisa: What is the most exciting thing about doing the Ghost Support radio show?

Jason: Learning different theories from different groups and people. Also just meeting these people. I have personally met some of the guests I have had on.

Lisa: You are also the founder of Rock Island Paranormal. When you did start your group and why?

Jason: Back in Dec. of '06 my girlfriend and I started a group and found some people interested in joining. Some of the people didn't fit in right and we asked the other members to pick to go with us and they did. We met a couple, which also became very good friends of ours, and that is basically the core members. I would really call me a co- founder along with the other members of the group because they all helped build the group.

Lisa: Have you ever been afraid while doing an investigation?

Jason: Well, sure. But you have to put that in the back of your mind and keep going. But still, I do hate spiders.

Lisa: You recently took part in a Paranormal Underworld live event, where they broadcast live investigations by paranormal groups on the Internet. Did you enjoy the experience and would you do it again?

Jason: Juli and Joel are great people. They work really hard to let small groups come in and experience great locations. We went down to Ashmore Estates in Illinois, and I will tell you there were many things I couldn't explain. Also Scott, the owner of the building, gave us he view on things which got me thinking a lot. Paranormal Underworld was fun and I would do another in a heartbeat.

Lisa: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment with your group so far?

Jason: With us we are still new. So our biggest accomplishment so far is......still being here. So many fly-by-night groups come and go. Rock Island Paranormal is still here getting better equipment, more knowledgeable and respected throughout the community. We are working on our own theories while respecting others and using them.

Lisa: You are also an area representative for ISPI (International Society of Paranormal Investigators). How do you feel this has been of benefit
to them, and to your group?

Jason: With that if there is a case in the area we would help out. Also we help other groups within. So as we gain respect, so does I.S.P.I. Also we do have a larger amount of people to ask for advice and help if we do need it.

Lisa: What are your feelings about some of the 'turf wars' and other issues that seem to happen frequently between paranormal groups?

Jason: Turf? We are a paranormal group not a gang. I can't believe how people would act. I guess if we got paid for doing this I could understand. But most groups are non-profit and conduct interviews for free. Why fight? I also think we can share places, tell another group about a suspected haunt and let them investigate. And the biggest thing out there is people bad mouthing each other. Come on now, we as investigators are already considered weird, lets help support each other. And to the people that are rejected by other groups because they are idiots. Shhhhhh. Let us do what we do. I have seen may people in this field that have been around for a while just pack up recently because of acts of twits. And it got personal- attacks on families, questioning their abilities, and the worst of all..death threats. Its not right and angers me. I think unity would be a better solution to the whole matter.

Lisa: Do you believe in the afterlife?

Jason: I believe there is something there. If I didn't I wouldn't be trying to find proof.

Lisa: Is the paranormal research field headed in the right direction in your opinion?

Jason: For the most part, we just all have to work together and maybe then we can find theories that are proven again and again. Now new equipment is making it easier to locate energy sources, cold spots, and pick up EVPS. So more evidence is being brought out.