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James Randi is a well known scientific skeptic who was once a stage magician himself. He is the co-founder of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation. Both of these organizations “extensively challenge paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.”  He is known for debunking and exposing famous mediums and pseudoscience figures, Uri Geller and Peter Popoff.

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Sylvia Browne is a self-proclaimed medium. She is very well known throughout the community and was on many different talk shows. She was subjected to a lot of criticism based on many of her psychic predictions being proved false, including being wrong about missing person cases such as with Amanda Berry. There were many times where she would give grief-stricken families false information and sometimes was even downright cruel; there were cases where she would tell people their loved ones were dead, their bodies would never be found, etc and they would be safely located.

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A Spooky Story: My Interview with Theresa Caputo

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A Spooky Story: My Interview with Theresa Caputo

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This blog post was written by a fan and believer of medium, Theresa Caputo. The writer, Saralee Rosenberg, details her experiences travelling to receive a reading by the famous medium.  This post is a great example of confirmation bias and how we use it to validate experiences that are more coincidence than anything scientific or mystical. The authour writes that while visiting Theresa many strange things happened such as; her GPS malfunctioning, her cassette player breaking, and sudden rain that caused Theresa’s publicist to be late. These are all matters of coincidence that the authour attributes to the fact she was interviewing a psychic medium.

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On this Halloween eve, what better time to share a true story about a woman who speaks to the dead? Not just on the candy and costume holiday, but every day of her life. And oh how the dead talk back.

Her name is Theresa Caputo, and if that rings a bell it's because you know her as the star of her own reality show, Long Island Medium (TLC, Sundays, 9PM EST)

I recently had a chance to interview her for the December issue of Long Island Woman magazine and was delighted to discover that she is a warm, gracious and honest person. She also sat patiently as we discussed her life as a medium, her good-natured family and her sudden rise to stardom.

Afterward, everyone who knew that I was meeting with her wanted the scoop. What was she really like (Loved her!!) Did she pick up anything about me (Yes)? Does she really use as much hairspray as she says (Actually she uses more).

But what made this experience so (literally) hair-raising was how many strange things happened before and during our talk.

En route to her home, my GPS behaved as if it had been possessed by the Department of Wrong Moves. The navigation inexplicably sent me on a wild goose chase down local roads that sent me in the opposite direction I needed to travel. Then, the top of my trusty cassette recorder somehow popped off, rendering it useless. Then a sudden, from-out-of-nowhere downpour caused her publicist in NYC to show up two hours late, delaying the start of our interview.

It left a lot of extra time for us to get to know one another and for me to discover that Theresa Caputo does not play a medium on TV, she is the real deal. From the minute she entered the room, waves of energy surged through my body as if I had been plugged into an electrical socket.

Talk about good vibrations!

Though she barely knew my name, she immediately told me that my grandmother was my muse (I have always believed that). Then she told me that I was not a writer. I said, "That's right. I'm a designated typist." She laughed and said she was glad I understood that whatever I wrote was channeled. Understand that she thought I was a local reporter. She had no idea I was a novelist. Then she told me that she was connecting with me a lot of different levels and wondered if I knew that I also had the ability to speak to the dead (I do know that).

A few minutes later the interview began and I asked if there was a famous dead person that she would like to interview. For some reason, I had written down Abraham Lincoln next to the question but didn't mention his name. Then she responded, "I've channeled Abraham Lincoln. It was amazing."

When I showed her my notes she jumped from her chair and screamed, "Ohmigod, what is happening here?"

No idea! But we had a good laugh and several other close encounters that convinced me that in the physical world she is a medium, though in the spirit world she is by all means an extra large!

As for her thoughts on speaking to the dead, she said, "Nobody needs a medium to communicate with loved ones. Just pay attention to all the signs and symbols around you and you'll understand that loving messages come through for you every single day."

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A Spooky Story: My Interview with Theresa Caputo

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On this Halloween eve, what better time to share a true story about a woman who speaks to the dead? Not just on the candy and costume holiday, but every day of her life. And oh how the dead talk back.

