Podcast Summary

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present – iHeartPodcasts
Episode: The Dating App Killer with Elisabeth Rohm: Is your dating app going to get you murdered?
Date: February 13, 2026

Overview

This episode of Killer Thriller (hosted by Elisa Donovan) dives into the unsettling true crime story of the so-called “Shopping Cart Killer,” examining the dark realities of using dating apps and how predatory individuals exploit these platforms. Donovan is joined by actress and director Elisabeth Rohm, whose latest Lifetime movie, The Dating App Killer: The Monica White Story, is inspired by these chilling real events. The conversation explores themes of trauma, manipulation, victimhood, and survival, as well as the cautionary power of true crime storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Real Crime Behind the Movie

• True Story Basis:
  • The episode centers on a man who targeted women via dating apps, killing them and disposing of their bodies in shopping carts.
  • After each murder, evidence showed the killer viewed explicit videos of women resembling his victims.
  • His behavior followed a disturbing pattern: he would ingratiate himself quickly, seek acceptance, and react violently when rejected.
  • The crimes are linked to at least six women, with convictions in three cases; the legal process for unresolved crimes is ongoing.
  • [04:04] "One of the ways that they proved that this man was guilty is that after each of these women was murdered, they found in his phone or his computer that he watched explicit videos of women that looked exactly like who he had just murdered." — Christy
• Role of Dating Apps:
  • Dating apps provided both anonymity and access: "We never know what the other person is doing at the time that they are communicating with [us]. It's on an app. You're typing into something." [05:14] — Christy

Red Flags and Victim Survival

• Monica White's Instinct:
  • The survivor, Monica White, recognized and ultimately acted on several red flags, such as the killer's attempt to move in immediately and other unsettling behaviors.
  • Her intuition and emotional connection with the perpetrator paradoxically helped keep her safe:
  • "She survived because she had a connection with him, which went through a longer psychological process." [08:36] — Producer/Co-host
• Isolation and Vulnerability:
  • The hosts discuss how loneliness and the need for acceptance can make individuals vulnerable to manipulation and violence.
  • "This is about being isolated and being so emotionally empty and desperate for connection and how that can turn so... awry." [09:57] — Christy
• Complexity of Victimhood:
  • Victims often are shamed into silence due to the nuanced ways they became entangled, frequently overlooking their inner signals because of deep-seated needs for love. [26:44] — Elisa Donovan

Portraying True Crime Responsibly

• Lifetime's Approach:
  • Rohm underscores Lifetime’s sensitivity in treating these stories—not merely as entertainment, but as stories with a purpose.
  • After each film, there's often a call to action or educational resources provided.
  • "I find Lifetime as a partner to be very highly conscious...It's not just about the drama." [14:19] — Elisa Donovan
• Humanizing Both Sides:
  • The film attempts to give depth to both the criminal and the survivor, exploring psychological causes such as generational trauma, rather than simply sensationalizing the killer.
  • "To understand the damage and psychological implications that make a monster..." [23:22] — Elisa Donovan
• Maintaining Emotional Truth:
  • The story development closely tracked real events, with consultation from Monica White herself.
  • Portraying Monica's perspective was critical to avoiding the common trap of focusing excessively on the perpetrator.
  • "The best way to do that from a producerial point of view...is to make it the Monica White story." [27:59] — Elisa Donovan

Cautionary & Empowering Takeaways

• Trusting One's Intuition:
  • The film emphasizes listening to your gut and honoring your instincts.
  • "Perhaps just really listen to your Spidey senses. Like, trust yourself. Trust your gut." [29:22] — Elisa Donovan
• Not All Monsters Look the Part:
  • The perpetrator was outwardly charming and handsome, which defies stereotypical expectations and reinforces the need for vigilance.
  • "He doesn't look like some sort of monster. He's quite handsome, charming..." [23:05] — Christy
• Generational and Emotional Complexity:
  • The killer's actions are framed as the product of deep personal and generational trauma, not mere evil.
  • The psychological profile included insecurities, trauma, and a desperate need to belong.

Behind the Scenes: Directing True Crime

• Elisabeth Rohm’s Directorial Path:
  • Her journey from actor to director, inspired by Lifetime’s broader focus program.
  • Rohm emphasizes the satisfaction she finds in portraying authentic, complex stories and in helping survivors reframe their narratives.
  • "Maybe it's like the Monica White story. You just have to listen to your instincts." [35:43] — Elisa Donovan

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On What Kept Monica White Safe:
  • "She survived because she had a connection with him...which went through a longer psychological process with him in the crime situation..." [08:36] — Producer/Co-host
• On the Power of True Crime Stories:
  • "I think telling these true crime stories has a purpose beyond just the drama of it. I think that...it helps people heal and seek help." [15:15] — Elisa Donovan
• Caution for Dating App Users:
  • "I have a teenager...he's like, stop with your catastrophe stories. I'm like, be very careful...make sure they come to the house...you've got an air tag on you." [17:26] — Elisa Donovan
• On Choosing to Direct and Tell These Stories:
  • "It was like a fire was lit inside of me and I thought, oh, wow. I've always been interested in human stories, in narrative..." [34:01] — Elisa Donovan
• Empowerment For Women Watching:
  • "Hopefully, it's an inspiring story for women and when they think of themselves as empowered...they have an inner voice and they have to honor that inner voice." [29:22] — Elisa Donovan
• On Not Sensationalizing Killers:
  • "It's really her story and we really built out her character, her world." [27:59] — Elisa Donovan

Important Timestamps

• [02:02] Episode opens: setting the stage—true crime that hides behind charm and everyday devices.
• [03:55] Brief synopsis of the killer’s pattern and impact of dating apps.
• [04:04] Discussion of evidence: watching videos resembling murder victims.
• [05:05] Hosts dissect Monica White’s early red flags and her reactions.
• [07:03] The killer’s manipulative strategy for finding and seducing victims.
• [09:57] Conversation around emotional isolation fueling vulnerability.
• [12:13] Rohm describes the personal impact of working in true crime.
• [14:07] Opposing sensationalism; the importance of "call to action" storytelling.
• [17:26] How dating app dangers resonate with modern audiences and families.
• [18:38] Juxtaposition: texts from a killer versus a victim’s normal evening.
• [23:22] Reflecting on the importance of not glorifying the killer.
• [24:45] Rohm describes the process of basing the film on Monica White’s real story.
• [29:22] Rohm’s advice: trust instinct and gut in online dating and relationships.
• [34:01] Rohm talks about moving into directing after an acting career.

Conclusion

This episode navigates the chilling reality of predators exploiting dating apps, giving listeners a layered examination of criminal psychology, victimhood, and the ways in which storytelling can be both cautionary and empowering. Elisabeth Rohm and the production team behind The Dating App Killer aim not only to thrill but to provide agency and voice to survivors, breaking down stigmas and affirming the importance of instincts, community, and compassion.

For listeners:
This episode is a valuable exploration of the intersection between modern dating, true crime, trauma, and survival narratives. Whether a fan of true crime or simply interested in human psychology, it offers both insight and practical reflection.