Mind of a Monster: The Butcher Baker

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Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, Mind of a Monster brings you exclusive access and insight into depraved killers. Hear from history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves.

Season 6 examines the case of the Butcher Baker, Robert Hansen. 1980s Alaska: a swirling, chaotic mix of oil workers, dancers, sex workers and old-school cops. On the seedy 4th Avenue strip in Anchorage, nicknamed the world's longest bar, women start to go missing, plucked from the street or the bars and never seen again.

In this 7-part series, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates the case of one of the US's most prolific, but not widely known, serial killers. She'll talk to survivors, criminology experts and the police on the ground, uncovering audio tapes, police reports and old newspaper articles, all to reveal the killer's identity as it happened.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Our Editor's Take

Criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward hosts the true crime podcast Mind of a Monster. Each season focuses on a different serial killer. Season five is Mind of a Monster: Aileen Wuornos. As the series starts, Dr. Ward presents a disclaimer. "This podcast includes descriptions of rape, murder, and other violent acts." The show tells the story through interviews with witnesses, detectives, and others. A talented voice actor evokes Wuornos' own words. Dr. Ward and her team examine the generational and direct trauma that affected Wuornos.

This Mind of a Monster story begins on Leap Day in 1956 when Wuornos was born. Her mother was only 16. Her father, who had untreated schizophrenia, was in prison for child molestation. Days before Wuornos' fourth birthday, her mother brought her and her brother to her grandparents. They were abusive alcoholics. Her mother never returned.

While Wuornos' tragic origins inform her actions, they cannot excuse them. By the middle of the third podcast episode, Wuornos has killed three men. Police say she hid the bodies in remote areas. Then, she drove a victim's car around with her girlfriend, Tyria Moore, as though it were her own. Dr. Ward explains that this is typical for serial killers. When they evade police after many murders, they become emboldened. Dr. Ward interviews a witness named Rhonda, who saw Wuornos and Moore have a terrible car crash. They refused help and drove away bloody in a wrecked car.

At the end of the podcast season, Dr. Ward challenges listeners. She asks them to consider what kind of person Wuornos was. Police reply that she was evil. Dawn, Wuornos' best friend, believes that she is in heaven. She says that she can feel Wuornos looking after her when the sun shines. A niece and nephew of one victim, a missionary, also believe Wuornos is in heaven. They've forgiven her, as they believe their uncle has.

Mind of a Monster: Aileen Wuornos is a challenging but engaging listen. The six episodes run between 35 and 45 minutes each.

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Introducing Mind Of A Monster: Ed Kemper "The Co-Ed Killer" vs. Herbert Mullin

Introducing Mind Of A Monster: Ed Kemper "The Co-Ed Killer" vs. Herbert Mullin

Take a true look inside the mind of history’s most notorious serial killers—straight from the monsters themselves. With exclusive access, never before heard testimony, and commentary from professional criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward, Mind Of A Monster brings you insight into the mind of some of the most notorious serial killers throughout history.Featuring jaw-dropping, never-before-heard audio recordings from both killers, Mind Of A Monster: Ed Kemper "The Co-Ed Killer" vs. Herbert Mullin, dives into the case of two serial killers operating at the same time in Santa Cruz, CA. Together, they murdered upwards of twenty people, and terrorized a city and a nation. Dr. Michelle Ward speaks candidly with detectives, experts and witnesses involved in the cases to unravel the shocking story, and provides professional expertise on what might have led Kemper and Mullin to becoming some of the most notorious killers in history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 6

S6 Ep.1: We Called Her Eklutna Annie

S6 Ep.1: We Called Her Eklutna Annie

Dr. Michelle Ward takes us to 1980s Alaska, into the swirl and chaos of the pipeline oil boom. For months, Detective Maxine Farrell’s been troubled by the list of missing dancers on her desk, but her superiors don’t want to know about it. Then, an off-duty cop makes a shocking discovery in the wilderness - a young woman’s body in a shallow grave. In this episode, Dr. Michelle Ward explores the underworld of Anchorage and its seedy 4th Avenue strip. She explores potential mafia connections and uncovers the dangers that dancers and sex workers face. Is there someone preying on their vulnerability? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S6 Ep.2: There Were Stuffed Animals Everywhere

S6 Ep.2: There Were Stuffed Animals Everywhere

Years pass, and more young women disappear from Anchorage’s notorious 4th Avenue strip. Dr. Michelle Ward delves into their unsettled backstories and learns that Anchorage may not be a safe place, but when you want to run away, Alaska is about the furthest place you can go. Then a young girl, just 17, is found handcuffed and bruised running down the street. Could this be related to Detective Maxine Farrell’s missing dancers? Dr. Michelle Ward uncovers audio interviews and looks into the botched police investigation that lets the attacker slip through their fingers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S6 Ep.3: Robert C. Hansen vs. The World

