Ed Gein: Psycho Killer or Hollywood Myth?

Before Norman Bates and Buffalo Bill, there was Ed Gein. He only had two confirmed victims, so how did he become one of the most notorious “serial killers” in American history?

In this episode, forensic psychologist Dana Anderson and serial-killer expert William A. Noguera break down the real facts of the Ed Gein case, from his disturbing skin trophies to his coerced confessions. Tune in to hear what Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story got wrong and what we'll never truly know.

Topics discussed:

• Is Ed Gein a serial killer?
• How his relationship with his mother shaped his crimes
• What’s true (and what’s not) in Monster: The Ed Gein Story
• The real Ed Gein vs. Hollywood’s portrayal
• 1950s psychology and the overdiagnosis of schizophrenia
• The psychology behind his crimes: paraphilias and psychosis
• Ed Gein’s trial and what happened after his conviction
• Hollywood’s impact on how we view killers
• Death row stories of real psychosis
• Why we’re missing parts of Ed Gein’s story

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Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.
Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational purposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

Thanksgiving Day Massacre

A True-Crime Psychological Breakdown. On Thanksgiving Day 2009, a family dinner in Jupiter, Florida turned into one of the most shocking holiday homicides in modern American history. What began as a quiet evening ended in terror when Paul Merhige retrieved a .40-caliber handgun and murdered five family members without warning — including a 6-year-old child. 

In this episode, forensic psychologist Dana Anderson and death-row survivor + serial-killer expert William A. Noguera dissect the psychology behind this massacre:

• What drives a family annihilator — and why holidays heighten risk
• The red flags, resentment, and long-term psychological buildup
• What a Kill List reveals about planning, fantasy, and motive
• Patterns of familicide, personality structure, and warning signs people missed
• Why this case still haunts investigators, clinicians, and families

A chilling exploration into the mind of a murderer.
                                                                                                                       #ThanksgivingDayMassacre #PaulMerhige #TrueCrimePodcast #KillerPsychologist #Familicide #ForensicPsychologist #WilliamNoguera #KillerMindset #TrueCrimeBreakdown #HolidayHomicide #FamilyAnnihilator #CriminalPsychology #MurderInvestigation #KillList #WarningSigns #MassMurderCase #TrueCrimeStories #PsychologyOfMurder

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Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

What happens when the Night Stalker becomes your neighbor on death row? For years, William Noguera lived just cells away from Richard Ramirez inside San Quentin, observing one of the most notorious serial killers in American history up close. In this haunting conversation, William reveals Ramirez’s morbid fixation on eyes—cutting them from photographs and, horrifyingly, from one of his victims, leaving them on a dresser.

Ramirez’s trial became one of the most expensive in California history, costing $1.8 million and igniting a media frenzy. Behind the headlines was no dark myth— a sadistic pedophile who raped men, women, and children without remorse. Yet even as he awaited execution, duffel bags filled with love letters poured into San Quentin—sent by women desperate to claim the Night Stalker as their own.

What drives that kind of attraction to evil? This episode explores the psychology of fascination, the allure of the predator, and hybristophilia—the disturbing compulsion to romanticize monsters. Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles in the 1980s, slipping into homes through unlocked doors and leaving behind a trail of terror that still shadows the city’s collective memory. A chilling reminder to lock your doors tonight. 



#drdanaanderson #killerpsychologist #williamanoguera #deadbodysociety #serialkiller #deathrow #truecrime #americanmonster #monstersamongus #sanquentin #Unmaskingmonsters #truecrimestory #prison

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Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

Celeste Hernandez was a California teen who vanished—only to be discovered days later, deceased in the trunk of a Tesla in Hollywood. The vehicle belonged to David Burke, known publicly as D4VD, a rising music artist whose meteoric career now intersects with a devastating loss of life.But here’s where the story gets more complex: D4VD has not been arrested.Killer expert William A. Noguera offers a defense-side perspective on the legal and public dynamics surrounding this case—and why neither D4VD nor his attorney has issued a public statement. Together, we break down the timeline of Celeste’s disappearance, the immediate social media reaction, and the public narrative that formed long before law enforcement provided clarity. We explore why no arrest has been made to date, the legal significance of intent and knowledge, and how being connected to a tragedy is not the same as being criminally responsible for it.This episode asks the question circulating everywhere: Is law enforcement quietly building a case behind the scenes— or is the public filling in gaps that the evidence has not yet confirmed?


