In this intense and emotionally charged episode, we dive deep into some of the most chilling and perplexing true crime cases involving mothers who committed unimaginable acts against their own children. From psychological abuse to cold-blooded murder, we’re peeling back the layers on what happens when motherhood takes a dark, dangerous turn.

We explore the twisted motivations and complex psychopathology behind cases like Unknown Number, Casey Anthony, Lindsay Clancy, Ruby Franke, and her notorious partner Jodi Hildebrandt. We’re not just recapping the crimes—you’ll hear our raw reactions as therapists and mothers, and we’ll take you into the murky territory of trauma, sociopathy, narcissism, and the haunting dynamics of parent-child bonds gone horribly wrong.

 

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with our Midlife Masterclass and a true crime deep dive
[1:24] - “Mothers Gone Wrong” intro and a therapist’s disbelief at these cases
[3:00] - Breaking down the “Unknown Number” Netflix documentary
[5:54] - The big reveal: a mother as the digital abuser of her own daughter
[10:22] - Exploring Munchausen by proxy, sociopathy, and attention-seeking behavior
[13:32] - Control, puppet-mastery, and compulsive lying
[19:31] - Is pathological lying an addiction?
[22:41] - Shifting to Ruby Franke and the cult-like influence of Jodi Hildebrandt
[26:14] - Exploitation, rigidity, and mental manipulation in parenting
[30:16] - The horrifying rescue of Ruby Franke’s emaciated son
[32:47] - Discussing Lindsay Clancy and the reality of postpartum psychosis
[36:52] - The tragic consequences of untreated mental health struggles
[38:45] - Revisiting Casey Anthony from a therapist’s lens
[42:12] - Sociopathy hiding behind maternal faces
[45:01] - Wrapping up with empathy for victims and a plea for prevention
[46:50] - Community callout and how to stay connected

 

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