Freud & Felons

Yalda Safai MD

Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons.

  1. 3d ago

    Is Cannabis Really Safe? The Link Between Potency, Psychosis, and Violence

    Explore the unsettling reality of high potency cannabis and its link to psychosis, violent crime, and legal controversy. In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai dives deep into cases where marijuana use led to psychotic breaks and tragic outcomes, highlighting how today's concentrated THC products differ dramatically from those of the past. Learn how THC hijacks key brain systems, why certain groups—like teens and those with a family history of schizophrenia—are at greater risk, and why both the legal system and society need to reconsider their approach to cannabis regulation and education. For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.comCheck out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/@YaldaSafaimd on Instagram@YaldaSafaimd on TikTok@FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62...Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes.Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses?Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean?Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines.Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    17 min

  2. May 15

    Can AI Replace Therapists? Examining the Dangers of Relying on Chatbots

    Explore the hidden risks of turning to AI chatbots for therapy in this revealing episode of Freud and Felons. Dr. Yalda Safai dives into real-life cases where individuals became dangerously attached to AI, leading to delusions, psychotic breaks, and tragic outcomes, including instances of suicide and preventable deaths. Find out how chatbots can reinforce harmful beliefs, the specific dangers posed to vulnerable populations, and why AI lacks the emotional intelligence and accountability required for real mental health support. Dr. Safai also focuses on the privacy implications of sharing your most personal thoughts with AI systems and highlights the critical difference between genuine human care and what AI can offer. 00:00 Jacob Irwin's AI influence 05:39 Alerting authorities about security threat 06:32 Tragic outcomes linked to AI 09:43 Risks of AI in mental health 14:38 AI limitations in mental health support 16:18 Podcast introduction and call to action For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62... Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    17 min

  3. May 1

    Inside the Minds of Mothers: Postpartum Psychosis and Unthinkable Crimes

    In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr.Yalda Safai takes an unflinching look at the tragic cases of mothers who killed their children while suffering from postpartum psychosis and were found not guilty by reason of insanity. This episode goes beyond the headlines to examine the disturbing story of Andrea Yates and similar cases, exposing the interplay between mental illness and the criminal justice system. Watch to learn about the medical science behind postpartum psychosis, its symptoms, biological triggers like hormone shifts, immune system changes, and sleep deprivation, and why it's considered a psychiatric emergency. 00:00 Andrea's mental health struggles 04:41 Mental illness and criminal cases 07:32 Understanding postpartum psychosis risk factors 10:48 Immune system changes after birth 14:39 Understanding postpartum psychosis history 16:47 Encouragement for seeking treatment For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62... Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    17 min

  4. Apr 17

    Surviving TBI and Alcoholism: A Psychiatrist’s Candid Story

    Can traumatic brain injury and alcohol abuse lead to destructive behaviors? Traumatic brain injury and alcohol abuse collide in this episode of Freud and Felons, as Dr. Yalda Safai interviews fellow psychiatrist Dr. Hisbay Ali on his personal journey. They break down the real-life consequences, professional pitfalls, and recovery lessons from years impacted by TBI, addiction, and the criminal justice system. Watch as they break down the sequence of events leading to Dr. Ali’s traumatic brain injury and its immediate aftermath, the challenges faced by professionals—especially doctors—seeking help for mental health and substance use issues, the reality of the criminal justice system, and the broken link between corrections and rehabilitation. 00:00 The bar altercation and injury 03:31 Emergency brain surgery in NYC 08:56 First serious head injury 11:28 CTE, impulse control, and sentencing 13:46 Recovering from impulsivity challenges 15:53 Recovering after a hospital scare 20:18 Struggling with a brain injury 24:38 Quitting alcohol and playing guitar 28:27 Mental health stigma in medicine 31:53 Challenges in mental health care 35:07 Challenges discussing alcohol abuse 37:00 Talking about medical board issues 39:20 Issues with healthcare coverage 43:02 Discussing mental health challenges 47:54 Reflecting on lessons from prison 50:07 Deinstitutionalization and its lasting impact 51:48 Warning about substance misuse 55:02 Closing and future discussions For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62PGSr4vAXSfMTmc0? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freud-felons/id1862484242 Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    56 min

