Exclusive Interview with Ryan Buell
Monday October 8, 2007 8:49 AM
We've got an exclusive interview with Ryan Buell, founder of the Paranormal Research Society and star of the upcoming A&E television series "Paranormal State."
Emily: What was your first experience with the paranormal? Was it an experience, a book, a person that influenced you?
Ryan: When I was very young, I experienced something that was terrifying. I tried to tell my parents, but they were understandably skeptical. But for me, I locked up inside until I entered my teens, [when] I was ready to start looking for answers. Along the way, I learned about paranormal investigators such as Ed & Lorraine Warren and Hans Holzer.
Emily: How old were you?
Ryan: I began pursuing the paranormal when I was 15.
Emily: Were you pretty open about your interest in paranormal topics as a teenager? Or was it something you kept to yourself for a while? What did your family think of your interest?
Ryan: At the very beginning, I kept my journey private. Absolutely no one knew. But then one of my best friends ended up having an equal passion for paranormal investigation back then, so for a while we teamed up. She helped me feel more comfortable about discussing it in the open. My friend and I published some of our investigations in the high school newspaper. That's when it became public in my school that I was "the Mulder kid" — Mulder is a character from the popular "X-Files." My family blew it off. They were either entertained, indifferent or embarrassed, depending on which family member I spoke to.
Emily: How hard was it to establish the paranormal research society once you reached University Park? What was PRS like in its early days?
Ryan: It was pretty hard. You were required to have a certain amount of members, an approved constitution and other things. On top of that, we had a subject matter that was really confusing to the student government — who, at the time, approved student organizations. They denied us first and that was very discouraging. But the second time around, they gave us a chance.
PRS is nothing like it was six years ago. There was a lot of sitting around talking about what we wanted to do. Then there were fundraisers —we stooped to the level of going around campus to convince students to fill out a credit card application. And of course, there was collegiate drama! I was actually one of the youngest people within PRS, so there were times that I had to fight for their respect. It was hard to do any investigations back then because we were all so young. Now, I'm 25 years old. That's still young, but it's a big difference from being 19. So, for the first year, the Paranormal Research Society didn't perform an actual investigation until seven months in. I definitely learned patience.
Emily: What's the weirdest/scariest thing you've ever seen/heard on an investigation?
Ryan: Well, on one case I heard what sounded like gunshots go off upstairs, followed by a loud scream. I ran up and everyone, including a newspaper photographer, was standing around a table in complete shock. This haunting had a lot of banging sounds that came from nowhere all over the house. Even though I wasn't in the room, I still heard it loud and clear one level down. On another case, I saw a blurry black form in the shape of a man. I thought it was my imagination, but the owner of the house, who was behind me, tapped me and said, "Did you see him too?" These things weren't necessarily scary, but they were jarring to a certain degree.
Emily: What are your interests outside of paranormal stuff?
Ryan: I love to travel and discover new things. I try to travel as much as I can. This year so far I've traveled across the country and to the Caribbean. I keep pushing back a trip to Europe, but I'm definitely doing that soon! I'm also big in to writing. That's where I feel the most joy, where I am most honest and in touch with myself. I have a dog, Xander. He and Sergey [PRS tech manager, and Buell's best friend] have gotten me interested in the outdoors more. I'm also a major movie fanatic. I always seek Spider-Man in NYC. Spider-Man is so mythical and iconic to me; I grew up reading his adventures and connecting to the morals of each story. I'm also an avid "Lost" and "Heroes" junkie. And my all-time favorite shows are "The X-Files" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Comments (26)
Woah, are those orbs in that photo?
Posted by Andrew | October 8, 2007 4:14 PM
Posted on October 8, 2007 16:14
Great read Ryan! You are truly a "star", not just in the TV sense, but as a person.Thanks for putting yourself out there for the rest of us "chickens", who sometimes feel like they're losing it!!! Its nice to see someone brave enough to talk to others about their experiences, and how you help so many of us. You are a gift!!
Posted by Cheryl | October 9, 2007 2:09 AM
Posted on October 9, 2007 02:09
I think this show is a true mastermind for anyone who feels a deep-rooted connection to the Paranormal. I believe there are many young people who have the gift of understanding the unknown. I myself am 26 years old and have always had a deep passion and interest for exploring the Paranormal. I give Ryan huge credit for pursuing a dream to help people. May the Creator continue to bless you and your team where ever your travels may take you.
p.s. Why not do a show in Manitoba, Canada?
Posted by Jen | December 13, 2007 11:20 AM
Posted on December 13, 2007 11:20
I am glad you are doing this. I was haunted for several years. I know what it is like to live in terror and unable to convince or explain to others. I noticed one profound fact that prevents it. When people are faced with things they do not want to face or accept they simply block it out. My family has and on occasion I have. I think it is a defense mechanism.
