Why do we find true crime so irresistible, even when it terrifies us?
In this episode, Emily Paulsen talks with Jen Schaffer, host of Crude Acts and daughter of a homicide detective, about our collective fascination with the darkest corners of human behavior. Jen shares how growing up around real-life investigations shaped her storytelling lens, why empathy matters when covering tragedy, and what true crime reveals about fear, justice, and the human condition.
Their conversation explores the ethical gray areas of retelling crime stories, the balance between curiosity and respect, and why so many women are drawn to this genre as both creators and consumers. From the psychology of serial killers to the healing power of truth-seeking, Emily and Jen examine what it means to study horror not for thrill, but for understanding.
Key Takeaways
Purpose Beyond the Headlines: True crime storytelling can honor victims and uncover overlooked truths when done with compassion and depth.
Empathy as a Guiding Lens: Respecting the humanity of everyone involved, victims, perpetrators, and families, keeps curiosity from crossing into exploitation.
Knowing the Monster: Many women engage with true crime to better understand danger and reclaim a sense of preparedness and control.
Context Is Clarity: Crimes can’t be separated from their social, historical, and cultural backdrop, understanding context deepens insight into why they happen.
Curiosity as Catalyst: Asking why we’re drawn to darkness can illuminate more than crime, it reveals what we fear, what we value, and what we still hope to change.
Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.
Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com
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The guest on this episode, Jen Schaffer is the host and creator of Crude Acts, a top true crime podcast known for its investigative depth and storytelling precision. With a background in creative writing and a lifetime of exposure to criminal investigation through her father, a homicide detective, Jen brings a rare mix of empathy, rigor, and narrative craft to her work. She’s currently pursuing her master’s in criminal justice and criminology, continuing her exploration into why people commit unthinkable acts, and how understanding them can make us all safer.
Connect with Jen:
Website: www.crudeacts.com