Freud & Felons

Yalda Safai MD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 6d ago

    Real Illness vs. Malingering: How Psychiatrists Detect Lying in Court

    Can you really fake mental illness and get away with it in a courtroom? And what are the legal and social repercussions when someone is caught trying to fake insanity? In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai breaks down the detailed process psychiatrists use to detect malingering—when someone pretends to be mentally ill for personal gain, like avoiding a prison sentence. Learn the differences between Hollywood depictions and real symptoms, the structured interviews and psychological tools used to spot deception, and the classic red flags that tip off evaluators. 00:00 Detecting malingering in defendants 05:50 Identifying schizophrenia hallucinations 07:35 Recognizing genuine vs. feigned hallucinations 09:58 Red flags in evaluations 14:49 Deception in mental health evaluations 17:08 Racketeering conviction and legal cases 21:21 Insanity defense and legal implications 22:59 Signs of malingering 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/

  2. Oct 2

    Are Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder the Same?

    The term "psychopath" is thrown around in conversation and pop culture, but what does it really mean? In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai breaks down the real clinical criteria behind antisocial personality disorder and explains why "psychopath" isn’t even an official diagnosis. Learn about the crucial traits that define ASPD, how psychopathy adds another layer of emotional and interpersonal characteristics, why not everyone labeled a "psychopath" fits the clinical profile, the challenges of treatment, and why so many people misunderstand these terms, often diagnosing friends, coworkers, or exes with little basis. Find out how complex and uncommon true psychopathy is compared to the stereotypes seen in movies and crime documentaries. 00:00 Childhood signs of personality disorder 04:00 Diagnosing antisocial personality traits 09:42 Traits of antisocial personality disorder 10:58 Understanding antisocial personality treatment 15:56 Psychopathy vs. Official Diagnosis Criteria 17:42 Understanding antisocial personality factors 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/

  3. Sep 18

    Gas Station Heroin: The Hidden Dangers of Kratom and Why It’s Still Legal

    Kratom is being sold right next to gum and energy drinks at gas stations nationwide, but don’t be fooled by its casual appearance; this so-called “herbal supplement” has been linked to serious health risks and even death. In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai digs into the origins of kratom, how it acts as both a stimulant and a narcotic depending on the dose, and real stories from families affected by its dangers. Dr. Safai talks about how kratom slips through legal loopholes as a “dietary supplement,” details the FDA and DEA’s recent but limited efforts to restrict the most dangerous synthetic forms, and explains why lobbying and inconsistent state laws keep it on shelves across much of the country. 00:00 Kratom at gas stations 04:47 Health risks of kratom use 06:38 DEA targets synthetic kratom products 11:51 Regulatory challenges with kratom use 13:34 Kratom's controversial legal status 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/

  4. Sep 4

    Do Antidepressants Really Cause Suicide or Homicide?

    Antidepressants have been at the center of controversy, with media and public figures wrongly claiming these medications cause suicidal and homicidal thoughts. In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai breaks down what the FDA black box warning really says, which age groups are affected, and the hard data behind the risks. Dr. Safai also explains the true origins of the warning, addresses common myths echoed in courtrooms and politics, and separates facts from fearmongering. Learn why no antidepressant has a warning for violence or homicide, how scientific research actually measures risk, and why this matters for patients and public safety. 00:00 Antidepressants and black box warnings 05:19 FDA black box warning on antidepressants 06:54 Paxil and antidepressant prescriptions for kids 13:05 Risks of SSRIs in young people 14:30 Antidepressants and depression risks 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/

  5. Aug 21

    Inside the Lindsay Clancy Case: Postpartum Psychosis or Premeditated Murder?

    The Lindsay Clancy case is at the center of national conversation, raising critical questions about mental illness, responsibility, and the legal system. In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai dives into the complexity of the case, explaining the medical realities of postpartum psychosis, the truth about psychiatric medications, and the exact requirements for an insanity defense in court. Learn why postpartum psychosis is so rare and misunderstood, how mental health treatment is more trial-and-error than most people realize, and what doctors actually saw and missed in Lindsay Clancy’s condition before the tragedy. 00:00 Lindsay Clancy trial overview 04:56 Discussing Lindsay's mental health condition 09:03 Discussing Lindsay's mental health treatment 12:47 Postpartum period and mental health 13:59 Determining postpartum period for trial 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/

  6. Aug 7

    The Disturbing Case of Gypsy Rose: How Munchausen by Proxy Abuses Escape Detection

    Explore the disturbing world of Munchausen by Proxy with Dr. Yalda Safai in this episode of Freud and Felons, as she examines how caregivers fabricate or induce illness in vulnerable children for attention and sympathy. Using the tragic Gypsy Rose Blanchard case as a starting point, this episode delves into the clinical specifics of Factitious Disorder Imposed by Another, detailing the psychological drives and common backgrounds of those who commit this hidden form of abuse. Dr. Safai highlights how modern social media platforms have given perpetrators a broader audience and more tools to conceal their actions, escalating the risks for victims. Learn about the critical red flags that both medical professionals and the public should watch for, helping to detect and prevent this deadly, often invisible, cycle of child abuse. 00:00 Gypsy Rose and Munchausen by Proxy 03:09 Understanding Munchausen by Proxy 07:01 Exploring Falsified Illness Cases 12:26 Detecting Munchausen by Proxy 16:21 Understanding mental illness in caregivers 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/

  7. Jul 24

    Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Criminal Responsibility and Mental Illness

    Is the insanity defense just a loophole in the criminal justice system, or is it one of its most misunderstood safeguards? In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai explores the origins of the insanity defense, the extremely strict standards defendants must meet, and why public outrage often doesn’t match reality. Using landmark cases like John Hinckley Jr., Andrea Yates, and James Holmes, Dr. Safai reveals how the defense actually operates, who can truly use it, and the life-altering consequences that follow, debunking myths about it being an “easy way out"". Highlighting the sobering gap in mental health care that often goes ignored until tragedy strikes, Dr. Safai argues that the real loophole is a system that only acts after a crime has occurred. 00:00 The McNaughton rule origin 04:23 Andrea Yates insanity defense case 06:18 Trial, conviction, and mental illness 11:55 Insanity defense burden and process 15:12 Understanding the insanity defense 16:02 Critique of the insanity defense 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/

  8. Jul 10

    The Dangers of Unsupervised Ketamine: The Disturbing Reality of Matthew Perry’s Death

    In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai examines the story of Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose and unpacks how ketamine evolved from a wartime anesthetic to an unregulated, billion-dollar telehealth commodity. This episode explores how Perry’s case is not just about celebrity or addiction, but about the rise of companies mailing ketamine directly to consumers with minimal oversight or medical evaluation. Dr. Safai explains the legal loopholes that fueled this market, the differences between approved and off-label ketamine use, and the critical risks of at-home unsupervised treatments. She also details the official warnings issued by the FDA and major medical associations, key warning signs to look out for when considering ketamine therapy, and who should never receive ketamine due to potentially life-threatening complications. 00:00 Illegal ketamine supply to Matthew Perry04:47 Ketamine's journey from street to clinic07:40 Off-label use of ketamine10:53 FDA warning on home ketamine use13:49 Risks of unsupervised ketamine use18:15 Contraindications for ketamine therapy 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/

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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
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Yalda Safai MD
  • Show Website
    Freud & Felons

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