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Inside the Psychopathic Mind

Drs. Jason Smith and Carl Gacono

Inside the Psychopathic Mind is hosted by two seasoned psychologists, Drs. Carl Gacono and Jason Smith. In concise, engaging episodes, the podcast explores psychopathy across theory and practice—including female psychopathy, assessment instruments, real cases from the past, stories ripped from the headlines, and current controversies. Drawing from research, clinical experience, articles, guest perspectives, and listener questions, the show is designed for both psychologists and lay listeners interested in understanding psychopathy beyond myths and sensationalism.

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20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 40 min
English

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#22
September 6 · 26 min
The 2022 Idaho Murders & Bryan Kohberger
In this episode, we discuss personality disorders to include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal. We discuss Bryan Kohberger, what made some of the details novel in the case, and highlight any psychopathy that may be present.
#21
August 23 · 27 min
The Deadpool Killer (Wade Wilson) and Hybristophilia
In this episode, we discuss Wade Wilson aka the Deadpool Killer. We discussed his crimes and history and link them to PCL-R items to provide a way for people to think about psychopathy that they see in the media. We discuss his link to Deadpool as well as discuss hybristophilia which is present in his case.
#20
August 9 · 29 min
Greenlandic Sex Offenders
In this episode, we are joined again by Michael Schiøth where he discuss his work with sex offenders in Greenland. We discuss prevalence, personality traits, possible reasons for the behavior and what treatment looks like. Additionally, we will be writing an article comparing his sample to a USA sample and we discuss what that may look like.
#19
July 26 · 1 hr 13 min
Myths about Female Psychopaths and Biases
In this episode, we are joined again by Dr. Michael Segal. We deep dive into some biases, logical fallacies, and thinking errors people present with female offenders. We go through some myths about female psychopaths to better help our listeners. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/monograph/9780128233726/understanding-female-offenders
#18
July 12 · 29 min
Insanity and Infanticide: The Andrea Yates Story
In this episode, we are joined again by Dr. Tod Roy and we discuss the seriousness of postpartum depression, insanity cases, and how Andrea Yates despite the crime would not be considered psychopathic. We also discuss the legal experts in the case and where the story is today.
#17
June 28 · 59 min
A Warden/Probation Officer's Perspective of Psychopathy
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Michael Segal. He has worked a psychologist and Warden in federal prison settings as well as a probation officer. He provides his unique insights to these various roles and how he helps manage and educate those around him to psychopathy. He also discusses gender differences he has seen from his experiences.
#16
June 21 · 1 hr 2 min
Corporate Psychopaths
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Cynthia Mathieu an expert on psychopathy in workplaces and on the corporate psychopath. We discuss her work, the harm these individuals cause, discuss some possible thoughts on female corporate psychopaths, and the consequences corporate psychopaths face. Dr. Cynthia Mathieu is an industrial-organizational psychologist and Professor of Organizational Behaviour at the University of Québec in Canada. She studies and has published research on psychopathy and other dark personalities in the workplace, leadership, toxic workplace culture, and employee well-being. She consults with organizations and teaches on corporate psychopathy, employee selection, mental health in the workplace, organizational fraud, dark leadership, and work culture. She has been invited to speak for various organizations, including the Conference Board of Canada, the Canadian federal government, the US government, the European Central Bank, the Retail Council of Canada, and Facebook. She is the author of the book Dark Personalities in the Workplace, regularly posts on LinkedIn and YouTube, and hosts a podcast titled Healing Workplaces. She also has a new book coming out in the fall titled Toxic Workplaces. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/monograph/9780128158272/dark-personalities-in-the-workplace https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamathieu/ https://cynthiamathieu.com/en/ https://www.youtube.com/@cynthiamathieu
#15
June 14 · 38 min
Cultural Differences in Psychopathy
In this episode, we are joined by Michael Schiøtt who is a Clinical Psychologist in Denmark. We discuss the differences between the USA, Denmark, other European countries and Greenland related to psychopathy. We discuss how certain items may appear differently and how it is not recommended to lower cut scores with any population.
#14
June 13 · 48 min
Inside the Cold Trail II: The Mysterious Death of Cindy James
