Skeptical Q&A with Chip Coffey
Chip Coffey
Who believes in psychics? Do you? I do.
Well, I don’t know really, but what I can tell you is that I have gone to a particular psychic more than once because she was good at given me advice. Things that she knew about me that I could not explain how she knew. Things that she predicted that happened. I don’t mean vague things like “You will be aroused by a shampoo commercial” (Simpsons’ joke).
I have not gone to her in years because she is no longer providing her services to civilians. She was recruited by either the Police Dept. or the FBI. I don’t remember.
When we had heard that Chip Coffey was going to be interviewed on EERIE Radio and would be taking questions from the web, we had some questions lined up for him. Unfortunately, Mr. Coffee canceled because of the nature of the questions.
The questions that we, the editors of GhostTheory, had were skeptical in nature. Never were they disrespectful or consisted of childish and horrible name calling.
Given that the critics and paranormal community are very skeptical of Chip Coffey’s abilities, it’s unfortunate that there are those who resort to an ad hominem attack. So it’s understandable why Mr. Coffey canceled.
What is not understandable is why he has not answered the skeptics and their questions. I’m not saying that everyone should always explain their actions or themselves at all times. I don’t explain my quirks to people, I could care less what they think. But I’m not in the limelight.
People do not come to me with their problems or their lives and ask me to take those things into my own hands and provide some explanation or help.
So we feel that the community is owed some answers.
I contacted Mr. Coffey and asked him if he could provide us with a few answers to the questions that we were going to ask him on the EERIE Radio interview. He was clear that he thought that GhostTheory was a “Chip Coffey and Paranormal State bashing site”, but he agreed to read over the questions and answer those that he saw fit.
Below are the questions that Gary, Joe and Myself had for Mr. Coffey. I would like to thank him for taking time and answering them.
Q: Can you respond to comments and critics that comment on being in this for the money? I’ve read in and out through blogs and forums that all that you care about is the money and nothing you do is non profit. Does Chip Coffey assist in non profit and if so, what?
Of course I care about money! Money pays my bills and buys me things…like food and shelter and clothing. Is money ALL that I care about? That is such a ludicrous and insulting question. No, money is certainly NOT ALL that I care about!
Yes, I frequently do charity work. I have done numerous fundraising events for no pay and will continue to do so, when I am able. I frequently donate readings and/or items to fundraising/charitable events. I often give money to support the rescue of animals who are in imminent danger of being euthanized. In fact, I collect money for animal rescue during events that I attend. I also work with various hospice-related organizations as a volunteer.
Q: About Psychic Kids.
Is there any counseling for these children because of their so-called abilities? Yes
In school we all know people get teased and tormented for being different.
Are these any concerns for any of the children ? Of course. No one wants to be ridiculed or tormented for “being different.” Those who torment and ridicule others are, in my opinion, despicable!
Q: Also lots of parents have commented on this show Psychic Kids. Lots of concerns with children and having mental disorders. Is this something that has been looked into for all children on the show?
I am not at liberty to discuss the mental health of children who have appeared on “Psychic Kids.” But I will say this: those who do not believe in psychic abilities or paranormal phenomena frequently claim and/or assume that individuals who have these experiences are either physically or psychologically impaired. Personally, I do not believe this to be true…at least not in every instance.
Q: Can you explain the high level of Demonic possession/activity in the Paranormal State TV show? Why do we see so many cases in which the team declares demons to be at work and the church brought in?
Out of 50+ episodes of “Paranormal State,” only a handful have dealt with demonic activity or possession. Members of the clergy are frequently asked — not just by “Paranormal State” — to assist on such cases
Q: Can you explain how you yourself and the PRS team came to a conclusion that your client from the “I am six” episode was possessed? Were you guys not aware that she had a history of mental disorder?
I am not at liberty to discuss this case.
Q: To all the skeptics who say that you are in it for the money and fame, what do you have to say to them?
