The Anatomy of a Serial Killer: Psychology, Profiling, Prevention

This three-part podcast series explores how serial killers develop and how to stop them before they strike again. Hosted by award-winning crime scene investigator Sheryl McCollum, each episode features an expert guest who provides insight into the psychology, behavior, and patterns of serial offenders.

In this episode of Zone 7, crime scene investigator Sheryl McCollum sits down with Phil Chalmers, a seasoned criminal profiler who has interviewed some of America’s most notorious killers. Chalmers shares what it’s like to sit across from figures like Charles Manson and David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam.

Together, McCollum and Chalmers go beyond the infamous names to examine why people kill. Chalmers discusses the roots of violent behavior, highlighting patterns such as fatherlessness, childhood trauma, and relentless bullying. He also challenges stereotypes about serial killers, arguing that modern offenders often defy the common perception of a white male predator.

Guest Bio and Links:

Phil Chalmers is a 40-year American Criminal Profiler, true crime writer, and host of the Dennis Quaid owned podcast “Where The Bodies Are Buried.” His live trainings are legendary in the law enforcement world, as he trains police officers, the FBI, probation officers, school administrators, and many other professionals.

You may have seen Phil on A&E’s Killer Kids, or Fox’s Crime Watch Daily. He has interviewed hundreds of violent killers, including serial killers, school shooters, mass murderers, family annihilators, and spree killers. Names you might know on his interview list include Charles Manson, The Son of Sam, BTK, The Hillside Strangler, The Gainesville Ripper, The Zodiac Copycat, The Smiley Face Killer, and the Amityville Horror Killer.

Listeners can learn more about at Phil Chalmers at his website, on IG @philechalmerprofiler and his podcast – Where The Bodies Are Buried