Paranormal Q&A: How realistic are the mediums on television? What percent of mediums do you think are truly contacting spirits?

Each week, I'll answer a question about the paranormal, whether a general question, or one about human or animal ghosts (Earthbound) or spirits (crossed over). Here's this week's question: 

Q: How realistic are the mediums on television? What percent of mediums do you think are truly contacting spirits?

Rob and Ruth Larkin, the Beantown Medium

A: I honestly don't watch a lot of mediums or ghost investigations on TV. Producers edit the programs to a fraction of the time filmed, in order to keep the viewer interested. - I've seen Lisa Williams in person (she was on TV for a short time) and she has a genuine gift. The Long Island Medium, Teresa Caputo also has a gift, but sometimes I think she asks for some information.  I'm unsure about the others on TV.
If you're looking for an accessible, and extremely gifted medium I recommend my friends Ruthie Larkin, the Beantown Medium (www.beantownmedium.com) or Barb Mallon (www.barbmallon.com).

For Rob Gutro's 5 books on the paranormal, visit: www.amazon.com. All of Rob's books were written to help explain the paranormal, and teach readers how to find signs from spirit. 

Medium Barb Mallon's Psychic Development Classes (No. Virginia), April,May,June

My friend the Medium, Barb Mallon is bringing back her Psychic Development Classes in No. Virginia for 3 different sessions on April 30th, May 21st and June 4th. The April session is sold out, but there are a few spots left for the May "Animal Communication" session and June "Psychic Development" session. **Barb is featured in my books "Pets and the Afterlife" and "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead" (available on Amazon.com. **  Class Details below:

Barb said:   I am once again holding my Psychic Development and Animal Communication classes in my Chantilly, VA office.  I was holding out for a while trying to find another hotel or large conference room who wouldn't charge me an arm and a leg and just haven't been able to find one yet.  So, I just decided to hold smaller classes in the office suite I'm in now.

These are going to be a little different in that they will be very small, intimate classes with 4 - 6 students only.  The PD class will be 4 people and will take place in the office where I conduct sessions.  The AC class will be held in the conference room in my office suite.

Upcoming classes:
Psychic Development - Sunday, April 30 from 11 - 4 (SOLD OUT)
Animal Communication - Sunday, May 21 from 12 - 3:30 (5 spots left)
Psychic Development - Sunday, June 4 from 11 - 4 (4 spots left)

TO REGISTER: http://www.barbmallon.com/events

Guest Blog: A FEW BUT IMPORTANT TIDBITS WHEN HAVING A MEDIUMSHIP READING

This week's blog is from my friend and amazing medium, Barb Mallon. Barb published the following in her newsletter (www.barbmallon.com) recently, and I think it's really important to share with everyone. - Rob

 

A FEW BUT IMPORTANT TIDBITS WHEN HAVING A MEDIUMSHIP READING

         

 Recently, I've had more people than usual not understand how a medium works, how the process works or why they don't hear what they wish to hear in a session.  I've even had clients tell me how they'd like me to read for them with no "ifs," "ands," or "buts" allowed.   I truly can't dictate a reading, nor can I conform how I work to fit someone else's expectations.  It's really always best to understand how a psychic or medium works, know what to expect in advance, and to get good references, rather than be too "on guard."  Here are a few pointers!  :)

1. Allow the psychic or medium to work in the way THEY need to work.  Understandably, there are many charlatans out there, and you really DO need to be wary of the "generals" in a reading (and if you feel the psychic isn't connecting with you, and giving vague info, DO let them know and possibly even stop the session.)  It's always best to go into a session relaxed and open to info and messages, not to hear what you want to hear or connect to that exact person in spirit.   Let the psychic or medium do their job in the way they need to do it, leave expectations at the door and your session will more than likely flow much better.  As I told one lady this month, you don't go into the doctors' office and tell the doctor how to examine you, or a lawyer how to work on your case.  The psychic needs to conduct a reading the way they need to.
   
