James Van Praagh is an American author and television personality known for his work as a medium. He claims to communicate with spirits and has written several books on the subject, including Talking to Heaven and Ghosts Among Us. His work often focuses on the afterlife and the messages he believes he receives from deceased individuals. In addition to his writing, Van Praagh has appeared on various television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and The View. He has also produced and hosted his own programs, such as Beyond with James Van Praagh, where he demonstrates his mediumship abilities to audiences.