Episodios

  • 68 - The Menendez Brothers

    68 - The Menendez Brothers
    Apr 30 2025
    After more than 30 years behind bars, Erik and Lyle Menendez are scheduled for a resentencing hearing on May 9, 2025, following new allegations that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office is too conflicted to oversee the case fairly. Their defense team argues that decades of rehabilitation deserve a second chance at freedom.

    Netflix’s new documentary, MONSTERS, and the resurgence of public fascination with claims of long-term sexual abuse by their father have reignited the debate: Were the Menendez brothers cold-blooded killers... or desperate survivors?

    Renowned criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett dissects the explosive case of the Menendez brothers — a story of wealth, abuse, and murder that shattered America's perception of family innocence.

    Dr. Craig Wetterer joins to play devil’s advocate, presenting the prosecution’s side and revealing how trauma, privilege, and courtroom theatrics collided in one of the most notorious trials of the century.

    Tune in as we explore how childhood trauma reshapes the courtroom — and why the battle for justice is far from over.

    Connect with Sam on X (formerly Twitter): @SamBassettlaw

    https://www.mbfc.com/our-attorneys/samuel-bassett


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to the Menendez Case
    03:07 Legal Mechanisms for Resentencing
    06:18 The Role of Forensic Psychology in Sentencing
    09:29 Risk Assessment Protocols
    12:02 Self-Defense and Abuse Dynamics
    16:05 Political Implications of the Case
    21:01 The Emotional Impact of the Case
    25:37 Learned Helplessness and Domestic Violence
    30:25 The Evolution of Psychological Mitigation
    38:51 The Future of Sexual Abuse Conversations
    43:55 Predictions for the Menendez Brothers' Future


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    46 m
  • 67 - Death Row Diaries

    67 - Death Row Diaries
    Apr 23 2025
    The road to the death chamber is paved with paperwork, politics—and blood.

    Former prosecutor and criminal justice columnist Matthew Mangino, author of The Executioner’s Toll, pulls back the curtain on America’s executions. His book documents every person put to death in 2010, exposing the names, the crimes, the last appeals, and the cold precision process behind the state’s deadliest ritual.

    From firing squads to lethal injection to the quiet hum of the execution chamber—what are their final meals? Their last words? And what does someone say when there’s nothing left to bargain?

    “It’s not about justice. It’s about finality. And once it’s done—there’s no going back.” — Matthew Mangino

    Step inside the machinery of death. The sentence is final. The questions aren't.

    🔗 Learn more about Matthew Mangino:
    Website: www.mattmangino.com
    📘 The Executioner’s Toll — available now on Amazon.



    Chapters
    00:00 Exploring Capital Punishment: An Introduction
    02:59 Matthew Mangino's Insights on the Death Penalty
    05:58 Trends in Executions and Death Sentences
    08:50 Methods of Execution: Firing Squad vs. Lethal Injection
    12:13 The Role of Psychopathy in Capital Cases
    14:58 Moral and Ethical Considerations of the Death Penalty
    28:46 The Death Penalty: Public Opinion and High-Profile Cases
    35:18 Final Words and Last Meals: Insights from Death Row
    44:28 The Broader Implications of Capital Punishment

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
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    48 m
  • 66 - The Vegas Courtroom King

    66 - The Vegas Courtroom King
    Apr 16 2025
    From the Hell’s Angels to the man now charged in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, Las Vegas defense attorney Ross Goodman has built his reputation in the eye of the legal storm. A Marine Corps Major turned powerhouse trial lawyer, Goodman is now one of the most well-known and respected names in criminal defense.

    In this episode of Killer Psychologist, Ross shares how he defends violent crime suspects, celebrity clients, and outlaw bikers, all while managing intense media scrutiny and high-stakes trials. His client list includes UFC fighters Nick Diaz and Wanderlei Silva, pro athletes, and high-profile figures whose cases dominate headlines.

    We examine the courtroom strategy, psychological pressure, and public perception involved in defending the accused when the spotlight is relentless and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

    Connect with Ross Goodman:
    • Website: Goodman Law Group
    • Facebook: Goodman Law Group
    • X (formerly Twitter): @rosscgoodman


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Ross Goodman and His Career
    02:12 High-Stakes Legal Decisions
    06:02 The Tupac Case: Complexities and Challenges
    10:27 Defendants and Their Statements
    15:11 Psychological Aspects of High-Profile Cases
    21:00 The Role of AI in Legal Research
    26:52 The Hells Angels Case: A Young Lawyer's Journey
    28:01 Legal Representation Across Gangs and Organizations
    29:30 The Dangers of Child Custody Cases
    31:44 Understanding Sociopathy in Legal Contexts
    33:21 The Art of Jury Trials
    37:56 Unexpected Verdicts in Court
    41:02 The Importance of Client Preparation
    44:51 Budget Cuts and Their Impact on Justice
    46:06 Navigating Insanity Defenses in Court
    49:09 The Complexity of Mental Health in Legal Cases
    54:41 Conclusion and Resources for Legal Help


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
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    56 m
  • 65 - The Celebrity Justice Effect

    65 - The Celebrity Justice Effect
    Apr 9 2025
    When high-profile cases collide with Hollywood influence, the courtroom becomes a stage. Attorney David Gelman joins Killer Psychologist to unpack the truth behind the Menendez brothers, Bryan Kohberger, and Sean “Diddy” Combs. From Kim Kardashian’s public advocacy to the media’s grip on public perception, we explore the tension between celebrity influence and cold, hard evidence.

    Spoiler: Gelman believes the Menendez brothers should stay exactly where they are.

    As a former prosecutor and seasoned criminal defense attorney, Gelman breaks down the legal realities behind the headlines. He weighs in on the media firestorm surrounding Bryan Kohberger’s defense strategy, the federal investigation into Sean Combs, the lawsuit involving actress Blake Lively and the film It Ends With Us, and the chaos surrounding the Karen Read trial—where a former juror shocked the public by joining the defense team.

    This episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens when fame, media, and justice collide.

    Don’t forget to follow for more true crime and courtroom psychology.
    IG: @dr.dana_anderson
    X: https://x.com/drdanaanderson

    Connect with David Gelman:
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/davidgelmanesq
    X: https://x.com/DavidGelmanEsq

    Follow Craig Wetterer on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigwetterer


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Celebrity Justice
    03:10 The Menendez Brothers Case: A Deep Dive
    06:02 The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
    08:52 Legal Implications of Celebrity Influence
    11:58 The Impact of Sensationalism on Jury Selection
    15:03 The Karen Reed Case: Mistrials and Juror Ethics
    18:06 Comparative Analysis: Prosecution vs. Defense Strategies
    22:35 Analyzing Evidence and Defense Strategies
    25:01 Understanding Brady Violations in Legal Cases
    28:27 The Prospects of Trial and Sentencing
    30:28 Celebrity Legal Battles and Public Perception
    34:04 The Risks of Psychological Evaluations in Trials
    37:16 Diddy's Legal Challenges and Jury Dynamics

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
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    44 m
  • 64 - Killer Nurses

    64 - Killer Nurses
    Apr 2 2025
    Not every killer hides in the shadows—some wear scrubs.

    They weren’t stalking dark alleys—they were standing at your bedside, armed with syringes, IV bags, and your blind trust. Explore the chilling psychology behind nurses who kill.

    From Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse who murdered in silence, to Charles Cullen, who left a body count across 16 hospitals—these killers didn’t wear masks. They wore name badges.

    We examine what drives a caregiver to cross the line from healer to harmer, how red flags were ignored, and whether the legal system is equipped to handle murder disguised as medicine. Are they misguided angels of mercy, convinced they’re ending suffering? Or cold-blooded predators exploiting access, authority, and the blind faith of their patients?

    Joining us is Shannon Casey, a legal nurse consultant who helps law firms uncover the truth behind suspicious deaths. She brings her clinical expertise to dissect the medical records and patterns left behind by these so-called caregivers turned killers.

    Together, we explore some of the darkest cases in medical history:
    • Lucy Letby – Neonatal killer with a chilling diary confession
    • Charles Cullen – The most prolific healthcare serial killer in U.S. history
    • Genene Jones – Created medical emergencies just to “save” her victims
    • Kristen Gilbert – Induced fatal heart attacks to play the hero
    • Beverley Allitt – Harmed children to feed a need for sympathy
    • Orville Lynn Majors – Said he hated old people… and then ensured they died
    • Jane Toppan – Admitted she “got pleasure” holding patients as they slipped away
    Peel back the sterile curtain of healthcare and uncover what happens when trust turns toxic—and compassion becomes a deadly disguise.

    Because sometimes, the most dangerous person in the room… is the one giving you care.



    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Killer Nurses
    02:56 The Case of Lucy Letby
    05:48 Psychological Profiles of Killer Nurses
    08:52 Methods and Motives Behind Nurse Killers
    12:03 The Role of Hospitals in Nurse Killings
    14:53 Historical Cases of Nurse Killers
    18:08 The Insanity Defense in Nursing Cases
    21:05 Cultural Issues in Healthcare and Accountability
    41:25 The Dilemma of Patient Safety vs. Employee Protection
    48:06 The Consequences of Inadequate Reporting in Healthcare
    51:00 The Case of Elizabeth Wetloffer: A Canadian Killer Nurse
    52:47 The Need for Psychological Evaluations in Healthcare
    59:18 The Impact of Stress and Liability on Healthcare Workers
    01:01:29 The Case of Beverley Allitt: Attention-Seeking Behavior in Nursing
    01:11:47 Understanding Fictitious Disorder and Its Implications


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
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    1 h y 17 m
  • 63 - A True Crime Survival Story

    63 - A True Crime Survival Story
    Mar 26 2025
    Azadeh Atzberger’s life isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a war story. Born into chaos in wartime Iran, she fled as a refugee and endured sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that would’ve broken most people. To escape the relentless pain, she turned to food, drugs, and alcohol—numbing the past in the only way she knew how.

    But instead of letting her suffering define her, she fought back.

    Today, Azadeh is a globally recognized advocate for trauma recovery. Through her groundbreaking program, The 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, she helps others escape the grip of abuse and addiction.

    Her journey echoes the insight of Viktor Frankl, the Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist who believed it’s not suffering that destroys us—it’s suffering without meaning. Azadeh is living proof that even in darkness, purpose can be found, and survival is only the beginning.

    This episode is a psychological exploration of trauma, resilience, and what it takes to reclaim a life stolen by abuse.

    We explore:
    • How Azadeh found meaning in her suffering—and how that shaped her survival
    • Her path to reclaiming control after war, abuse, and addiction
    • How The 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery became her purpose
    • What survivors can learn from her transformation
    Prepare for a gripping conversation that blends forensic psychology, true crime, and the raw truth of post-traumatic growth.

    🔗 Learn more about Azadeh and her work:
    • Website: https://finallyfreelife.com
    • Instagram: @breakfree_riseandbuild
    • Programs: 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Killer Psychologist
    02:11 Survivor Stories: From Victim to Advocate
    03:45 Childhood Trauma: Growing Up in Violence
    06:04 Family Dynamics: The Impact of a Narcissistic Parent
    10:06 The Journey of Healing: Overcoming Addiction and Abuse
    12:11 Finding Meaning in Suffering: Lessons from Trauma
    14:08 The Importance of Deep Healing: Breaking the Cycle
    17:34 Defining Moments: Choosing to Heal or Return
    20:45 Creating a Support System: The Role of Community
    22:41 The 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
    25:12 Cognitive Dissonance: Understanding the Mind's Tricks
    30:14 Emotional Boundaries: Protecting Yourself After Abuse
    37:58 Building Your Inner Home
    44:38 The Dangers of Dating in Vulnerability
    49:23 Confronting the Past: Healing from Abuse
    01:00:49 Emotional Intelligence and Resilience


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
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    1 h y 8 m
  • 62 - Justice for Joshua Garbutt

    62 - Justice for Joshua Garbutt
    Mar 19 2025
    Joshua Garbutt’s death was preventable. He understood the dangers of opioid withdrawal and warned Trinity County Jail staff, "I will be withdrawing from fentanyl and had to go to the hospital last time I was here to receive Suboxone, so I won’t die." Despite this, the jail failed to initiate the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) protocol or transfer him to a hospital. Two and a half days later, after repeated pleas for help, Joshua was found dead in solitary confinement.

    Brian Townsend, retired DEA agent and founder of Only 2mg, joins the conversation to expose the deadly consequences of fentanyl withdrawal and the growing crisis inside U.S. jails. Joshua’s mother, Stacy Pohlmeyer, is fighting for justice, filing a lawsuit against Trinity County and demanding an independent investigation into his death. They examine the 55-page civil complaint, while exploring psychological autopsies, psychiatric acuity reviews, and critical steps to prevent future in-custody deaths.

    This marks the third in-custody death at Trinity County Jail in just two years. How many more lives will be lost to a system that ignores those in medical crisis?

    🔗 Learn More & Support #JusticeforJoshua:
    • News Coverage: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/lawsuit-alleges-trinity-county-left-man-to-die-in-solitary-confinement
    • Advocacy & Legal Action: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/mother-protests-on-anniversary-of-sons-death-in-trinity-county-jail
    • Fentanyl Awareness: https://www.only2mg.com
    This is an urgent conversation on accountability, policy failures, and the human cost of incarceration. Don't miss it.



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
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    55 m
  • 61 - Death of OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balaji

    61 - Death of OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balaji
    Mar 12 2025
    On November 26, 2024, OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment—a gunshot wound to the head, a firearm registered in his name, and toxicology reports showing alcohol and amphetamines in his system. Authorities ruled it a suicide.

    But his mother, Poornima Balaji, isn't convinced. She has publicly challenged the official narrative, pointing to inconsistencies in the autopsy, the rushed investigation, and the powerful forces that may have wanted him silenced. In an emotional interview with Firstpost, she insists her son was murdered for what he knew—and she's demanding answers. Was Suchir Balaji silenced for speaking out?

    In this episode, we uncover the chilling details behind his whistleblowing claims, the corporate and legal pressures at play, and the growing public skepticism surrounding his sudden death. Joining us is international cybersecurity attorney Irina Tsukerman, who weighs in on the legal, ethical, and security implications of his case. What was Suchir Balaji exposing before his death?

    This is more than a mystery—it’s a cautionary tale of power, corruption, and what happens when the truth becomes too dangerous to tell.



    Chapters
    00:00 The Mysterious Death of Suchir Balaji
    02:59 Whistleblowing in the Tech Industry
    05:51 Legal and Ethical Implications
    09:08 The Role of AI in National Security
    11:54 Investigating Suspicious Deaths
    14:48 The Impact of Corporate Interests
    17:58 Elon Musk's Involvement with OpenAI
    21:12 The Need for Whistleblower Protections
    23:53 The Investigation Process
    26:53 Analyzing Evidence and Inconsistencies
    29:56 The Future of AI Regulations



    Clip Credits:
    Firstpost - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8uvwwTrTuw

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.
    Más Menos
    47 m
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