Mind of a Terrorist

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Original Air Date: 
July 16, 2016

When suicide bombers blow up crowded marketplaces, or a lone shooter attacks a nightclub, one question we’re always left with is why. What ideology or belief or loyalty would compel someone to do something so horrific? This hour, a look at the underlying psychology of political violence.

Mubin Shaikh
Articles

Self-described former jihadist Mubin Shaikh believes many terrorists are drawn to political violence for very rational reasons. He recounts his journey into, and out of, extremism.

Length: 
11:11
Candle
Audio

Psychologist Clark McCauley has studied terrorist groups and lone actor extremists for years. He says in many cases, it's not ideology that inspires terrorists — it's social bonds.

Length: 
11:52
Norwegian memorial
Articles

In 2011, nearly 70 teenagers were shot and killed in Norway. The gunman was a white supremacist named Anders Breivik. Journalist Asne Seierstad spent years trying to figure out how someone could do something so evil. 

Length: 
10:59
Trapped in our bulb
Dangerous Ideas

Anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann's Dangerous Idea? To be better adjusted, change the way you think about thinking.

Length: 
02:44
Mingyur Rinpoche
Audio

In 2015, Mingyur Rinpoche completed a four and a half year wandering retreat, an experience that nearly killed him. He told Steve Paulson about the incredible journey, and the meditative insights he learned along the way.

Length: 
14:34
Show Details 📻
Airdates
July 16, 2016
March 12, 2017
July 21, 2018
Guests: 
Mubin Shaikh
Counterterrorism expert
To The Best Of Our Knowledge
Psychologist
To The Best Of Our Knowledge
Teacher of Buddhist Philosophy
Last modified: 
July 21, 2018