Hey there! This is the VERY much extended conversation that Chion had with the writer Athena Walker. She's got over 40,000 followers on Quora, where she talks about what it's like being a clinically diagnosed psychopath.

Please do check out the original episode posted just before this one, which also includes our conversation with Dr. James H Fallon.

He's a neuroscientist studying psychopathic killers, who found out via a brain scan that he IS one. Well not a killer, but a psychopath.

And that's something that comes up a lot in these conversations! The idea that just because you're a psychopath, that you are violent - this is not necessarily true. And it is one of so many things we often get wrong about psychopaths, and Athena is here to lovingly - well maybe not lovingly, but willingly - correct us.

Hey there! This is the VERY much extended conversation that Chion had with the writer <a href="https://athenawalker.substack.com/about">Athena Walker</a>. She's got over <a href="https://www.quora.com/profile/Athena-Walker">40,000 followers on Quora</a>, where she talks about what it's like being a clinically diagnosed psychopath.
Please do check out the original episode posted just before this one, which also includes our conversation with Dr. James H Fallon.
He's a neuroscientist studying psychopathic killers, who found out via a brain scan that he IS one. Well not a killer, but a psychopath.
And that's something that comes up a lot in these conversations! The idea that just because you're a psychopath, that you are violent - this is not necessarily true. And it is one of so many things we often get wrong about psychopaths, and Athena is here to lovingly - well maybe not lovingly, but willingly - correct us.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

For more: ctpublic.org/audacious

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
For more: <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.

Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we’re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

Listen at ctpublic.org/audacious

Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we&rsquo;re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Listen at <a href="http://ctpublic.org/audacious">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>
Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

BONUS: Extended conversation with Athena Walker, writer and clinically-diagnosed psychopath

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Welcome to the Brimfield Antique Flea Market!

Thousands of buyers and sellers descend on a small Massachusetts town three times a year, filling fields with furniture, vintage clothes, tools, art, oddities and things you didn’t know existed five minutes ago. 

We spend the day roaming the country’s largest outdoor antiques show, meeting serious collectors, first-timers, lifelong dealers and shoppers operating almost entirely on instinct. 

Along the way: haggling advice, the difference between an oar and a paddle, clown art, a singing bowl sound bath and one important lesson: if you love it, somebody else probably does too. So grab it (preferably using cash). 

Suggested episodes:
The Big E: What it takes to create 17 days of magic
Audacious at sea: Wisdom from strangers on a cruise ship
Audacious Scotland: CT’s Highland Festival & Games, plus quarrelsome dames seek justice for witches
The minds, hearts (and stomachs) of competitive eaters
Welcome to the Punderdome! We're entering NYC's punniest pun competition
It’s A Brand Nude Day!

 

GUESTS: 
First segment: Lois Shelton, Jacey Bradshaw, Mike Vojnich, Monica Pedroso, Sarah Gray, and Emily Cahill, Ram Limbu, Bruce Baier, Sam Sutner
Second segment: Jen Davidson, Jen Weckbacher, Deborah Baird, Mary Smith, Collin and Kari McCaffery, Robert Simas, Kate Corriveau
Third segment: James Enders, Shiree Cole, Tonya Cameron, Mo Benzriouil, Sarah Baroud, Luke Davis, Ross and Laura Bonner, Garett Eisele

Welcome to the Brimfield Antique Flea Market!
Thousands of buyers and sellers descend on a small Massachusetts town three times a year, filling fields with furniture, vintage clothes, tools, art, oddities and things you didn&rsquo;t know existed five minutes ago.&nbsp;
We spend the day roaming the country&rsquo;s largest outdoor antiques show, meeting serious collectors, first-timers, lifelong dealers and shoppers operating almost entirely on instinct.&nbsp;
Along the way: haggling advice, the difference between an oar and a paddle, clown art, a singing bowl sound bath and one important lesson: if you love it, somebody else probably does too. So grab it (preferably using cash).&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-10-03/the-big-e-what-it-takes-to-create-17-days-of-magic">The Big E: What it takes to create 17 days of magic</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-12-05/audacious-at-sea-wisdom-from-strangers-on-a-cruise-ship">Audacious at sea: Wisdom from strangers on a cruise ship</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-02-27/audacious-scotland-cts-highland-festival-games-plus-quarrelsome-dames-seek-justice-for-witches">Audacious Scotland: CT&rsquo;s Highland Festival &amp; Games, plus quarrelsome dames seek justice for witches</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-07-03/the-minds-hearts-and-stomachs-of-competitive-eaters">The minds, hearts (and stomachs) of competitive eaters</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-09-22/welcome-to-the-punderdome-were-entering-nycs-punniest-pun-competition">Welcome to the Punderdome! We're entering NYC's punniest pun competition</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/mental-health/2020-07-03/its-a-brand-nude-day">It&rsquo;s A Brand Nude Day!</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">First segment: Lois Shelton, Jacey Bradshaw, Mike Vojnich, Monica Pedroso, Sarah Gray, and Emily Cahill, Ram Limbu, Bruce Baier, Sam Sutner</li>
<li aria-level="1">Second segment: Jen Davidson, Jen Weckbacher, Deborah Baird, Mary Smith, Collin and Kari McCaffery, Robert Simas, Kate Corriveau</li>
<li aria-level="1">Third segment: James Enders, Shiree Cole, Tonya Cameron, Mo Benzriouil, Sarah Baroud, Luke Davis, Ross and Laura Bonner, Garett Eisele</li>
</ul>

A trip to Brimfield Antique Flea Market, where old things find new people 

In honor of Dolly Parton, we’re rebroadcasting a conversation with her niece, singer/songwriter Jada Star. 

