Intentionally Disturbing

Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down the Cornell COR7 case and the questions that go far beyond the seven men named in the civil lawsuit. From the alleged group chat and the men who may have known what was happening to the university’s response afterward, Leslie examines bystander behavior, trauma and memory, consent, and institutional betrayal. If dozens of people had some awareness of what was allegedl...

BONUS EPISODE! What if your most disturbing thoughts aren’t actually saying anything about who you are? In the first episode of Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Leslie , clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down why our brains generate bizarre, violent, and sometimes horrifying thoughts—and why having a thought is not the same as wanting it, believing it, or acting on it. From th...

The biggest true crime cases right now are colliding in one episode, and Dr. Leslie Dobson is breaking down the psychology behind the headlines. From Thomas Kosowski’s murder conviction and Christi Pike’s fight for clemency to the Caleb Flynn trial, the Sandra Birchmore case, and allegations of grooming and coercive control in the David D4rke case, Leslie examines what these cases reveal about con...

A 22-year-old pregnant woman vanishes, her newborn is missing, and investigators begin looking at an extremely rare alleged crime pattern. Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down the Rebecca Park case, including the timeline leading up to her disappearance, the evidence outlined in court records, the allegations involving Cortney and Bradley Bartholomew, and why investigators are examining the possibility o...

Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down Patrick Clancy’s emotional 60 Minutes interview alongside his new, pregnant wife, Rachel, and why the timing—just days before Lindsay Clancy’s next court hearing—raises questions. From Patrick recounting the final days of his son Callan’s life to his comments about Lindsay’s mental health, Leslie examines what the interview actually revealed, what it didn’t, and how m...

Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down the evolving allegations involving Kim Zolciak’s son, KJ Biermann, from a forensic psychology perspective. From the alleged gym assault and reported phone evidence to the possibility of adult court, Leslie examines what a full psychological and risk assessment could look like in a case this serious. She also explores why developmental history, family dynamics, trauma,...

Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down one of the biggest questions in the Lindsay Clancy trial: committing the act and being criminally responsible for it are not the same thing. With the jury deadlocked, Leslie explains what happens next, how severe mental illness can exist alongside seemingly normal functioning, and why Lindsay’s mental state at the time of the killings could determine the verdict. Beyo...

Why do we prioritize being polite over being safe? Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down how predators exploit predictable social behavior and why trusting your instincts matters. Learn the psychology behind predator selection and Dr. Leslie’s C.A.R.T. framework for choosing safety, increasing awareness, refusing the script, and taking protective action.

Hayden Panettiere’s story highlights the complicated intersection of postpartum depression, trauma, addiction, and life in the public eye. Dr. Leslie Dobson breaks down what happens when these struggles collide, where our healthcare system can fall short, and what Hayden’s story can teach us about better supporting mothers in crisi

🚨 Why did nobody see the warning signs? 🚨 As we dive deeper into Lindsay Clancy's case, it's becoming painfully clear that this isn’t just about guilt or innocence; it’s a glaring reflection of how our mental health systems are failing. For days, she reached out for help, only to be met with silence and neglect. When a person stops fighting, it’s a sign of something far more serious. The reality...

Did you know that postpartum psychosis affects about 1 in 1000 mothers? Here’s why we need to talk about Lindsay Clancy's case. Lindsay, a loving mother and labor delivery nurse, tragically ended the lives of her three children while battling severe postpartum psychosis. This isn't just a story of tragedy—it's a wake-up call about the need for better mental health support for new mothe...

The Lindsay Clancy trial is forcing the country to confront one of the most misunderstood psychiatric conditions: postpartum psychosis. In this episode, Dr. Leslie breaks down the psychology behind the case, the critical differences between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, and what the legal standard for Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity actually requires. She also explores how mater...

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...