Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Harold Schechter, acclaimed true crime author and historian, known for his deep dives into some of history’s most notorious killers.

Harold has written extensively on figures like H.H. Holmes, Albert Fish, the Bath School bomber, and other infamous criminals, blending meticulous historical research with gripping storytelling. 

In this episode, we explore the psychology of serial killers, delving into the origins of true crime, the psychological underpinnings of violence, and what society’s fascination with crime reveals about us. We discuss the nature of psychopathy and the macabre crimes of Ed Gein.

For anyone intrigued by the human mind, the history of crime and serial killer, you wont want to miss this one.

Links

Harolds's books 📚

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

Keywords

true crime, Harold Schechter, psychology, serial killers, Ed Gein, violence, catharsis, psychopathology, cultural reflections, crime literature, mass murderers, 

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by bestselling author Gregory A. Freeman, a master of historical true crime and untold wartime stories.

We’ll be diving into his incredible book, The Forgotten 500, which tells the gripping story of over 500 allied airmen shot down over Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia during World War II. With the help of local villagers and General  Mihailović’s Chetnik forces, these airmen were hidden from German troops and rescued in one of the largest airlift operations behind enemy lines—a story of courage, ingenuity, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Gregory also shares insights into his research, the untold heroism of the people involved, and the dramatic real-life events that make this story both haunting and inspiring.

Links

Gregory's Website

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

Finding untold stories is a challenge.
Darker aspects of history reveal human emotions.
Researching historical narratives requires factual accuracy.
Survivor stories often highlight acts of kindness.
The political landscape during WWII was complex.
Personal accounts can change perceptions of history.
War often brings out both the worst and best in humanity.
Storytelling can be a cathartic experience for veterans.
Historical narratives can influence modern relationships.
The search for new stories continues despite challenges.

Keywords

history, storytelling, WWII, forgotten stories, survival, Mihailović, Tito, personal narratives, historical writing, empathy

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a prolific author and professor of forensic psychology. She specializes in extreme offenders and has authored numerous books on the subjects of serial killers, crime scene investigation, forensic science, and mass murder

Links

Dr. Ramsland's books 📚

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

Catherine Ramsland has written 73 books, showcasing her extensive knowledge.
She emphasizes the importance of taking time before entering college to find one's path.
Forensic psychology is a growing field that gained popularity after high-profile cases like O.J. Simpson.
The BTK killer, Dennis Rader, is an outlier among serial killers, challenging common profiles.
Psychopathy is a spectrum, and not all psychopaths are criminals.
Humiliation plays a significant role in the motivations of many serial killers.
Ramsland believes in preparing for opportunities that may arise unexpectedly.
The complexity of human behavior makes it difficult to categorize serial killers into neat boxes.
Ramsland's work includes both fiction and non-fiction, blending her expertise with storytelling.
She is currently working on a crime fiction series and a documentary about an accomplice to a serial killer.

Keywords

Keywords

Catherine Ramsland, forensic psychology, true crime, BTK killer, psychopathy, criminal psychology, Dennis Rader, serial killers, psychology, philosophy, psychopaths, psychopathy

On today's episode, I sit down with Scott DeLuzio, an army veteran who served in the Connecticut Army National Guard as an infantryman between 2005-2011 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.

Scott discusses the challenges veterans face, including mental health issues and the search for purpose after service. He highlights the importance of community support, the complexities of combat experiences, and the role of humor in coping with trauma.

During his deployment, tragically, Scott became a Gold Star Brother when his younger brother, Sergeant Steven DeLuzio was killed in action while they were both deployed only miles apart from each other in Afghanistan. Scott’s experiences in combat and the loss of his brother have fueled his passion for veteran advocacy and honoring the legacy of those who served.

After returning home, Scott struggled with PTSD, grief, and the transition to civilian life. Determined to address the mental health challenges facing veterans, he launched the Drive On Podcast, now in its fifth year with over 450 episodes.

