Something was wrong is intended for mature audiences and may be distressing for some listeners.

For a full trigger warning for each episode and for a list of resources for survivors and their loved ones,

please see the episode notes.

pseudonyms are given to all minors and some survivors in these stories for their privacy and protection.

Testimony shared by guests of the show

is their own and does not necessarily reflect the views of myself, broken cycle media, or

Wondery. This podcast and any linked materials should not be construed as medical advice,

nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or

treatment. In response to the allegations against Jessica Polly, she responded with no comment.

Thank you so much for listening. Dr. Robert DeHare is considered one of the world's foremost experts on psychopathy.

He's a professor and the developer of one of the most widely used tools for assessing psychopathy,

the Psychopath Checklist, and the author of over 100 scientific articles and several books.

He's received numerous awards for his distinguished contributions to psychology

and criminology. The following excerpts are from his book, Without Conscience, The Disturbing

World of Psychopaths Among Us. Given their personality, it comes as no surprise that

psychopaths make good impostors. They have no hesitation in forging and brazenly

using impressive credentials to adopt chameleon-like professional roles that give them prestige and power.

When things begin to fall apart, as they usually do, they simply pack up and move on.

Psychopaths have what it takes to defraud and bilk others. They're fast-talking,

charming, self-assured, at ease in social situations, cool under pressure, unfazed by the

possibility of being found out, and totally ruthless. And even when exposed, they can carry on as if

nothing happened, often leaving their accusers

...