The Murder Mindset

deardhra mcgeough

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TRUE CRIME
UPDATED WEEKLY

This is my very interesting podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 DAY AGO

Kenneth Parks: The Automatism Defense

In this episode, we examine the case of Kenneth Parks through a lens true crime rarely offers: the devastating intersection of a documented sleep disorder, a brain operating without its owner, and a legal system forced to confront a question it had never been asked before, can a person be criminally responsible for an act their conscious mind never experienced? Rather than centering the verdict or the violence, this episode asks the harder questions: about what happens when the brain's motor systems activate while awareness stays offline, what the neuroscience of disorders of arousal actually reveals, and how a single night in 1987 permanently changed the legal definition of intent in Canada and beyond. Drawing on research in sleep neuroscience, disorders of arousal, procedural memory, parasomnia, forensic psychiatry, and criminal law, we explore: - What a disorder of arousal actually is and why it is neurologically distinct from dreaming, psychosis, or voluntary behavior. - How the brain can execute complex, familiar actions, including driving, navigation, and physical force, while the prefrontal cortex remains in deep slow-wave sleep. - Why Kenneth Parks could name his in-laws at the police station despite having no memory of going to their home, and what that tells us about the difference between stored knowledge and conscious experience. With a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindset prioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism — asking difficult questions about consciousness, criminal responsibility, grief, and what it means when the law gives you an answer that still leaves everything unresolved. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homicide, violent crime, sleep disorders, and the psychological aftermath of trauma and loss. Listener discretion is advised. 🎧 This episode is intended for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, sleep neuroscience, neuroscience of consciousness, criminal law, and the behavioral science behind automatism, trauma, and grief. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min
9 MAR

Banita Jacks: Psychosis, Demons, and the Science of Grief

In this episode, we examine the case of Banita Jacks through a lens that true crime rarely offers: the devastating intersection of unprocessed grief, psychotic illness, religious delusion, and a system that failed to intervene before four children lost their lives. Rather than centering shock or spectacle, this episode asks the harder questions; about what happens to a mind consumed by loss, what the science of grief-induced psychosis actually looks like, and how institutions, neighbors, and systems become bystanders to tragedy. Drawing on research in grief neuroscience, attachment theory, psychosis and delusional belief formation, trauma response, and forensic psychology, we explore: What the neuroscience of complicated grief reveals about how unresolved loss can destabilize the brain's threat and reality-processing systems.How grief-induced psychosis differs from other psychotic disorders and why the distinction matters for both understanding and accountability.What the clinical and behavioral science tells us about the progression from isolation and magical thinking to full delusional systems.How religious delusion functions as a psychological framework during catastrophic grief and why it is so frequently misread by those around it.What Banita's case reveals about systemic failures: school truancy reports, welfare checks, and the neighbors and agencies who noticed something was wrong and weren't empowered to act.What forensic psychiatry and behavioral science say about criminal responsibility when psychosis is real, severe, and untreated — and what justice looks like in cases where the perpetrator is also a victim of her own shattered mind.With a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindset prioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism, asking difficult questions about grief, mental illness, accountability, and what it means when the systems designed to protect the most vulnerable arrive too late. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of child death, severe mental illness, psychosis, religious delusion, and child neglect. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode is intended for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, grief science, neuroscience, psychopathology, and the behavioral science behind trauma, loss, and mental illness. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

46 min
23 FEB

Pieper Lewis: The Neuroscience of Surviving

In this episode, we examine the case of Pieper Lewis through a lens rarely centered in true crime: the complex intersection of sex trafficking, adolescent trauma, survival psychology, and a legal system that punished a victim for defending herself. Rather than focusing on shock or spectacle, this episode explores the psychological, medical, and behavioral questions at the center of a case that continues to ignite national conversation about justice, girlhood, and what it means to survive. Drawing on research in trauma neuroscience, adolescent brain development, forensic psychology, and behavioral science, we explore: How chronic trauma and sex trafficking reshape the developing adolescent brain and why this matters in courtrooms.What the neuroscience of survival tells us about fight responses in victims of repeated abuse.How the legal system defines self-defense, coercion, and criminal responsibility in trafficking cases, and where it fails.Why adolescent victims of sexual exploitation are uniquely vulnerable to institutional and legal re-traumatization.What Pieper's sentencing (including restitution payments to her abuser's family) reveals about systemic failures in how we respond to trafficking survivors.What psychology and behavioral science say about accountability, healing, and justice when the system gets it wrong. With a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindset prioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism, asking difficult questions about trauma, accountability, and how systems respond when the most vulnerable people are failed at every level. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, violence, and the criminal prosecution of a minor. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode is intended for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, adolescent development, trauma science, and the behavioral science behind survival and violence. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33 min
9 FEB

Lindsay Clancy: Mental Illness or Murder?

