Busted: Ryan Buell
Paranormal State's investigator talks about God, Catholicism and the spirit world
Ryan Buell (photo credit: A&E/Karolina Wojtasik)
Channel surfing on a Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon a show I hadn’t seen before: A&E’s docudrama series Paranormal State.
All right, I thought. It’s kind of like the Sci Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters, and a little like The Travel Channel’s Most Haunted. I like it.
But it was really the show’s 26-year-old star, Ryan Buell, who caught my attention. I watched as he made the sign of the cross, prayed, invited a priest to bless the house, and gave its owners a couple of blessed medallions. The show’s religious turn kept me fixed in my seat.
Is he for real? I asked myself. To find out, I tracked him down and spent some time chatting over the phone.
The Birth of Paranormal State
“Can you hold on a sec?”
It was two in the afternoon and Ryan Buell was still in his pajamas, washing the spoon he used to make his coffee. It had been a late night of paranormal investigation.
He explained that what would become his life’s work had its genesis in the 1990s. He was in pajamas, buried in blankets on the bottom bunk of his childhood room in Sumter, S.C. His step-father, a member of the Air Force, was in Iraq for the first Gulf War and his mother had gone to bed for the night. As he lay awake, he saw someone standing in his doorway.
“No one can grin that way humanly,” Buell told me. “Its face was wide. Not like a football head, like [Nickelodeon’s] Arnold, or anything, but wider than normal.” Buell screamed, and his mom came to see what was up.
“She was tired, she was stressed out,” he reported. “This was not the time to be claiming you have a monster hiding underneath your bed, you know what I mean? When she left, I didn’t want to turn away, but at the same time, I didn’t want to look right into the doorway. Staring at the footboard, I said, ‘I’m not looking, I’m not looking, I’m not looking.’ And that’s when all of a sudden the thing rose up from the foot of my bed.”
Buell got a spanking for screaming again, and avoided his bedroom for as long as he could.
“I was young,” Buell said. “I’m not sure if it was real or imagined. It certainly looked real, and the entire experience felt real.”
Fear and Fascination
That fear fostered a longtime fascination with things he can’t explain. During his sophomore year at Penn State, he started the Paranormal Research Society, or PRS, a group of college students and alumni that travels nationwide to investigate claims of paranormal activity.
In 2001, a Penn State student went missing and PRS introduced law enforcement officers to a psychic who offered to help in the investigation. Potential clients began calling soon after, followed by television producers. Buell eventually accepted A&E’s offer to build a series around the group, and Paranormal State’s premiere aired in December 2007, drawing 2.5 million viewers. Its second season finale airs on September 29.
Each episode of Paranormal State features a different client: a bar owner whose wine glasses won’t stay shelved; a young woman whose barn houses black mists; and a couple whose religious relics are burned without explanation.
Skeptic? You aren’t alone. Most people have to wonder whether some of the phenomena is fabricated by clients, but the show is so entertaining I rarely miss an episode.
Talking with Buell and some of his cohorts, it’s clear that he takes each case seriously, on or off camera. Each of the cases is unique, Buell told me, as is the team’s response to it. Buell’s reason for pursuing a paranormal line of work has always remained the same.
“There’s something real happening to these people, and someone needs to deal with it,” Buell said to me.
Science Can’t Explain Everything
“There are no official qualifications for being a paranormal investigator,” Buell said. “I’ve spent the last ten years training myself, working with highly regarded professionals in both the paranormal community and in other professions, [including] Catholic exorcists, law enforcement [and] psychologists, to become a well-rounded individual.”
Based on his childhood experience, Buell understands whether the phenomena are paranormal or psychological, the experience takes a physical or mental toll. He also knows that people are generally more likely to be judged than believed. His goal is to listen without judging, in order to try to determine whether the paranormal is involved.
“In PRS, we’ve developed a six month long training program that covers everything from in-class education to on-site training,” he explained. “They learn about research methods, religious perspectives, cultural perspectives and the history of paranormal research so they get an understanding of the diverse field.”
Of course, there are the skeptics who don’t take him seriously.