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This article works to debunk the readings and following of Hollywood’s newest medium, Tyler Henry. In the article, the authour explains many cold-reading and hot-reading techniques that he feels Tyler Henry employs. As this article is collected from a skeptic website it is very biased toward all mediums being fakes. The writer makes the assumption that Tyler must be using hot-reading techniques and secretly researching his clients beforehand.

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Apparently there's a new person on the scene who claims they can speak to the dead, and Hollywood wants you to welcome him into your living room with open arms. Tyler Henry is a supposed medium (or, as some call them, 'grief vampires'), who will happily try to convince you that he is speaking to your dead relatives. The " Hollywood Medium" (as he's being called) recently did an interview with Dr. Phil (not someone who's known for being a good scientific skeptic) and apparently has a television show on E!.

From the religious-movement inspiring Fox sisters and Madam Helena Blavatsky in the 19 th century to the television-viewing inspiring John Edward (of Crossing Over) and Teresa Caputo (of Long Island Medium) in the 21 st century, so-called mediums have often acquired huge, devoted audiences by supposedly being able to speak to the dead. This generally then translates into financial success, as they often charge people for "readings" or at the very least graciously accept donations. For example, at the time of this writing Edward charges $850 for a private reading, either at his office or over the phone, or $175 to attend a group reading with hundreds of other people (with no guarantee of getting a reading). Caputo has had two best selling books, sells a line of "spiritually inspired" jewelry, and a television show that's been airing for seven seasons and averages over 1.5 million viewers per episode.

Luckily, people from Lucian of Samosota to Harry Houdini to James Randi do their damnedest to make people aware of what's actually going on. Although today's mediums do not tend to rely on darkened rooms to hide their actions, they do rely on a set of well-documented, well-understood techniques for "reading" people. Typically called cold reading and hot reading, these exploit many of the natural biases of the human mind,require no supernatural powers, and can be learned by anyone. To use Rowlands' (2002) definition,

Cold reading is a deceptive psychological strategy. Among other things, it can be used by someone who is not psychic to give what seems to be a very convincing psychic reading. Cold reading is neither one single technique, nor one single procedure. It is better to think of 'cold reading' as the collective term for a set of techniques which can be used in different contexts to achieve different goals. (p. 16)

Tyler Henry is undoubtedly employing cold-reading techniques, whether knowingly or by accident. Either way, he does not actually speak to the dead. As for if he's using hot reading techniques (when the medium has gained information beforehand and then uses it during their reading later, acting as if they obtained it from a dead person), who's to say? He certainly wouldn't be the first television medium to be caught doing so.

Regardless, if you do happen to have to watch his show, I'd highly recommend printing out some Cold Reading Bingo cards. Maybe even turn it into a drinking game!

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Tyler Henry, Hollywood's Newest Medium * Great Plains Skeptic

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Apparently there's a new person on the scene who claims they can speak to the dead, and Hollywood wants you to welcome him into your living room with open arms. Tyler Henry is a supposed medium (or, as some call them, 'grief vampires'), who will happily try to convince you that he is speaking to your dead relatives.

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Tyler Henry Connects to Caitlyn Jenner's Late Father

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Tyler Henry Connects to Caitlyn Jenner's Late Father

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This is a video of a reading “Hollywood Medium”, Tyler Henry, did for Kris Jenner. During this reading Tyler uses many cold reading techniques to provide “hits” for Kris Jenner to create an emotional connection to his reading. Using ambiguous images such as “In-laws are coming through, grandfatherly figure, something that sounds like William..” he uses this get confirmation and fish for more information. At one point, Tyler references a very vague symbol of a tree. With most cold reading, the subject being read will work to interpret these vague symbols in a personal way. Kris Jenner is able to make connection to the tree as her in-law was a tree surgeon.

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Tyler Henry Reads Winner of Facebook Giveaway | Hollywood Medium

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Natalie Discusses Miscarriage During Long Island Medium

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Hollywood Medium Tyler Henry on Reading Kris Jenner & Metta World Peace + Season

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Tyler Henry Connects to Caitlyn Jenner's Late Father | Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry | E!