S6 Ep.3: Robert C. Hansen vs. The World

Superiors at the Anchorage Police Department shrug off sex worker Cindy Paulson’s accusations of rape and kidnapping. Still, Patrol Cop Gregg Baker thinks he knows who is responsible and will not let it lie. In this episode, Dr. Michelle Ward and Criminal Profiler Brent Turvey dive deep into the backstory of Gregg’s main suspect. What can his current life in Anchorage and his distant past in Pocahontas, Iowa, tell us about him and the likelihood that he is involved with the cases of the missing dancers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S6 Ep.4: Your Job Is To Protect and Serve

S6 Ep.4: Your Job Is To Protect and Serve

In 1983, another woman’s body is found in the sand banks of the Knik River. The police can no longer deny there is a serial killer at work. Detective Glenn Flothe takes on the case at the Alaska State Troopers and realizes it is much bigger than he ever imagined. He painstakingly tracks down further survivors of the man terrorizing Anchorage, including former dancer Christy Hayes, who speaks publicly for the first time about her abduction and escape. Meanwhile, Flothe narrows in on his suspect as Detective Maxine Farrell arrives to aid the investigation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S6 Ep.5: What Don't We Know?

S6 Ep.5: What Don't We Know?

On a fall day in 1983, the police tear apart Robert Hansen’s home in search of evidence connecting him to the murders of two dancers, but all they’ve found is a few flight maps. In an interview room across town, Sergeant Glenn Flothe has his man in front of him, but he’s telling the same old stories. However, as the search turns and Flothe starts to build a concrete case, his key witness, 17-year-old sex worker Cindy Paulsen, disappears into the Anchorage nightlife scene. Hansen has slipped through their net countless times before. Will this be the last? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S6 Ep. 6: Breaking the Unfortunate Bond

S6 Ep. 6: Breaking the Unfortunate Bond

Robert Hansen meets with the prosecution, and the true extent of his crimes becomes apparent, surprising even his defense lawyers. But he doesn't remember any of his victims' names. What follows is the painstaking recovery of bodies and the attempts to identify them. Dr. Michelle Ward revisits the story of Delynn Frey and tells of her family's heartache as the wait to identify her body stretches into years. Two other unidentified victims' stories take us to the present day, and the cold case investigators vow to give them back their names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S6 Ep.7: They Bleed Like Everyone Else

S6 Ep.7: They Bleed Like Everyone Else

We bring the series to a close with a special episode dedicated to the story of Cindy Paulson, the 17-year-old sex worker who turned the entire Hansen case around. In 40 years, Cindy has never spoken in public about her experience. Now we fly to meet her for an exclusive interview. We talk about her childhood and what led her into sex work, we hear her side of Hansen’s attack and the police’s subsequent negligence. We learn how she began to trust Glenn Flothe, and where she disappeared to. We end on the impact these events had on her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 5

S5 Ep.1: Babe in the Woods

S5 Ep.1: Babe in the Woods

Season 5 of Mind of a Monster begins in Rochester, Michigan. Aileen Wuornos is just a child when she is abandoned by her parents and left with a grandfather who physically abuses her. Aileen is bullied at school and is just 14 when she begins accepting money for sexual favors. Tragically, she is raped by her grandfather’s friend and becomes pregnant, but the baby is taken away from her. Now homeless, Aileen is forced to live in the woods. Dr. Michelle Ward speaks to psychologists and Aileen’s best friend about how these early years started her spiral of chaos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S5 Ep.2: From Rags to Riches to Rags

S5 Ep.2: From Rags to Riches to Rags

Aileen Wuornos has hitchhiked to sunny Florida, making money through sex work along the highways before meeting a millionaire yacht club president, whom she marries in 1976. But her chance at happiness is short lived and the marriage is annulled. She heads home to Michigan to see her brother, but he soon dies of cancer. Aileen is heartbroken and attempts suicide. Returning to Florida, Aileen meets the love of her life, Tyria. But Dr. Michelle Ward hears how sex work is still Aileen’s only way of making money and it leads her to her first murder, Richard Mallory in 1989. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S5 Ep.3: Damsel of Death

