Have you ever wondered how early trauma and untreated medical conditions can shape a criminal mind? Join me, Kevin Bennett, and my guest, Nate Coonfare, on this episode as we promise to unravel the chilling life story of Richard Ramirez, a.k.a., The Night Stalker. Together, we explore his tumultuous upbringing in El Paso, Texas, marked by violence and abuse, and how these early experiences set the stage for his terrifying crimes in Los Angeles during the summer of 1985.

Ramirez's descent into violent behavior, catalyzed by witnessing his cousin Mike commit a murder right before his eyes, began at a young age. By examining his exposure to criminal activities and disturbing influences from family members, we offer a comprehensive view of how Ramirez's promising athletic future was derailed by untreated epilepsy and a toxic environment. Nate shares intimate details about Ramirez's transformation from a troubled teenager into a ruthless killer, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the experiences that shaped his psyche.

Get ready to hear about the harrowing crimes that defined Ramirez's reign of terror. From his initial attack on Maria Hernandez and her roommate to the vicious murders of Maxon and Lela Kneiding , we explore the brutal methods and significant evidence that led to his capture, including the infamous Avia shoe footprint. Our conversation sheds light on the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the fear that gripped Los Angeles during that summer. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration into the dark mind of Richard Ramirez and the indelible impact of his crimes.

This is part one of two.

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A psych professor's podcast about danger, deception, and desire. From the ugly truth about rage rooms and our unhealthy obsession with serial killers, to the ancestral wisdom of goosebumps and the science behind why we keep playing the lottery, join Dr. Kevin Bennett—Penn State University Beaver Campus Teaching Professor, Psychology Today contributor, and fellow at the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health (UD/MH)—as we unmask the power of danger, deception, and desire through sensational stories and savvy behavioral science.

Podcast Buzzsprout: https://kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsp...
Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinBennettisSnarling
Psychology Today Writing: ...

In this episode, we delve into the mind of one of history's most enigmatic figures, Charles Manson. Guided by the expertise of my guest, Aaliyah Booker, a criminal justice graduate of Penn State Beaver, we navigate Manson's formative years and dissect the psychological entanglements that led him to the Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969.

We discuss the chilling details of that fateful night at Cielo Drive, Manson's foiled musical ambitions, and how a thirst for recognition may have kindled the flames of violence. The conversation takes us through the murky waters of Manson's objectives, pondering the role of chance versus intent in the selection of his victims, and how his followers' blind loyalty culminated in a legacy of bloodshed and horror.

Finally, we explore the mechanisms of control and influence that define cult leaders like Manson. With Aaliyah's perspective guiding the discussion, we examine the connection between a leader's quest for structure and the design of prison life, alongside the tale of Manson's need for belonging, as evidenced by his correspondence with the Moundsville State Penitentiary. Join us for this exploration of a man whose legacy continues to stir both fascination and revulsion.

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A psych professor's podcast about danger, deception, and desire. From the ugly truth about rage rooms and our unhealthy obsession with serial killers, to the ancestral wisdom of goosebumps and the science behind why we keep playing the lottery, join Dr. Kevin Bennett—Penn State University Beaver Campus Teaching Professor, Psychology Today contributor, and fellow at the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health (UD/MH)—as we unmask the power of danger, deception, and desire through sensational stories and savvy behavioral science.

Podcast Buzzsprout: https://kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsp...
Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinBennettisSnarling
Psychology Today Writing: ...

In this episode, Dr. Bennett explores the fascinating topic of serial killers. Listen to him discuss his top 10 myths about serial homicide.

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A psych professor's podcast about danger, deception, and desire. From the ugly truth about rage rooms and our unhealthy obsession with serial killers, to the ancestral wisdom of goosebumps and the science behind why we keep playing the lottery, join Dr. Kevin Bennett—Penn State University Beaver Campus Teaching Professor, Psychology Today contributor, and fellow at the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health (UD/MH)—as we unmask the power of danger, deception, and desire through sensational stories and savvy behavioral science.

Podcast Buzzsprout: https://kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsp...
Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinBennettisSnarling
Psychology Today Writing: ...

In this episode, Dr. Bennett discusses the exuberant and sometimes dangerous psychology of thrill seeking, a personality trait also known as risk taking and sensation seeking.

Take this test to see if you are high or low on this personality dimension. For each item, you must choose A or B, depending on which best describes you.
1a. I would like a job that requires a lot of traveling.
1b. I would prefer a job in one location.

