Paranormal Declassified: The SPIRIT Files

In this episode of the Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT's Paranormal Declassified: The SPIRIT Files, host Eric Extreme explores synchronicity, where the experience of meaningful coincidences is often interpreted as paranormal signs, and gives examples such as sudden cold spots, recurring numbers, and items appearing unexpectedly.

The episode explains why these overlaps feel significant: the brain's pattern-seeking (pareidolia, frequency illusion), memory and attention biases, environmental factors that can create apparent signals, and how group dynamics can amplify perceived connections. Multiple case studies illustrate how ordinary explanations often underlie striking events.

Listeners are given practical guidance for investigators: examine the source of perceived connections, consider the likelihood of chance, account for cognitive biases, and respond with empathy while maintaining scientific methodology.

A nearly identical transcript of this episode may be found at: 

https://www.mwvspirit.com/blog/2025/11/01/when-coincidence-feels-like-a-sign-from-a-spirit/

As a paranormal investigator, Eric Extreme has decades of experience. He focuses on the scientific study of perceived paranormal phenomena. In this podcast, he discusses the methods and tools used in investigations, exploring how factors like cognitive biases, environmental conditions, and technological anomalies can influence perceptions of the paranormal. His approach is to identify natural causes first before considering any paranormal explanations.

With years of research and fieldwork behind him, he offers insights into how these phenomena can be studied objectively, based on evidence. The goal is to help listeners understand how to approach paranormal investigations focused on science, distinguishing between what can be explained and what cannot. As he always says, "Science comes before the spooky."

Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT (Scientific Paranormal Investigations, Research, and Interpretation Team)

Book: https://www.ApparitionOfThePast.com
Homepage: https://www.MWVSpirit.com
Podcast: https://mwvspirit.podbean.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16150782
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mwvspirit
Blog: https://www.MWVSpirit.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWVSpirit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MWVSpirit
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mwvspirit
X: https://x.com/mwvspirit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mwvspirit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwvspirit
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mwvspirit.bsky.social
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mwvspirit/
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Mount-Washington-Valley-SPIRIT
Substack: https://substack.com/@mountwashingtonvalleyspirit
Tumblr:https://mountwashingtonvalleyspirit.tumblr.com

Join Eric Extreme onMount Washington Valley SPIRIT's podcast Paranormal Declassified: The SPIRIT Files as he explores the critical topic of cognitive bias in paranormal investigations. This episode dives into how our minds can skew perceptions, leading to misinterpreted data and inaccurate conclusions. Eric distinguishes between ghost hunting and paranormal investigation, highlighting how biases manifest differently in each approach. Learn about specific biases like confirmation bias, expectation bias, and pareidolia, and discover practical strategies to minimize their impact. The episode emphasizes the importance of pre-investigation assessments, objective data analysis, and a commitment to scientific principles to ensure reliable and credible investigations. Discover how to protect clients, maintain team credibility, and advance the understanding of unexplained phenomena through a science-based approach. Tune in to learn how to seek the light of reason and stay skeptical in the pursuit of the truth.

A nearly identical transcript of this episode may be found at: 

https://www.mwvspirit.com/blog/2025/10/24/biases-in-paranormal-investigations/

As a paranormal investigator, Eric Extreme has decades of experience. He focuses on the scientific study of perceived paranormal phenomena. In this podcast, he discusses the methods and tools used in investigations, exploring how factors like cognitive biases, environmental conditions, and technological anomalies can influence perceptions of the paranormal. His approach is to identify natural causes first before considering any paranormal explanations.

With years of research and fieldwork behind him, he offers insights into how these phenomena can be studied objectively, based on evidence. The goal is to help listeners understand how to approach paranormal investigations focused on science, distinguishing between what can be explained and what cannot. As he always says, "Science comes before the spooky."

Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT (Scientific Paranormal Investigations, Research, and Interpretation Team)

Book: https://www.ApparitionOfThePast.com
Homepage: https://www.MWVSpirit.com
Podcast: https://mwvspirit.podbean.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16150782
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mwvspirit
Blog: https://www.MWVSpirit.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWVSpirit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MWVSpirit
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mwvspirit
X: https://x.com/mwvspirit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mwvspirit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwvspirit
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mwvspirit.bsky.social
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mwvspirit/
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Mount-Washington-Valley-SPIRIT
Substack: https://substack.com/@mountwashingtonvalleyspirit
Tumblr:https://mountwashingtonvalleyspirit.tumblr.com

Host Eric Extreme examines how chronic sleep loss distorts perception and can mimic paranormal activity. He presents a science-based pre-investigation intake that screens for sleep issues and other natural causes across sound, sight, touch, and smell, with clear red flags and when to refer to professionals. The focus is on evidence, ethics, and client well-being over theatrics.

