Dr. Stein worked as a forensic psychologist under California's Sexually Violent Predator Act. Her role was to evaluate violent sex offenders alone, one by one, at various prisons across the state. It was her job to determine whether these offenders were fit for release or would remain behind bars for the rest of their days. We caught up with Dr. Stein to discuss her book "Evil at Our Table: Inside the Minds of the Monsters Who Live Among Us" and what it was like to sit less than 3 feet away from some of the most danerous and violent offenders in the state of California.
On Halloween night we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Brown of the Pleasing Terrors podcast and the Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour in Charleston, South Carolina! We discuss spooky tales from Charleston and other places that Mike has had a chance to visit. We also discuss some of our own experiences!
What if the people running online scams weren't criminals by choice—but victims themselves? In this episode, we talk with Ivan Franceschini and Ling Li, authors of Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds, about the hidden world of online fraud across Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. Based on years of fieldwork, their book reveals how thousands of people are trafficked or coerced into "pig-butchering" romance scams and investment cons inside prison-like compounds. Franceschini and Li explain how organized crime, corruption, and technology have turned Southeast Asia into a global hub for cybercrime—and how many of the perpetrators are actually victims of modern slavery. Ivan Franceschini is a lecturer at the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne, where he studies transnational crime and labor issues in China and Southeast Asia. Ling Li is a PhD researcher at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, focusing on technology's role in modern slavery and human trafficking. She also works directly with survivors of scam compounds across the region.
Death is universal, but it remains one of the least spoken about aspects of life. Sitting down with Aubrey Thamann and Kalliopi Christodoulaki, the editors of Beyond the Veil: Reflexive Studies of Death and Dying, we explore how grief, mortality, and memory shape our personal and collective lives. We explore the deeply personal and profoundly cultural dimensions of death: how communities ritualize dying and remembrance, how grief reshapes our sense of self, and how researchers grapple with their own mortality in the course of their work. Thamann and Christodoulaki remind us that studying death is not an abstract exercise—it's an act of reflexivity that brings us face to face with what it means to be human. Together, we ask pressing questions: What can grief teach us about resilience and connection? How do cultural practices around death shape our collective memory? Also, why is it so important to talk openly about death and dying?
On the morning of August 28, 1993, the quiet shores of Nags Head, North Carolina, were shattered when 35-year-old visitor Janet Siclari was found raped and fatally stabbed behind the Carolinian hotel. What followed was a decades-long pursuit of justice marked by false leads, courtroom drama, and groundbreaking DNA technology. In this episode, we talk with investigative author John Railey, whose new bookThe Carolinian Murder at Nags Head: The Janet Siclari Story tells the full story of this brutal crime for the first time. Drawing on exclusive interviews with insiders, John unravels the twists and turns that led to a conviction—and the lingering questions about who else might have been involved. We also explore John's deep ties to the Outer Banks, his career as a journalist, and how his body of work has consistently sought truth and justice in some of North Carolina's darkest stories.
You may have heard of "The Pinkertons," the infamous detective and spy agency that dealt with matters of national intelligence and security, labor union disputes and much more. But what do you know about Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency? Author Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones explores the life and adventures of Pinkerton in his latest book, "Allan Pinkerton: America's Legendary Detective and the Birth of Private Security." With Rhodri, we trace Pinkerton's unlikely rise from a Scottish immigrant to America's first "detective," his role in protecting Abraham Lincoln, his battles with outlaws and activists, and the controversial methods that made his agency both feared and admired. Rhodri also helps us separate fact from legend, while reflecting on how Pinkerton's legacy continues to influence modern security and surveillance. We'll also learn more about Rhodri himself: born in Wales in 1942, descended from poets, miners, and industrialists, educated at Cambridge, Michigan, and Harvard, and a longtime professor at the University of Edinburgh who has written more than twenty books on American history.
Step inside one of the most disturbing chapters in modern psychiatry. In this episode, author and journalist Jon Stock joins us to discuss his book The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him, an investigation into the shocking experiments of Dr. William Sargant in 1960s London. Sargant's so-called treatments—prolonged drug-induced sleep, electroconvulsive therapy, and other invasive procedures—left deep scars on the women subjected to them, many without their consent. We also hear from Mary, a survivor of the Sleep Room, who shares her firsthand experience of life inside those locked hospital wards. Her story brings a haunting, personal dimension to Stock's reporting, shedding light on the lasting impact of medical abuse and the courage it takes to speak out.