2a. I am invigorated by a brisk, cold day.
2b. I can’t wait to go inside on a cold day.

3a. I get bored seeing the same old faces.
3b. I like the comfortable familiarity of everyday friends.

4a. I would prefer living in an ideal society in which everyone is safe secure, & happy.
4b. I would have preferred living in the unsettled days of our history.

5a. I sometimes like to do things that are a little bit frightening.
5b. A sensible person avoids activities that are dangerous.

6a. I would not like to be hypnotized.
6b. I would like to have the experience of being hypnotized.

7a. The most important goal in life is to live it to the fullest and experience as much as possible.
7b. The most important goal in life is to find peace and happiness.

8a. I would like to try parachute-jumping.
8b. I would not like to try jumping out of an airplane, with or without a parachute.

9a. I enter cold water gradually, giving myself time to get used to it.
9b. I like to dive or jump right into the ocean or a cold pool.

10a. When I go on vacation, I prefer the comfort of a good room and bed.
10b. When I go on vacation, I prefer the change of camping out.

11a. I prefer people who are emotionally expressive even if they are a bit unstable.
11b. I prefer people who are calm and even tempered.

12a. A good painting should shock or jolt the senses.
12b. A good painting should give one a feeling of peace and security.

13a. People who ride motorcycles must have some kind of unconscious need to hurt themselves.
13b. I would like to drive or ride a motorcycle.

Give yourself 1 point for each of these that you have circled: 1a, 2a, 3a, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7a, 8a, 9b, 10b, 11a, 1

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A psych professor's podcast about danger, deception, and desire. From the ugly truth about rage rooms and our unhealthy obsession with serial killers, to the ancestral wisdom of goosebumps and the science behind why we keep playing the lottery, join Dr. Kevin Bennett—Penn State University Beaver Campus Teaching Professor, Psychology Today contributor, and fellow at the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health (UD/MH)—as we unmask the power of danger, deception, and desire through sensational stories and savvy behavioral science.

Podcast Buzzsprout: https://kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsp...
Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinBennettisSnarling
Psychology Today Writing: ...

A podcast for curious & cool (but chronically stuck) over-analyzers.

The problem: It's getting harder and harder to make sense of the tangled world we inhabit. If this sounds familiar, unfortunately, it means you have entered the snarl... and you know the feeling is real:

• Everything is risky
• Tomorrow is scary
• You don’t belong here—argh! Now what?

The solution: Don’t get mad, get untangled!

Fair warning: It's not for everyone. However, if you listen for a bit I am 87% sure you will dig it. Are you ready to consume a psychology show for brainy people who give much more than a rat's patootie about the big things in life, but are struggling to come up with all the answers?

Who are you? If you are like me, you are an over-analyzer. You always have been and always will be. Okay. Fine. Nothing wrong with that! Join me and a tenacious band of pathological followers **just like you** hellbent on discovering what it means to belong and not belong to the places that surround us.

This is the perfect audio experience for those of us trying to answer the question, "How can I move forward and embrace all the wonders of tomorrow while holding onto the parts of the past that I love?"

The answer to this question is what the podcast is all about.

Priority numero uno: It all begins by looking at your own story through the lens of psychological belonging, the most fundamental human social desire.

Along the way we'll meet outrageous characters and hear some truly spellbinding stories. The roster includes surfer-turned-lifeguard Eddie Aikau, baby cages, devil possession, witches, John Snow and his work on Cholera, industrial moths, Phineas Gage’s brain, psychogeographers of the 1960s, satanic panics, bridge jumpers, Norwegian badass Fridtjof Nanson, Gunter’s chain, parental warning labels, Wild Bill Hickok, and Elanor Roosevelt.

Basically, if you like personality, mental health, urban design, music, evolutionary science, and serial killers you will love Kevin Bennett is Snarling.

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A psych professor's podcast about danger, deception, and desire. From the ugly truth about rage rooms and our unhealthy obsession with serial killers, to the ancestral wisdom of goosebumps and the science behind why we keep playing the lottery, join Dr. Kevin Bennett—Penn State University Beaver Campus Teaching Professor, Psychology Today contributor, and fellow at the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health (UD/MH)—as we unmask the power of danger, deception, and desire through sensational stories and savvy behavioral science.

Podcast Buzzsprout: https://kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsp...
Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinBennettisSnarling
Psychology Today Writing: ...