LOL — another silly question. Is there anything wrong with money or fame? Many people work their entire lives, hoping to have money and fame. I make no apologies whatsoever for being hard working and/or ambitious! Most successful people are BOTH! And once again, as previously stated, I am certainly NOT solely “in it for the money and fame.”
Q: When you are called onto a case on the “Paranormal State” show, your readings are 100% on the mark. With such high success rate, why not work with local police departments?
I have assisted with forensic investigations, but I do not frequently choose to do so. Quite often, the criminals who have committed crimes are still “at large,” so I elect not to place myself in a position of potential personal jeopardy by publicly announcing that I am involved with an ongoing investigation.
And by the way, I have NEVER claimed that my readings are 100% accurate.
Q: Do you have a personal paranormal experience that led you to your current career?
Although I have had personal paranormal experiences throughout my entire life, no single experience led me to my current career.
Q: What’s next for Chip Coffey?
A nap.
Q: So why all the problems dealing with skeptical inquiry? Now if you have read anything on our site besides what pertains to you, we are actually quite open-minded about paranormal issues. We would actually like to hear your take on things.
I, myself, am a healthy skeptic. What I am NOT is someone who belittles, berates, maligns, libels, slanders and/or threatens others. I have no problem with skeptics. I DO have a problem with closed-minded, judgmental individuals who think they know it all.
Q:How do your talents work? At what range do they work?
I don’t know how my talents work. They just…do. Re: range — I’d like to think that my talents are “free range” and “organic.”
Q: Why not do the Randi challenge and be done with it?
Because I certainly do not feel the need to prove anything to Mr. Amazing Randi. Or anyone else, for that matter! My goal is to provide a service that my clients consider valuable and meaningful to them. I have conducted thousands of readings for clients and I am proud to say that there have only been a handful of individuals who have been dissatisfied with or disgruntled by the outcome.
Written by Javier Ortega - javier@ghosttheory.com
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I think the term “psychic” is misleading.
I believe, for the most part, that these people are just very perceptive and can feel QUITE a bit of empathy for people, even people they have never before met. I would say that I think they should be called “empaths” instead, but that smacks a bit too much of sci-fi.
Just an opinion.
Well you said anonymous had holes in his underwear and he never commented again..forgive me
Forgive you for what wynter? He’s probably sporting a new pair of Fruit of the Looms right now.
indridcold,
The word psychic comes from the Greek Goddess Psyche, the Goddess of the Soul.
The same root word is applied to psychology which is the study of the ego or human mind.
Empathy is an attribute of the soul . . . in which you feel and sense the truth as well as feel compassion for others.
Everyone is empathic but few people truly understand the soul and it’s amazing powers. I hope to change that.
I don’t know if Mr Coffey is the real deal or not, but I do believe he is sincere in his beliefs. The only problem I have with Mr. Coffey is his fees seem a bit large to me. I do have a problem with most psychics and mediums because I think the vast majority of them are nothing more than scam artists out to separate grieving survivors from their money.
Martin,
You can throw Mr Coffey into that group as well. And Mr. Tea for good measure.
Martin, the only thing Chip Coffey is sincere about is clawing his way to the top of the psychic heap regardless of who he hurts on his way there . . . I should know since I am a victim of his spite.
Back in 2005 Chip purchased my name Beatrice Marot.com and .net. and when you put my name in the URL . . they took you to his website eternalconnections. He then tried to sell them to me for $3000.
Why? He became completely enraged when I surpassed him and became number one in our category on a psychic line. He did everything he could to get me kicked off and he succeeded. We were actually friends for two years and spoke often on the phone. So what does that say about his character?
When I saw him guiding children on television . . . I wrote a RipoffReport.com about what he put me through and I have been paying the price ever since. Chip Coffey and his friends Tanila Price and Tammy Willingham have cyberstalked and written terrible lies about me all over the web . . since mid 2008.