In this episode, we examine the case of Lindsay Clancy, a labor and delivery nurse accused of killing her three children in January 2023, through a lens rarely centered in true crime: what happens when a postpartum brain, already undergoing massive neurological restructuring, is destabilized by rapid psychiatric medication changes. Rather than framing Clancy solely through the tragedy of three children's deaths or questions of guilt and innocence, this episode explores how hormonal crashes, medication-induced side effects, and systemic failures in postpartum mental health care can create catastrophic neurological crises. Drawing on research in neurobiology, psychopharmacology, postpartum psychiatry, and medication-induced psychosis, we explore: How pregnancy physically restructures the brain and creates windows of extreme vulnerabilityThe neurological mechanisms of SSRIs and how they can trigger paradoxical reactions in destabilized brainsWhat akathisia is, why it's so dangerous, and why it's rarely recognized or treatedThe difference between postpartum psychosis, medication-induced psychosis, extended suicide, and premeditated murderWhat neuroscience can and cannot explain about criminal responsibility and moral culpabilityThis case is currently awaiting trial. Lindsay Clancy is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The theories presented here are based on publicly available court documents and scientific literature, not determinations of fact. With a background in public health and neuroscience (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindsetprioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism, asking harder questions about how we treat maternal mental health, monitor psychiatric medications, and define accountability when brains are in crisis. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of child death, strangulation, suicide attempts, self-harm, postpartum depression, psychosis, and medication side effects. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, maternal mental health, psychopharmacology, and the behavioral science behind tragedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

41 min
5 FEB

Blake Leibel & Iana Kasian: The Anatomy of Narcissistic Violence

In this episode, we examine the case of Blake Leibel and Iana Kasian through a lens rarely centered in true crime: the anatomy of narcissistic violence. Rather than focusing on shock or spectacle, this episode explores how pathological narcissism, entitlement, control, and emotional detachment can escalate into extreme interpersonal violence. Drawing on research in personality pathology, trauma psychology, attachment theory, and behavioral neuroscience, we explore: How narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum and when they become dangerousThe role of entitlement, objectification, and lack of empathy in escalating violenceHow coercive control and power dynamics function as psychological drivers of violenceWarning signs that often precede intimate partner violence and femicideWhat neuroscience and psychology can and cannotexplain about accountability and intentWith a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindsetprioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism—asking harder questions about gendered violence, systemic failure, and why warning signs are so often missed. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of intimate partner violence, psychological abuse, graphic violence, and homicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, trauma studies, and the behavioral science behind violence. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

55 min
26 JAN

Aileen Wuornos: When a Brain Never Learns Safety

In this episode, we examine the case of Aileen Wuornos through a lens rarely centered in true crime: what happens when a brain never learns safety. Rather than framing Wuornos solely through violence or notoriety, this episode explores how chronic trauma, neurological adaptation, and survival-based conditioning can shape perception, behavior, and decision-making over time. Drawing on research in neurobiology, trauma physiology, attachment, and threat response, we explore: How prolonged exposure to violence and instability can wire the brain for constant threatThe impact of early abuse, neglect, and repeated victimization on emotional regulation and impulse controlHow survival-driven neural patterns can distort danger perception and decision-makingWhat neuroscience can and cannot explain about violent behavior and moral responsibilityWith a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindsetprioritizes education, prevention, and understanding over sensationalism, asking harder questions about systems of failure, gendered violence, and the limits of explanation. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual violence, abuse, trauma, and homicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, trauma studies, and the behavioral science behind violence. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1hr 4min
4 JAN