“Paranormal investigators can’t prove that any of this stuff is real,” he said. “So? People are forgetting that science can’t explain everything.”
Pages: 1 2
Great article
This web site is wrong. While it says it wants to help people in their 20’s and 30’s it provides more of a disservice with this relitivistic crap. The Paulists need to become a Catholic order again, rather then spiritual guru to an uncatechized generation, It will be interesting to see at the judgement what Jesus thinks of your little site
You have got to be kidding me. Father Bailey, where does it even suggest in the Catechism that souls usually go to heaven, hell or purgatory, but some do not, which you labeled, “anomalies???” The Catholic Church does not support any of this Hollywood bull crap. It seems to me it’s nothing more than some “Catholics” and priests wanting attention and investing time into TV drama rather than doing real work for the Church
The other people here who blogged about this site in a negative manner, needs to read the Bible. Protestant or Catholic it does not matter. Phenomenon does happen and it does exist. if people say they are religious and do not believe in the paranormal “Wake UP!” When you die you go somewhere, if you are a disturbed soul then you may remain earth bound like that is Hell, if you go to heaven you can still communicate with the living, sometimes it is hard to make people understand and they are skeptic. But think about it, when we pass on so you think that this is it? Well think again, this is only the beginning we go on somewhere it just depends on what goes on in your life that decides where you go at death of the body. I am a born again Christian I have a strong believe in Jesus and know there is more for me after this life ends. Those disturbed souls remain earth bound, they can not find the light. if there is something strange going on in your surroundings, take a tape recorder, ask questions, play it back and listen closely, you may be surprised who is lurking around you.
Sharyn, where in the bible does it say that “disturbed souls” stay on earth? No where , thats where!
Sharyn- You have no logical concept of hell. Hell is not on earth. Earth is a good that God created and Hell is as far away from God and His goodness as possible. Maybe if your born again/ born tomorrow/ born once/ born five times church or whatever the heck it is had an actually scholarly theology we can chat more; but since it does not you believe whatever literal crap you want from the Bible while you ignore Jesus” Body and Blood in the Eucharist.
To quote modern day prophet and spiritual leader Belinda Carlisle:
Ooh, baby, do you know what thats worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
Well make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
I think everyone in this debate should pray about the reality of this – it is quite powerful
its funny how people take some things with a grain of salt and other things they just gobble right up with no question. remember the bible is the word of God WRITTEN by man. I think Buell has got the belief right. ( belief? Or should it be IDEA?….)
After reading these few finger-pointing, judgemental comments, I have to say, I understand, Ryan, what you are going through. I have been a Catholic all my life, and I too, have been under religious persecution by other so called ‘christians’ whom I think do not give credit to God for the great expanse of unknown that He is. God is so far beyond human understanding and we cannot evn BEGIN to understand His creation. I believe there is so much more to what we humans realize in our existance, so much more we don’t understand or can explain. Saying this, I have had my own personal paranormal experiences. In every case there was something spiritual I learned from it bringing me closer to my God. Maybe that’s just me but I truly believe that God calls us to help others through our own personal experiences and I believe Ryan is called. What others believe is their own to live. I live believing in a GREAT LOVING GOD that does NOT follow a human agenda, go by human regulations or zap the people who think and experience differently than those who live in a cut-and-dried world, where everything is black-or-white; right-or wrong. The Bible, inspired BY GOD, is written by man, not to be taken literlly. In it, God has given us stories and guidelines to live by, the interpretations are man’s. Where the inspiration comes in is God’s (Holy Spirit) that responds to our faith in Him, thus giving us instructions to live and LOVE by. Yes, I’m Catholic by baptism but I believe that GOD is not limited to any religion. The supernatural happens whether we can accept that or not. Ryan has such a gift of compassion, caring and respect for people..that is Godly, unlike the finger-pointing, judgemental people around. God bless you Ryan, and follow ‘the calling’.
I agree with you Mara. The person on here who preached the most about Heaven and Hell (Frank) is the same one spewing insults and judgment.
