We recently connected with Nicole Strickland and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’ve always been intrigued with the paranormal since childhood. As I grew older, I made a point to research the paranormal realm during my middle and high school years. Prior to the Internet commencing, I relied heavily on books and articles written on the subject. However, it was an experience during my senior year of undergraduate college that catapulted my interest in investigating the paranormal field as an adult. For me, this particular occurrence involved the spirit of my maternal grandmother, Helen Lopinto. This singular yet powerful experience with the spirit of my grandmother sealed my quest in learning more about the unknown. Honestly, I don’t know if I would be where I am today as a paranormal researcher and spirit advocate if it wasn’t for this encounter.
Since then, I’ve been actively researching and investigating places that have claims of paranormal phenomena. I find meaning in each site that I’ve researched as it allows me to connect with its historical tapestry and spiritual residents. In 2009, I founded the San Diego Paranormal Research Society and I am proud to say that it’s become one of San Diego’s premiere paranormal groups. Our team also hosts the “Spirits of the Adobe” tours at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. On the 3rd Friday of each month, attendees have the chance to learn about the site’s history and supernatural claims.
Through my work in this field, I’ve also furthered my love for writing and speaking. I’ve written several books about the paranormal, including three on the legendary RMS Queen Mary. I offer various presentations, such as Children and the Paranormal, Ghostology, Animals and the Afterlife, History of Spiritualism, and more; it’s an absolute joy to talk about topics that I have a great passion for.
My work in the paranormal research field has also granted me radio/podcasting opportunities. I executive produce and co-host Haunted Voices Radio, which is one of the longest-running programs on the supernatural. It airs Tuesday nights at 6p/8c/9e at http://www.wltkdb.com On October 8, 2020, I debuted my own show, The Afterlife Chronicles. It airs Thursday nights at 6p/8c/9e on the same network. It showcases the amazing connection between our world and the afterlife. In fact, if I had to sum up my main passion for the work that I do, I’d say that it offers me a glimpse into observing how there’s life beyond; there’s life after death. Through research into the afterlife, I’ve discovered that something quite beautiful awaits us when we eventually transition from the mortal realm.
Nicole , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been researching the paranormal for over 20 years. In the beginning, I worked with various Southern California teams. In 2009, I founded the San Diego Paranormal Research Society and serve as its director and case manager. We are a leading paranormal research team based in San Diego, California. We cover cases within San Diego County, Southern California, and out-of-state. We conduct our work and supplemental research at NO COST to the client. We assist clients by helping to identify the types of activity occurring at their location, helping to ease the anxiety associated with those events and to further assist in bringing resolution to the case. We work both intuitively and scientifically, as we feel it gives us a more thorough approach to our work.
SDPRS strives to document various types of paranormal phenomena through the use of audio, video, photography, and other specialized equipment and environmental monitoring devices. We enjoy educating the general public about ghosts, spirits and hauntings, and paranormal investigative techniques/strategies. Thus, we offer classes on investigation methodologies and various presentations about the supernatural. SDPRS is comprised of dedicated and caring individuals who respect the field at large, its clients, and the spiritual energies it works with. We strongly adhere to client confidentiality, privacy, and respect for the property. We have a passion and desire to learn about the vast supernatural realm, which is reflected in how we carry out our work.
In addition to the SDPRS, I’m also the California Coordinator of the Ghost Research Society, based out of Chicago, Illinois. I help the team in coordinating paranormal excursions throughout California. Furthermore, I’m a California representative for the American Spectral Society, also based out of Chicago.
The SDPRS team conducts historical research, data analysis of case studies, consultation, paranormal investigation courses/presentations, and ghost tours. During our investigations and/or case studies, we utilize a variety of methodologies to determine whether there is authentic paranormal activity occurring at a location. Some of these include:
1. Audio experimentation (electronic voice phenomena, Instrumental Trans Communication, Estes Method)
2. Spirit photography
3. Videography with Infrared and/or Full Spectrum cameras, trap IR cameras, thermal imaging, etc
4. Environmental Monitoring (electromagnetic field, temperature, ionic energy, radiation, infrasound, weather patterns, etc)
5. Paranormal vigils
6. Metaphysical techniques, such as divining rods (dowsing), pendulums, crystals, and psychic mediumship
We are very conscientious and take our work seriously. We are not ghost hunters. There’s a different psychological approach between ghost hunters or those with thrill-seeking desires versus paranormal researchers, whose motivations are to delve into the tedious but rewarding aspects of investigating the unknown.
One aspect that sets us apart from others is our inherent respect and reverence for the field at large, our clients, and the energies we work with. We employ the Golden Rule at all times and capture some fascinating evidence as a result. Sadly, the entertainment industry often exploits the paranormal, giving off the vibe that it’s here mainly for our amusement. It also makes it seem that spirits are innately evil and something to be feared. This is not the case 99.9% of the time. We are finding that there are beautiful encounters between the living world and the afterlife.