The Sacramento Vampire | Understanding Richard Chase through Neuroscience

In this episode, we explore the infamous case of Richard Chase, known as the “Vampire of Sacramento,” whose crimes in the late 1970s shocked the nation. This episode is not a retelling for shock value. Instead, we focus on what many true-crime narratives leave out: the neuroscience, psychology, and environmental factors that may have influenced his behavior and mental state. Drawing on research in schizophrenia, psychosis, neurobiology, and environmental stressors, we break down: How severe mental illness and untreated psychosis can impact perception and decision-makingThe interplay of environmental and situational factors in the escalation of violent behaviorWhat neuroscience can — and cannot — explain about cases like Richard ChaseWith a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindsetfocuses on education, prevention, and understanding, not sensationalism. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of violent crimes, psychosis, and sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. 🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, and the behavioral factors behind notorious criminal cases. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok: @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

38 min
26/12/2025

Inside the Mind of Elisa Lam: A Neuroscience Perspective

In this episode, we explore the mysterious and tragic case of Elisa Lam, a young woman whose death in 2013 sparked widespread speculation and media frenzy. This episode is not a retelling for shock value. Instead, we focus on what many true-crime narratives leave out: the neuroscience, psychology, and environmental factors that may have influenced her behavior and mental state. Drawing on research in anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychopharmacology, and environmental stressors, we break down: How mental health and sensory processing can impact perception and decision-makingThe role of anxiety, depression, and cognitive load in high-stress situationsHow environmental and situational factors might create a convergence of riskWhat neuroscience can — and cannot — explain about cases like Elisa LamWith a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindsetfocuses on education, prevention, and understanding, not sensationalism. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental health challenges, distressing circumstances, and sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. 🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, and the behavioral factors behind mysterious cases. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok: @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

39 min
12/12/2025

The Daniel Marsh Case | Neuroscience Behind a 15-Year-Old Killer

In this episode, we examine the disturbing case of Daniel Marsh, a 15-year-old who brutally murdered an elderly couple and later described the act as making him feel “happy.” This episode is not a retelling for shock value. Instead, it explores what many true-crime narratives leave out: the neuroscience, psychology, and developmental factors behind extreme adolescent violence. Drawing on research in adolescent brain development, psychopathy, trauma, and impulse regulation, we break down: How the teenage brain processes violence differently than the adult brainThe role of empathy deficits, reward circuitry, and emotional regulationWhether adolescents can fully understand consequences at this levelWhat neuroscience can — and cannot — explain about cases like Daniel MarshWith a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindset focuses on education, prevention, and accountability, not glorification. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of violent crime and may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised. 🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, and criminal behavior. Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok: @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

46 min
29/11/2025

Andrea Yates: The Postpartum Psychosis Case America Got Wrong

The Andrea Yates case is often remembered only for its horror, but the medical reality behind it has been largely misunderstood. In this episode of The Murder Mindset, we examine what actually happens inside a brain in the midst of postpartum psychosis, one of the rarest and most severe psychiatric emergencies in perinatal mental health. We break down how hormone crashes, chronic sleep deprivation, and abrupt medication changes can destabilize neural networks; how years of documented warning signs, delusions, deterioration, hospitalizations, and inconsistent treatment revealed a brain in crisis long before the tragedy; and how systemic gaps in psychiatric care left Andrea dangerously unsupported. This episode does not excuse violence; it explains it through neuroscience, psychology, and the failures of the systems meant to protect families. Because if we don’t understand these patterns, we can’t prevent them. Follow @themurdermindset on Instagram and TikTok, and listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

43 min
21/11/2025

Official Trailer: Episode One — The Andrea Yates Case

This is the official trailer for Episode One of The Murder Mindset. A true-crime podcast that goes deeper, analyzing cases through neuroscience, development, trauma, and the environments that shape the brain. In this episode, host Deardhra McGeough-Prendergast, a Johns Hopkins trained public health researcher, breaks down the misunderstood tragedy of Andrea Yates. Before the headlines, there were years of severe postpartum psychosis, delusions, sleep deprivation, fragmented treatment, and missed warning signs. This wasn’t sudden. It wasn’t unpredictable. It was a preventable collapse of a brain in crisis. If you want true crime that explains why a mind breaks, not just what happened, subscribe and follow the show. Episode One drops on 11/29. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 📲 TikTok + Instagram: @themurdermindset Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 min

11 Episodes

This is my very interesting podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creator

deardhra mcgeough
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© deardhra mcgeough
Show Website

The Murder Mindset

True Crime

True Crime

Updated weekly
True Crime

True Crime

Updated weekly
True Crime

True Crime

Updated twice weekly