Jet the only prob with what you say is that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. It was Christ who told us about the Father and it was he who established the Catholic Church. If this revelation does not jive with your personal experience and you want to tell God that his divine truth is wrong, you have a bigger set then I do my friend. Lets be clear, when human souls die they go to heaven , hell, or purgatory. They do not stick around because of unfinished work (once your dead that is it also see in the Gospel the rich man who wanted to come back to warn his brothers) or because of some psyco/spiritual trama holds them there. Is there spiritual phenomena, of course. Does that mean it all comes from God? No. Most is the result of demonic forces, something that should not be taken lightly, esp. by some college kid playing reality tv. As far as the bible being a guide, I suggest reading 1 Sam 28, God was not to happy with the actions of Saul. But I guess Jet would just consider Saul had “the calling”. Well I can tell you Jet that calling was not God’s voice.
I think when people talk about judgemental comments, it is code for “I dont know how to deal with the Truth”. I am having this encounter with truth, it is inviting me to except it, but I cant except it, I wont except it, therefore I write it off as judgemental.
I only came to this site after doing a google surch for the Belinda Carlisle fan club web site, but it is great to see that her work is still relevant to such lively conversation, thank you Karol for reminding the world of the importance of her message.
Judgmental? Listen, I am telling you the facts, if you don’t like it you can pull a John 6:66 when the disciples left b/c they didn’t like His teaching. Read the Catechism, you have not one.. not two… but THREE options. Vana, tell them what they are! They are Heaven, Hell, or a temporary stay in Purgatory. Earth is not longer an option, sorry! If you don’t like that, take it up with the Big Guy at Last judgment, I am sure he’ll be happy to hear your bitching.
how the hell did you know i was gonna say that Davey???? you’re good!!!!! :)
Davey, take a theology class in CATHOLICISM
“Busted Halo appreciates all of our readers’ feedback and we’re always glad to be able to facilitate a respectful dilaogue among readers, however the comments here are beginning to get accusatory and personal in a way that is not consistent with that goal. Please be advised that if this continues we will be forced to moderate the discussion and delete inappropriate comments.”
Halliluah!! God does watch over the people like Ryan and myself. Our faith has kept us strong and able to face the everyday haughting or demon. Sometimes there is an innocent to save be they dead or alive. And for those who sleep well at night, halliluah. Because there is those of us whose sleep is disturbed by the darkness and sound of voices, the nights are darker than black and the voices can’t be made clear. But the subconcious, gets up and passes that scared child that is no longer in the living world and is scared of the forces, and that is where I come in and subconciously astro up and pray for the Lord to open the heavens and shine pure light down upon this weary scared child and to come to its rescue. And Praise the Father He does. So yes there has to be faith, especailly where there is fear of the unknown. Peace Be With You Ryan Your friend in Christ, DD
Let’s all take a deep breath here…
We can discuss the issue here without being mean.
I think perhaps Frank, who is clearly far beyond the stage of “spiritual seeking” and more into the realm of “committed Catholic” (and rock on) is saying is that Buell’s teaching is incompatible with the Church’s teaching on the afterlife.
A more pressing question may be then…if that is so–then why does the Church train and employ exorcists to begin with? According to Frank, they can’t possibly exist.
I’m honestly asking the question and plan to do a feature in the “catechetical” section of the website (Googling God) where we explore the Church’s teaching in a more Catechetical way.
Mike, I think the first question should be what kind of spirits are we dealing with. If Buell holds them to be human souls, then his teaching is incompatible with the Church’s teaching on the afterlife. If he holds that they are demonic in origin, then that is another matter. Yes the Church has exorcists to deal with demonic obsession and possession, but I quesiton Buell’s supossed interaction. Not every priest is an exorcist, and any priest that performs one needs to be granted the faculties to do so. The exorcist of any diocese is the bishop. He can delagate a priest to perform this function in his name. Every diocese has an exorcist,but that priests identity remains secret. Ultimently it is Christ who exorcises any spirit through the priest. It is he, and he alone that has authority over them. Buell talks about God, but not his faith in Christ. This I think if very dangerous in trying to approach evil spirits. One should not approach the demonic in hopes of finding proof from God and the eternal life of the soul, rather they should first have faith before they approach such spirits. To do otherwise, opens them up to the evil themselves. While the Church says there are evil spirits and has a rite to deal with them, it does not mean that there is a place for what Buell does.
