Killer Psyche

Audible | Treefort Media

378 - Michael Gargiulo: The Hollywood Ripper

Killer Psyche is an investigative true-crime podcast hosted by Candice DeLong, a retired FBI agent and criminal profiler with a professional background in psychiatric nursing. Produced by Treefort Media for Wondery and Audible, the series analyzes the psychological motivations and behavioral patterns that drive individuals to commit heinous crimes. DeLong draws on her decades of experience in federal investigations—including high-profile cases like the search for the Unabomber—to apply professional profiling techniques to various historical and contemporary subjects.

The program prioritizes the "why" of criminal behavior over simple narrative retellings, investigating the roles of power, ego, and trauma. Each episode provides a clinical perspective on the developmental history and mental state of perpetrators. Recent subjects analyzed by the show include Ted Bundy, Carl Panzram, and the "TikTok Murderer" Ali Abulaban. While the production is US-led, the series frequently examines international cases, such as the crimes of Katherine Knight in Australia and Luka Magnotta in Canada. This global scope has helped the show maintain a significant listener base in international markets, including Australia and the United Kingdom.

In addition to individual profiling, the show explores themes in forensic psychology and the legal system, such as the nuances of the insanity defense and the role of childhood trauma in adult violence. The series was honored with the Bronze Signal Award for True Crime in 2025, reflecting its focus on expert-led analysis and research. Episodes are typically released weekly and often feature guest commentary from legal and medical professionals to provide context on competency and judicial outcomes. The production aims to decode the complexities of the criminal mind using established psychological methods and investigative techniques to understand the deepest parts of complex criminal histories.

378 - Michael Gargiulo: The Hollywood Ripper