In this episode, we discuss the tragic story of Cindy James on what would have been her 82nd birthday. We are again joined by the host and creator of the weekly true crime podcast, "The Trail Went Cold", Robin Warder. We discuss all the facts of the case, new details that Robin learned since talking about it 10 years ago, conspiracy theories, the inconclusiveness of the case, Cindy James' personality and if we think she was a female psychopath. https://www.trailwentcold.com/e/the-trail-went-cold-%E2%80%93-episode-18-%E2%80%93-cindy-james/ https://www.patreon.com/thetrailwentcold IG FB X
#13
May 31 · 46 min
Personality Disorders
In this episode, we discuss the 10 DSM Personality Disorders we use to diagnose in the USA. We provide the criteria, give a few examples, and discuss how it relates to our discussions on psychopathy.
#12
May 17 · 37 min
Tales from the Cage I
In this episode, we discuss stories from working in correctional and forensic settings, discuss ways to thrive in that environment, and strategies and tips for those wanting to work in these environments as a mental health worker.
#11
May 3 · 34 min
Inside the Cold Trail: Steve Pankey & the murder of Jonelle Matthews
In this episode, we interview Robin Warder, the host/creator of the weekly true crime podcast, "The Trail Went Cold", which just passed its ten year anniversary and is closing in on 500 episodes. We talk about the cold case of Jonelle Matthews and its shocking conclusion. We dive into the personality of the person found guilty of the crime, Steve Pankey, and his beyond belief connection to Robin. https://www.trailwentcold.com/?s=minisode%2011 https://www.patreon.com/thetrailwentcold IG FB X
#10
April 19 · 28 min
I Survived Ted Bundy
In this episode, we have a follow-up to our Ted Bundy episode. We outline Ted Bundy's last few weeks on the run following his second escape from a Colorado jail. We interview Marti who interacted with Ted Bundy on February 14, 1978 mere hours before his final arrest in Pensacola, Florida. Marti describes the harrowing encounter and how she survived. She also provides ways to best handle these dangerous situations.
#9
April 5 · 20 min
Doug Clark & Carol Bundy: The Sunset Strip Killers
In this episode, we discuss the Sunset Strip Killers, Carol Bundy and Doug Clark. We discuss some background, their crimes, and there psychopathic traits. This episode provides a primer to their crimes and allows one to understand a couple that were together psychopathic.
#8
March 22 · 33 min
Surviving Female Psychopaths with Winifred Rule
In this episode we are joined by Winifred Rule. She is the author of Born to Destroy and she is a regular contributor to Psychology Today. Her blog is titled: Surviving the Female Psychopath. She has lived with a mother and sister who were both psychopaths. She provides examples from her life and we link them to the PCL-R items. She also provides tips to deal with psychopaths in our lives and how to get support. Her website and link to purchase Born to Destroy - https://www.winisbooks.com/ Her Psychology today blog - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/winifred-rule Way to contact Winifred - https://www.winisbooks.com/contact
#7
March 8 · 49 min
The Criminal Personality
In this episode we answer some listener questions and discuss the Criminal Personality. We delve into the characteristics of the Criminal Personality created by Yochelson and Samenow. We discuss what they are, how it affects their thinking, and how knowing them can better help people understand and/or treat those with antisocial behaviors.
#6
February 22 · 51 min
Ted Bundy: What the Rorschach Inkblots Revealed
In this episode, we are again joined by Dr. Tod A. Roy. We discuss the history of Ted Bundy, discuss his psychopathic traits, and discuss Ted Bundy's Rorschach. Also we compare and contrast Ted Bundy to Charles Manson on the Rorschach and provide some insights into interviewing/interacting with psychopathic persons. Article: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1080&context=psyassessment Feel free to contact us at maverickpsychology.com
#5
February 15 · 48 min
Charles Manson: The Final Interview
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tod A. Roy who evaluated Charles Manson in 1997. We discuss his interactions with Manson, his assessment results, Manson's Rorschach, and different insights into Charles Manson. Dr. Tod Roy is a retired clinical and forensic psychologist. He has worked in both public and private practice throughout his career. His specific forensic areas were competency to stand trial, mental status at the time of offense, and child protective matters. Articles: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1080&context=psyassessment https://drreidmeloy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022_Manson.pdf Feel free to contact us at maverickpsychology.com
#4
February 8 · 41 min
Female Psychopathy: Same Disorder, Different Expression
In this episode, we present the differences between female psychopaths and male psychopaths on eight PCL-R items. We provide clinical examples to better help showcase the differences.
#3
February 1 · 14 min
Why the Rorschach with Psychopaths
In this episode, we discuss why we use the Rorschach with psychopaths, what it helps us understand, and dispel some myths about the Rorschach Inkblot test.

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