What creates a serial killer? Are violent offenders born… or made?In this fascinating episode of The Lighter Side of True Crime, host Keith Rovere sits down with Dr. Rachel Toles who is a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in violent behavior, including but not limited to serial killers and mass shooters to explore the psychology behind some of the world’s most notorious killers.Dr. Toles specializes in the behavioral patterns of violent offenders and breaks down complex psychological concepts in ways that are both insightful and easy to understand. Together, we discuss what drives extreme violence, how early warning signs develop, and whether society can actually prevent future offenders.Topics we explore include:• Nature vs. nurture in violent offenders• Early behavioral warning signs in childhood• Why society is fascinated with serial killers• Whether media coverage can unintentionally create copycat crimes• The difference between fantasy, objectification, and real-world violence• Why some offenders reoffend — and what might actually stop itDr. Toles also shares insight from her nationally touring live presentation “The Psychology of Serial Killers.”🎟 See Dr. Rachel Toles LIVE:https://psychologyofserialkillers.com🌐 Visit Dr. Rachel Toles’ Website:https://drracheltoles.com

I sat down with Edna Martin, cousin of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, for a powerful and honest conversation about what it’s really like being connected to one of the most notorious criminals in American history.Edna doesn’t share his last name — but she has lived with the reality of that connection for decades.In this episode, we discuss:• What it’s like being related to Ted Bundy• The emotional impact on extended family• How media narratives shape public perception• The difference between who Ted appeared to be and how family members experienced him• Why she chose to share her story nowEdna is the author of The Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy, a deeply personal account of navigating life connected to Bundy.She also appears in the Netflix documentary Love, Ted Bundy, which explores the complex legacy surrounding his life and crimes.This episode isn’t about sensationalizing violence — it’s about understanding the ripple effects of crime and the people who didn’t choose the spotlight but still had to live in it.I’m grateful to Edna for her openness and honesty. Hosted by Keith RovereThe Lighter Side of True CrimeIf you appreciate thoughtful, psychology-driven true crime conversations, make sure to subscribe and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

“Blood is red, corpses are blue… I have a killer crush on you.”That was Amanda Taylor’s response when I asked her if she would be my killer Valentine.In this Valentine’s Day special, we step into the unsettling space where love, notoriety, and violence intersect.Known in the media as The Selfie Killer, Amanda speaks candidly about prison fame, fan mail, and the strange reality of becoming a symbol instead of a person. We explore how the media can manufacture celebrity out of crime… and how some people don’t fall in love with the individual — they fall in love with the myth.Why are people drawn to killers?What is it about danger that becomes romanticized?When admiration replaces reality, what are they really seeing?Behind bars, every letter carries a question:Is this connection real… or is it fascination with infamy?This conversation isn’t about glorification. It’s about examining the psychology of obsession, myth-making, and the uncomfortable truth about our cultural attraction to darkness.Love can blind.Fame can distort.And sometimes the most dangerous thing isn’t violence — it’s the fantasy built around it.