S5 Ep.3: Damsel of Death

Police are investigating the murder of Richard Mallory. He’s been shot dead by Aileen Wuornos who he solicited for sex work, but Mallory himself has a violent past. Aileen confides in her girlfriend Tyria about the murder, who is initially shocked. Meanwhile, the police investigation runs cold, but it is only six months until Aileen’s next kill. This time, her victim is a construction worker named David Spears. She shoots him not once, but six times in the chest. Dr. Michelle Wards speaks to police investigators from the case about Aileen’s escalation to serial killer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S5 Ep.4: Killer Queen

S5 Ep.4: Killer Queen

Aileen Wuornos has now killed five men, stealing their cars and possessions in the process. Her next victim is an ex-cop and determined police manage to retrace his steps. Their breakthrough comes from a pawn shop where they find two items belonging to Aileen’s first victim. Dr. Michelle Ward speaks to the investigators about how the case unfolded. They get a name and a fingerprint, but the name is false. Turning to the fingerprint they get a match and have a suspect: Aileen Wuornos. An undercover operation in a local bar hits the jackpot and Aileen is taken into custody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S5 Ep.5: Stab Me in the Back

S5 Ep.5: Stab Me in the Back

Aileen Wuornos has been captured, her killing spree at an end, but her arrest is only on an outstanding warrant. Police need evidence to prove her guilt and they persuade Tyria, Aileen’s girlfriend, to elicit a confession. It’s a delicate operation but over the phone Aileen eventually agrees to confess. Dr. Michelle Ward explores, with Psychologist Dr. Tasha Jackson, the diminishing emotional state of Aileen in custody, as we hear of her hallucinations from a letter to her best friend, Dawn. In court for the murder of Richard Mallory, Aileen is faced with the ultimate betrayal by her ex-girlfriend Tyria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S5 Ep.6: I’ll be back, I’ll be back

S5 Ep.6: I’ll be back, I’ll be back

Aileen is found guilty of the murder of her first victim. Despite her protestations of self-defence and numerous assessments deeming her mentally incompetent, she is sentenced to death. For the remaining five murders, she fires her legal team and hires a new lawyer, Steven Glazer. She pleads “no contest” further sealing her fate. Aileen’s best friend Dawn stays in close contact, her constant comfort, Aileen begins writing long letters to Dawn. Aileen is on death row for eight years before there is an attempt to appeal her sentences. It fails and in 2002 she is put to death aged 45.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 4

S4 Ep.1: First Kill

S4 Ep.1: First Kill

We begin in the picturesque town of Bath, Ohio, where a troubled teenager is developing some disturbing interests. Speaking to experts and witnesses, Dr Michelle Ward investigates the pivotal moment that saw Jeffrey Dahmer shift from class jokester to ruthless killer. Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, the Mind of a Monster true crime podcast brings you exclusive access and insight into some of history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves. Season 4 of Mind of a Monster examines Jeffrey Dahmer, who from 1978 to 1991 murdered seventeen men and boys, attempted to kill at least two others, and attacked, drugged, and abused countless more. He cannibalized some of his victims, dismembered their bodies and preyed on the vulnerable to become one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, journalists, survivors, and witnesses to dive deep into the case of Jeffrey Dahmer. Investigating his crimes, Dr. Ward tracks his trajectory as a killer and exposes the many opportunities that were lost to prevent his reign of terror. Mind of a Monster is an Investigation Discovery podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S4 Ep.2: A Serial Killer is Born

S4 Ep.2: A Serial Killer is Born

Dr. Michelle Ward discusses how Dahmer flunks college and enlists in the army, before finally moving in with his grandmother in Milwaukee. The prevailing story of this period is that he resists his violent urges for nine years -- but is this the truth? Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, the Mind of a Monster true crime podcast brings you exclusive access and insight into some of history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves. Season 4 of Mind of a Monster examines Jeffrey Dahmer, who from 1978 to 1991 murdered seventeen men and boys, attempted to kill at least two others, and attacked, drugged, and abused countless more. He cannibalized some of his victims, dismembered their bodies and preyed on the vulnerable to become one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, journalists, survivors, and witnesses to dive deep into the case of Jeffrey Dahmer. Investigating his crimes, Dr. Ward tracks his trajectory as a killer and exposes the many opportunities that were lost to prevent his reign of terror. Mind of a Monster is an Investigation Discovery podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S4 Ep.3: Dahmer and the Chocolate Factory