   
2. Try to go to a psychic or medium who has been referred to you by someone who has had a good experience.  If you don't know of anyone who's been to a psychic, try to find a site on the internet with fair reviews on the psychic.  While testimonials are nice on a psychics website, you really don't know for sure they are legitimate, so it's a good idea not to choose a psychic because of his or her own website testimonials.  
   
   
3. Don't call or write a psychic or medium for a freebie or "test" mini reading.  Most valid mediums I know need to prepare with prayer, meditation and ritual before opening up to spirit, spirit guides or the angelic realm.  It's not fair to expect a medium to connect on the spot... we have lives too!  :)
   
   
4. Try not to rate a psychic or medium with "hits" or "misses."  There will ALWAYS be information not understood during a session that a psychic will "leave you" with.  These are not necessarily "misses," and are usually understood at a later time.  There will always be validations that occur AFTER the session is over when the unknowns in a reading are discovered!
   
   
5. During a session, if a psychic or medium tells you things about yourself, it's a good thing!  I've had people tell me, "yes, I know this about myself... so?"  Well, I DON'T!  This means the psychic is connecting with your energy and if that's the case, should be able to link with your people in spirit as well, if that's what you're looking for.  We know YOU know things about yourself, but a psychic doesn't know anything about you, so this is a good indication that a link has been established between you and the psychic.
   
   
6. For medium sessions where a psychic links to your people in spirit, it's important to allow the process to unfold in the way spirit would like it to.  Allow them to bring through ANY pieces of info, even if it seems "trivial" or "insignificant" to you.  Example:  Me:  (laughing...) "wow, he tells me he always late, correct?"  Client: (shrugging shoulders...) "yes, he was always late, so????"   Again, YOU may know this about your spirit person, but the medium doesn't, and this is very important.  The spirit person will give the medium anything - seemingly insignificant things, or very significant things - to prove to you it's them!   They are all little puzzle pieces of information about themselves that you'll put together to understand and identify a spirit person.
   
   
7. On that same note, don't feel a medium hasn't connected with your spirit person just because that ONE thing you asked them to bring through in your reading didn't come through.  I can tell someone 50 things about their spirit person with "yes" to all of them, but because that one item didn't come through, the client will disqualify the fact that it was the spirit person they thought it was.  This is so unfair to spirit and the process as they work VERY hard to get as much to you about themselves as possible, and then any messages THEY feel they'd like to give you.  If you don't hear that one particular thing, it's ok.  DO remember to collect all they DID give to you, know they did the best they could and thank them.
   
   
8. Spirit people will also tell you what YOU did today, last week, yesterday, etc.  Why?  To show they DO visit often and are aware of your life!  Again, these can be just silly little things such as you ordering pizza or dropping a bowl on the ground.  The medium doesn't know you did this, but your spirit people do!
   
   
9. Understand that a medium is given information quickly, symbolically and that their guides use what the medium has stored in their brain for references/evidence to give to you.  Don't try to make it fit or hang on the exact thing you're waiting for.  Example:  "I'm seeing the time when I closed the door on my cats tail. Your dad is bringing my experience up because you must have had the same kind of experience.  Does this make sense?"   Normally, it either very closely makes sense for the spirit person or you, and they'll bring this up to give you another puzzle piece.  If you had a similar experience and understand what they are TRYING to relay, it's best to acknowledge it.
   
   
10. It's ok to say "no, that doesn't make sense for him/her."  You won't hurt the mediums feelings!  The medium can and should ask for clarification if something doesn't make sense to you.  Normally, it means that two energies may be blending, and that another spirit person is trying to come through.  Remember too, that some info isn't validated until later.
    
