Have you ever wondered how early trauma and untreated medical conditions can shape a criminal mind? Join me, Kevin Bennett, and my guest, Nate Coonfare, on this episode as we promise to unravel the chilling life story of Richard Ramirez, a.k.a., The Night Stalker. Together, we explore his tumultuous upbringing in El Paso, Texas, marked by violence and abuse, and how these early experiences set the stage for his terrifying crimes in Los Angeles during the summer of 1985.Ramirez's descent into ...
In this episode, we delve into the mind of one of history's most enigmatic figures, Charles Manson. Guided by the expertise of my guest, Aaliyah Booker, a criminal justice graduate of Penn State Beaver, we navigate Manson's formative years and dissect the psychological entanglements that led him to the Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969. We discuss the chilling details of that fateful night at Cielo Drive, Manson's foiled musical ambitions, and how a thirst for recognition may hav...
In this episode, Dr. Bennett explores the fascinating topic of serial killers. Listen to him discuss his top 10 myths about serial homicide. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A psych professor's podcast about danger, deception, and desire. From the ugly truth about rage rooms and our unhealthy obsession with serial killers, to the ancestral wisdom of goosebumps and the science behind why we keep playing the lottery, join Dr. Kevin Bennett—Penn State Unive...
In this episode, Dr. Bennett discusses the exuberant and sometimes dangerous psychology of thrill seeking, a personality trait also known as risk taking and sensation seeking.Take this test to see if you are high or low on this personality dimension. For each item, you must choose A or B, depending on which best describes you. 1a. I would like a job that requires a lot of traveling.1b. I would prefer a job in one location. 2a. I am invigorated by a brisk, cold day.2b. ...
A podcast for curious & cool (but chronically stuck) over-analyzers.The problem: It's getting harder and harder to make sense of the tangled world we inhabit. If this sounds familiar, unfortunately, it means you have entered the snarl... and you know the feeling is real:Everything is risky Tomorrow is scaryYou don’t belong here—argh! Now what?The solution: Don’t get mad, get untangled! Fair warning: It's not for everyone. However, if you listen for a bit I am 87% sure you will ...