  5. Apr 3

    Are Kids Really More Violent Now? Parenting, Technology, and the Loss of Patience

    Are kids really becoming more violent, or are we just hearing about it more? In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai dives into the rise in youth violence, the roles of entitlement, low frustration tolerance, and how instant gratification and technology may be affecting emotional development. Dive into real cases and explore the impact of modern parenting while Dr. Safai explains how modern parenting habits—such as removing obstacles too quickly and overpraising—may be undermining resilience and impulse control in kids. 00:00 The case of Nathon Brooks 05:02 the case of Clayton Dietz 05:42 The tragic case of Abby Zwerner 06:27 Factors contributing to violent behavior 13:07 Impact of phones on kids 16:54 How school culture is shifting 19:25 Recognizing warning signs in kids For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62PGSr4vAXSfMTmc0? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freud-felons/id1862484242 Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    21 min

  6. Mar 20

    The Anatomy of a Dictator: How Power, Fear, and Propaganda Create Tyrants

    What makes a dictator, and how do they manage to maintain such absolute control over a nation? In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai exposes the psychology behind dictatorships. From key personality traits, opportunities created by social turmoil, enforced loyalty, and deliberate control over information and education that shape and sustain dictatorial regimes. Learn all about the psychological forces, environmental factors, and systematic manipulation that allow dictators to appear, thrive, and oppress. Understanding these dynamics isn’t just about studying the past; it’s crucial for recognizing and preventing the same patterns from emerging in the future. 00:00 Iran's Dictator Khamenei Falls 05:57 Dictators: Charm and Self-Obsession 08:07 Safety Over Freedom: Idi Amin 10:16 Dictatorship Traits and Dynamics 14:44 Authority Over Science and Truth 16:22 Education Will End Their Rule For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62PGSr4vAXSfMTmc0? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freud-felons/id1862484242 Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    18 min

  7. Mar 6

    The Psychology Behind Epstein’s Elite Circle of Silence and Complicity

    In this episode of Freud & Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai breaks down the psychological forces driving powerful people to look the other way or even participate in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Find out how belonging, group dynamics, risk-taking, and the dangerous illusion of immunity among elites could have played a role in this terrifying scandal. 00:00 Unmasking Epstein's Power Network 03:41 The Allure of Power 08:52 Influence and Thrill 11:15 The Psychology of Crime 15:50 Boundaries and Illusion 16:48 Wealth, Power, Consequence For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62PGSr4vAXSfMTmc0? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freud-felons/id1862484242 Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    20 min

  8. Feb 20

    Why Do Women Love Dangerous Men? The Psychology Behind Notorious Prison Romances

    What draws women to some of the world’s most notorious killers? In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai explores the unsettling psychology behind why convicted murderers like Wade Wilson, Ted Bundy, and Richard Ramirez received love, money, and attention from adoring fans while behind bars. Take a look into the patterns of control, fantasy, and desire for notoriety that drive these relationships, as well as real-life consequences faced by those who crossed the line. 00:00 Deadpool Killer's Unusual Fanbase 03:06 Killer Fanbases: A Psychological Mystery 08:50 Infamy's Dangerous Allure 12:32 Risks of Dangerous Attachments 14:06 Understanding Attraction to Danger For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/ @YaldaSafaimd on Instagram @YaldaSafaimd on TikTok @FreudandFelons on Instagram Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62PGSr4vAXSfMTmc0? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freud-felons/id1862484242 Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons. Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines. Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/

    15 min
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About

Freud and Felons is not another true crime podcast - it's a journey into the psychology of devious human behavior. I'm Yalda Safai, a psychiatrist who works with inmates, sits through courtrooms, and, just like you, am fascinated by a good true crime story. Instead of "How", let's dive into the "Why" behind the crimes. Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses? Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? What does the word psychopath truly mean? Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? Welcome to Freud and Felons.

Information

  • Creator
    Yalda Safai MD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Yalda Safai MD
  • Show Website
    Freud & Felons