Jada shares what it was like growing up with Aunt Dolly, watching the rest of the world fall in love with her, and learning from her example of kindness, faith, hard work, and generosity.

For a transcription of this episode, click here.

Original air date: January 6, 2024.

GUEST: 
Jada Star: Singer-songwriter whose debut album is called Tell Me I'm Your Angel. She also starred in the ABC reality series Claim To Fame.

You will also hear the voice of Heather Ream, author of "Lunchladies Bought My Prom Dress," East Tennessee native, and Dolly Parton fan. She was a guest on the Audacious episodes about super smellers and nostalgic childhood scents.

In honor of Dolly Parton, we&rsquo;re rebroadcasting a conversation with her niece, singer/songwriter Jada Star.&nbsp;
Jada shares what it was like growing up with Aunt Dolly, watching the rest of the world fall in love with her, and learning from her example of kindness, faith, hard work, and generosity.
For a transcription of this episode,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/audacious-with-chion-wolf-transcript-jada-stars-musical-bond-with-her-aunt-dolly-parton" data-cms-id="0000018c-d5e6-d28c-a1bc-d7e78dfe0000" data-cms-href="https://www.ctpublic.org/audacious-with-chion-wolf-transcript-jada-stars-musical-bond-with-her-aunt-dolly-parton">click here</a>.
Original air date: January 6, 2024.
GUEST:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://jadastarmusic.com/home%C2%A0">Jada Star</a>:&nbsp;Singer-songwriter whose debut album is called&nbsp;Tell Me I'm Your Angel. She also starred in the ABC reality series&nbsp;Claim To Fame.</li>
</ul>
You will also hear the voice of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heatherream.com/">Heather Ream</a>, author of "<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lunchladies-bought-my-prom-dress-heather-ream/1143617862?ean=9798988235705">Lunchladies Bought My Prom Dress</a>," East Tennessee native, and Dolly Parton fan. She was a guest on the Audacious episodes about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-11-18/what-its-like-to-be-able-to-smell-illnesses">super smellers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2022-10-13/what-smells-like-childhood-hear-eighteen-answers">nostalgic childhood scents</a>.

'I Will Always Love You': Jada Star’s musical bond with her aunt Dolly Parton

The Playboy Bunny is one of America’s most recognizable symbols, but it never represented a single experience. 

Candace Jordan was both a Bunny and a Playmate in the ‘70s, and remembers Playboy as a source of sisterhood, ambition, opportunity and lifelong belonging. 

Victoria Valentino was Miss September 1963, and for her, becoming a Playmate became tied to family rejection and an identity she never wanted. 

Decades later, both women look back on the same famous institution, and reveal two profoundly different truths about power, choice, survival and what lived on beyond the photographs. 

 

Suggested episodes:
Going Flat, or Building New Breasts: Two Women’s Post-Mastectomy Stories
Models On Beauty 
Behind The Screens: Hollywood Hairstyling, Coordinating Intimacy, And Illustrating The Great British Bake Off

 

GUESTS: 
Candace Jordan: Former Playboy Bunny, Chicago’s 1976 Bunny of the Year and Playmate who appeared on nine Playboy covers. She later became a prominent Chicago writer, social chronicler and nonprofit supporter through her long-running Candid Candace brand 
Victoria Valentino: Was Playboy’s Miss September 1963. A former hospice nurse and author of Dirty Diamonds, she became a prominent Bill Cosby accuser and has spent decades advocating for sexual assault survivors and legal reform

The Playboy Bunny is one of America&rsquo;s most recognizable symbols, but it never represented a single experience.&nbsp;
Candace Jordan was both a Bunny and a Playmate in the &lsquo;70s, and remembers Playboy as a source of sisterhood, ambition, opportunity and lifelong belonging.&nbsp;
Victoria Valentino was Miss September 1963, and for her, becoming a Playmate became tied to family rejection and an identity she never wanted.&nbsp;
Decades later, both women look back on the same famous institution, and reveal two profoundly different truths about power, choice, survival and what lived on beyond the photographs.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/health/2021-06-11/rebroadcast-going-flat-or-building-new-breasts-two-womens-post-mastectomy-stories">Going Flat, or Building New Breasts: Two Women&rsquo;s Post-Mastectomy Stories</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-08-27/models-on-beauty">Models On Beauty</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/arts-culture/2020-11-13/behind-the-screens-hollywood-hairstyling-coordinating-intimacy-and-illustrating-the-great-british-bake-off">Behind The Screens: Hollywood Hairstyling, Coordinating Intimacy, And Illustrating The Great British Bake Off</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://candidcandace.com/">Candace Jordan</a>: Former Playboy Bunny, Chicago&rsquo;s 1976 Bunny of the Year and Playmate who appeared on nine Playboy covers. She later became a prominent Chicago writer, social chronicler and nonprofit supporter through her long-running Candid Candace brand&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Victoria Valentino: Was Playboy&rsquo;s Miss September 1963. A former hospice nurse and author of <a href="https://a.co/d/00pTzLQu">Dirty Diamonds</a>, she became a prominent Bill Cosby accuser and has spent decades advocating for sexual assault survivors and legal reform</li>
</ul>

BONUS: Extended conversation with Athena Walker, writer and clinically-diagnosed psychopath

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