In the early 1990s, East New York was known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America, a place dubbed "The Killing Fields" after a wave of murders shook Brooklyn. What if the real crime story started decades earlier, in boardrooms and banks? Author Stacy Horn takes us inside her new book, The Killing Fields of East New York, to uncover how a well-intentioned housing policy in the late 1960s spiraled into America's first subprime mortgage scandal. When most people think of a subprime crisis, they think of 2008. But long before that, East New York became ground zero for greed, fraud, and systemic neglect, devastating an entire community. Stacy traces the domino effect: fraudulent FHA-backed loans, families trapped in crumbling homes, abandoned blocks, and a surge in violence that left East New York with one of the highest murder rates in the country. Along the way, she shares the human stories behind the statistics, the investigators who tried to stop the collapse, and why these failures still matter today. This is a look at how white-collar crime can destroy neighborhoods as completely as street violence—and why history keeps repeating itself.
What does it mean to live in a country built on freedom but shaped by secrecy? Intelligence work is often hidden in the shadows—but its impact shapes every facet of our public and private lives. We chat with Dr. Jeffrey Rogg, a historian who offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how American intelligence has evolved—and why it matters more than ever today. Jeff is Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Florida's Global and National Security Institute. Previously, he served as an assistant professor at the Joint Special Operations University (U.S. Special Operations Command) and The Citadel, and was a postdoctoral fellow in the National Security Affairs Department at the U.S. Naval War College. He is vice president of the Society for Intelligence History and sits on the editorial board of the International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence. His new book, The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence, is out now. He holds a BA in Latin and ancient history from Swarthmore College, a JD from Villanova University School of Law, an MA in security studies from Georgetown University, and a PhD in history from The Ohio State University. He also served six years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard as an infantryman.
What does it feel like to live without empathy—or guilt? Sociopathy is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in psychology. We chat with Jamie who offers a rare, first-person glimpse into life with antisocial personality disorder. We discuss stigma, resilience, and the complexity of being "different" in a world built for emotional connection. Jamie, also known by the pen name M.E. Thomas, is the author of Confessions of a Sociopath, A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight. She is a former law professor who has written extensively on music copyright issues, a current California attorney, and the founder of a non-profit. She is also a professional musician.
Is race written in our DNA—or is that one of the most dangerous myths of modern science? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rina Bliss, sociologist and author of What's Real About Race: The New Genetics and the Future of Racism. With Rina, we challenge long-held assumptions about biology and race, revealing how cutting-edge genetic research is being misinterpreted in ways that reinforce inequality. We discuss why race is not a biological truth but a social construct—and why that distinction matters more than ever in the age of consumer DNA tests, precision medicine, and tech-driven bias. Bio: Rina's work explores the personal and societal significance of emerging genetic sciences. She is Associate Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University and the author of Rethinking Intelligence: A Radical New Understanding of Our Human Potential, Race Decoded: The Genomic Fight for Social Justice and Social by Nature: The Promise and Peril of Sociogenomics. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with her family.
Kris Pedretti is the 10th known survivor of the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. After remaining silent for 42 years, she now courageously shares her journey of post-traumatic growth. In this episode, Kris opens up about what it took to confront her trauma decades later, how she found her voice, and why she's dedicated her life to empowering other survivors. Kris is a powerful voice for survivor advocacy, participating in national podcasts, documentaries, and public speaking engagements to raise awareness and promote healing. She travels the country speaking at conferences on trauma-informed care, law enforcement training, and survivor support. As the founder and CEO of Phyllis's Garden, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, Kris leads vital initiatives, including the creation of soft interview rooms in police stations and the facilitation of survivor-led support groups. Her work helps others break their silence, reclaim their voice, and find strength in healing.
Why does parenting feel so much harder today? In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Runyon, a former child psychotherapist turned parent coach, author, and keynote speaker with over 22 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health. Nicole brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between generations, helping adults truly understand what's going on inside the minds of today's kids. We talk about how technology is reshaping childhood, the emotional toll of growing up in today's world, and why so much mainstream parenting advice misses the mark. Nicole shares practical insights on how to build stronger, more connected relationships with children, plus a few hilarious stories from her own life as a parent. Whether you're raising kids, teaching them, or just trying to relate to the young people in your life, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed and a little more hopeful.
What happens when the paranormal meets storytelling and community? Welcome to Windy City Paranormal Fest, Chicago's celebration of all things strange and unexplained. In this episode, two of the creators, Franky Everleigh and Christina Rappel, share the story behind this unique fest, which brings together the curious and the courageous to explore everything from spirits and cryptids to psychic phenomena and UFOs. Franky and Christina are passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices in the paranormal world and fostering a community that honors both the fun and the historical weight of haunted spaces. Windy City Paranormal Fest is about more than just the supernatural. It's about creating a space for diverse voices, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the weird and wonderful in all its forms. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting and inclusive paranormal gatherings around. If you're in Chicago this June, join in person, or catch the action through a live stream.
