Some investigators step into the paranormal world gradually. Others are pushed into it by something they can’t explain — something that shakes the foundation of what they thought they understood.
For Mike Tornincasa, it began with a voice that spoke his name.
Before MT Paranormal Life became a fast-growing YouTube channel and outdoor field investigation project, before the cryptid research and burial mound explorations, Mike was simply trying to make sense of something impossible: a robotic, disembodied voice that intercepted a phone call in the autumn of 2015 and said, “Hello Michael.”
That single moment redirected the course of his life.
Since then, Mike has become known for a rare blend of grounded investigation, emotional honesty, and fieldwork that crosses between hauntings, wilderness phenomena, cryptid encounters, and ancient sites. His Marine Corps and National Guard background shows in the disciplined way he prepares, documents, and approaches every investigation — respectful, focused, and absolutely committed to the truth.
Today, Mike shares that journey publicly through MT Paranormal Life, using technology, intuition, and a deep reverence for the spirit realm to explore what most people overlook.
Below is our full conversation — raw, detailed, and unfiltered — exactly as Mike wrote it.
1. Introduce Yourself — How did you first get involved in paranormal investigation, and how did MT Paranormal Life begin?
My name is Mike Tornincasa. I grew up in the small town of Struthers, Ohio. I am a Veteran of the Marine Corps and National Guard including two combat deployments to Iraq. I am a father of 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl).
Before I started doing paranormal investigations and before I started my YouTube channel (MT Paranormal Life) I had a paranormal experience that changed my life forever. It happened in the fall 2015. I will briefly describe the circumstances that led up to that event.
At that time I was married and we all lived in an old house in a very rural area in Ohio. Everyone in the family was having strange paranormal experiences from poltergeist activities to seeing orbs and shadow figures. Everyone except myself were having these experiences. So I kept trying to interact with whatever was there interacting with the family. I did audio recordings and used a K2 EMF meter to help get evidence of paranormal activity. Nothing happened when I would try. Fast forward a couple months and I was driving to pick up my ex brother-in-law Randy. From my cell phone I called Randy to let them know I would be arriving to pick them up shortly. When I dialed his number I was waiting for the call to connect. I felt it was strange I did not hear the call connect in the usual quick manner that calls usually connect. Then the life changing event unfolded. Someone spoke to me in that pause of silence waiting for the call to connect. It sounded like a robot speaking. The voice said “Hello Michael,” which of course is my name. I was frozen right there in the seat of my car. Unable to even speak back to the voice. I could not believe what just happened. I was full of excitement and disbelief at what just happened. Immediately after the voice spoke the call then finally connected to Randy’s phone. A higher being had just been able to talk to me, in their own voice, right in the middle of my call and greeted me by my name. At that time I knew this was a very special encounter but I have come to appreciate it so much more now after the years of paranormal experiences I would have. After that voice spoke to me I knew without any doubt there was more going on than what we could see and hear in our 3D world we live in.
2. Your Focus & Mission — What drives your work?
My focus and mission continues to be driven by that voice that first spoke to me. I wanted others to know that this type of paranormal experience can happen. What happened appeared to be a voice phenomenon. So I set off to document my interactions with the spirits or whomever it was that spoke to me. I would focus heavily on Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) evidence and use of Inter-Trans Communication (ITC) devices. I would also focus on outdoor investigations in various parks and forests across Ohio and other states. It would not take me long to realize that there was so much more going on with a connection to us, our world, and this higher dimension that I believe is connected to the spirit realm.
3. Memorable Investigation — Can you walk us through one of your most powerful experiences?
My most memorable investigation would happen at a place that was very well known for paranormal activity. Hill View Manor in New Castle, PA. I was there to investigate the claims of paranormal activity that many others had experienced there in the past. I was also very curious if a place with so much suffering and trauma from those who passed away there would show some paranormal activity that could verify a connection to the place and the memories of the past. What would unfold would be captured on my video of Hill View Manor and again shock me to my core and prove the amazing connection we have with the spirit realm/higher dimension.
I was on the first floor of the manor walking around deciding which room I wanted to investigate. I was drawn to the room of “Anna.” Only a first name, unlike the other rooms where resident spirits were known by first and last names labeled on their doors. I would learn later that the owners of Hill View Manor knew very little about Anna; she was kind of a mystery.
In Anna’s room I would experience an extreme cold area around me for a short time and incredible energy interactions with all the different equipment I had set up. I left a beautiful large marble for her on her bed as a gift to show my respect. I was picking up my devices when something amazing happened — and my static camera recorded it. While packing my bag, I heard a woman’s voice say, “Michael.” Her voice carried like she was standing right next to me. I was the only one on the entire first floor. I instantly felt emotional and shed some tears. Another voice phenomenon speaking to me directly. This is the reason I do this.
