We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Strickland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Passion is what drives my work as an afterlife and paranormal researcher, author, podcaster, and speaker. I have an innate desire to do what I do and that is at the foundation of all my work. In essence, I let my heart guide me and so far, it has led me down some fascinating paths and has allowed me to meet some amazing individuals who also share my interests.

In regard to studying the paranormal, if a person is motivated by sensationalism or the desire to become famous, then he or she will often burn out. Delving into fringe territory and parapsychological fields is best approached from humility and a strong motivation to learn more about the spirit worlds and other life forms.

For me, it’s the journey as opposed to the destination that matters most. Yes, you’ll want to reach the finishing line, but it’s important to soak up the beauty and learning opportunities along the way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an afterlife & paranormal researcher, bestselling author, podcaster, and speaker. In 2009, I founded the San Diego Paranormal Research Society and I am proud to say that it’s become one of San Diego’s premiere paranormal groups. Our team also hosted the monthly “Spirits of the Adobe” tours at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe for ten years. I’m also a consultant to other groups and serve as the California Coordinator to the Ghost Research Society.

I enjoy presenting at various venues, including libraries, conferences, and businesses. To date, I offer around 15 different presentation topics relating to the afterlife and paranormal.

My books include “Field Guide to Southern California Hauntings,” “The Haunted Queen of the Seas: The Living Legend of the RMS Queen Mary,” “Spirited Queen Mary: Her Haunted Legend,” “RMS Queen Mary: Voices from Her Voyages,” “San Diego’s Most Haunted: The Historical Legacy and Paranormal Marvels of America’s Finest City,” “Spirits of Rancho Buena Vista Adobe,” “Max and Kayli: Two Remarkable Felines Forever Imprinted on My Heart,” and “The Afterlife Chronicles: Exploring the Connection Between Life, Death, and Beyond,” which hit Amazon’s #1 new release in six categories. “Women on the Fringe: Groundbreaking Women in the Paranormal” debuted in March 2024. It’s an anthology co-authored with Marie D. Jones and Denise A. Agnew.

From 2020-2023, I co-hosted “Haunted Voices Radio,” one of the longest-running radio programs featuring a plethora of guests from all areas of the supernatural. In 2020, I debuted the radio show “The Afterlife Chronicles,” which was selected by Feedspot as one of the top 25 programs on the afterlife and one of the top 80 one-hour podcasts. This summer, I’ll be debuting my new show, “The Life Inspiration Project,” a program highlighting inspirational people from all walks of life.

It’s interesting as I never envisioned myself studying the paranormal in adulthood. Everything about my journey came to be naturally. As I mentioned before, I’ve let my heart and intuition guide me. I think what sets me apart is the passion and drive I have for my work. You can tell when someone truly loves what he or she does and that’s very magnetic and captivating. I believe it’s at the core of why people contact me for an interview or presentation.

One of my greatest passions is the RMS Queen Mary. I am proud of my books about the ship, which continue to be bestsellers aboard in her gift stores. It’s been an honor to talk to and learn from many of her former crew, passengers, WWII veterans, and war brides. On a recent radio show, one of the hosts told me, “Nicole, you know how to tell the Queen Mary’s story accurately and that’s what sets you apart.” I actually got tears of joy hearing this as every written word and interview I do is done out of a pure admiration, love, and respect for the Queen Mary.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to again, enjoy the journey. Savor each moment and don’t concentrate too much on the destination. Be patient with yourself and let things flow and come naturally as they are meant to. Follow your heart as it will guide you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is a dream vacation destination for people across the globe. If I had to design a week-long itinerary in San Diego, I would first want to learn about my friend’s main interests and go from there.

Of course, I would take my best friend to many of San Diego’s iconic locations, including Balboa Park, Hotel del Coronado, Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town San Diego, Sea Port Village, and many beaches. We would visit iconic museums and perhaps, spend a day at the famous San Diego Zoo or Sea World. Depending on the season, we’d catch a Padres baseball game and enjoy a local beer and hot dog.

One cannot come to San Diego and not eat its famous Mexican food. I’d take my friend to Casa Guadalajara, OId Town Mexican Cafe or Cafe Coyote and enjoy “Taco Tuesday.” We’d also devour seafood at the Brigantine or The Fish Market.

We’d catch some sun rays while aboard a harbor cruise or whale-watching excursion. I’d take my friend to Fort Rosecrans and the Cabrillo Monument as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my parents, Byron and Norma Strickland, for believing in me and giving me the freedom to explore my own interests in life. They have taught me important values and lessons along the way, which have helped mold me into the person I am today.

When working on a paranormal research project, it is important to find like-minded individuals who share your perspectives and viewpoints. Collaboration and cohesiveness help to ensure an overall successful case study or investigation of anomalous phenomena. There are many people to acknowledge here, that’s for sure. Ali Schreiber is a dear friend of mine who I’ve worked closely with over the years. When investigating the paranormal, she and I have this amazing “mojo” and often finish each other’s sentences.

For 20 years, I have been researching the rich history of and paranormal phenomena aboard the RMS Queen Mary. The legendary ocean liner, moored in Long Beach, California, is my second home. I want to give a shout-out to her Honorary Commodore Everette Hoard, who’s a dear friend of mine. I want to honor her fabulous staff and crew, and every person who’s contributed to her esteemed success. As always, long live the Queen!

I also want to acknowledge those dwelling in the afterlife and beyond. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to experience and study the paranormal realms. Throughout my life, I’ve had profound experiences with departed loved ones. I’m a strong advocate for their respect and reverence as sadly, the paranormal field is often filled with sensationalism and exploitation.

Of course, I want to acknowledge my cats – Aeries, Kayli, Max, Merlin, and Simba – for keeping me company while I type for hours at my desk.

Website: https://nicoledstrickland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicolestrickland/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledstrickland

Twitter: https://x.com/sdprsnicole

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledstrickland

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxTQhxNbXH_-MhklMy79_Ew

Image Credits
Women on the Fringe: image design courtesy of Denise Agnew

Life Inspiration Project logo: designed by Abby DesignsIt

RMS Queen Mary photographs: photographed by Norma Strickland

Me at the Podium: photographed by Norma Strickland

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