True Crime Therapist

Step inside the criminal mind with renowned criminologist, Dr Scott Bonn. I really enjoyed this interview and he delivered with expert insights into my most burning questions about serial killers. In this episode, Dr Bonn - author, professor, and media commentator dives deep into the psychology of the most disturbing criminals including serial killers. His expert analysis and behind the scenes insights into media influence creates a fascinating conversation to explore what drives people to commit the unthinkabkle. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or student of human behavior, this episode of True Crime Therapist, offers a compelling journey into the dark side of the human psyche.    To Order Dr Scott Bonn's Book Visit Amazon: Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World's Most Savage Murderers   For information about Dr Scott Bonn National Speaking Tour "Serial Killers with Dr Scott Bonn" https://www.docbonn.com/

Jessica Reale, author of "I'm Not Broken Surviving the House Of Demons," experienced horrific child abuse by her mother abd stepfather, Larry. She and her sister, Alexa were forced to drink bleach milkshakes, which ultimately caused Alexa's death. Afterwards, Jessica was forced at gunpoint to watch her stepfather dismember Alex's body. In this episode, Jessica shares her story in graphic detail, and openly discusses the impact that the child abuse she endured had on her mental health.  Warning: This episode contains themes of murder, sexual abuse and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

On January 1, 2022, 17 year old Olivia Passaretti was violently run off the road by a habitual offender who drove his car into hers at 90 MPH. Earlier that day, the offender had posted on Facebook his intent to cause harm to a stranger with his "benz" that night. This episode about the impact of this heinous crime on Olivia's mother, Janine Passaretti-Molloy, who has been fighting for justice while also trying to heal from this tragedy. Sadly. Olivia's death was not Janine's first time dealing with major tragedy. A few years earlier, Janine's husband tragically died by suicide. Janine was starting to come out of the darkness of one tragic event when she was thrust into another one. Join me in listening as Janine discusses the details surrounding the suicide and how she learned about Olivia's death. She also discusses coping with the aftermath of a tragic event and how she has been on a journey to make meaning of these tradegies. Janine has published a book, "When the Last Bell Rang," which can be purchased at Amazon. She is also a Reiki Practitioner that owns the Enchanted Lotus. You can reach Janine at www.enchantedlotus-jpm.com   Listener discretion advised topics of murder and suicide is discussed.

In this episode, I speak with retired FBI agent, Jeff Rinek. During his 30 year career, Jeff investigated some of the worst child sexual crimes and murders. Listen in as Jeff explains how he subconsciously created "tapes" in his mind of the horrific details he saw at gruesome crime scenes. This exposure led to the development of PTSD including intrusive thoughts, mood changes, agitation, flashbacks and avoidance. In his book," In The Name of the Children: An FBI Agent's Relentless Pursuit of the Nation's Worst Predators." Jeff also discusses how he was able to obtain confessions, including from the Yosemite Park Murderer, Cary Stayner. Please note: this episode contains senstive details about child sex crimes and murder. Listener discretion is advised. This episode is not a subsitute for therapy.  If you like it please leave a 5 Star review and share with family and friends! - Thank you! Melissa 

Imagine your best friend and 7 other people are horrfiically murdered in a small town. There are 8 dead, four crime scenes and over 30 bullets. The local police didnt immediatly know who the killer or killers were creating a mass panic around Pike County, Ohio. There was mistrust, fear of retailation and the uncertainity of not knowing who was next. Whitney Galloways' best friend, Hannah Gilley, was among the 8 victims as she went through this trauma and gives a fascinating, unique, personal and in depth view into her personal experience. 

I was curious about how women might take a different approach to studying the development of killers and investigating cold cases. This led to Dr Sasha Reid, a Canadian Developmental Psychologist, who created two databases to track down killers and find missing and murdered people.  In Spring of 2024, I attended Crime Con in Nashville, where Dr Reid was a guest speaker. She graciously agreed to sit down with me for this interview. Her new documentary series Sasha Reid and the Midnight Order is now available on Freeform/Hulu and Disney+ with XTR Studios. Nancy Schwartzman is an award-winning documentary filmaker that is the series Director and Executive Producer. The series is about Sasha Reid and her team of young talented women, the Midnight Order, that fights crime against women and injustices. The three of us sat down to discuss the unqiue and holistic perspective that this all female team of real-life investigators bring to solving cold cases and tracking killers. Also, get an insider peek of Sasha and Nancy's background that led to the passion behind this hit documentary series!   To work with me for trauma recovery please visit: www.melissarondeau.com To watch the video of the interview please visit: www.youtube.com/@truecrimetherapist  

