How does someone become an abuser? Is it trauma, control issues, or something even darker? In this episode, psychologists Dave and Rob break down the psychology behind abusive behavior—what creates someone like Brian Laundrie, what triggers violence, and whether abusers even recognize what they’re doing.

They also explain the cycle of abuse, the mistakes police made when they encountered Gabby Petito, and the similarities between abusers and cult leaders. If you want to understand the warning signs before it’s too late, this is the episode for you.

David and Rob are speaking on this topic using their backgrounds in psychology. However, the purpose of this podcast is informational and entertainment. As a result, the information presented here is not intended as psychological advice.

If you think you might be in an abusive relationship or are concerned that someone you know might be, you can find resources at https://www.thehotline.org