Jim, how do you know so much about what has authority over spirits? Did they personally tell you that only Jesus has authority over them or did you just read it in a book?
Melissa, actually Jesus told all of us that. And I believe that he is God, the 2nd person of the Trinity. Only he has authority over evil, spirits, sin and death. He can deligate this authority/ power to others. But it is important to remember that he also set up the Church, inwhich the Holy Spirit , who is God and the 3rd person of the trinity, is still active. It is within this structure that Jesus founded and the Holy Spirit guids, that the power is deligated.
I forgot to mention in the last post that Jesus’ authority and power comes through his passion, cross, and resurrection.
Oh, so you did read it in a book. Well, obviously Mr. Buell didn’t get your holy decree.
well if he wants a copy , or if you do, they are easy enough to find
I have never seen this show, but I am interested to see it now. After reading this article, I can throw disbelief is Ryan’s casue out of the window.
I think that it is great that Ryan and his team are out there helping others. There is something very real going on-too much good evidence has been captured in recent years. http://terrifyingtales.blogspot.com/
I have seen just about every episode of Paranormal State that there is..I firmly believe that PRS is definitey legit. They have helped so many people with problems that most are afraid to talk about, for fear of being ridiculed. The show airs on A&E, Monday nights @ 10pm EST…you should check it out…
You are all angry judgmental people, all thing God says are sins. So get a life let people believe what they want to believe.
Hello, I would just like to know how you got in touch with Ryan so I can do so also for a short interview as I have come accross your site.
Thank you
CHAD-I cannot imagine why you would be angry with the idea of spreading any level of Christian belief and hope. I am going to pray you work through this.
I love the way Ryan is taking out his time to help others with their spiritual needs.
Reading all of these comments below just reaffirms my negative thoughts about organized religion….
I can’t believe some of the mean/nasty/hateful sounding comments! What would Jesus think of all this nasty talk to each other?!
On a lighter note, I thought this was a great article. Informative and interesting.
you go jessica! At least ryan is doing something to help people what have the rest of you done lately? atleast he keeps an open mind and doesnt judge people or their beliefs!
Hey chad. If you’re such a devout christian, what the hell makes you think you’re not being hypocritical in saying ANYTHING about someone else being eternally judged? does it not say, in the bible; ‘WHO ARE YOU, A MERE MORTAL, TO JUDGE ANOTHER BY WHAT THEY DO’?? or even ‘YOU TRY TO HELP YOUR BROTHER REMOVE THE SPLINTER IN HIS EYE WHEN YOU HAVE A *WOODEN POLE* IN YOUR OWN. REMOVE THE POLE IN *YOUR* EYE BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HELP ANOTHER’ (not exact but whatever)
it also speaks of what an unclean spirit is; essentially, whomever dies with grief or anger in their hearts is bound to that place until they learn to let it go — and each soul that is bound afterwards is more evil than the last..
seriously. this is the reason that our society is dying, and the reason that we are being lead far from the path of rightousness. this is the reason that the armageddon is coming. we are allowing our differences and our opinions to get in the way of proper communication with our brothers and sisters.
these opinions lead us to overanalyze things, which lead us to INCORRECT CONCLUSIONS of what the bible is trying to say. it makes us take it literally.
“overthinking – overanalyzing, seperates the body from the mind”
…we are all ONE MIND
seperated into DIFFERENT SHELLS
we are here to TEST OUR COMMUNICATION
and not only SET ASIDE our differences, but to EMBRACE THEM
if it weren’t for this ‘hollywood bullcrap’, we wouldn’t have the opposite.. this ‘hollywood bullcrap’ is OBVIOUSLY MEANT TO BE HERE, otherwise it wouldn’t be. whatever that isn’t supposed to exist WON’T. even if something seems like it is ‘bad for the whole’, it is MEANT TO BE THERE, and in the end it will be GOOD.
seriously oh my frickin god. HOW CAN ANY OF YOU SAY THAT ANOTHER IS WRONG FOR THEIR BELIEF OF WHAT HEAVEN IS OR WHAT HELL IS??!?!?!