Holly K Dunn was raped, beaten, stabbed and left for dead. After recovering physically, Holly began the lifelong process of emotional healing. Holly shares her personal story in detail to promote trauma understanding, safety, awareness and to be an inspiration for recovery. In an effort to be a victim centered podcast, I wanted to create a safe space for Holly to share her story and discuss the trauma symptoms dramatically altered her life. I am grateful to Holly for participating in this interview with me and welcoming me to be a part of her healing community. Holly has written a book about her story called Sole Survior: The inspiriing True Story of Coming Face to Face with the Infamous Railroad Killer. It can be purchased on Amazon. You can also visit Holly at her website www.hollykdunn.com To learn more about trauma recovery or to reach me please visit my website at www.melissarondeau.com  

In April of 1994, Consolee Nishimwe was an ordinary 14 year old girl living a happy life with her family in Rwanda. This was until April 7, 1994 when the Hutu majority went on a 100 killing spree with machettes murdering Tutsi women, men and children. During this period Hutu men also raped an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 Tutsi females. Consolee and her family were being hunted by Hutu's for 30 days experiencing extreme physicall violence and psychological suffering. This is a survivor story detailing her ordeal as we discuss the irrational nature of murder plus trauma and resillence.    To arrange a talk with Consolee please visit her website at: www.consolee.org   To provide feedback to Melissa or learn more about trauma treatment please visit www.melissarondeau.com

Dr Robert Wolf takes us back to Hungary in 1944, when almost half a million Jewish Hungarians are deported to Auschwitz. He lost both his grandparents to the Nazis and his father narrowingly escaped the same fate. His father, Ervin Wolf, was forced into a brutal labor service and cut from the outside world. Dr Wolf was inspired to document this true story and never forget the memory of his family and all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. The book is hard to put down because it is filled with shock, suspense and tragedy. In this interview, as a therapist, I wanted to discuss anti-semitism and historical trauma with Dr Wolf. This is because multigenerational trauma can be experienced from being raised Jewish and in particular having the Holocaust having a lasting impact on the children and grandchildren in his family. I was curious how it impacted him personally to hold the tales and stories of this tragic family history.  https://mybook.to/13hEA5 http://RobertJWolfMD.com m/w/1141999796 

One day, while walking with my mother she mentioned the name "Gloria Coppola." I asked who is she? My mother explained that Gloria was a retired 35 year veteran of law enforcement from New York. She had worked all levels of police work from cold cases, homocides, crisis negotiations, false allegation investigations and served on the FBI Lewis Lent (child serial killer) task force. My mind wandered as I thought of all the questions that I'd love to ask Gloria about her career and experiences. Being a female, I was curious how gender impacted her career in the 80's, 90's  and if it played a role in what type of cases she was assigned. These questions and many more burned inside of me. Gloria doesn't particpate in many podcasts, I was very grateful she said yes. And a big thanks to my Mom for the connection. This interview is packed with FASCINATING insights into the world of cold cases, serial killers and much more.    To learn more about trauma work please visit www.melissarondeau.com  

Masayo Halpin is a retired FBI agent specilizing in human trafficking. In this episode, True Crime Therapist, Melissa Rondeau, explores the victims backgrounds and the trauma bond between victim and trafficker. Masayo Halpin provides a transparent view of how working these cases triggered her own childhood vulnerabilites. This episode is a fascinating conversation to learn more about trauma, mental health and domestic sex trafficking.  Listen discretion is strongly recommended as this episode contains sensitive topics If you would like to recommend show guests, give feedback or learn more about recovering from trauma please visit melissarondeau.com

This podcast discusses situations that involve mature topics, including violence and sex. Listener discretion is advised.  Instead of focusing on those who commit heinous crimes, in this episode we speak with somone who helped to track them down. I had the priviledge to interview Julia Crowley, a retired FBI crimial profiler who spent 22 years investigating crimes and who was also a member of the FBI's Evidence Response Team. In this candid interview, Julia openly discusses many aspects of her experience as an agent, including how she came to be an FBI profiler, how she was able to switch off the job before going back home to family, and how her deep knowledge of serial killer personality traits and behaviors shapes her decisions in everyday life. Julia's transparency  provides us with a real perspective of how true crime impacts all of those involved.  Host Melissa Rondeau works with trauma survivors to heal and recover. To learn more about working with Melissa or to send guest recommendations or feedback please visit her website at: melissarondeau.com