Spirits of the Adobe Tours: The SDPRS has been conducting paranormal case studies at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe since 2011. We are the hosts of the “Spirits of the Adobe” tours, which are offered on the 3rd Friday at 7pm and 9:30 pm. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the location’s history and spiritual claims. Attendees get to participate in a live divining rod session, EVP (electronic voice phenomena), and ITC (Instrumental Trans Communication) sessions. To date, we’ve captured some compelling EVP and ITC at the adobe, which can be found on our website at http://www.sandiegoparanormalresearch.com
Courses / Presentations: I have a passion for public speaking and offer various classes and presentation topics related to the supernatural. I’ve been super lucky to present at some of the best-known paranormal conventions and events as well as at libraries throughout San Diego. The topics can be found at https://www.authornicolestrickland.com/presentations – here’s a general list:
1. The Afterlife Chronicles: Exploring the Connection between Life, Death and Beyond
2. Animals and the Afterlife: Communicating with the Spirits of Animals
3. Children and the Paranormal: Psychic Kids
4. Ghostology Ghosts | ETs | Elementals | Cryptids | Other Dimensions
5. History of Spiritualism Communicating with Spirits
6. Trends in Paranormal Research and Investigation
7. Developing a Paranormal Research and Investigation Team
8. Documentation in Paranormal Research and Investigation
9. History and Hauntings of the RMS Queen Mary
10. San Diego’s Most Haunted
11. Tulpas and Thought Projections: Implications in Paranormal Research and Investigation
12. Advanced Paranormal Research and Investigation
13. Role of Intuition and Mind / Body / Spirit In Connecting with the Afterlife and Beyond
14. Introduction to Paranormal Investigation and Research
I have a love for history and writing as well. I am a correspondent and writer for Paranormal Underground Magazine, one of the leading magazines for all-things supernatural. You can find some of my articles on my website at http://www.authornicolestrickland.com – Additionally, I’ve written several books, including:
1. Field Guide to Southern California Hauntings
2. San Diego’s Most Haunted: The Historical Legacy and Paranormal Marvels of America’s Finest City
3. Spirits of Rancho Buena Vista Adobe
4. The Haunted Queen of the Seas: The Living Legend of the RMS Queen Mary
5. Spirited Queen Mary: Her Haunted Legend
6. RMS Queen Mary: Voices from Her Voyages
7. The Afterlife Chronicles: Exploring the Connection between Life, Death and Beyond (due out soon)
8. Women on the Fringe: Groundbreaking Women in the Paranormal (2023)
Media Appearances: I’m proud and quite honored to have been featured in a myriad of media outlets, including terrestrial/Internet radio/podcasts, local & national television, film documentaries, and print. You can learn more at https://www.authornicolestrickland.com/media – these opportunities have given me a chance to showcase my unique style and humble approach to paranormal investigation and research and working with spiritual energies.
WLTK-db Radio Shows: I executive produce/co-host Haunted Voices Radio along with host Todd Bates. The show airs Tuesday nights at 6p/8c/9e for one hour. It’s one of the longest-running programs on all things supernatural. I debuted my own show, The Afterlife Chronicles, on the same network on October 8, 2020. It airs Thursday nights at 6p/8c/9e for one hour. I am ecstatic that the show was selected by Feedspot in 2021 and 2022 as one of the top 25 programs on the afterlife. You can visit the station’s website at http://www.wltkdb.com
Working in this field has allowed me to make wonderful friendships with those who also share a passion for the otherwordly. It has also taught me a lot about physical death and what awaits us when we transition from the mortal world to the afterlife.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I tell people that I was born to work in the afterlife & paranormal research realms. In other words, I have an innate passion for studying the unknown and learning more about the complexities of the cosmos. I wholeheartedly believe in an afterlife; thus, my work drives me in sharing the beautiful connection between our world and the spirit realm. I share these experiences in my articles, books, and on radio/podcasts.
Throughout my life, I’ve had some profound spiritual experiences with deceased loved ones and animals. For me, this is what paranormal research is all about: not necessarily discovering the who, when, what, and where but the why and how. In my opinion, I’m not sure the mortal realm is permitted to understand all the intricacies of the afterlife / paranormal; perhaps, when it’s our turn to transition, only then will we be granted the keys to understand the secrets of the universe.
There is something quite beautiful that awaits us when we leave this earthly plane. I’ve talked with other afterlife researchers and many who’ve endured NDEs or near-death experiences. All the findings and experiences point to the existence of life after death. This is something I will be exploring for eternity.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I’m not sure I have the exact answer to this question. I do have some prevailing theories:
1. I’m who I say I am; there are no facades with me. In other words, when you showcase your true self, I think that attracts people to you and your brand.
2. Passion is electric – people are inherently attracted to those who have such a great passion for what they do. I think this is what has molded my brand over the years.
3. I believe in quality over quantity. I devote a lot of time to putting out quality projects, whether it’s an article, book, presentation, radio show or paranormal investigation, or case study.
4. I’m greatly admired for my respect, reverence, and dedication to the field of paranormal research.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.authornicolestrickland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicolestrickland/?hl=en
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicoledstrickland
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledstrickland?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdprsnicole?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxTQhxNbXH_-MhklMy79_Ew
- Other: http://www.sandiegoparanormalresearch.com http://www.spiritedqueenmary.com http://www.wltkdb.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authornicolestrickland http://www.facebook.com/SDPRS http://www.facebook.com/afterlifechroniclesandbeyond
Image Credits
Haunted Voices Banner – photo/banner by Todd Bates / property of WLTK-db Afterlife Chronicles Banner – photo/banner by Todd Bates / property of WLTK-db San Diego Paranormal Research Society – banner created by Todd Bates / property of Nicole Strickland Author Nicole Strickland banner – banner created by Todd Bates / property of Nicole Strickland