178: The True Story of Kitty Genovese

FROM THE VAULT: On a chilly March night in 1964, Kitty Genovese was brutally murdered near her home in Queens, New York—a crime that shocked the nation and changed the way we think about human behavior. The tragedy became infamous for reports that 38 bystanders heard her cries for help but did nothing. Was it urban apathy, or is the truth more complicated? In this episode, we unravel the myths, explore the psychology of the bystander effect, and uncover how this case reshaped laws, research, and public consciousness. Join us as we dive into the lasting legacy of the Kitty Genovese case.