Anyway, it is about time this is brought out of the dark.
Sheri Lowe
Posted by Sheri Lowe | December 18, 2007 3:33 AM
Posted on December 18, 2007 03:33
ryan great info .i am a born again christan and child of GOD.i too have had experince with a demonic in a home i lived in.demons fear only one thing and that is JESUS CHRIST and only through him and his name are we able to battle them.ive felt the presence you describe and the sounds and smells.i love the show and will watch every episode.we need more people like you who claim JESUS as our leader..
Posted by phil gill | December 18, 2007 6:20 PM
Posted on December 18, 2007 18:20
Ryan, I think that what u do to help people is an amizing thing. Ur super brave to go and face that one demon. A place that u might find that demon is Alexander Town VA. I was there at the begin of Nov. For one night not even that long, I say avery old women and numerus orbs, and to this day 3 months later, I still fell like I'm never alone. And the funny part is that I am in I'LL now. Not VA. Xoxo and good luck Sarah Downey
Posted by Sarah Downey | January 6, 2008 12:17 AM
Posted on January 6, 2008 00:17
WOW! I just saw Paranormal State for the first time today, it was a marathon of 4 or 5 shows back to back. I LOVED it but it sure is a little freaky. Anyway, thought it was awesome you were raised in Sumter, SC as I live in Columbia, SC. You are awesome!
Posted by Melissa | January 6, 2008 2:55 PM
Posted on January 6, 2008 14:55
you show absolutely ZERO scientific evidence in more then half of the cases. This show is just a bunch of scary noises and ghost stories that makes paranormal research look like a joke!
Posted by Kris | January 9, 2008 7:25 PM
Posted on January 9, 2008 19:25
hey ryan..great info ur amizing..the way u help people ur a hero..u need a hero award...the show is awsome ..i hope their more to come...ur my hero
xoxoxo
xoxoxo
Posted by carla | January 10, 2008 7:07 PM
Posted on January 10, 2008 19:07
Ryan is smokin'.
Posted by Racheal | January 15, 2008 2:08 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 14:08
I am in love with you
im going to penn state just for you
and prs
dude
im joining
Posted by Mary Catherine | January 19, 2008 3:22 AM
Posted on January 19, 2008 03:22
Ryan, I love your show. I think it's great that you help out all those people. I too went through alot of paranormal things hearing voices in the night, seeing things, and you don't tell anybody or else they think your crazy. I went through alot ever since a little kid, nobody believed me, they blamed it on scary movies. Now that I'm 14 some things have died down around my house. I did'nt know that there were people that went through the same things I did, I think you and your team are the greatest!
ps: my friend thinks your hot, lol
( I would contact you for help with my house but my mom has a thing about being on National Television, she's shy)
Posted by Sheena | January 22, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on January 22, 2008 10:25
Hi Ryan. I just want to say that I admire what you do. I have always had a high interest in the paranormal. At one point when I was young I stayed at a cousins house and something woke me in the middle of the night. I was asleep on the top bunk of the bed and there at the foot was a man's head, pale and looking right at me. I couldn't move for what seemed like eternity but when it started to move toward me I hid my head under the blanket and screamed with all I had. My uncle never believed me but I didn't spend the night again for a long time. Being a christian now I have a facination with the demonic side of things and also all the paranormal things that go on. If a friend tells me that they know of a house that is said to be haunted I want to go over there just to see if I get any feelings. I want to read up on alot of these things but somethimes find it hard to find the right books. Can you please help me. I would greatly appreciate it. I really want to experience these phenomina myself.
Thanks a fan always
shari
Posted by shari | February 17, 2008 8:45 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 20:45
Paranormal State is "The Bomb!" I record it every week. I just really wish you had 2 new episodes every week. Thank-you, for something refreshingly new. Keep it up! From Montreal, Canada.
Posted by lisa shears | February 26, 2008 3:00 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 03:00
Fab interview! I love Paranormal State! It's my fave show.. since X-Files is only repeats now. Thanks for having a REAL show! :) Stay warm!
Posted by Kimmy | March 2, 2008 11:41 AM
Posted on March 2, 2008 11:41
I think Ryan Is super cute and charming. I Luv the show. I think every one should watch it!!!
Oh! and i have a big crush on Ryan he has an adorable smile. CALL ME!
Posted by Denise | March 24, 2008 6:51 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 18:51
Ryan, Wow! Your show is amazing! I have always been interested in the paranormal and have never been as intrigued as I am with Paranormal State. You really have a way of connecting with people. You are professional yet warm to your clients and that comes across to viewers. Most importantly, you make it clear who your Protector is. I look forward to seeing more of your handsome face of you in the future!
God Bless!
Posted by Jessica | March 31, 2008 1:13 AM
Posted on March 31, 2008 01:13
I have a ghost in my house i think and i want you to come to our school and talk to me about it.
