The Ghost Hunter Who Doesn't Believe in Ghosts

For the past two decades, Joe Nickell—a former stage magician and detective—has used hard science to challenge paranormal experiences and other fringe pseudo-scientific claims. UFO sightings, aliens, ghosts, Bigfoot, lake monsters: these are but a few of the myths that Nickell debunks for a living. As he knows all too well, “the truth ... is out there.”

This story is a part of our Frontiers series, where we bring you front and center to the dreamers, pioneers, and innovators leading society at the cutting edge. Let us take you along for a trip to the oft-imagined but rarely accomplished.

Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com

[JimWarp]

There's true wisdom in his words: "Everything is obvious after it's been explained"

[bailey]

This guy doesn't beat around the bush. I respect him for that. He doesn't believe shit just because someone told him - he believes something when he finds the evidence to back up that belief.

[samueloh]

This is probably one of the most underrated channels on YouTube. Their videos are so well produced and high quality! You guys deserve more love and views! Thanks for grinding out the videos!

[TheRainydayvideo]

To be a paranormal investigator was my dream job as a kid, I quickly realised I'd be so terrified if I actually found something that I chose filmmaking instead. There's still something in me that finds it so fascinating.

[Yarsig]

"Everything is obvious, AFTER it's been explained." What a great quote.

[tylersolomon]

I don't think the creator of this channel ever sleeps

[kites]

For those of you who don't know, GBS is owned by CNN. That's the reason why they can produce so many videos in so little time. And the reason for their short format is because they are trying to penetrate the Facebook audience first.

[averythesuperhero]

I do wish people like this got more attention. I personally find it so much cooler to see the rational and logical explanation behind certain myths and folklore, and especially ghost sightings and paranormal encounters. I find it so much more interesting than just "oh well it's the spirit of a dude who died here and he's moving glasses of water and chairs for...fun?"

But alas, people want to believe in the sensational and supernatural, and it's the stuff that supports that belief that is ultimately more popular and entertaining.

[islamicschoolofmemestudies]

This man needs his own movie. Like he definitely had rivalries with Ed and Lorraine warren. This guy needs his story to be told to a larger audience. He taught them not what to think but how to think and its very good message.

[ShinSennju]

We need more rational people like this man.

[janamonique]

I would love him to appear in the BuzzFeedBlue with Shane and Ryan in their Unsolved series 😂😂

[alexeybavrin]

But the true secret of this man's life remains...




UNSOLVED

[diannerussell]

Lots of things cause us to see things that aren't there, not getting enough sleep, insomnia, proscribed medications, alcohol and withdrawal, drug use and withdrawal, to much coffee, certain foods eaten before bedtime, mental stress, extreme work loads, fasting for to long, religion and its silly strict codes, silly belief systems, over studying for exams, peer pressure, the lose if a family member or a beloved pet, a break-up or miscarriages, abuse and being in an abusive relationship. And the number one cause mental illness.

[idgaf]

I want to go on a paranormal hunt but I’m more scared of encountering bad people in an abandoned mansion than ghosts. I want to do it tho. Might give it a try when I have a free time

[HeadWitchDonuts]

I, myself, do believe in ghosts and believe I have seen something beyond human and science, but I really do respect this man, he’s honest, hes straight forward, and he’s not afraid to find the truth, we need more people like him

[damnedcarrot]

I’m the same. I’ve been searching for evidence of the paranormal for 30 years hoping to find any kind of evidence to support it’s existence. There simply isn’t any.

[zoy]

The most memorable sentence:- Everything is obvious after you explained-

[AM-xeiq]

“Everything is obvious after it’s been explained.” Right on.

[lacatan]

tbh i appreciate his folder labelling typography

[JimD]

I want to see a show were this guy goes into places the ghost adventures go.