Links

Scott's Website 

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

The Drive On podcast aims to help military veterans transition to civilian life.
Many veterans feel isolated and struggle to find purpose after service.
Mental health issues can vary greatly among veterans, even in similar situations.
Traditional therapies may not work for everyone; alternative methods should be explored.
Community activities can provide healing and support for veterans.
Finding purpose in life is a continuous journey for many individuals.
The stigma around mental health is slowly changing in the military community.
Dark humor is often used as a coping mechanism in the military.
Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for processing experiences.
The bond between service members can provide crucial support during and after service. It's common for brothers to serve together in the military.
Deployment brings both pride and anxiety for families.
Life on base can be surprisingly luxurious compared to combat zones.
Training prepares soldiers for many scenarios, but not all.
Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during combat.
Returning home after loss is a complex emotional journey.
Storytelling helps preserve the legacy of lost loved ones.
The media's portrayal of war often misses the reality.
Finding a personal way to grieve is essential for healing.
Living life fully honors the memory of those we've lost.

Keywords

military veterans, mental health, podcast, transition, combat experience, community support, humor, patriotism, storytelling, personal experiences, military, deployment, family, grief, legacy, combat, Afghanistan, brotherhood, war stories, personal journey

Today, I'm joined by Vennie Kocsis, the author of Cult Child, who shares her harrowing experiences growing up in the cult, Sam Fife The Move. Vennie discusses her early childhood, the transformation of her mother into a cult member, and the psychological trauma that ensued. She reflects on the cult's beliefs, the abuse she and other children endured, and the lasting impact of these experiences on her life. The conversation also touches on the intersection of cults and government, the ongoing legacy of Sam Fife's cult, and the importance of healing and awareness for survivors. We delve into the predatory tactics used by cults, the impact of shame and trauma on identity, and the importance of therapy in recovery.

Links

Vennie's Books 📖

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

Keywords: cult, memoir, trauma, abuse, Sam Fife, Vennie Kocsis, childhood, disassociation, survivor stories, psychological impact, cults, trauma, shame, spirituality, healing, identity, therapy, self-discovery, mental health, recovery

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by bestselling thriller writer Alice Hunter, whose gripping novels delve deep into the minds of serial killers and psychopaths. Alice takes us on her fascinating journey from nursing to working as a psychological facilitator in the prison system, to finding her passion in writing. She shares how her work explores psychopathy, criminal psychology, and the fine line between nature and nurture. We talk about the meticulous research that goes into her books, psychopaths and serial killers, and what it’s like to see her stories adapted for screen.

Alice's books - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B08CGX25N8

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon 💯 https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG 💀 https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds Book 📖 https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Takeaways

Thrillers often explore the dark side of human nature.
The fascination with serial killers may stem from a desire to understand them.
Psychopaths can be highly manipulative and charming.
Working in a prison can change one's perspective on crime and criminals.
Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for personal experiences.
Research is important, but fiction allows for creative freedom.
Alice Hunter's journey from nursing to writing is unique and inspiring.
The adaptation of books to screen can differ significantly from the original story.
The relationship between genetics and criminal behavior is complex.
Alice Hunter's writing process involves detailed planning and character development.

Keywords: thriller, serial killers, psychopathy, writing process, true crime, manipulation, nursing, prison, psychological thriller, Alice Hunter

In this episode, I sit down with one of motorsport’s most charismatic and candid voices — Guenther Steiner. From a young boy with a fascination for cars to becoming a key figure in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, Guenther takes us through his remarkable journey.

We dive into his early passion for racing, the tough breaks and breakthroughs that shaped his career, and the realities of what it takes to succeed behind the scenes — from sponsorships and networking to the art of the pitch. Guenther also reflects on the massive global impact of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and how it reshaped public perception of F1.

With his signature honesty and humor, he shares sharp insights on the contrasts between rally and Formula 1, and why storytelling is just as crucial in the boardroom as it is on the track.

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon 💯 https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG 💀 https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds Book 📖 https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Guenther Steiner, Formula 1, motorsport, Drive to Survive, rally, networking, sponsorship, career, passion, talent

On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Karen Conti, an attorney who spent seven months representing serial killer John Wayne Gacy during his final death row appeals.