S4 Ep.3: Dahmer and the Chocolate Factory

After a nine-year gap between his first and second kills, Jeffrey Dahmer now murders men and boys at speed. Dr. Walsh tracks Dahmer’s progression as a serial killer and investigates how a near miss almost stops his killing spree in its tracks.Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, the Mind of a Monster true crime podcast brings you exclusive access and insight into some of history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves. Season 4 of Mind of a Monster examines Jeffrey Dahmer, who from 1978 to 1991 murdered seventeen men and boys, attempted to kill at least two others, and attacked, drugged, and abused countless more. He cannibalized some of his victims, dismembered their bodies and preyed on the vulnerable to become one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, journalists, survivors, and witnesses to dive deep into the case of Jeffrey Dahmer. Investigating his crimes, Dr. Ward tracks his trajectory as a killer and exposes the many opportunities that were lost to prevent his reign of terror. Mind of a Monster is an Investigation Discovery podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S4 Ep.4: House of Horrors

S4 Ep.4: House of Horrors

It’s 1991 and Jeffrey Dahmer's depravity has descended to a new low. Tired of his victims dying so quickly, he attempts to create human zombies. Dr. Michelle Ward investigates as Dahmer’s apartment transforms into a Dantean epicenter of pain, deviance, and torture, as victim after victim find themselves in Dahmer’s clutches. In this episode, we meet Rita Isbell, whose brother Errol’s life was cut short by Jeffrey Dahmer when he met him near a bookstore. We also follow as once again the police have Dahmer within their grasp when another young boy escapes from his apartment. Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, the Mind of a Monster true crime podcast brings you exclusive access and insight into some of history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves. Season 4 of Mind of a Monster examines Jeffrey Dahmer, who from 1978 to 1991 murdered seventeen men and boys, attempted to kill at least two others, and attacked, drugged, and abused countless more. He cannibalized some of his victims, dismembered their bodies and preyed on the vulnerable to become one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, journalists, survivors, and witnesses to dive deep into the case of Jeffrey Dahmer. Investigating his crimes, Dr. Ward tracks his trajectory as a killer and exposes the many opportunities that were lost to prevent his reign of terror. Mind of a Monster is an Investigation Discovery podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S4 Ep.5: Body Parts

S4 Ep.5: Body Parts

Dr. Michelle Ward tracks his latest victim, Tracy Edwards, as he manages to escape Dahmer’s clutches. This time, law enforcement finally takes notice, and when they enter his apartment, they make a macabre discovery -- a human head in the fridge. Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, the Mind of a Monster true crime podcast brings you exclusive access and insight into some of history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves. Season 4 of Mind of a Monster examines Jeffrey Dahmer, who from 1978 to 1991 murdered seventeen men and boys, attempted to kill at least two others, and attacked, drugged, and abused countless more. He cannibalized some of his victims, dismembered their bodies and preyed on the vulnerable to become one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, journalists, survivors, and witnesses to dive deep into the case of Jeffrey Dahmer. Investigating his crimes, Dr. Ward tracks his trajectory as a killer and exposes the many opportunities that were lost to prevent his reign of terror. Mind of a Monster is an Investigation Discovery podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S4 Ep.6: The Trial

S4 Ep.6: The Trial

Jeffrey Dahmer’s reign of terror finally ends after claiming 17 lives and attacking and drugging countless more. As the case goes to trial, could his insanity defense actually work? Hosted by criminal psychologist Michelle Ward, the Mind of a Monster true crime podcast brings you exclusive access and insight into some of history’s most notorious serial killers—with chilling audio straight from the monsters themselves. Season 4 of Mind of a Monster examines Jeffrey Dahmer, who from 1978 to 1991 murdered seventeen men and boys, attempted to kill at least two others, and attacked, drugged, and abused countless more. He cannibalized some of his victims, dismembered their bodies and preyed on the vulnerable to become one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, journalists, survivors, and witnesses to dive deep into the case of Jeffrey Dahmer. Investigating his crimes, Dr. Ward tracks his trajectory as a killer and exposes the many opportunities that were lost to prevent his reign of terror. Mind of a Monster is an Investigation Discovery podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 3

S3 Ep.1: One Serial Killer Follows Another

S3 Ep.1: One Serial Killer Follows Another

In this season, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward takes us to Washington State in the 1970s to investigate two of the most prolific serial killers in US history – Ted Bundy and the so-called Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway. Both use deception to prey on young women and utilize the vast terrain to dump their bodies. And they did it almost 100 times between them – maybe more. In this episode, multiple young women are disappearing without a trace. Then, on September 7, law enforcement’s worst fears are confirmed when human remains are found in the woods near Issaquah. But there is even worse to come… Watch full episodes of Mind of a Monster on discovery+: discoveryplus.com/mindofamonster. Terms apply.Find episode transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qxiK6JKxAuNwN1N0JrHQnBrODKsZexFo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.