Dark Matters: True Crime Podcast by Dr. Eric Hickey Criminal Psychologist
Dark Matters explores the science behind violent crime and how to prevent it. The show examines homicide, serial murder, sex crimes, stalking, and criminal paraphilias through the lens of forensic psychology. The series blends interviews and case storytelling to show how understanding grows in the real world. Conversations feature investigators, researchers, victims, and at times offenders who appear anonymously, with an emphasis on ethics, boundaries, and clear thinking over sensational detail.
Dark Matters Episode 21
What drives an individual to escalate from public exposure to severe criminal acts? In this episode of Dark Matters, criminal psychologist Dr. Eric Hickey examines the underlying behavioral patterns and personality structure of Randall Woodfield. From deep-seated narcissism and fragile self-esteem to an extreme need for power, explore how psychological motives shape violent behavior and why certain offenders remain in total denial. ________________________________Call-in show Info
Have a story that gives you chills or a question you've been dying to ask? Leave us a voicemail or record a quick audio clip online to avoid long-distance charges! Check our website for submission details.
Call-In Number: 559-424-4805
Free Web Recording: http://link.darkmatterspodcast.com/int-call-in
Submission Info: https://darkmatterspodcast.com/contact/#call-in
29 Sept 2026
Inside Maternal Filicide with Dr. Kristen Beyer
Dark Matters Episode 20
Dr. Eric Hickey welcomes forensic psychologist and former FBI analyst Dr. Kristin Bayer to examine the tragic mechanics of maternal filicide. Centered on the Lindsay Clancy case, this episode explores the critical psychological boundary separating anxiety-driven intrusive thoughts from full postpartum psychosis. Dr. Bayer breaks down how brief hospital stays, medication adjustment periods, and gaps in psychiatric safety nets fail mothers during severe mental health crises. Together, they analyze how clinical mental illness intersects with violent crime and what behavioral evidence reveals about maternal homicide.
_________________________________________Dr. Beyer's Bio
Dr. Beyer’s forensic career began as a Violent Crime Resource Specialist working with the FBI’s former Child Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center (CASMIRC). In 2003, Dr. Beyer was promoted to the Supervisory Social/Behavioral Science Research Coordinator position at the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) in Quantico, Virginia. She served in this capacity through 2008. While at the NCAVC, she provided consultation, training, and conducted research on varying topics to include serial murder, child abduction, filicide, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, and terrorism. During her time at the FBI, she also provided peer support and counseling for the Employee Assistance Program where she was deployed to the Flight 93 crash site during the FBI’s response to the events of 9/11. She also had collateral duties where she conducted psychological assessments for the FBI’s Undercover Safeguard Program. She was also trained and certified as a SERE-oriented psychologist with an emphasis on repatriation.
________________________________________________________Call in show Info
Have a story that gives you chills or a question you've been dying to ask? Leave us a voicemail or record a quick audio clip online to avoid long-distance charges! Check our website for submission details.
Call-In Number: 559-424-4805
Free Web Recording: http://link.darkmatterspodcast.com/int-call-in
Submission Info: https://darkmatterspodcast.com/contact/#call-in________________________________________________________Chapters
0:00 Introduction to the case0:47 Introducing Dr. Kristen Byer2:55 Gender differences in crime6:22 Overview of the Clancy case9:45 Systemic mental health failures14:40 Politicization and legalities17:32 Psychosis and culpability22:57 Mental health vs. disorders29:37 Case parallels and outcomes32:28 Institutionalization challenges38:04 Symptoms, diagnosis, and DSM44:22 Final reflections on the tragedy
29 Sept 2026
Uncovering the Tearoom Trade
Dark Matters Episode 19
What drives individuals to seek out secret, anonymous encounters in everyday public spaces? Criminal psychologist Dr. Eric Hickey explores the hidden world of public restroom hookups and the complex dynamics of living a dual life. Drawing from court testimony, personal encounters, and real-world law enforcement operations, Dr. Hickey unpacks the non-verbal protocols, legal dilemmas, and psychological motivations behind a phenomenon found in cities across the globe.
________________________________________________________Call in show Info
Have a story that gives you chills or a question you've been dying to ask? Leave us a voicemail or record a quick audio clip online to avoid long-distance charges! Check our website for submission details.
Call-In Number: 559-424-4805
Free Web Recording: http://link.darkmatterspodcast.com/int-call-in
Submission Info: https://darkmatterspodcast.com/contact/#call-in
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Contact Dark Matters: True Crime
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
