The Psychology of Fear and the Art of the Thriller

In this episode, Terry Shepherd sits down with Dennis Palumbo, a licensed psychotherapist and veteran Hollywood screenwriter whose credits include the Emmy-winning Welcome Back, Kotter and the classic film My Favorite Year. Palumbo discusses his dual life as a therapist for creative minds by day and a mystery novelist by night.

Exploring Panic Attack

The conversation focuses on the release of Panic Attack, the sixth installment in Palumbo's Daniel Rinaldi series.

The Plot: The story begins with a shocking act of violence—a sniper opening fire during a college football game.
The Protagonist: Daniel Rinaldi is a Pittsburgh Police consultant and trauma expert who treats victims of violent crime.
The Motivation: Rinaldi's mission is driven by his own "survivor guilt" following a mugging that claimed the life of his wife.
The Themes: The novel explores the "Age of Trauma," examining how modern culture, social media, and global instability fuel collective anxiety.

Behind the Scenes: The Patient and Hollywood

Palumbo shares fascinating insights into his work as a consulting producer on the Hulu series The Patient, starring Steve Carell.

Real-Life Inspiration: Carell’s character, a kidnapped therapist, was visually and professionally modeled after Palumbo himself, right down to the salt-and-pepper beard.
Clinical Accuracy: Palumbo provided the writers with the specific language and psychological reactions a therapist would use in such an extreme, "arcane" situation.

Advice for Creatives

Drawing from his experience in therapy and the arts, Palumbo offers wisdom for those trying to create in a "crazy time":

Your Voice Matters: He emphasizes that every person has a story worth telling and that "all serious daring starts from within".
The Joy of Process: Referencing research on happiness, he notes that fulfillment comes from the "successful pursuit of a goal," rather than just achieving the goal itself.

Audio Release Information

The audiobook for Panic Attack, narrated by Eric Sm, is scheduled for release on April 7th. Listeners can find Dennis Palumbo's work in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats.

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Dennis Palumbo - Panic Attack