A nearly identical transcript of this episode may be found at: 

https://www.mwvspirit.com/blog/2025/10/19/sleep-deprivation/

As a paranormal investigator, Eric Extreme has decades of experience. He focuses on the scientific study of perceived paranormal phenomena. In this podcast, he discusses the methods and tools used in investigations, exploring how factors like cognitive biases, environmental conditions, and technological anomalies can influence perceptions of the paranormal. His approach is to identify natural causes first before considering any paranormal explanations.

With years of research and fieldwork behind him, he offers insights into how these phenomena can be studied objectively, based on evidence. The goal is to help listeners understand how to approach paranormal investigations focused on science, distinguishing between what can be explained and what cannot. As he always says, "Science comes before the spooky."

Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT (Scientific Paranormal Investigations, Research, and Interpretation Team)

Book: https://www.ApparitionOfThePast.com
Homepage: https://www.MWVSpirit.com
Podcast: https://mwvspirit.podbean.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16150782
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mwvspirit
Blog: https://www.MWVSpirit.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWVSpirit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MWVSpirit
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mwvspirit
X: https://x.com/mwvspirit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mwvspirit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwvspirit
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mwvspirit.bsky.social
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mwvspirit/
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Mount-Washington-Valley-SPIRIT
Substack: https://substack.com/@mountwashingtonvalleyspirit
Tumblr:https://mountwashingtonvalleyspirit.tumblr.com

In this episode of the Mount Washington Valley Spirit Podcast, the host outlines the four biggest threats to the paranormal field: lack of scientific self-education (ghost hunting masquerading as investigation), pareidolia (matrixing), observer expectancy/confirmation bias, and the Semmelweis reflex (rejecting contradicting evidence).

The episode explains how these issues damage the field's credibility, encourages investigators to prioritize scientific methods and education, and calls for integrity over sensationalism and social-media-driven notoriety.

A nearly identical transcript of this episode may be found at: 

https://www.mwvspirit.com/blog/2022/12/12/the-four-biggest-threats-to-the-paranormal-field/

As a paranormal investigator, Eric Extreme has decades of experience. He focuses on the scientific study of perceived paranormal phenomena. In this podcast, he discusses the methods and tools used in investigations, exploring how factors like cognitive biases, environmental conditions, and technological anomalies can influence perceptions of the paranormal. His approach is to identify natural causes first before considering any paranormal explanations.

With years of research and fieldwork behind him, he offers insights into how these phenomena can be studied objectively, based on evidence. The goal is to help listeners understand how to approach paranormal investigations focused on science, distinguishing between what can be explained and what cannot. As he always says, "Science comes before the spooky."

Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT (Scientific Paranormal Investigations, Research, and Interpretation Team)

Book: https://www.ApparitionOfThePast.com
Homepage: https://www.MWVSpirit.com
Podcast: https://mwvspirit.podbean.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16150782
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mwvspirit
Blog: https://www.MWVSpirit.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWVSpirit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MWVSpirit
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mwvspirit
X: https://x.com/mwvspirit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mwvspirit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwvspirit
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mwvspirit.bsky.social
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mwvspirit/
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Mount-Washington-Valley-SPIRIT
Substack: https://substack.com/@mountwashingtonvalleyspirit
Tumblr:https://mountwashingtonvalleyspirit.tumblr.com

As always I will preface this episode with the statement that I am not taking shots at anybody in the field. I am pointing out opportunities for improvement in the field. The purpose of my podcast is to help educate those ghost hunters who wish to eventually become a paranormal investigator, or help paranormal investigators refresh and sharpen their skill set. Today I will discuss twelve mistakes commonly made by ghost hunters and how to prevent them. These are not in any particular order.

A nearly identical transcript of this episode may be found at: 

https://www.mwvspirit.com/blog/2022/12/01/twelve-mistakes-made-by-ghosthunters-and-how-to-prevent-them/

As a paranormal investigator, Eric Extreme has decades of experience. He focuses on the scientific study of perceived paranormal phenomena. In this podcast, he discusses the methods and tools used in investigations, exploring how factors like cognitive biases, environmental conditions, and technological anomalies can influence perceptions of the paranormal. His approach is to identify natural causes first before considering any paranormal explanations.

With years of research and fieldwork behind him, he offers insights into how these phenomena can be studied objectively, based on evidence. The goal is to help listeners understand how to approach paranormal investigations focused on science, distinguishing between what can be explained and what cannot. As he always says, "Science comes before the spooky."

Mount Washington Valley SPIRIT (Scientific Paranormal Investigations, Research, and Interpretation Team)

Book: https://www.ApparitionOfThePast.com
Homepage: https://www.MWVSpirit.com
Podcast: https://mwvspirit.podbean.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16150782
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mwvspirit
Blog: https://www.MWVSpirit.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWVSpirit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MWVSpirit
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mwvspirit
X: https://x.com/mwvspirit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mwvspirit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwvspirit
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mwvspirit.bsky.social
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mwvspirit/
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Mount-Washington-Valley-SPIRIT
Substack: https://substack.com/@mountwashingtonvalleyspirit
Tumblr:https://mountwashingtonvalleyspirit.tumblr.com