Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Caroline Fraser (on serial killers)
Aug 6, 2025
Caroline Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, delves into the dark world of violence in her book 'Murderland'. She discusses the intriguing decline of Christian Science churches and its repercussions on healthcare ideologies. The duo explores the Pacific Northwest's serial killer association, linking it to environmental factors and societal violence. Fraser also tackles 'Missing White Woman Syndrome' and the ethical dilemmas surrounding violence surveillance. Her insights combine humor and gravity to paint a complex picture of crime's roots in human health.
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Lead Pollution and Serial Killers
- Massive lead pollution near Tacoma likely influenced serial killers living there like Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway.
- Lead exposure correlates with aggressive, impulsive behavior impacting brain development.
Industrial Lead Contamination Impact
- Lead contamination from industrial smelters caused significant environmental and health damage in Tacoma.
- This industrial pollution likely contributed to increased impulsivity and aggression in local populations.
Double Lead Exposure Impact
- Leaded gasoline emissions combined with industrial smelter pollution caused a 'double whammy' of lead exposure.
- Environmentally linked lead exposure was a significant factor in elevated violent behavior in certain U.S. regions.