    All in all?  Being an open skeptic is best.  Don't reach for everything and make it fit, and don't be so insistent that only certain people or info should come through.  Understand that it is a process, and for me, it's much like playing charades when I can barely see, feel or hear them.  The connection may be very strong or somewhat light depending on many variables, and we do the best we can to snag that evidential info from them and pass it along to you.  So, just try to let the medium do their work and the spirit people or guides do their work as well.  This will allow the session to unfold in the way it was meant to!

Barb Mallon Announces Class: BEGINNER ANIMAL COMMUNICATION 3/21/15 (1 day only)

Since I published my book "Pets and the Afterlife," I've heard from many grieving pet parents about communicating with the spirits of their pets, and now, my friend Barb Mallon is offering a 1 day class about "Beginner Animal Communication." Barb is in northern Virginia, and about a 20 min. drive west of Washington, DC.  - Rob

For more information, contact her at office@barbmallon.com, visit: www.barbmallon.com, or To reserve a ticket to Barb's class at : CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS

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NEW!  BEGINNER ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

Saturday, March 21

1pm - 4pm

Chantilly, VA

$75.00

I'm so excited to announce that I will be holding my new class, "Beginning Animal Communication" in March!

This is a beginner class with easy to follow instructions on how to communicate with your animal companions!  Animals WANT to communicate, we just need to learn how to listen on their terms... not ours.

Some of what you will learn:
-How to prepare your body and environment for communication
-How animals communicate with us

-How we can communicate to animals
-How to receive and give the info obtained
-The main steps to communicating
.... and more!

We will be doing practice readings for each other, so bring a picture of your animals!

If you are not local, don't worry!  I'll be offering this class as a webinar, as well, so stay tuned!
If you are interested, please register through the link below.

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For my book on how pets communicate from the other side: 
 PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- click here     

Meet the Talent at Barb Mallon's Halloween Medium Event!

Bren, Brady, Mike and Barb in Steampunk outfits

Had a great time last night at Barb Mallon, Psychic Medium's Halloween event. Tarot reader Tim Boyd and Pragmatic Palmist Peggy Arvidson were also there giving readings  and are both amazing talents. 
 We enjoyed seeing Jonathan and Lisa there, too.
Thanks to Barb Mallon and Mike Mallon and Bren and Brady for putting together such an amazing event.  

   For appointments with Barb, go to: http://www.barbmallon.com/

About Tim:  he is a Certified Tarot Consultant, certified by the Tarot Certification Board of America.  He provides intuitive Tarot Readings utilizing his given psychic abilities and the Tarot.

 For appointments with Tim Boyd, go to: http://www.timstarot.com/
About Peggy: If you’d like to speed up the journey to more fun, joy and success then your hands have the most precise, one-size-fits-only you map in the world.

peggiearvidson.com/author/peggie  

NEXT: A Little Girl's Spirit Gives Me a Tragic Story

From Medium Barb Mallon: WHAT'S WITH THOSE REPETITIVE NUMBERS?

Barb Mallon

My friend and mentor Medium Barb Mallon wrote a great column in her most recent newsletter about repetitive numbers, and I wanted to share it with you this week. If you're looking for a reading, please contact Barb. She's amazing! -Rob

WHAT'S WITH THOSE REPETITIVE NUMBERS?

I've had SO many clients ask me about those same series of numbers they see frequently and what they mean.  I incorporate numerology in most aspects of my life, from my home or office address, license plates, times on the clock, etc.  It's easy when you think of 0 or 1 as the beginning of a new journey and 9 being at the end of a journey.   I do believe that it's not only a message from the angelic realm, but also from guides and loved ones on the other side.  :)    Enjoy!
Barb Mallon
www.BarbMallon.com  /office@barbmallon.com  / (o) 703.474.2227

I tend to interpret the numbers in this way:
  Basically a doubled number is a more spiritual suggestion, and triple and quadruple is a "what are you waiting for?" or pay close attention - even more spiritual.  I tend to pay attention to the combo numbers as well, such as 11:44.  This would me for me to get started on that new project, but keep it organized!
 1 - a new beginning 11... a spiritual new beginning and 111 and 1111, pay attention!  Get off your butt and get started on what it is you want!  :)
 2 - need for balance, partnership, teamwork, harmony.

