logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
1h 59m

The Psychology of Serial Killers

MICHAEL SHERMER
About this episode

Dr. Rachel Toles, a licensed forensic psychologist, delves into the psychology of criminals, addressing the motivations behind some of the world's most notorious killers. Her expertise spans trauma, addiction, and impulse control, culminating in her upcoming U.S. theater tour, The Psychology of a Murderer. Through captivating case studies, Toles sheds light on the dark corners of human behavior.

In her show and forthcoming book, Toles examines the pathways leading ordinary people to commit extraordinary violence. She explores infamous cases, including Jeffrey Dahmer and Charles Manson, while revealing a proprietary formula for understanding evil. Her work intertwines cutting-edge psychology with gripping storytelling, leaving audiences both disturbed and enlightened.

Shermer and Toles discuss the psychology of mass murderers, causes of evil, and the fascination with true crime. They analyze infamous killers like Dahmer, the Menendez Brothers, and Manson, exploring traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Topics include experiments like Milgram's and the Stanford Prison Study, factors driving violence, and why ordinary individuals can commit atrocities.

Up next
Yesterday
Why Eastbound Flights Are Faster, and Other Strange Things About Wind (Simon Winchester)
<p>Have you ever thought about the science and history of … wind?</p> <p>In this episode, Simon Winchester explains why eastbound flights are usually faster than flying west, and how the discovery of the jet stream was almost missed because the original research was published in ... Show More
1h 20m
Nov 18
Logic, Creativity, and the Limits of AI: How Humans Think in Ways Machines Never Will
<p>In this episode, Angus Fletcher explains why the human brain doesn't work like a computer and why our deepest strengths come not from logic or data processing but from imagination, emotion, and the ability to invent new futures. Drawing on neuroscience, Shakespeare, evolutiona ... Show More
1h 49m
Nov 16
The Psychology of War: Could YOU Make a Moral Choice in Wartime?
<p>War begins in the human mind long before it unfolds on the battlefield.</p> <p>In this episode, Michael Shermer sits down with Nicholas Wright, a neurologist, neuroscientist, security strategist, and advisor to the Pentagon, to explore one of the biggest questions of our time: ... Show More
1h 26m
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Presenting: KILLER MINDS
<p>Formerly known as Mind of A Serial Killer, Killer Minds takes you deep into the psychology of history’s most chilling murderers—from infamous serial killers to ruthless cult leaders, deadly exes, and terrifying spree killers. Every Monday and Thursday, hosts Vanessa Richardson ... Show More
6m 43s
Mar 2025
Presenting: KILLER MINDS
Formerly known as Mind of A Serial Killer, Killer Minds takes you deep into the psychology of history’s most chilling murderers—from infamous serial killers to ruthless cult leaders, deadly exes, and terrifying spree killers. Every Monday and Thursday, hosts Vanessa Richardson an ... Show More
10m 19s
Aug 2024
ENCORE: Even Psychopaths Suffer Burnout with Candice DeLong
🔪🔪🔪 This week, one of Paul and Stephen’s favorite Chinwags: Killer Psyche podcast host, Candice DeLong. Candice spent two decades in the FBI as a criminal profiler tracking serial killers and working such notorious cases as the Unabomber and the Chicago Tylenol Murders. Paul a ... Show More
54m 33s
Oct 2024
Listen Now: Killer Psyche
When a shocking crime occurs, people ask “Why?” Was it about power, ego, or revenge? On Killer Psyche, retired FBI agent Candice DeLong draws on her decades of experience to reveal why these murderers and criminals committed these heinous acts. She will reveal fascinating new det ... Show More
6m 59s