The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: S8 Ep.1: Israel Keyes

   Season eight of Mind of a Monster begins in the wild and remote city of Anchorage, Alaska where Israel Keyes is being questioned about the abduction of a young woman. Unearthing information from his childhood, we find he was reared in the woods learning survivalist skills that primed him for his future killings. Showing early signs of disturbing behavior, Israel hones his skills and attempts his first kill as a young man. Speaking to childhood friends and detectives, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates the pivotal moment that saw Israel Keyes shift from troubled child to killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

   January 13, 2026·44min
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   Number 2: S8 Ep.2: A Double Life

   After an isolated childhood in the woods, Israel Keyes realises he’s a psychopath – with an urge to rape and kill. When he distances himself from his ultra religious family, he finds a new home in the Army – where his survivalist skillset is appreciated. But his uncontrolled sadism leads to a series of violent encounters that almost get him caught, and he realizes he must set boundaries for himself – and plan a more covert method of killing. Dr. Michelle Ward explores how Israel Keyes separates his life into two parallel personalities – the regular family guy and the sadistic serial killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

   January 20, 2026·41min
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   Number 3: S8 Ep.3: Hunting Grounds

   In the remote mountains of north-west Washington, Israel Keyes splits his time between taking care of his young family and hunting for victims. When he travels to visit family members in other states, The Cross-Country Killer discovers fresh hunting grounds and develops new methods of killing in secret. Increasingly emboldened, his murder spree culminates in a horrendous attack on a suburban couple. Speaking with witnesses and detectives, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates how Keyes perfects his MO – and then deviates from it in search of sustaining the adrenaline high. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

   January 27, 2026·45min
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   Number 4: S8 Ep.4: Samantha

   In Anchorage, Alaska, 18-year-old Samantha Koenig is abducted while working at a coffee stand, sending panic through the city. Police initially struggle to find a solid lead – until the kidnapper delivers a ransom note. Following the trail down to Texas, FBI agents finally catch up with the suspect – a man called Israel Keyes. But he claims to know nothing about the girl’s disappearance. Speaking with witnesses and detectives, Dr. Michelle Ward explores the search for Samantha – and investigates how this crime differs from the typical Israel Keyes MO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

   February 03, 2026·42min
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   Number 5: S8 Ep.5: Confessions

   After getting caught using the victim’s bank card, Israel Keyes admits to killing local girl Samantha Koenig and disposing of her body in a frozen lake. When he gives a horrific blow-by-blow description of how he did it, investigators realize they have caught a very experienced serial killer. But Keyes won’t reveal any more victims unless they meet his impossible demands. Speaking with detectives and experts, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates how this master of discretion abandoned his rules and ended up getting caught. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

   February 10, 2026·44min
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