4. Evidence & Phenomena — What stands out in your fieldwork?
The most frequent evidence that I encounter is various forms of EVPs and what I call Phantom noises. When it comes to EVPs I use my editing software to help amplify any EVPs. I only present EVPs as evidence in my videos if I can recognise that the sound is not debunkable as natural sound. Even if I am confident it is an EVP after I edit it, it still has to be audible for the audience to hear from their TV or phone since I present the evidence on YouTube’s platform from my channel. There have been so many EVPs that I have verified that I could not present since it is too low frequency or distorted enough to not hear it well.
Phantom noises have become a regular occurrence for me when investigating. Outdoors they seem to take the sound of knocks or strange sounds that occur with no explanation of what caused them. They also can be heard indoors as well. They happen with no explainable cause such as door handle noises or other “residual” sounds such as the sound of objects making a familiar sound but not actually physically moving. One example is many prescription pill bottles sitting on a table at an abandoned house — I captured the sound of the bottles being knocked over and the lids popping off, but the bottles never moved.
5. Tools, Techniques & Preparation — What do you rely on?
My tools for investigating usually include: an extra cell phone using Transcend Theory (an ITC communication device), a REM Pod, a Flux 2 for yes/no answers, a Hygro meter for tracking environmental changes, a K2 EMF meter, and cat ball toys. Since I am outdoors for most of my investigations I also rely on a thermal imager to monitor paranormal events and to watch for animals or people in the forest. I wear rugged outdoor gear and film at night, using a Marauder Mini flashlight and a bright headlamp.
Preparation also includes a ritual I practice every time I investigate: a traditional Native American tobacco offering to show respect to the land, the spirits, the entities, and mother nature. I always vocalize my intent wherever I investigate.
6. Challenges & Unexpected Situations
There have been many challenges for me along the way. Trying to investigate in a way that gives the audience the best experience, trying to make sure everything is visible and interesting, and dealing with new equipment becoming more complex. I’ve had filming ruined by incompatible microphones, dead batteries, and audio failures that forced me to throw out entire videos.
7. Tips for Aspiring Paranormal or Cryptid Investigators
Here are some important tips for anyone who is curious about paranormal or cryptid investigating:
• Always be genuine. Never force emotions.
• Understand you are dealing with something higher than you.
• Be respectful. Spirits and entities see everything about you.
• Be curious. Don’t assume you know the answers.
• Don’t expect answers — experience is the real gift.
• Find something that makes you feel safe.
• Vocalize your intent and acknowledge that the spirits or cryptids are there.
8. Ethics, Mentors & Respect
My mentor was Bearclaw-Medicine Woman of the BlackFoot Mountain Tribe. She taught me that connection, respect, and clear intention are the keys to having meaningful experiences. She also taught me the importance of making a peace offering.
9. Future Goals for MT Paranormal Life
I am always out filming looking for more exciting experiences. That is what it is all about for me. I document my experiences on my YouTube channel and will keep doing this for as long as I can. I work alongside Jack (@The Cameraman Crew) and together we continue to share this journey with everyone who wants to follow along.
10. Connect with Mike & Final Message
I welcome everyone to come and share these experiences with me. You can find me and all of my work on YouTube at MT Paranormal Life, and you can join my Facebook Group: MT Paranormal Life.
One final thought:
I have adapted 3 Core Values that represent what my channel is about.
- Understanding — You are dealing with higher dimensional beings.
- Acknowledgement — When communicating, you must know they are there.
- Respect — Always show respect. It’s okay to challenge them, but respectfully.
Closing Thoughts
Mike Tornincasa isn’t just an investigator — he’s someone whose entire direction was changed by a single, extraordinary moment. From the voice that greeted him on the phone in 2015, to the emotional connection at Hill View Manor, to the countless EVPs and phantom sounds recorded in forests and abandoned properties across several states, Mike’s mission remains clear: document the truth, respect the unknown, and share each experience with those willing to explore alongside him.
His investigations reflect discipline, honesty, and an understanding that what we interact with may come from dimensions far beyond our comprehension. His core values — Understanding, Acknowledgement, Respect — are a powerful reminder that the paranormal isn’t just about evidence; it’s about connection.
It’s an honour to feature Mike’s journey on Mystic Realm Blog. If you haven’t followed MT Paranormal Life yet, now is the perfect time to dive into his work.
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