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While reading Kris Jenner, Tyler gets a message from Cait's deceased dad and brother Burt. Hear the message on "Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry." SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/Eentsub About E! Entertainment: E! is on the Pulse of Pop Culture, bringing fans the very best original content including reality series, scripted programming, exclusive specials, breaking entertainment news, streaming events and more.

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Tyler Henry is a 'clairvoyant medium' and reality show personality on the show "Hollywood Medium." He meets with different celebrities and does readings on them, using cold techniques to get hits and really connect with them. He has become very popular and well known throughout the community and even the general public because of his television show and his "abilities." A lot of people choose to believe because they want to feel that closure that talking to their departed loved ones can give them.

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In this video by Crystal Anne Compton, she teaches her subscribers how to connect to those who have passed on. She tells viewers that simply by believing, asking, and understanding that the loved one is still alive, they can speak to anyone who has passed on. This video demonstrates many of the reasons for belief such as; ideology, emotional connection, and simplicity.  Viewers may believe that actually can speak to the dead with these simple tips because they have an emotional connection to the story Crystal gives. She gives example of how she speaks to her mother who has passed on.

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Please like and comment and let me know what you think of this video! I respond to thoughtful and kind comments only. All rude or offensive comments will be promptly deleted. Get in the pit and try to love someone! :) :) -- Crystal Anne Compton Want To Win A Free Intuitive Reading?

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This is a list compiled by Amanda Linette Meder, talking about her own experiences realizing she is a "psychic medium." She says that if you agree with five or more of these statements, you are probably a medium. The thing is with this list she compiled is that they are very vague, very broad ideas. They could apply to many other things; people just have to choose to believe they are a medium and feel that the items on the list apply.

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Note from Amanda: You're tuning into one of most popular articles on the blog, thank you, reader. New here? After you're finished reading this one, make sure to check out all my newest articles here, now onward:
As I started developing my gifts and sharing them with the world, lots of people thought I was crazy. And truth be told, I'd almost convinced myself of that, too.

But I soon realized that something more was going on. After all, if you're an otherwise a rational human being in all other areas of your life, why would you be crazy, but *only* in this one way?

See, it doesn't make sense.

After years of validation and feedback, it's confirmed: what I got is an ability, not a disease.

Since then, I've met many a person with abilities just like me, but have become convinced by friends, family, media, own insecurity - that they've got a problem, rather than just a rather interesting quirk . . . so I wrote what you're reading now - this post.

If you're reading this - I want to you to know you may not be crazy. At least not like that.

Experiences happen whether you're under stress or not, and regardless of how many remedies you try. No matter how many variables you change, you'll just find yourself right back to square one. Sound familiar?

People who date mediums find them more compassionate, empathetic and thoughtful than other partners they've had and those who are friends with a medium, never have to live a moment in their life without someone to call on for support.

Mediums are really just big 'ol empaths.

But with one teeny-eensy catch:

They pick up on feelings, emotions, and impressions from the living and from the dead, rather than just from the living. See, not so bad.

You don't have to be a professional medium to sense the presence of Spirit, anyone can get this ability. And there are two types of onset - one onset later in life, and one early on. Think: like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. One has to do more with heredity and genetics (we think), and the other has more to do more with certain weatherings of life experience that make you more susceptible to it.

Anyway, I'm getting over my head now: what follows is a list of symptoms that commonly present themselves when you have is the gift of mediumship. Taken alone, each thing on this list could require medical attention, but when combined with 15 or more symptoms . . .

21 Signs You're A Medium

1. You've always had an interest and belief in the paranormal

2. You can walk into a room and feel pressure, heat, heaviness or emotions

3. You recall seeing or sensing spirits as a child or know relatives or have

4. You had an unexplainable fear of the dark, either in childhood or now

5. You have an active dream life, including vivid nightmares or lucid dreams

6. You are woken up at night frequently and/or generally don't slept well

7. You've had that weird, creepy feeling in old buildings, cemeteries, or in places of trauma

8. You've seen things out of the corner of your eye: white smoke, sparkles, shadows, figures

9. Someone close to you has died, and you've been experiencing a lot of odd things

10. You hear voices and have convinced yourself it's nagging thoughts, overactive imagination, or things you just made up

