This week on The Lighter Side of True Crime with Keith Rovere, I sit down with bestselling author and researcher Mark Olshaker. Best known as the co-author of the groundbreaking book Mindhunter, Mark has spent decades helping bring the world of criminal profiling and behavioral science to the public. We discuss the origins of Mindhunter, his partnership with John Douglas, the evolution of profiling, and some of the most fascinating cases and lessons from his remarkable career. If you're interested in the real story behind the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit and the people who helped shape modern criminal investigations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

What happens when a system designed to punish is expected to rehabilitate?In this episode, Dr. Gwen Adshead breaks down the reality of prison life vs. mental health treatment—exploring how fear, isolation, and trauma can shape behavior, and why true rehabilitation is so difficult behind bars.We also dive into the psychological impact of solitary confinement, the limits of traditional punishment, and how faith can play a role in healing and change. Rehabilitation in a Prison Built to PunishAvailable now on Spotify & YouTube.

Tom Odle committed an unthinkable act as a teenager—killing his entire family, leaving himself as the only one left behind.In this episode, we move beyond headlines and into the deeper question: how does something like this happen?Based on his book Survived by One, Tom walks through the psychological, emotional, and environmental factors that led up to that moment—and what it means to live with it for the rest of his life.This is not a story about shock value. It’s about understanding, accountability, and the uncomfortable reality that extreme violence doesn’t come from nowhere.We discuss:The warning signs that are often missedThe internal mindset leading up to the crimeWhat accountability looks like after irreversible actionsWhether real change is possible—and what it requiresThis is one of the most difficult conversations we’ve had on the show—but also one of the most important.

In this episode of The Lighter Side of True Crime, Keith Rovere sits down once again with Amanda Taylor—known to many as the “Selfie Killer”—for a listener-driven Q&A.After opening the door to audience questions, this conversation gives Amanda the opportunity to respond directly to what people really want to know. From her perspective on the case to how she views her past, her portrayal in the media, and the public reaction that followed—nothing is off the table.This episode isn’t about proving guilt or innocence. It’s about giving a platform for answers, letting Amanda speak for herself, and allowing listeners to hear it all firsthand and come to their own conclusions.Some questions are direct. Some are uncomfortable. And some may challenge what you think you know.You asked. She answered.

What creates a serial killer? Are violent offenders born… or made?In this fascinating episode of The Lighter Side of True Crime, host Keith Rovere sits down with Dr. Rachel Toles who is a clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in violent behavior, including but not limited to serial killers and mass shooters to explore the psychology behind some of the world’s most notorious killers.Dr. Toles specializes in the behavioral patterns of violent offenders and breaks down complex psychological concepts in ways that are both insightful and easy to understand. Together, we discuss what drives extreme violence, how early warning signs develop, and whether society can actually prevent future offenders.Topics we explore include:• Nature vs. nurture in violent offenders• Early behavioral warning signs in childhood• Why society is fascinated with serial killers• Whether media coverage can unintentionally create copycat crimes• The difference between fantasy, objectification, and real-world violence• Why some offenders reoffend — and what might actually stop itDr. Toles also shares insight from her nationally touring live presentation “The Psychology of Serial Killers.”🎟 See Dr. Rachel Toles LIVE:https://psychologyofserialkillers.com🌐 Visit Dr. Rachel Toles’ Website:https://drracheltoles.com

I sat down with Edna Martin, cousin of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, for a powerful and honest conversation about what it’s really like being connected to one of the most notorious criminals in American history.Edna doesn’t share his last name — but she has lived with the reality of that connection for decades.In this episode, we discuss:• What it’s like being related to Ted Bundy• The emotional impact on extended family• How media narratives shape public perception• The difference between who Ted appeared to be and how family members experienced him• Why she chose to share her story nowEdna is the author of The Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy, a deeply personal account of navigating life connected to Bundy.She also appears in the Netflix documentary Love, Ted Bundy, which explores the complex legacy surrounding his life and crimes.This episode isn’t about sensationalizing violence — it’s about understanding the ripple effects of crime and the people who didn’t choose the spotlight but still had to live in it.I’m grateful to Edna for her openness and honesty. Hosted by Keith RovereThe Lighter Side of True CrimeIf you appreciate thoughtful, psychology-driven true crime conversations, make sure to subscribe and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

“Blood is red, corpses are blue… I have a killer crush on you.”That was Amanda Taylor’s response when I asked her if she would be my killer Valentine.In this Valentine’s Day special, we step into the unsettling space where love, notoriety, and violence intersect.Known in the media as The Selfie Killer, Amanda speaks candidly about prison fame, fan mail, and the strange reality of becoming a symbol instead of a person. We explore how the media can manufacture celebrity out of crime… and how some people don’t fall in love with the individual — they fall in love with the myth.Why are people drawn to killers?What is it about danger that becomes romanticized?When admiration replaces reality, what are they really seeing?Behind bars, every letter carries a question:Is this connection real… or is it fascination with infamy?This conversation isn’t about glorification. It’s about examining the psychology of obsession, myth-making, and the uncomfortable truth about our cultural attraction to darkness.Love can blind.Fame can distort.And sometimes the most dangerous thing isn’t violence — it’s the fantasy built around it.

Keith Rovere sits down with renowned psychiatrist and prison mental-health expert Dr. Terry Kupers to examine the psychological cost of solitary confinement.Dr. Kupers has spent decades working inside prisons and studying the mental health effects of isolation. Together, we discuss how solitary confinement impacts the human brain, why it often worsens mental illness, and what happens when isolation becomes a form of psychological punishment rather than rehabilitation.This conversation goes beyond crime statistics and punishment theory, focusing instead on the human consequences of long-term isolation — including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and lasting trauma. We also explore why solitary confinement continues to be used despite mounting evidence of its harm, and what alternatives may exist.This episode is not about sensational crimes — it’s about understanding the mind, the system, and the people affected by it.