Javier, the reason I am writing this is because it is starting up again after a peaceful period of several months. You just have to google my name and see what this Bible clutching hypocrite has done. Here is the latest one. Tanila Price wrote this one.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/psychic-fortune-tellers/beatrice-marot-calif/beatrice-marot-california-psy-ea283.htm
Thank you for letting me vent Javier and have a wonderful weekend. Love, B
Real, not real; talented, not talented; fame seeker, or not…I have to say that I cannot watch Chip Coffey simply because he’s a drama queen and I have no patience for the sort. ;o) To each their own.
Rebecca
P.S. having holes in your underwear does not qualify as a psychic anything *rolling eyes* I do believe all people have these as we need a place to put our waist and thighs.
)
Wow Rebbecca . . . you truly astound me with your keen observations. I’m simply blown away! Thank you for opening my eyes to the the bigger holes in my story.
Javier . . . this is so freakin funny . . . it belongs here.
Ghost Hunting Theories – http://autumnforestghosthunter.blogspot.com/
BILL NYE: Thank you, gentlemen. I think we’re ready for Ryan Buell at this point.
RYAN: (stands up and waves his arm with spooky music playing in the background, fog machine sending tufts of white fog around the panel and dressed all in black. He clicks on his hand-held recorder and speaks into it.) Director’s log. Imagine if you will that you live in a trailer park in Kokomo and every night something evil lurks over top of your bed. (leans forward and studies them through his squinting eyes and whispers scarily.) And, you feel the cold fingers of a demon encroaching on your warm living flesh, probing and edging his way to completely consuming you with unbridled passion so that he may possess your very soul! (slams his fist on the table for emphasis)
PSYCHIATRIST: Exactly what does this have to do with proof of ghosts, Mr. Buell?
RYAN: I’m going to demonstrate for you the absolute proof that demons exist and walk amongst us, waiting to take over the unfaithful. I’d like to present my dear friend and psychic, Chip Coffey. We have allowed a demon to enter his body and take him over. Now, I cannot tell you the name of the demon because I believe it’s the one that has been chasing me since my TV series began and if I reveal that name, it will basically mean I don’t get another season of the show. You see, I’m trying to hold out the suspense and prolong my contract. It’s a hard world for college graduates, which is why I’ve changed my major eight times in the past two years…
PSYCHIATRIST: Please, Mr. Coffey?
(Chip Coffey sashays forward)
RYAN: Demon, are you inside of my friend, Chip Coffey?
CHIP: (Deep scratchy voice with a suspiciously southern dialect) I am a demon from hell! I have inhabited this man’s body and will remain here until I have proven to the world that I exist.
PSYCHIATRIST: What is your purpose, demon?
CHIP:(hisses) I exist only to do the Devil’s bidding!
PSYCHIATRIST: And do you know that your host, Mr. Coffey is wearing a horrible scarf that doesn’t match his outfit? Aren’t you ashamed to be in his body?
CHIP:(puts his hands on his hips) How dare you! I take a lot of pride in the fact that I am an expert at matching my scarves to my clothes! Oh! (gasp) How dare you! (girlie head bob back and forth in anger, finger pointing) You, wearing your boring suit off the rack from Men’s Wearhouse!
PSYCHIATRIST: (rolls his eyes, leans back in his chair.) I rest my case. The only demons in Mr. Coffey are of the theatrical variety.
(Ryan ushers Chip from the room as he displays over the top histrionics and sobs like an adolescent girl in Ryan’s arms.)
CHIP COFFEY FRAUD. A FRIEND OF MINE LOST MONEY TO CHIP WHO DID NOPT ANSWER ANY OF THIER QUESTIONS. CHIP SAID THINGS THAT COULD BE MADE UP BY ANYONE. WHEN ASKED THE QUESTIONS AGAIN CHIP WAS NOT JUST RUDE TO MY FREIND, BUT DOWN-RIGHT MEAN. PEOPLE!–BE VERY CAREFUL. CHIP COFFEY IS A FRAUD.