11. You've pretended conversations with animals: cats, dogs, wildlife

12. You've been getting bad anxiety from out of nowhere, having a hard time breathing

13. You hear strange noises other rooms when no one else is there or home

14. You don't like to be alone especially at night

15. You've felt watched

16. You, or someone you're related to, has pointed out spirits or paranormal experiences they've had

17. You've had paranormal experiences yourself that you can't entirely explain

18. Electronics, appliances, lights, and TVs all tend to go out or flicker around you

19. You have a habit of delivering spirit smackdowns: profound lengthy manifestos to others, then after the words leave your mouth, you have no idea where the information came from

20. You've developed a nervous twitch and it's been getting worse

21. You've taken prescription pills, drugs, or alcohol to avoid any of the above

If 15 or more of these things check "yes," congratulations, you're having a baby! Just kidding...

You may find it helpful know that what you are experiencing is fairly common, and you aren't alone. Lots of people from all over the political, religious, age, class, race, industry spectrum have pulled me aside to talk about this. (So relax, alright?) It's just something no one wants to discuss because they're afraid everyone will think they're crazy. It's a terrible isolation loop, really. But moving on . . .

A lot of completely well-rounded people can see, feel and hear through the veil from time to time. Though it's true: it's not something always easy to get used to at first, but over time, trust me - it grows on you. It really does grow.

The beauty of this gift is that you don't necessarily need to do anything with it besides embrace it and let it enrich your life in whatever way you want it to. Of course, you could go down open a store on Front Street tomorrow if you want (don't let me stop ya) . . . but before we do -
So how can you tell when it's happening?
Thankfully, some first signs of mediumship present themselves physical signs.

Sudden migraine, side temple headache: rare

Sudden nausea, upset stomach: common

Dizziness, faintness of breath: pretty common

Tightness in chest, difficulty breathing: very common

That's why you see on TV, mediums suddenly grasping a wall or something when spirit be comin' through. Because it's like that. It can hit you like that. Hard and fast. Sometimes it still hits me like a wall.

So if you feel any of these in any known spirit-y local, old antique stores, train stations, performing arenas, anywhere where you have a lot of inward/outward influx of people and energy - hospitals - and so on, well: then it's a hit.

But, it can also happen in your home, especially after someone you know dies.

I describe the feeling of spirit present to me as similar to when you are climbing the great drop tower at an amusement park, but it feels slightly different and nuanced to everyone.

In my eBook, The Medium Toolkit, we go over the most common ways all the different types of mediums sense, see and hear those in Spirit, if you're interested in learning more. Also, this whole blog is dedicated to new mediumship and processing all the feelings surrounding new and old gifts, alike. So it's Ok. You're here, among peers - take some time to look around.

Popular post round ups are on the sidebar >>, find all the newest articles here, or check out the next recommended in the links below. And welcome.

Amanda Linette Meder
www.amandalinettemeder.com
Last updated: February 23, 2017

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Note from Amanda: You're tuning into one of most popular articles on the blog, thank you, reader. New here? After you're finished reading this one, make sure to check out all my newest articles here, now onward: As I started developing my gifts and sharing them with the world, lots of people thought I was crazy.

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In this interview the two news anchors did with Matt Fraser, he does a reading on both of them. The male anchor is openly a skeptic, while the female anchor definitely seems more open to mediumship. When he does both of their readings they are both very obviously blown away, the female anchor even being brought to tears and he discusses what her grandmother and father have to say to her. While what he says seems to really resonate with them, he is just using a lot of cold reading techniques. Matt is paying close attention to how they react and purposely being vague, then reinforcing his chance connections.

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Hollywood Medium ' Tyler Henry Gives Unbelievable Readings

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Hollywood Medium Tyler Henry on Reading Kris Jenner & Metta World Peace + Season

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From Skeptic To Believer - News Anchor Gets A First Time Reading From A Medium

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Few people in the world are more polarizing, inspirational and remarkable than Psychic/Medium Matt Fraser. Blessed with the ability to connect our world with the next, Matt helps those he meet find comfort, joy and validation by creating a true two-way conversation with the other side.