The Woman Who Helped Shape FBI Profiling: A Conversation with Dr. Ann Burgess

The Woman Who Helped Shape FBI Profiling: A Conversation with Dr. Ann Burgess

Author: Hosted by Shannon and Cathy | Horror Both Real and Fictional November 20, 2025 Duration: 40:23

In this special interview episode of Terror Talk – True Crime • Serial Killers • Horror Movies, we sit down with one of the most influential figures in modern forensic psychology: Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess, trauma researcher, pioneer of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit, expert witness, and author of the new book Expert Witness.

This conversation is aimed at listeners who want more than true crime storytelling — they want psychological insight, behavioral science, and the real challenges behind criminal investigations.

If you’re a woman who loves true crime, forensic psychology, or the history of profiling, this episode was made for you.

We explore how her early research in trauma, victimology, and sexual assault shaped her groundbreaking career and opened the door to her work with law enforcement and the FBI.

As well as:*Her Role as an Expert Witness — Including the Eric Menendez Trial*The Early Days of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit

• What It Was Like to Sit with Ed Kemper• Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated FieldExpert Witness - the bookHer new book explores decades of clinical work, expert testimony, and behind-the-scenes insights into some of the most challenging criminal cases in the United States.
We discuss its themes, its impact, and why her voice is so important in today’s true crime landscape.Music Credit

Special thanks to Mannequin Uprising for our show music.

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Ever find yourself wondering what really makes a terrifying film tick, or what twisted logic might run through a real predator's mind? That's the unique space where Terror Talk-Horror Movies, Psychopaths and Humor lives. Hosted by therapists Shannon and Cathy, this podcast brings an unexpected and insightful lens to the things that go bump in the night, both in reality and on the silver screen. Their professional background allows them to dissect the psychology of infamous serial killers with a clarity that's as fascinating as it is chilling, then seamlessly pivot to analyzing the latest horror blockbuster or a cult classic. What you'll hear is a blend of expert insight into criminal motives and the artistic mechanics of fear, all delivered with a relatable and often darkly humorous tone that makes the macabre surprisingly approachable. Each episode feels like a conversation with two friends who are deeply knowledgeable about the darkest corners of human nature and pop culture, breaking down the myths and media portrayals that shape our understanding of horror. This isn't just a rundown of scary stories; it's a thoughtful exploration of why we're drawn to them, packed with surprising takes and a genuine sense of community for anyone obsessed with the genre. Tune in for a smart, engaging, and occasionally funny journey into horror, both real and fictional.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Terror Talk - Horror Movies, Psychopaths and Humor
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