Posted by Tara Siejk | May 7, 2008 8:48 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 08:48
HEY RYAN HOW ARE YOU TODAY? I AM FINE. I THINK THAT YOU ARE ADORABLE. BUT YET I THINK IT'S GREAT TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE. BUT ANYWAYS BACK IN 200S IN SEPTEMBER BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY I LOST MY GRANDMA WHO WAS ALSO MY FRIEND EVEN THOUGH WE HAD OUR ROUGH TIMES AS MANY FAMILIES DO I THINK. BUT EVER SINCE THEN I'VE BEEN GROWING UP MORE AND I'VE EVEN GOT A JOB A TARGET DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS MN WITCH IS GREAT. AND YOU ARE GREAT.YOU LOOK GREAT AS WELL.I WANT TO TRAVEL AS WELL.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK RYAN AND HOPEFULLY I WILL HAVE MY DREAMS COME TRUE AND MEET YOU IN PERSON. HAVE A NICE DAY RYAN AND AGAIN KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Posted by Allison | June 17, 2008 8:30 PM
Posted on June 17, 2008 20:30
I actually see three orbs on both Ryan left shoulder and I believe Emily's left arm. The third, left door second window square. It's nice to know that being a paranormal phreak is actually quite normal and more common then we hear about. Love the show and the after help that families and people receive and Chips Psychic Kids. These kind of shows help those who experience paranormal activity understand what's going on and that we're not crazy!
Looking forward to season two and more!
Posted by Kerry Chapman | June 21, 2008 6:11 PM
Posted on June 21, 2008 18:11
HEY RYAN, HOW ARE YOU TODAY? YOU ARE HOT,SEXY,AND GREAT. I AM THINKING OF GOING TO COLLEGE AT PENN STATE UNIVERSITY AS WELL. I AM LIKE READY FOR MORE CHALLENGE FOR COLLEGE.I FEEL LEFT OUT OF MY FRIENDS. THEY ARE ALL DATING AND ME I FEEL LIKE A LOOSER CAUSE I AM NOT DATING. I AM READY TO DATE. BUT IF THERE IS ONE GUY THAT IS RIGHT FOR ME IT IS YOU. BECAUSE YOU ARE HOT. AND I AM YOU'RE #1 FAN.
I WANT TO START COLLEGE THIS FALL AT PENN STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGAIN I LOVE YOU.
FROM YOU'RE #1 FAN. ALLISON.
Posted by allison | June 26, 2008 10:25 PM
Posted on June 26, 2008 22:25
Hey Ryan, sorry to e-mail u this early in the morning but yesterday I just found out that my grandpa Smith is in the hospital for his problems with blood sugar i don't have any further information about how he is doing. but from what i hear from my grandma Smith he will be ok. But right now i couldn't sleep because i keep blaming my self for my grandma Darlene's death even though she had colon cancer and it spread to her lungs and the doctors wasn't how sure she was going to live. Is it normal to blame you're self for the death of a family member even though they died 3 years ago from cancer?
always Allison
Posted by Allison | June 30, 2008 7:04 AM
Posted on June 30, 2008 07:04
HEY RYAN, DO YOU WANT TO GO CAMPING WITH ME ON THE 25TH? BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE A TOTAL OUTSIDER AND THAT EVERYONE AROUND ME IS DATING AND MARRIED AND HAVING KIDS NOW. I LOVE YOU'RE SHOW AND I WILL BE WATCHING SEASON 2.
Posted by ALLISON MARIE BALDRIDGE | July 8, 2008 11:12 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 23:12
Hi ryan, I really love your show! I have recently just started watching it and i have to watch it everytime its on. The show has really opened my eyes about the paranormal and now I like reseaching and finding out more. I also love how on the show you really make sure that the case is real and not a fake. I think you are so hott ryan, along with captain jack sparrow. +
Posted by K | July 15, 2008 9:35 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 09:35
This is strange ,this is the 3d time i have to write this.. so.. anyway.. i watch your show and think both you and the paranormal state crew makes a greate job helping others,i believe in everyting and have some experiences myself,though i always try to fins a easy answer,I can hear and feel things but i can not see, anyway i hope you will find all the answers your looking for, hugs to you and the P.S crew
sanna/sweden
Posted by sanna | August 1, 2008 7:05 PM
Posted on August 1, 2008 19:05
I watch paranormal state every night I`m looking forward to tonight I am so excited!Ryan is truly amazing.What he does for people is incredible.He wants to help,and he`s not just in it for profit,I heard they don`t charge the people for the investigation at PRS,that is so generous.I think I have had one encounter with the paranormal but I never could figure out exactly what happened.
Posted by Kenzie | August 18, 2008 5:23 PM
Posted on August 18, 2008 17:23