Intentionally Disturbing

Leaving a toxic relationship often means grieving someone who never truly existed. In this episode, Dr. Leslie explores why survivors mourn the illusion created through manipulation and love bombing, why grief and relief can coexist, and how rebuilding your sense of reality is one of the most important steps in healing. If you've ever questioned your emotions after leaving, this episode is for...

After years of convincing, Dr. Leslie finally got her husband, Wes—a fellow clinical and forensic psychologist—on the podcast. In this special episode, they answer your questions about marriage, parenting, conflict, internet trolls, and what it's really like living with two forensic psychologists under one roof. It's insightful, unfiltered, unexpectedly funny... and yes, somehow the conver...

Many people stay in abusive relationships believing it's better for the children to have both parents at home. But the science tells a very different story. In this episode, Dr. Leslie explores how witnessing domestic violence and coercive control can profoundly impact a child's developing brain, emotional health, and future relationships. Learn why safety—not simply keeping a family under...

Leaving an abusive or controlling relationship isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a difficult healing process. In this episode, Dr. Leslie explains why anxiety often increases after leaving, how your nervous system adapts to life after survival mode, and why grief and relief can exist at the same time. We also discuss practical safety planning, digital security, and the steps victims...

I'm going to show you how to spot a narcissist, react to red flags and get out! I highlight how to spot a narcissist before they can manipulate you, emphasizing the importance of recognizing red flags early. Love bombing, gaslighting, minimization, cycle of tension, red flags, and how to safely leave.

Coercive control isn’t always loud, violent, or obvious. Sometimes it looks like “love,” protection, jealousy, or concern — while slowly isolating, manipulating, and psychologically trapping a victim. In this episode, Dr. Leslie breaks down the hidden signs of coercive control, why victims are so often misunderstood, and how psychological manipulation can be more dangerous than physical violence i...

Smear campaigns are rarely random... They are calculated psychological attacks designed to manipulate public perception, destroy credibility, and isolate a target through misinformation, outrage, and repetition. From fake accounts to strategic leaks and coordinated narratives, social media has made it easier than ever to turn suspicion into “truth” before facts ever catch up. As a forensic psychol...

Predators don’t accidentally end up in positions of power. Many actively seek them out. Why? Access. Credibility. Control. Protection from scrutiny. Teachers, coaches, religious leaders, mentors — authority can become the perfect cover for manipulation when no one is paying attention. Stop teaching blind trust in authority. Start teaching situational awareness, boundaries, and critical thinking in...

Thank you to Annie Elise for having me back to continue our conversation on Epstein. We’re diving deeper into the unfolding investigations surrounding the newly released files—going beyond the headlines and into the details that matter. Together, we break down the latest developments, unpack the unanswered questions, and examine what these revelations could mean moving forward. This is the inside...

This week Leslie speaks to 'Samantha,' a woman who got caught up in the dr*g trade in Mexico and was almost murd*red by her employers. Samantha tells Leslie about how she got caught up in the d*ug trade, being shot 9 times, and her hopes for the future of Mexico.

In this episode, host Annie Elise ‪@annieelise‬ and Dr. Leslie Dobson delve into the recently released Epstein files, exploring the dark revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's network of power, influence, and alleged criminal activities. They discuss the implications of the files, the role of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the potential for accountability as investigations unfold. The conversation...

The episode delves into the expert psychologist report on coercive control and sexual harassment involving Blake Lively, highlighting institutional betrayal and the coined term DARVO. It discusses the legal battle, the impact on women in the workplace, and the broader implications of such cases. Coercive control and sexual harassment are central themes. Institutional betrayal is a significant issu...

First, Justin Baldoni. Dr. Freyd identified repeated sexual boundary violations in a workplace context. These included allegations of unconsented sexualized conduct, boundary erosion, and behavior patterns consistent with DARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) once concerns were raised. Importantly, her analysis did not rely on moral judgments but on behavioral patterns and power asymme...

