//podcastplus.net/feed/podcast~42bf999a74271a4a80d356b8829a8db8f57137b31ad9e68e0079f19cfda45e42 Danger, deception, desire, & other psych professor obsessions. 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. Sun, 13 Sep 2026 12:07:46 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/15153087-the-night-stalker-how-richard-ramirez-descended-into-evil-part-1-of-2.mp3 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 unde... Tue, 28 May 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/15153087-the-night-stalker-how-richard-ramirez-descended-into-evil-part-1-of-2.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/15074148-charles-manson-unraveling-the-cult-leader-s-psychopathic-charm.mp3 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 que... Wed, 15 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/15074148-charles-manson-unraveling-the-cult-leader-s-psychopathic-charm.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/12978704-serial-killer-psychology-fact-vs-fantasy.mp3 In this episode, Dr. Bennett explores the fascinating topic of serial killers. Listen to him discuss his top 10 myths about serial homicide.  **A podcast for curious & cool (but chronically stuck) over-analyzers, hosted by psychology professor Kevin Bennett. Don't get mad, get untangled!** Podcast Buzzsprout: https://kevinbennettissnarling.buzzsp... Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinBennettisSnarling Psychology Today Writing: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/... Web: ... Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/12978704-serial-killer-psychology-fact-vs-fantasy.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/12978704-serial-killer-psychology-fact-vs-fantasy.mp3 In this episode, Dr. Bennett explores the fascinating topic of serial killers. Listen to him discuss his top 10 myths about serial homicide.  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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: ... Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/12978704-serial-killer-psychology-fact-vs-fantasy.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/12976327-thrill-seeker-and-risk-taker-psychology.mp3 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 ... Sun, 04 Jun 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/12976327-thrill-seeker-and-risk-taker-psychology.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/12976327-thrill-seeker-and-risk-taker-psychology.mp3 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 ... Sun, 04 Jun 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/12976327-thrill-seeker-and-risk-taker-psychology.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/12875926-2-minute-welcome-teaser-enter-the-snarl.mp3 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 ... Thu, 18 May 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/12875926-2-minute-welcome-teaser-enter-the-snarl.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/12875926-2-minute-welcome-teaser-enter-the-snarl.mp3 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 ... Thu, 18 May 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2077986/episodes/12875926-2-minute-welcome-teaser-enter-the-snarl.mp3