Summary
Overview
This episode begins the first part of a three-part series on Dennis Nilsen, the 'Kindly Killer,' a British serial killer who murdered multiple young men in the 1980s. The hosts discuss Nilsen's troubled childhood, his deep fear of abandonment stemming from his grandfather's death, his struggles with sexuality and identity, failed relationships, and the chilling progression toward his first murder of 14-year-old Stephen Holmes in December 1978. The episode traces his psychological deterioration and disturbing fantasies that ultimately led to murder.
Current Events and Show Introduction
The hosts open with updates on serious current events, including the disappearance of Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy, who was reportedly abducted from her bed with evidence of foul play. They also discuss ways to support Minnesota businesses during difficult times by shopping local and supporting small businesses through platforms like Etsy. The conversation then lightens as they explore the concept of 'flow states' and encourage listeners to find moments of joy and focus in their daily lives.
- Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy has been missing since Saturday night with evidence of foul play and abduction from her bed
- Nancy requires life-threatening medication every 24 hours that was left in the home, and her pacemaker is no longer connecting to her Apple Watch
- Listeners are encouraged to support Minnesota small businesses through Minnesota.org during difficult times
- The concept of 'flow state' is discussed as complete absorption, focus, and enjoyment in an activity
- Listeners are challenged to enter a flow state every day, even for a moment, through activities like skincare, organization, or creative pursuits
" Tomorrow wake up attempt flow state whatever you need to do watch one of those late 90s early 2000s movies make an awesome coffee organize decorate just read a book write down some shit like do whatever you need to do and to make sure you do not go to bed tomorrow night until you have entered your flow state even for a second "
" Our brains believe what we tell them so if you keep telling your brain you're dumb or you're fat or you're ugly or you're this or you're that's gonna believe it "
Introduction to Dennis Nilsen Case
The hosts introduce Dennis Nilsen, known as the 'Kindly Killer,' whose crimes were discovered on February 8, 1983, when a plumber found human bone and tissue blocking a drainage system in London's Muswell Hill neighborhood. The blockage traced back to Nilsen's apartment at Cranley Gardens, where additional horrific evidence was discovered. The episode includes trigger warnings for necrophilic content and details the gruesome nature of the crimes that would unfold over this three-part series.
- On February 8, 1983, a plumber discovered a drain blocked by pieces of bone and human tissue behind a Cranley Gardens apartment building
- The blockage was traced back to Dennis Nilsen's apartment, where evidence suggested things were exponentially worse than originally thought
- Nilsen had necrophilic tendencies and the crimes took place in the 1980s
- This is the beginning of a three-part series covering Nilsen's many victims
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