In the latest developments surrounding the high-profile Lively-Baldoni lawsuit, forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson sheds light on serious allegations of sexual harassment and coercive control within the film industry. As the court documents are unsealed, shocking details emerge that raise critical questions about power dynamics on set.

In this episode of the Dr. Leslie Show, Dr. Leslie Dobson delves into the psychology behind power, conflict, and manipulation, particularly in the context of celebrity culture and political dynamics. She discusses the disturbing testimonies surrounding high-profile cases, the role of immigration enforcement, and the impact of current events on societal mental health. Dr. Dobson emphasizes the impo...

Welcome back to the latest episode of the Dr. Leslie Show, where we dive deep into the whirlwind of celebrity gossip, legal battles, and society's most pressing issues. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Dobson provides a candid commentary on the latest happenings in the entertainment world, blending humor with critical insights that resonate with many of us. Section 1: The Overwhelming Shift in Cele...

Introduction: In a recent episode of the Nightly Recap with Dr. Leslie, forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson delves into the complexities of celebrity trials and the importance of personal safety. With her candid and often humorous perspective, she sheds light on the intricacies of legal battles involving notable figures while emphasizing the need to trust our instincts in everyday situations....

In this conversation, Sheila Hamilton from Beyond Well hosts Dr. Leslie Dobson, a forensic psychologist, about the complex intersection of mental health, criminal behavior, and parental responsibility. They discuss the recent case of Nick Reiner, who is accused of murdering his parents, and explore the societal fears surrounding mental illness. Dr. Dobson emphasizes the importance of recognizing r...

The conversation delves into alarming incidents of childhood violence, particularly focusing on a case where a six-year-old shot his teacher. It explores the psychological patterns that may indicate psychopathic behavior in young children and raises questions about parental responsibility and school safety. And Trump, politics, Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, SNAP benefits, Scotland JIMs and so much...

This week on Intentionally DISTURBING —we’ve got a special treat: a crossover episode with The Tara Palmeri Show . Ghislaine Maxwell sat down with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for days, spilling “her truth” about Jeffrey Epstein. But what was fact—and what was pure fiction? In this jaw-dropping episode, Tara Palmeri and forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson dissect Maxwell’s testimony li...

Today Leslie is answering more of your questions, this time focusing on child safety, both in the home and outside of the home. Topics include: safeguarding kids from predators, manipulation, online threats, and promoting healthy boundaries and awareness. Hosted by Leslie Dobson. Produced by Liam Billingham. Executive producers are Paul Anderson and Scott McCarthy for Workhouse Media. The views ex...

This week, we're revisiting one of our more disturbing episodes. Leslie welcomes Seth Gehle to his podcast to tell his story. A survivor of horrible childhood rape, Seth tells Leslie the whole story up to his recent recovery and reclaiming his story. Hosted by Leslie Dobson. Produced and edited by Liam Billingham. Mixed by Aaron Dalton. Executive producers are Paul Anderson and Scott McCarthy for...

This week on the podcast, Leslie speaks with Sarah Adams, known online as Mom Uncharted. Sarah was recently named on Time 100's Creators List for 2025, and she talks about the dangers of putting images and oversharing your children online. Sarah and Leslie talk about the very real dangers of the internet, how to manage YouTube, iPads, and other devices, and The Manosphere. Sarah also reveals the d...

This week Lesllie speaks to 'Samantha,' a woman who got caught up in the drug trade in Mexico and was almost murdered by her employers. Samantha tells Leslie about how she got caught up in the drug trade, being shot 9 times, and her hopes for the future of Mexico. Hosted by Leslie Dobson. Produced by Liam Billingham. Executive producers are Paul Anderson and Scott McCarthy for Workhouse Media. The...

This week, we're re-visiting our great conversation with Lisa Mercier, who sees dead people. Leslie is a skeptic. So when she heard that there was a woman named Lisa who says she can see dead people, she didn't believe. But then Lisa came to her house and talked to ghosts, and now Leslie is a full on-believer. This week Leslie and Lisa talk about how non-traditional approaches to therapy, like med...