This episode has mature topics including sexual violence.

Dr. Schlesinger, a forensic psychologist and expert in criminal behavior, explains what we know, don’t know, and how we know what we do about serial killers.

He reviews the role the Silence of the Lambs played in sparking interest in the topic and who is drawn to media on true crime. We speculate on why that may be.

Dr. Schlesinger dispels common myths like serial killers are typically intelligent and shares ideas on whether rehabilitation is possible.

We discuss the challenges in trying to study this topic and consider whether people need to fear serial killers in their daily lives.

Dr. Schlesinger shares his hero, Dr. Eugene Revitch, a pioneer in understanding criminal behavior.

Referred to:

“He’s not the murderer” scene from “Seinfeld” The Masseuse (TV Episode 1993)

Psychiatric Aspects of Criminal Behavior: Collected Papers of Eugene Revitch on Amazon

Sexual Murder: Catathymic and Compulsive Homicides: Amazon

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