IT’S A *BELIEF*!!! IT’S AN *OPINION*!!! IF YOU WANT EVERYONE TO CHANGE THEIR OPINIONS BECAUSE YOU THINK THEY’RE WRONG, YOU’RE ASKING EVERYONE TO BE *JUST* *LIKE* *YOU*!!
whatever. i don’t hate people, i just hate their egos. bring it on, 2012; its apparent that a time of change is necessary.
The article is interesting and informative. One point of correction. ALL priests are exorcists. While they need permission from their bishops to function as such, the role of exorcist is given to all priests when ordained.
Wow. Great article. I really admire Ryan Buell and truly believe that all his work is of the utmost sincerity. I believe he is a true person of God and faith because he does not seek to impress or convince the non-believers and skeptics, but he dedicates his time and knowledge into helping people in need of answers. I would imagine that there is much more that goes into all of his investigations that is aired on A&E as well as investigations that he does confidentially. I believe Ryan and his team are truly altruistic, and they are seekers for the truth – hopefully there will be more people that they will help…
“I have permission [from my bishop] to go out and help paranormal groups” FR. BOB
Reverend father- pardon my saying so, but pathetic- you are on PArnormal State shouting the power of christ compels you…with rock star music in the background, you are so cool!
A myspace page, facebook page?? I wonder if the bishop allows him to market himself in the same in manner rock bands would,
I personally find it hard to believe the catholic church allows a myspace presence, with a countdown link to halloween on his website…
Remind me again why peopleare drfiting from catholisim..
OK!!!!! anybody that says that someone has the wrong idea about religion needs to BACK OFF!!!! people come in different shapes & sizes … AND THEY *CHOOSE* THEIR OWN RELIGION!!!!! people that can’t except that have *ISSUES*!!!!!! …oh yeah … and GO TRIC!!!! tell ‘em straight!!!
most of you are just looking for an argument! I thought the comments were supposed to be about the article? Are your lives that boring?
I like it. The shows awesome too.
But hey what I really don’t understand how people can just tell people how to think about religion. [Frank] I don’t care what kind of religion you practice, and really it doesn’t matter. What kind of person are you if you think you can tell people how and what to believe? Religion is different for everyone. Let people believe what they want to believe. That is why there are so many faith wars and bullshit, because dip-shits like you want to make other people see things the same way you do. Here’s a tip. Everyone thinks differently, so quit trying to act like you’re perfect and that you’re belief is right. Because you never know, you could be damn wrong. Religion is a personal preference, so don’t try to tell people what to believe.
Hey all,
Whatever and whatever. But be careful before you go spouting out about people that you don’t know. I happen to be both a drifting Catholic /Agnostic, AND a good friend of Fr. Bailey. He’s a good guy. Definitely not out for a Hollywood style life, and really doesn’t care about publicity. Mostly got a facebook/myspace to keep in touch with people he’s met at parishes he’s been at (he works alot with teens).
Don’t judge. seriously. it doesn’t suit any of us appropriately.
ANY person who believes in the 1 God and has sufficient faith may attempt to exorcise a demon from another person and does not need permission from any organized religious body of people. Fr. Bob is a true exorcist with valid crudientials as is Bishop Robert McKenna, Ed Warren, and a host of others who, unfortunately, have been subjected to the media. I have personally been present at 3 exorcisms performed by a lay person in emergency situations where death would have happened within minutes. All three are living and free. Unfortunately the exorcist is suffering a fate no one should. Exorcism is dangerous to the practitioners. God Bless and Protect them ALL.