Why is anyone paying money to a peson claiming to be psychic? Your friend is just as much to blame as Chip. In fact, the people who pay these paranormal TV stars hundreds of dollars to attend these silly conventions deserve to get ripped off in my opinion.
Just because you have not seen it, it is real..Chip may be a fraud?? but as a child I could see and speak to WW1 soldiers. One of them was my GG grandfather.
I believe..
“In fact, the people who pay these paranormal TV stars hundreds of dollars to attend these silly conventions deserve to get ripped off in my opinion.”
J.C.,
That’s not a very good way to look at it. Many of these people are in mourning, they are distraught and not thinking clearly. It is common for people to seek answers when they are in a bad emotional state due to some major issue in their life. These are the types of people that “psychics” pray on. Later when the people are thinking more clearly they realize what has happened and it’s too late. Most are so embarrassed that they do nothing about it. I’m not saying it’s the case for everyone but for many it is.
Dude’s a lying fake. I don’t understand how it isn’t obvious to everyone. A fresh steaming cow-pie has more psychic ability than Chip Coffey does.
I paid $100.00 for a chat with chip coffey and he got NOTHING right. He kept guessing, but none of the names he called out were related to me, friends of mine, not even one. He asked me if I had a loved one who had passed over from having alzheimer’s disease. Duh, haven’t we all?? I said, yes, about a decade ago, an aunt. He said, and I swear to God he said this, ’she said for you to quit spending so much money’.. I busted out laughing and wanted to ask him for my money back, but an alarm went off and it signaled my time was up. He’s a fake who knows just enough to fake us out. At least I learned a lesson, albeit expensive, to never get sucked in by this type of person.
Megan,
I suggest you do a search for “psychic tricks”, “psychic scams”, etc.. You will be amazed at the way they operate and rob people. You’d have gotten more pleasure out of spending that C-Note on a 4 star meal.
I can’t for the life of me understand why anyone would pay a “psychic”. Although sometimes people are just distraught or grieving and desperate to get answers so they become temporarily out of their right mind. If you ask me this is when I call it a crime for psychics to take advantage of people.
Everyone has 5 senses and if they really took advantage of them to even half the ability they’d be shocked at how much is missed on a daily basis. The rest is just as I said, psychic tricks of the trade. I had a very close friend that has since passed and we used to spend lots of time together. One day we were leaving a convenience store and there was a girl standing directly in the exit with a very large Python wrapped around her neck and hanging down her chest. We had to actually turn sideways to get by her and thru the door. As I squeezed by I exclaimed: “Nice necklace!”. Believe it or not my friend squeezed by and never even noticed the snake that was no more than 2 inches from her face. I like to use this as an example of how most people go thru life. Anyone that just slows down and makes a point to be aware of what’s going on around them will see a whole other world than those that rush thru the day, jumping from place to place, thing to thing. Not only will it open things up but you’ll also be surprised at how patience will actually save you time and keep you from making mistakes.
I wish you all the best and I’m sorry to hear that you had to lose money to learn this lesson. You’re not the first and won’t be the last.
Coffey belongs in a circus. Oh Wait! He already is in one. It’s called “Pararnomal State!”
I had a “psychic” approach me in a supermarket to tell me that I had “amazing energy” and that I was going to spend some time with someone very dear to me very soon and it was going to involve water. She wanted me to come by for a complete reading.
Hmm.. considering we are in South Fla and we were about 2 blocks from the beach… yeah, that’s pretty safe bet.
Amazingly, I figured out this same girl has a pretty good sized shop in my neighborhood in a fantastic location very close to the beach. Business must be good.
And Chip will be back on TV exploiting children soon on Psychic Kids, although a little bird tells me he is going to get his comeuppance this time around. That show is the worst of the worst when it comes to bad reality . . . completely fake and without any merit.