Podcast Summary: Intentionally Disturbing – "Mailbag Time!"

Episode Information:

• Title: Mailbag Time!
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Release Date: May 29, 2025

Overview: In the "Mailbag Time!" episode of Intentionally Disturbing, host Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson, a seasoned forensic and clinical psychologist, engages in a candid and insightful conversation with her producer, Liam Billingham. The episode delves into listener-submitted questions, exploring the intersections of psychology, human behavior, parenting, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with Leslie's signature blend of sarcasm, satire, and dark humor.

1. Introducing the Team

The episode begins with Leslie welcoming her producer, Liam Billingham, highlighting their collaborative dynamic. Leslie expresses her admiration for Liam's ability to keep the show engaging without succumbing to "bullshit."

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [02:05]: "I've found Liam to be... happy and wonderful and really, really good."

2. Clarifying Professional Roles

Leslie takes a moment to distinguish her role as a psychologist from that of a pathologist, emphasizing her specialization in the interplay between mental illness, crime, and the legal system. This clarification sets the stage for the depth and seriousness of the discussions to follow.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [03:11]: "I'm a psychologist who specializes in the interplay of mental illness, crime, and the legal system."

3. Navigating Listener Questions

The core of the episode revolves around Leslie and Liam addressing a series of listener-submitted questions. These questions range from the disturbing to the mundane, providing a platform for both deep psychological insights and relatable personal stories.

a. Handling Disturbing Content:

Leslie shares her experiences dealing with severe crimes, including a particularly grotesque case involving a "porta potty murderer." She discusses the psychological profiles of such individuals, emphasizing that some exhibit no remorse and appear almost robotic.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [15:08]: "He would strangle them and kill them, put them in the porta potties, cover them in feces... that is one of the worst crimes I can think of."

b. True Evil vs. Environmental Influence:

A profound discussion ensues on whether individuals committing heinous crimes are products of inherent evil or shaped by their environments. Leslie presents a nuanced perspective, suggesting that while some individuals may have inherently broken psychological structures, environmental factors also play a significant role.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [18:21]: "I wouldn't necessarily call it evil, but I would say that their brain or their mind is so broken from birth..."

4. Personal Insights: Marriage and Balancing Roles

Leslie and Liam delve into their personal lives, discussing the challenges of maintaining a healthy marriage while juggling demanding careers. They humorously recount their minor domestic disputes, such as disagreements over furniture placement, highlighting how their professional expertise sometimes spills into their personal interactions.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [07:54]: "He told me that marriage in your 40s is just with children."

5. Parenting Perspectives and Challenges

The conversation shifts to parenting, with both hosts sharing their struggles and strategies. They tackle topics like parenting fails, effective communication with children, and fostering resilience and self-awareness in their kids.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [28:44]: "I try really hard not to threaten my kids, but I inevitably always fall into the threats."

6. Coping Mechanisms for Professionals

Leslie discusses the emotional toll of working with disturbing material daily and shares her coping mechanisms, such as online shopping and dissociation. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining boundaries between professional and personal life to preserve mental well-being.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [32:31]: "I spend a lot of my day doing my makeup and online shopping, so let's not forget about that."

7. Humor and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, Leslie and Liam infuse humor to balance the heavy topics. Their banter about honorary doctorates, pedal toe preferences, and humorous hypothetical questions adds levity, making the intense subject matter more approachable.

Notable Quote:

• Liam Billingham [34:31]: "If the world weren't collapsing, maybe you could get an honorary doctorate."

8. Looking Ahead: Future Episodes

The hosts hint at future episodes focusing on specific themes such as parenting, marriage, and high-level psychological questions. This tease keeps listeners engaged and eager for more in-depth discussions.

Notable Quote:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [37:35]: "We can just do different themes. Parenting, celebrity maybe is one that we'll do Marriage..."

Conclusion: "Mailbag Time!" offers a compelling blend of professional insight and personal storytelling, anchored by Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson's expertise in forensic psychology and her authentic rapport with producer Liam Billingham. The episode successfully navigates through disturbing psychological content, practical parenting advice, and the complexities of maintaining personal relationships amidst demanding careers—all while maintaining an engaging and relatable tone. This episode is a testament to the podcast's mission of exploring the depths of the human psyche with depth, darkness, and a touch of wit.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [03:11]: "I'm a psychologist who specializes in the interplay of mental illness, crime, and the legal system."
• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [15:08]: "He would strangle them and kill them, put them in the porta potties, cover them in feces... that is one of the worst crimes I can think of."
• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [18:21]: "I wouldn't necessarily call it evil, but I would say that their brain or their mind is so broken from birth..."
• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [28:44]: "I try really hard not to threaten my kids, but I inevitably always fall into the threats."
• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [32:31]: "I spend a lot of my day doing my makeup and online shopping, so let's not forget about that."
• Liam Billingham [34:31]: "If the world weren't collapsing, maybe you could get an honorary doctorate."
• Leslie Ann Victoria Dobson [37:35]: "We can just do different themes. Parenting, celebrity maybe is one that we'll do Marriage..."

Note: This summary intentionally omits promotional segments related to the "Bone Valley" podcast and focuses solely on the substantive content of the "Mailbag Time!" episode of Intentionally Disturbing.