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
02:17 Legal Advice for the Accused: The Importance of Representation
08:50 The Investigation: Unpacking the Circumstances of Celeste's Death
14:37 Public Perception and Media Influence on the Case
20:32 The Role of Evidence: Surveillance and Relationships
26:01 Seeking Justice: The Ethical Responsibility in True Crime Reporting
28:56 The Role of Forensic Psychologists in Trials
36:13 Understanding Sentencing and Parole Evaluations
40:52 The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Behavior
45:52 The Importance of Psychological Evaluations in Juvenile Cases
51:35 Navigating the Prison System and Cold Cases

#drdanaanderson #killerpsychologist #williamanoguera #deadbodysociety #serialkiller #deathrow #truecrime #americanmonster #monstersamongus #sanquentin #Unmaskingmonsters #truecrimestory #prison



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

What makes a serial killer confess to another inmate?

Author of Through the Lens of a Monster and death row survivor William Noguera spent over four decades on death row at San Quentin—living alongside the most notorious killers in American history. Behind prison walls, he gained the trust of serial killer Joseph Naso, leading to new revelations that helped identify four previously unsolved murders linked to Naso.

These discoveries inspired the Oxygen True Crime original docuseries Death Row Confidential: Secrets of a Serial Killer. In this episode, William recounts how he worked with Detective Ken Mains to uncover hidden truths, helping close cold cases and expose “Dirty Joe”—a sadistic sexual predator who fooled even seasoned investigators.

He breaks down how the criminal mind operates behind bars and reveals what drives killers to confess. This is a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the psychology of true evil—told by the man who lived among it. What William shares here may forever change how you define the word monster. 


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Killer Psychologist
00:49 William Noguera's Journey from Death Row
04:47 The Role of Collaboration in Solving Cases
10:02 Insights from Serial Killers: A Unique Perspective
14:59 The Justice System and Its Flaws
19:56 Understanding Joseph Naso: The Prolific Killer
24:54 The Importance of Awareness and Education
30:06 The Role of Rehabilitation in Criminal Justice
34:59 The Ongoing Fight Against Serial Killers
40:00 Future Collaborations and Projects
44:40 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action


#drdanaanderson #killerpsychologist #williamanoguera #deadbodysociety #serialkiller #deathrow #truecrime #americanmonster #monstersamongus #sanquentin #Unmaskingmonsters #truecrimestory #prison

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Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

Killer Psychologist speaks with Johnny Trevisani, author of Serial Killer Quote of the Day—a book that compiles the most unsettling, revealing, and disturbingly casual words from history’s deadliest killers. Together, they explore why these murderers spoke the way they did, what their words expose about manipulation, delusions, and psychopathy, and why society remains transfixed by their stories long after the crimes are over.

Beyond Serial Killer Quote of the Day, Trevisani expands his morbid map with The Serial Killer Travel Guide Across America: Your Coast-to-Coast Tour of Terror. Far from a standard true-crime chronicle, it reads like a dark tourism roadmap—taking readers to the real-world locations where horror once lived. Blending history, psychology, and a touch of gallows humor, Trevisani invites us to walk the thin line between fascination and fear… and to ask what draws us toward the darkness we claim to dread.


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Dark Side of Psychology
02:52 Exploring Serial Killer Quotes
06:08 The Fascination with Serial Killers
08:46 Understanding the Mind of a Killer
11:55 The Role of Childhood Trauma
14:46 Dark Tourism and Serial Killer Travel
17:36 The Psychology Behind Serial Killers
20:38 The Allure of True Crime
23:47 Female Serial Killers and Their Motives
26:44 The Impact of Parental Influence
29:51 The Importance of Early Intervention
32:51 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

Why are psychopaths drawn to power—and what happens when they get it?

Criminal defense attorney Joseph Tully, author of California: State of Collusion, joins forensic psychologists Dana Anderson and Craig Wetterer to examine how psychopathy in positions of authority reveals itself. These individuals are not guided by justice—their moral compass is broken—and the collateral damage they leave behind is part of the story we uncover.

Together, they unpack Tully’s book, which exposes California’s corrupt criminal justice system and the culture of power, conspiracy, and cover-ups that fuel it.

Nobody knows this story better than Joseph Tully—and in this episode, he connects those systemic abuses to the psychology of power and the dangers of psychopathic personalities.

Power is never more dangerous than when it rests in the hands of those who decide who walks free—and who is condemned.

