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.
Freud & Felons
Claim This Podcastby Yalda Safai MD
16 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
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.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/8/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 26, 2026
How Cults and Conspiracy Theories Spread: The Psychology of Shared Delusions
<p>Ever wondered how cults are formed, or why conspiracy theories and misinformation can spread so powerfully, even among smart, logical people?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Freud and Felons, Dr. Yalda Safai dives deep into the concept of shared delusions to explain how rigid group beliefs take hold and rapidly multiply, turning fiction into a reality that entire communities buy into.</p><p><br></p><p>Learn about cults like Jonestown and Heaven's Gate, who used group psychology to convince large numbers of people to follow extreme, even deadly, beliefs, why no one is completely immune to groupthink, and how our modern environment—especially online algorithms and social media echo chambers—makes us even more vulnerable to these collective delusions. Find out how political and anti-science movements also use similar tactics to manipulate group perception, reshaping not just minds but identities.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com</p><p>Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/</p><p>@YaldaSafaimd on Instagram</p><p>@YaldaSafaimd on TikTok</p><p>@FreudandFelons on Instagram </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62...</p><p>Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p>Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses?</p><p>Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? </p><p>What does the word psychopath truly mean?</p><p>Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? </p><p>Welcome to Freud and Felons. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/</p>
June 12, 2026
Homeless, Addicted, and Arrested: How Sarah Overcame Trauma and Found Healing
<p>Join Dr. Yalda Safai in this episode of Freud and Felons as she speaks with Sarah, who opens up about her difficult journey through addiction, untreated mental health issues, and repeated interactions with the criminal justice system.</p><p><br></p><p>Sarah recounts how childhood trauma and unaddressed pain led her to dependency on prescription pain pills, which eventually spiraled into homelessness and alcohol addiction. Learn all about the lack of effective support systems, the many barriers to accessing mental health and addiction treatment, and how these failures often result in cycles of incarceration and relapse. Sarah also reflects on her experiences in jail, the lack of follow-up care after release, and the importance of peer support and decriminalization for real change.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Struggles with health and homelessness</p><p>03:05 Developing dependence on pain medication</p><p>06:16 Feeling rejected by family</p><p>11:12 Struggling with painkiller addiction</p><p>13:14 Struggling to access treatment</p><p>18:35 Hospital visit and misunderstanding</p><p>21:40 Wishes for mental health support</p><p>25:03 Struggles with finding effective help</p><p><br></p><p>For inquiries: ysafai@gmail.com</p><p>Check out: https://yaldasafaimd.com/</p><p>@YaldaSafaimd on Instagram</p><p>@YaldaSafaimd on TikTok</p><p>@FreudandFelons on Instagram </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTsH62...</p><p>Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p>Why do upstanding citizens just snap one day and murder their spouses?</p><p>Why did Ted Bundy have so many fans? </p><p>What does the word psychopath truly mean?</p><p>Most importantly, why are YOU so obsessed with a good crime story? </p><p>Welcome to Freud and Felons. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe if you want to understand the psychology behind today’s toughest headlines.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Produced by Through The Noise: https://www.getthroughthenoise.com/</p>
May 29, 2026
Is Cannabis Really Safe? The Link Between Potency, Psychosis, and Violence
<p>Explore the unsettling reality of high potency cannabis and its link to psychosis, violent crime, and legal controversy.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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/</p>
16 total episodes available
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- What is Freud & Felons?
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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