 3 - expansion, evolving, building, incorporating new ideas, growing, fertile.
 4 - square things up, organize, keep it together, stick to the rules, save money.
 5 - chaos, a little craziness, tone it down, simplify, breathe.
 6 - too much material, addictions, possessions, a need for more faith and spirituality.  Balance your lower self and higher self.
 7 - remember to have faith, spirituality, this too shall pass, you're starting to "get it."
 8 - infinity, what you're putting out is going to come back in the way you put it out, so careful with your thoughts!  Unconditional love, close to harvesting time.
 9 - ending of a journey, wrap everything up and keep moving forward.  A new beginning soon!
 10 = 1 - new journey, new beginning.

Barb and Rob together at a conference

**NEW** PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- click here 

FOR  ROB GUTRO'S  OTHER BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON ((Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium for $7.99 paper/$2.99 E-book and Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead  for $8.99 paperback and $2.99 E-book:  http://tinyurl.com/q3bhgde

Meet Medium Barb Mallon - my mentor!

I'm fortunate to know several mediums and incredible people that deal with spirits and ghosts, and this week, I sat down with my friend and mentor Barb Mallon of Northern Virginia. Barb gives educational courses, has group medium events, does one-on-one readings, phone readings and more. 

 Now YOU can get to know Barb and then look her up when you really need to hear from Spirit! - Rob

1. In your own words, who is Barb Mallon, Medium? 

Barb Mallon

I am just your normal mom of three great kids, two pit bull mixes and four fat, furry rats. Besides being a medium, I love silversmithing and creating pretty pieces of jewelry.  I am also an avid animal lover and really enjoy doing events to help local no kill shelters.

2. When in your life did you realize you had an ability to communicate with spirits and how did you handle it? 

I have always been pulled towards metaphysics and worked with the Tarot for many years (just another way for your guides to help with guidance).  I was growing and evolving intuitively and happened to see a medium work somewhere.  It hit me like a hammer over the head, "THAT'S what I'm supposed to be doing."  I didn't know why at the time and was a little leery, not understanding it.  That said, I felt it so strongly and studied, had readings done for myself and it just happened.  People were validating what I was saying.  It was honestly nothing I had to really handle... I fully embraced it!

3. How did you finally embrace your gift of mediumship? 

I just let it happen and not long after, I was getting calls from new clients because of word of mouth.

4.  You wrote a chapter in Rob Gutro's "Pets and the Afterlife" about how your late dog Blue communicated with you from the other side. How amazing was that for you? Was that the first time a dog or cat came through? 

Barb's dog Blue came through

Yes, I think she knew how horrible we felt about how sick she was and the decision we really needed to make.  She gave me the gift of peace of mind - that she was so much better there, but also helped me to let go of the awful guilt I had.  The things she did were more physical and different than when a pet comes through for a client.  I have had hundreds if not thousands of animals come through for their human before Blue passed and after!

5. You also teach psychic development, make jewelry, are a mom and help dog rescues! 
Tell me a little about each of these passions! 

I teach psychic development because I want people to know it's NORMAL to be intuitive and will only help you in this lifetime.  :)  It's amazing to see the lightbulbs go off when my students read for each other.  It's truly fascinating.  

With making jewelry, the art of melting down silver or forming/hammering it into pretty things is so healing for me.  It's even more fun when one of my clients comes in for a reading wearing one of my pieces!  I love chunky and textured pieces with a rustic feel.  

My two boys keep me pretty busy and they also help out with my events - FOR MONEY of course!  They are great kids with their own talents, and yes, both have seen spirits clearly!

Barb the Jewelry Maker!

