Confessions of a True Crime Junkie

Julie Lokun
Oct 23
2 min read

I am obsessed with true crime. It is an obsession that has become an addiction.

Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m obsessed with true crime.

There, I said it.

But this isn’t your casual “Dateline before bed” curiosity. This is the 2:00 AM deep dive into Ed Gein, forensic entomology, and the burning question: How did a handyman from Wisconsin become the inspiration for Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

It’s the kind of curiosity that makes you question your own sanity — and your search history.

My Confession: The Dark Fascination of True Crime

When Netflix dropped Monsters: The Ed Gein Story, I was first in line with my snacks and my moral compass slightly tilted. As I watched, I couldn’t help but analyze — not just the crimes, but the psychology behind why I (and millions of others) can’t look away.

Why do we need to understand monsters? Why do we get a thrill from danger at a safe distance?

Turns out, my late-night obsession isn’t about morbidity — it’s about survival.

Why We’re Hooked on True Crime

True crime is the number one podcast genre in the world — and here’s the kicker: over 70% of listeners are women. That statistic says something powerful. We’re not drawn to murder; we’re drawn to understanding it. To prepare. To protect. To know what danger looks like before it finds us.

I call it The Ed Gein Effect — that eerie pull between control, fear, and fascination.

Shows like Crime Junkie and My Favorite Murder don’t just entertain us; they create a sisterhood — a dark, witty, resilient network of women who find empowerment in analyzing the worst of humanity.

When we listen, we’re not just gasping — we’re learning.

The Psychology Behind the Fear

Here’s the paradox: our brains crave fear — but only in safety. That rush you feel while walking your dog at 5 AM, earbuds in, convinced you’re in your own episode of Criminal Minds? It’s not madness; it’s biology.

Your brain is running drills — practicing what to do in danger, without the real risk.

In that way, bingeing horror stories is more than entertainment — it’s rehearsal.