Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – "The Unabomber / Part 1" (Episode 494)

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Podcast: Going West: True Crime by Dark West Productions

Introduction to the Unabomber Case

In episode 494 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the chilling story of Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber. Breaking from their usual focus on less prominent cases, the duo embarks on a two-part series to explore the intricate and disturbing details surrounding Kaczynski's life, motivations, and heinous crimes.

Heath [02:16]: "This week we will be doing for both our Tuesday and our Friday episodes. This is going to be a two-part series on the Unabomber."

Early Life and Family Background

Ted Kaczynski was born on May 22, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Wanda and Theodore "Turk" Kaczynski, first-generation Polish Americans. While his parents were described as kind and devoted, Ted characterized them as emotionally abusive, a claim his younger brother, David, vehemently denies. This discrepancy hints at the complex familial dynamics that may have influenced Ted's psychological development.

Heath [07:41]: "It's hard to say for sure exactly what their childhood was like in this regard."

Academic Excellence and Psychological Turmoil

From a young age, Ted exhibited extraordinary intellectual capabilities, skipping multiple grades and ultimately graduating from Harvard at the age of 20 with an impressive IQ of 168. However, his academic prowess was juxtaposed with significant emotional and social challenges. During his time at Harvard, Ted participated in a controversial psychological study led by Dr. Henry A. Murray. The study subjected participants to extreme stress and degradation, which Heath speculates may have exacerbated Ted's existing mental health issues.

Daphne [10:03]: "And it's also interesting that his parents were the ones to kind of point that out."

Heath [22:18]: "I honestly find that hard to believe, though, that being undermined... doesn’t affect your psyche."

Personal Struggles and Isolation

Ted grappled with intense feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, particularly evident in his unsuccessful attempts at forming romantic relationships. His inability to connect with others and his narcissistic tendencies, such as justifying malicious behavior by his intelligence, further alienated him from society.

Daphne [29:14]: "I mean, that's an incel for you."

Heath [33:07]: "I am tormented by bitter regret at never having had the opportunity to experience the love of a woman."

Move to Montana and Descent into Extremism

In pursuit of his dream to escape civilization, Ted, along with his brother David, purchased a small plot of land in Lincoln, Montana, in 1971. Building a modest cabin, Ted sought solitude but found himself increasingly isolated and embittered by what he perceived as the encroachment of modern society on nature. His disdain for technological advancement and industrialization fueled his radicalization.

Heath [36:22]: "But I want to mention as we were just talking about the... is the noise and wanting to decapitate people who are just trying to enjoy nature."

Daphne [44:56]: "It's part of a growing society that happens, as unfortunate as it can be."

Early Antisocial Behavior and Hostility

Living in Montana, Ted's alienation manifested in aggressive actions against neighbors and the environment. He sabotaged local businesses, harassed residents, and even committed acts of animal cruelty, poisoning dogs and vandalizing property. These behaviors were early indicators of his escalating hatred and desire for revenge against what he perceived as societal injustices.

Heath [48:40]: "He's taking money from people who didn't have a lot... He would write in his journal entries that Butch was a bastard."

Daphne [52:10]: "He's a little bit of a creep. And Butch also recalled that Ted once strung a wire..."

Commencement of the Bombing Campaign

Ted Kaczynski's deep-seated animosity culminated in a nationwide bombing campaign that spanned 17 years, resulting in three deaths and 23 injuries. His meticulously crafted bombs targeted universities, airlines, and technology companies, reflecting his vendetta against academic and industrial institutions.

Heath [56:47]: "What followed was a 17-year-long investigation that cost American taxpayers over four $50 million."

Daphne [58:23]: "Ooh, that is evil."

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Heath [03:23]: "It's about who Ted Kaczynski is and how he got to be this way and why he wanted to do such evil things to society."

• Daphne [08:04]: "Yeah, he has a lot of views throughout his entire life."

• Heath [16:40]: "David also remembered a time when he tripped his mother... which is just a little evil."

• Daphne [27:25]: Recites Ted's journal entry: "As I walked away from the building afterwards, I felt disgusted about what my uncontrolled sexual cravings had almost led me to do..."

• Heath [33:29]: "That's why his mental state is so crucial here."

Conclusion and Looking Ahead to Part 2

As episode 494 concludes, Daphne and Heath emphasize the complexity of Ted Kaczynski's psyche and the multifaceted motivations behind his transformation into the Unabomber. They tease the upcoming second part of the series, which promises to delve deeper into the mechanics of his bombing spree and the extensive investigation that ultimately led to his capture.

Daphne [60:02]: "We're gonna dive a whole lot more into all of the crimes of Ted Kaczynski."

Heath [60:45]: "There's so much more craziness ahead."

This comprehensive exploration in part one sets the stage for understanding the Unabomber not just as a criminal, but as a deeply troubled individual shaped by his environment, intellect, and personal demons. Listeners are left anticipating the continuation of this harrowing true crime journey in the forthcoming episode.