Harold Schechter - Unraveling The Dark Roots of True Crime

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Harold Schechter, acclaimed true crime author and historian, known for his deep dives into some of history’s most notorious killers.

Harold has written extensively on figures like H.H. Holmes, Albert Fish, the Bath School bomber, and other infamous criminals, blending meticulous historical research with gripping storytelling. 

In this episode, we explore the psychology of serial killers, delving into the origins of true crime, the psychological underpinnings of violence, and what society’s fascination with crime reveals about us. We discuss the nature of psychopathy and the macabre crimes of Ed Gein.

For anyone intrigued by the human mind, the history of crime and serial killer, you wont want to miss this one.

Links

Harolds's books 📚

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

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Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬 

Dark Finds Book 📖 

Takeaways

• True crime literature has roots dating back to the invention of the printing press.
• The fascination with true crime reflects a deep-seated human interest in violence and morality.
• True crime can serve as a cathartic outlet for our darker impulses.
• Human beings have an innate capacity for violence, as seen in both history and nature.
• The evolution of crime reflects societal changes and cultural conditions.
• Psychopathy may offer survival advantages in a lawless environment.
• Understanding serial killers requires a multifaceted approach to their psychology.
• The decline in serial killers may be linked to advancements in forensic science.
• Cultural reflections of crime evolve with societal fears and anxieties.
• Freud's insights into the human psyche remain relevant in understanding criminal behavior.

Keywords

true crime, Harold Schechter, psychology, serial killers, Ed Gein, violence, catharsis, psychopathology, cultural reflections, crime literature, mass murderers, 

Some stories just hit different. Welcome to The Dark Finds Podcast, hosted by writer, true crime creator, and psychology enthusiast Gary Colton. Each episode takes you deep into the world of those who’ve lived through — or created — something extraordinary. From fighters, musicians, and war veterans to cult survivors, ex-cons, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, we explore the lives of people who exist on the edge of the norm. Through honest, often raw conversations, we uncover their journeys, insights, struggles, and what drives them.

At its core, Dark Finds is fueled by one obsession: understanding human behavior in all its forms.