What does it truly mean to be healthy in today's world, where diet culture and social pressures shape our perceptions of wellness? Martina Cartwright helps us break down the myths surrounding "perfect" health and wellness, offering empowering insights on how to reclaim a balanced, self-compassionate approach to living well. Martina is a registered dietitian and expert with over 26 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and education. She has worked in diverse fields—from pharmaceutical research to clinical dermatology—and is a pioneer in understanding how external pressures—from beauty pageants to social media—affect our body image and relationship with food. She's the author of the first peer-reviewed paper on child beauty pageants and body image and has been at the forefront of bringing attention to how nutrition can affect skin health. Whether you're navigating the world of social media, parenting kids, or simply seeking a healthier relationship with food, dive into this conversation on why wellness is a personal journey, free from external pressures, and how we can start redefining healthy—on our own terms.
We've explored the world of escort service as well as the life of an OnlyFans model. This time we thought we'd explore the industry as it pertains to strippers. NatsHoney is an industry veteran with years of experience. NatsHoney is the President of Strippers United, a labor organization led by strippers advocating for fair wages, safety, and dignity in the industry. We caught up with her to discuss her experience in the industry, how strippers face wage theft,and a lack of labor protections. NatsHoney is an entrepreneur, artist, and advocate. She founded Honey's Artistic Pot in 2008, a collective focused on mentoring and supporting artists through collaboration, consulting, and event production. With 12 years of experience leading medicinal cannabis collectives in Los Angeles, she has been deeply involved in advocacy, entrepreneurship, and policy reform. Today, she balances motherhood, creative pursuits, and serves as the President for Strippers United, while continuing to embrace her passion for pole dancing.
What exactly is a rape kit? What goes into it? Who created it? It's a question most of us have never thought to ask. The rape kit revolutionized forensic science and gave sexual assault survivors a powerful tool in the pursuit of justice. Pagan Kennedy had questions and went on a search for answers. While digging around, she learned of Marty Goddard and her quest in the 1970s to help create a system for collecting evidence. Pagan is the author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story. She is also a journalist who has written over twelve books and countless articles. Her journalism has appeared in dozens of publications including The New Yorker and Atlantic Monthly; she has worked as a columnist for The New York Times Magazine, The Boston Globe Magazine, and The Village Voice. Her awards include a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT, an NEA Fellowship, a Smithsonian Fellowship, and two Massachusetts Cultural Council fellowships.
The Furry subculture is a subculture that's often misunderstood, misrepresented and wrapped in myth. So, what's the real story behind the fandom? With Dr. Courtney Plante and others, we hear about the world of furries - the creativity, community, and identity of it all. Courtney is a social psychologist and co-founder of FurScience, the leading research group dedicated to studying the furry community. As an associate professor at Bishop's University, he's spent years researching the psychology of fandoms, identity, and the power of belonging. He helps us break down common misconceptions, explore why people become furries, and discuss how the fandom provides a supportive space for self-expression. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already part of the community, this episode challenges misconceptions and reveals the deeper meaning behind the fur.
The Gullah Geechee Corridor spans multiple states throughout the southeastern U.S. and is comprised of a deep and rich history, culture, language and lifestyle. The Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of enslaved Africans who worked on rice, indigo and cotton plantations throughout the south. Being enslaved on plantations on remote coastal islands allowed for them to develop and retain a strong, deep culture that is evident in their music, food, language, artwork and more. Luana Graves Sellars is the founder of the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation. She is an activist and preservationist, an award winning podcast host, a documentarian, a writer and more. Lowcountry Gullah raises money for Gullah heirs property and works to preserve and ptotect the Gullah culture.
Two NYPD detectives sworn to uphold the law—yet deeply entangled in the world of organized crime. Journalist and acclaimed author Michael Cannell is back with us to discuss his gripping new book, Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation. Michael uncovers the shocking true story of two NYPD officers who secretly worked for the mob, carrying out hits and leaking information to some of the most dangerous crime families in New York. How did these cops manage to operate in plain sight? What led to their eventual downfall? And how did their crimes shake the foundation of law enforcement? Explore this explosive case of betrayal, power, and the blurred lines between justice and corruption. Michael is an accomplished author and journalist with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He has penned five non-fiction books, including Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation, A Brotherhood Betrayed: The Man Behind the Rise and Fall of Murder, Inc., and Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling.