98\. The Cases That Keep Us Up At Night // The Parlor (feat. Psychopedia)
Heart Starts Pounding: Horrors, Hauntings and Mysteries
Deep Dive
Why do Tank and Slater choose to cover particularly dark true crime cases on their podcast, Psychopedia?
They select cases based on gut instinct, listener feedback, current headlines, or a desire to explore older cases. Their focus often lands on darker cases due to a shared fascination with the psychology of killers and the complex factors that contribute to their depravity.
What is Investigator Slater's professional background and how does it relate to the Psychopedia podcast?
Slater works as an investigator for his family's law firm, specializing in representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The firm handles cases against institutions like the Catholic Church, the prison system, and the Boy Scouts of America. This professional experience informs Slater's work on Psychopedia, providing insights into the complexities of abuse and its impact on individuals.
What criteria define a serial killer?
A serial killer is defined by having three or more victims with a cooling-off period between the killings.
What is the difference between a process killer and a product killer?
A process killer finds gratification in the act of murder itself. A product killer is motivated by what they can do with the body after the killing, the body being the "product" of the murder.
What is the story of the "Scissor Sisters" case?
Two sisters in Ireland killed and dismembered a man who had been raping their mother and threatened to kill her. The sisters claimed self-defense, arguing they believed their mother's life was in imminent danger. They panicked after the killing and dismembered the body in an attempt to hide it. They received different prison sentences based on their individual involvement in the murder and cover-up.
What investigative work does Slater's law firm undertake in cases of institutional sexual abuse?
The firm investigates institutions like the Catholic Church to uncover patterns of abuse and cover-ups, often tracing the movement of perpetrators between locations. They connect the dots, proving the extent of the abuse and the involvement of those who enabled it, aiming to hold these institutions accountable.
Why does institutional sexual abuse often go unreported, especially in cases involving the church?
Victims, particularly children, may lack the vocabulary to articulate their experiences, especially given the taboo nature of the subject. Abusers often target vulnerable children from unstable backgrounds, and they may exploit their authority and groom their victims, making it harder for children to speak out. Furthermore, the church's authority and the concept of "God's will" can be used to manipulate and silence victims.
How does Slater cope with the emotional toll of working with survivors of abuse and covering dark true crime cases?
Slater finds solace in the belief that she is on the "right side" of things, helping survivors seek justice and shedding light on pervasive issues. She is passionate about giving victims a voice and exposing the factors that contribute to such crimes, with the hope of preventing future occurrences. The firm also prioritizes staff mental health with initiatives like yoga and mental health days.
How does Tank relate to the perpetrators covered on Psychopedia?
Tank experiences intrusive thoughts and acknowledges the unsettling realization that perpetrators are not monsters but human beings, making their actions even more terrifying. He emphasizes the importance of his own upbringing and the role it played in preventing him from going down a similar path.
What is the "Third Man Syndrome" and how does it relate to survival instincts?
The Third Man Syndrome describes the phenomenon of people in life-or-death situations hearing a voice or seeing a figure that guides them to safety. Often, these figures are identified as deceased loved ones or even as EMTs who were not actually present. This phenomenon suggests a potential supernatural or subconscious survival instinct kicking in during moments of extreme stress.
- Discussion of the psychology of killers and the factors contributing to their actions
- Mention of several cases with detailed analysis, including the Brazilian Dexter case and the Scissor Sisters case
- Exploration of the concept of mission-oriented killers and the ethical dilemmas involved
- Discussion of the role of traumatic brain injuries and abusive upbringings in shaping criminal behavior