Sacramento, CA
Brad Smith Investigator and More
June 7, 2008
An Interview with Brad Smith:
1. What interested you in the paranormal?
I started reading about it at a very young age; some of my family had talked
about their paranormal encounters -- ranging from ghosts to UFO sightings --
and those stories spurred me on to learn more about "The Unknown." I've been learning ever since . . . .
2. How are you treated in public when people realize that you are a
paranormal investigator?
Very favorable, for the most part. Some have even told me about their alleged paranormal experiences. Due
to increased media exposure, I feel that many people are far more willing to discuss their experiences.
3. Have you ever had anybody react to what you do negatively?
A few. Some due to religious beliefs and others because they believe that the paranormal doesn't exist at all.
In either case, I hear out what they have to say. If they choose to hear me out, I explain my belief system.
4. What do you do when you aren't investigating?
I work as a freelance journalist. In my spare time, I do a lot of reading. I love science fiction. I'm also working on
my own SF novel. I also spend time researching the paranormal since I'm a guest panelist on a weekly radio talk
show called, fittingly, "Beyond the Paranormal." My girlfriend and I also enjoy computer gaming and playing
tourist.
5. What investigation sticks out in your mind?
This happened a few years ago. I was with some people who were having unusual activity in their duplex. They
were seeing strange shadows, objects were being moved or thrown about. I was shoved a number of times by an
unseen force. A young woman, as she was walking down some stairs, was pushed in the same manner and nearly
fell.
6. Have you had any unexplained experiences?
A number of them. Being pushed around by something I couldn't see was somewhat unnerving.
7. What skills do you bring to API?
Being a reporter, I've picked up a few skills over the years. Interviewing. Research. Analysis. Being observant
and thorough. Being skeptical yet open minded. Dealing with people -- some folks are reluctant to discuss some
aspects of what they've just experienced. You have to know how to approach them, make them feel at ease. Gain
their trust. Being a reporter is just like being an API investigator: You're searching for the facts.
8. What do you want to get out of your experience with API?
Learning more about the paranormal. I'm very excited about joining this group and look forward to benefiting
from the experience. I firmly believe in API's creed of seeking answers, helping those in need, educating the
public, documenting with science and advancing the paranormal field of study.
9. How does your family feel about your investigations?
They're very supportive of what I do, especially my parents and my girlfriend. Due to my job, I do hear some
"Kolchak -- The Night Stalker" jokes . . . which is very cool, I think . . . .
10. Do you enjoy being an investigator?
Yes. Never a dull moment. This is an exciting time to be in the paranormal field. New technology like "Frank's
Box" and the "MiniBox" . . . teams applying rigorous scientific methods to their investigations . . . teams working
together . . . . I feel that the paranormal field is entering a new phase and I'm glad to be a part of it.
10. Is there anything you would like to add?
I'm very grateful to be a part of API and its mission. That's all I can say.
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