I read your article about Ryan and i tell you that God Is really using this boy to tell the world that we are not alone in this world. I can relate to him because I too experienced a lot of unexplainable things since childhood altough not as scary as his first experience but I did see, feel things. I know that there are alot of people who are skeptics,they do’nt even beleive in the existence of GOD at all, but I tell you ,why there are young adults that commits suicide even if they did’nt suffer any mental disorders??Students terrorizing schools? I know people do’nt beleive but I know that when someone came face to face with the unknown, then there ,they will call for GODS help.I would like also to comment on what the other catholic priest had said, YES someone must be ready to fight against it,some of the known exorcist priest spent 40 days of fasting before going to a “BATTLE” someone must clean himself spiritually, soak himself in meditation and prayers, what they are fighting is like a LION that can devoure someone when he seems vulnerable. What you are facing is The king of Lies, He can easily manipulate someone against someone. All I can say to Ryan and his team is to explore more on the spiritual side of the battle always come clean in spirit before going to any places for an investigation. Just as He always say in his investigations It feeds on something, how can you get rid of something that is spiritually attracted to you.PLEASE COME TO THINK ABOUT IT! GOD BLESS!!!
I must add this, I’m sorry. Frank? Your idea of earth is just as “wrong” as what you claim Sharyns to be. Hell is Satans playground. He has control over what goes on here. He does need God’s permission. But after that, He’s free to do as he wishes with earth. Have any of you ever heard the theory that all “spirits” on earth are demons desgised as “family” or familiar figures or ghoshts? It believed the demons use “safe” apperacnces to perk our curosity and almost invite them into our homes. If you stop being judemental and watch the show before judging, you would see that Ryan even discusses this theory.
I find it tragic that Christians of any denomination are talking to each other in this way. We’re called to love each other not bicker. We just look like lunatics to non Christians because we can’t even get along amongst ourselves. Why do we have to pick apart the beliefs we differ on? Why can’t we stand firmly together on our belief in Jesus Christ? I’m not Catholic and I don’t agree with everything they practice but I don’t feel it necessary to put my two cents in and bash their beliefs. God speaks to us all differently and it is God we answer to not anyone else. Ryan Buell is a good Catholic/Christian kid genuinely trying to help people who are suffering. How can anyone fault him for that? We should all feel ashamed for being so critical of other Christians and not seeing our own faults. It’s not about fame or popularity because they do this when the show is not filming them. I think the show is great and the article was enjoyable to read.
You are all wrong. Just because one church or religion interprets the bible one way does not mean that everyone else is wrong. Be who you are and do not judge who you are not. All of you are puppets clinging to someone else’s interpretation. Where is your proof that any of you are correct? Which one of you have personally spoken to God and got answers? I will tell you… NOne of you. All I am saying is chill out because at the very least this incredibly fine guy named Ryan Buell needs to keep helping the people who ask for it. Who are you guys helping? My guess; no one. You just sit there pointing your fingers and doing nothing.
I’ve been watching the show since it first aired along with TAPS and Ghost Adventures. I’m 55 and have had paranormal experiences all of my life. Now I have a new arsenal to combat the fear I’ve experienced and at the head of the troops is Archangel Michael. Thank you Ryan and Chip.
ryan buell is so hottt
i must say i came on this site to see if i could find ryan buell’s website and instead i found some really good comedy instead. most of u say god this and god that, its funny that the majority of the people posting doesnt believe in the paranormal , but it appears to me that your god is an entity itself. think about it.
I am so proud of my good friend and former castmate!!
I think Ryan and his team are doing a great job, even if they don’t find or solve all cases, they are helping people feel safe, so they can continue live their lives. WE need that, especially now-a-days. Keep it up Ryan.
If any of you believe in THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, then you must also believe in the fact that there is only ONE HOLY Spirit…which means the rest are not holy…they most definitely are around and the Bible speaks of them often. Someone does have to deal with the ones that are malicious. We are all given spiritual gifts. If PRS and Ryan feel this calling then who are we to judge. I truly believe that the Lord calls us to do something as Christians…we don’t all have the same gifts…I thank God that Ryan and his team do what they do…because there is no stampede or formal training for this…IT’S CALLED SPIRITUAL WARFARE PEOPLE!!! It’s very real and very horrifying to the people it’s happening to…(rock on Ryan!!)
THIS GUY IS A FAKE, AND HE IS NOT ENDORSED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH EITHER. GHOST ADVENTURES IS MUCH MORE BELIEVABLE.
Please note that the editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness.