In this episode, we examine the case of Aileen Wuornos through a lens rarely centered in true crime: what happens when a brain never learns safety. Rather than framing Wuornos solely through violence or notoriety, this episode explores how chronic trauma, neurological adaptation, and survival-based conditioning can shape perception, behavior, and decision-making over time.

Drawing on research in neurobiology, trauma physiology, attachment, and threat response, we explore:

• How prolonged exposure to violence and instability can wire the brain for constant threat
• The impact of early abuse, neglect, and repeated victimization on emotional regulation and impulse control
• How survival-driven neural patterns can distort danger perception and decision-making
• What neuroscience can and cannot explain about violent behavior and moral responsibility

With a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindsetprioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism, asking harder questions about systems of failure, gendered violence, and the limits of explanation.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual violence, abuse, trauma, and homicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, trauma studies, and the behavioral science behind violence.

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