📖 Grab Joseph Tully’s book California: State of Collusion: Amazon Link
🔗 tully-weiss.com | Instagram: @tullyweiss.law


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Psychopathy and Power
05:49 The Criminal Justice System and Psychopathy
10:28 The Role of Psychopaths in Law Enforcement
17:12 Challenges in the Legal System
23:24 The Impact of Public Perception on Justice
30:15 The Importance of Ethical Practices
36:20 The Need for Mental Health Support in Law Enforcement
42:15 Addressing Systemic Issues in the Justice System
49:21 The Role of Psychologists in the Legal System
56:48 Conclusion and Call to Action


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Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

Lyle and Eric Menendez, convicted of the 1996 murders of their parents, are now facing the possibility of parole. In May 2025, a judge resentenced them to life with the possibility of parole, clearing the way for hearings scheduled on August 21 and 22.

Are the Menendez brothers truly rehabilitated—or do they still pose a danger to society? Join host Dr. Dana Anderson as she speaks with veteran defense attorney Sam Bassett about the legal strategy behind their resentencing. Forensic psychologist Dr. Craig Wetter weighs in on clinical tools like the HCR-20 and PCL-R, used to assess whether someone presents an unreasonable risk to public safety if released.

At the crossroads of crime, politics, and psychology, this episode unpacks how parole law and forensic risk tools shape the fate of two of America’s most notorious inmates.




Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Menendez Brothers Case
01:58 Parole Hearing Dynamics and Public Perception
04:04 Understanding Remorse and Risk Assessment Tools
08:01 Psychopathy and Personality Disorders in Context
12:08 Youthful Offender Laws and Their Implications
15:59 The Role of AI in Risk Assessments
19:49 Life After Prison: Challenges and Opportunities
24:06 Public Opinion and Media Influence
27:48 Redemption Stories and Future Paths
31:53 The Importance of Addressing Abuse
35:41 Conclusion and Future Considerations

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

Where is the knife that killed four University of Idaho students? Did Brian Kohberger toss it out the window in a panic — or bury it deep in the woods?

Join private investigator Jason Jensen as we launch a targeted search for the missing murder weapon on June 21-22, 2025.

Discover how the knife sheath became the critical DNA link to Kohberger's arrest — and why forensic psychologists are called to evaluate suspects in custody for murder. We also examine killers who couldn’t resist leaving clues behind — from BTK’s Dennis Rader to Ted Bundy’s trail of discarded weapons — and explore why some murderers toy with law enforcement while others vanish without a trace.

Plus, we pull in twists from the Karen Read case and reflect on the tragic mystery surrounding Kurt Cobain.

Hooked on the criminal mind? Visit www.killerpsychologistpodcast.com for episode details.

Need a forensic psychologist for your next killer case? Book Dr. Anderson at www.psychologydr.com




Chapters
00:00 The Idaho Murders: A Gruesome Crime
00:58 The Search for the Missing Knife
07:48 Understanding Kohberger's Mindset
15:29 The Autism Diagnosis and Its Implications
25:22 The Karen Read Case: Analyzing Evidence
41:05 Future Investigations: The Kurt Cobain Case

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.

A Texas teen created 764—an online predator ring hidden inside Discord, Minecraft, and Telegram. At 15, Bradley Cadenhead used these platforms to groom minors, share violent content, and instruct others on how to control and destroy victims.

Children were coerced into self-harm, forced to carve “764” into their skin, and pushed toward livestreamed suicide. His server contained child sexual abuse material, animal torture, and blackmail schemes masked as friendship.

Craig Wetterer, forensic psychologist explains the psychological vulnerabilities exploited in these cases. Eric Zelaya, board-certified criminal defense and forensic death investigator, reveals how decentralized gang tactics have gone digital and live inside your child’s DM's.

🔗 Need a forensic psychologist for your next case? Visit psychologydr.com
🎧 Full episodes at killerpsychologistpodcast.com




Chapters
00:00 Introduction to 764 and Its Origins
02:58 Psychological Vulnerabilities in Children
05:14 Organized Crime vs. Cult Dynamics
09:08 Sextortion and Its Impact on Teens
12:20 The Dangers of Swatting and Psychological Manipulation
15:14 Bradley Cadenhead's Sentencing and Legal Consequences
18:10 The Role of Money in Criminal Organizations
21:18 Fan Signing and Psychological Coercion
24:07 Victim Stories and Parental Oversight
27:27 Conversations About Online Safety with Children
28:53 The Role of Sensationalism in Media
29:37 Role-Playing Scenarios for Child Safety
31:20 Understanding Vulnerability in Correctional Settings
32:10 Contraband and Corruption in Prisons
34:27 The Consequences of Staff Misconduct
36:04 Background Checks and Staff Integrity
38:01 Manipulation and Suggestibility in Prisons
40:08 The Rise of Digital Extortion
42:25 Parental Guidance in the Digital Age
44:16 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.