The older I get, the more my passion for helping helpless animals grows.  Especially to the ones who are judged unfairly, like bully breeds.  It's heartbreaking to know that my insanely sweet Maggie was just hours of being euthanized because of her breed and people's misconceptions about pit bull breeds.  Maggie will come up to you and literally give you a hug!  She is my best friend and "mama" dog.  Her "brother" Sammy will lick you to death, so watch out!  Whatever I can possibly do to help these sweet dogs, I will!

6. What’s next on the horizon for you?

I've been taking a bit of a breather from demonstrations lately and have concentrated on taking more clients and teaching.  I'm introducing a Psychic Development webinar in July and I plan on doing a bunch of these as time permits!

Barb and Bren at a convention

7. How can people get a hold of you for phone or in-person readings? 
-What is your website, facebook and twitter pages?

My website is www.BarbMallon.com and you can click the contact page to write or call.  You can also schedule online at www.barbmallon.com/schedule.htm.  

Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/barbmallonpsychicmedium Twitter is www.twitter.com/barbmallon

Instagram is www.instagram.com/barbmallon, and....

Etsy is www.etsy.com/shop/barbmallonjewelry

***ON JULY 10TH, this blog will feature a special column from Barb about "Repetitive Numbers"!  Stay tuned! 

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BARB'S CHAPTER IS FEATURED IN MY BOOK: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE! 

by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Now on Instagram! /Great Event at Barb Mallon's Last Night!

I finally figured out what Instagram is and how it works, so I set up an account for my books and website. Check it out here: http://instagram.com/robgutro_author#
   There are so many social media tools that it's hard to keep up with all of them, but I'm trying!  I just posted a photo from last night's event: Medium  Barb Mallon's Holiday with Spirit. 
  What an amazing time!!! 

Medium Barb Mallon!!

Awesome readings from Barb, Amazing readings from Tim Boyd, certified Tarot Consultant, Barb's students Jonathan and Lisa who are amazing and talented with the messages they get from spirit. 

Tim Boyd doing a Tarot card reading

   I was so touched by the number of people who came up and talked with me after my intro talk on how spirits communicate and give us signs. I loved talking to all the people who have or had dogs or cats and shared their stories. This night was the BEST Christmas Gift! 

CHECK OUT BARB'S HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY:  http://www.etsy.com/people/barbmallon

She does silversmithing!  Barb says: There is nothing better than hammering out a design or watching silver fusing together.  Having a spiritual background, I am constantly inspired by beautiful things and love creating spiritually inspired jewelry! I especially love creating organic, rustic and imperfect pieces, as there is perfection in imperfection.  If you see something you like, yet would like me to tweak it, please let me know. I LOVE custom orders! 

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Rob Gutro's books available on Amazon((Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium for $7.99 paper/$2.99 E-book and Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead  for $9.99 paperback and $2.99 E-book:  http://tinyurl.com

Medium Barb Mallon is Amazing (and her website features my book)

MEDIUM BARB MALLON IS AMAZING! I had the pleasure to meet Medium Barb Mallon at a seminar in 2009, and have stayed in touch with her. She amazed me with her ability at the seminar, especially because she picked up a dog coming through for a member of the audience. (My puppy Buzz was killed in 2005 when his leash opened and he ran in front of a car. Buzz has since come to me many times).

Over the last year, Barb and I have learned about and befriended each other. She did a reading for my partner Tom last week and she was so amazing and spot on with everything (I'm still developing and strive to be like Barb). She even saw my puppy Buzz run by her (she didn't know about Buzz until Tom told her during the reading). If you want to communicate with someone who has passed, I strongly urge you to contact Barb!! Her website is: http://www.barbmallon.com/
As I mentioned in my book and this blog, I'm still developing and refining my abilities (although I usually get messages almost daily from spirits and ghosts), but Barb is well-learned. You should also sign up for her newsletter (which she so gracefully included a plug for my book! Thanks, Barb). BTW- My book includes mentions of Barb, from when we met at that conference.