Ghosts, Graves, and Gossip: Uncovering Sorrento's Haunted History

Ever wondered what it's like to chat with ghosts for a living? Join me as I sit down with Jenny Tomkins, the fascinating mind behind Sorrento Ghost Tours, who stumbled into the world of the paranormal quite by accident. What started as a way to stay awake for late-night mum taxi duties has turned into a 14-year journey of discovery, scepticism, and ultimately, belief.Jenny shares how she's developed her own sensitivities over the years. She recounts incredible experiences, from ghostly encounters in haunted houses to the surprising ways spirits communicate through modern technology. But it's not all spooks and spectres - Jenny's tours have also unveiled forgotten histories, including poignant stories of Indigenous spirits still making their presence felt.This episode is a deep dive into the world of ghost tours, clairvoyance, and the thin veil between our world and the next. Jenny's journey from non-believer to ghost whisperer will challenge your perceptions and maybe, just maybe, make you question what lies beyond our everyday reality. Whether you're a sceptic or a true believer, Jenny's stories will leave you with a newfound curiosity about the unseen world around us.Key points from our discussion:The accidental birth of Sorrento Ghost Tours - from mum taxi to ghost guideJenny's personal journey from sceptic to believerThe role of clairvoyants in developing ghost tour routesUnexpected ghostly communication through modern technologyThe importance of historical research in validating paranormal experiencesDealing with sceptics and managing different levels of beliefThe ethics of ghost tours and 'moving spirits on'Indigenous spirits and the importance of respecting sacred sitesThe development of personal sensitivity to the paranormal over timeThe varying ways people perceive and interact with spiritsThe impact of running ghost tours on personal beliefs and life outlookRemember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineChapters:00:00 Introduction01:20 The Accidental Birth of Sorrento Ghost Tours05:10 From Sceptic to Spirit Whisperer10:45 Ghostly Communication Through Modern Tech15:30 The Role of Clairvoyants in Ghost Tours19:50 Historical Research Validating Paranormal Experiences25:15 Managing Sceptics and Different Beliefs30:30 The Ethics of Ghost Tours and Moving Spirits On35:45 Indigenous Spirits and Sacred Sites40:10 Developing Personal Sensitivity to the Paranormal45:20 How Ghost Tours Impact Personal Beliefs50:00 Conclusion & Final ThoughtsSorrento Ghost Tour Resources: Website: https://www.sorrentoghosttours.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorrento_ghost_tours/ We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/