Karen shares what it was like to sit across from one of America’s most notorious killers, his humor and coldness alike. As Gacy’s only female attorney during his 14 years on death row, she also opens up about the unique challenges she faced as a woman practicing law in the 1980s and ’90s.

We dive into Gacy’s crimes, his disturbing psychological profile, and the family dynamics that shaped him. Karen also offers her insight on some lingering questions of whether or not Gacy acted alone. So buckle up for this one, and remember if you're liking the podcast, please subsribe, comment, rate and share with others.

Karen's website 👉🏼 https://www.karenconti.com/

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon 💯 https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG 💀 https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds Book 📖 https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Dark Finds Website 👉🏼 www.darkfindsmedia.com

On this weeks episode I'm joined by a good friend of mine, Brian Whelan who shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Ireland to becoming a successful real estate broker in New York City. He brings us through the challenges and rewards of working in a hyper-competitive market, the importance of resilience and mindset, and the value of building relationships in sales. 

Broker Brunch Podcast 👉🏼 https://open.spotify.com/show/24KJ3040mJcqP794xV3Azx?si=598e29eb97214ceb

How It Falls Apart Kickstarter here 🚀 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/garycolton/how-it-falls-apart-an-immersive-dystopian-thriller

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon 💯 https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG 💀 https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds Book 📖 https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Dark Finds Website 👉🏼 www.darkfindsmedia.com

Takeaways

Success in real estate requires hard work and persistence.

It's essential to compete against yourself, not others.

Building relationships is key to sales success.

Understanding client needs is more important than having all the answers.

The immigrant mentality fosters a willingness to take risks.

Health and stress management are crucial for long-term success.

Finding balance between work and personal life is vital.

Momentum is built through small, consistent actions.

You can always find a way to overcome challenges.

Gratitude and perspective are essential in navigating life's ups and downs.

real estate, New York, resilience, mindset, immigrant mentality, sales success, health, stress management, personal growth, opportunity

In this episode, Fergus Kennedy shares the profound journey of uncovering his family's history, particularly focusing on his father's harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. The discussion delves into the emotional and physical struggles faced by POWs, the brutal conditions of the Japanese camps, and the resilience of the human spirit. Fergus reflects on the importance of storytelling in preserving history and honoring the legacy of those who endured unimaginable hardships. The conversation highlights themes of survival, family, and the quest for understanding one's roots.

Buy the book here 👉🏼 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballybunion-River-Kwai-Irishmans-Survival-ebook/dp/B0F84BBMHG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DOUBROQ1B7LH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8ZzpefNLgVr3eeeaTssi6NOcnG37cYsCzxUSQpMVLv3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.2IAO9xKweKxFY1zc4dJhZIWE_rF-_uzFkUVJNygST4I&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ballybunion+to+the+River+Kwai&qid=1752746151&sprefix=ballybunion+to+the+river+kwai%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1

How It Falls Apart Kickstarter here 🚀 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/garycolton/how-it-falls-apart-an-immersive-dystopian-thriller

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀 https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon 💯 https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG 💀 https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds Book 📖 https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Dark Finds Website 👉🏼 www.darkfindsmedia.com

Takeaways

• Fergus's journey into family history began with a phone call in 1981.
• His father's story as a POW is central to the narrative.
• The conditions in Japanese POW camps were brutal and inhumane.
• Cholera and malnutrition were rampant among prisoners.
• The construction of the Death Railway cost thousands of lives.
• Music and storytelling were vital for maintaining morale among POWs.
• Fergus's father returned home weighing only 84 pounds after the war.
• PTSD and mental health issues were common among returning soldiers.
• The legacy of Irish soldiers in WWII is often overlooked.
• Fergus's book serves as a tribute to his father's resilience and bravery.

Ballybunion, River Kwai, World War II, POW, family history, resilience, survival, Japanese camps, Death Railway, PTSD