I Sat With Death Row Killers… This Is What I Learned

In this episode of None Of Your Business, Michael sits down with Dr. ShaRone David Kushnir, a clinical psychologist with a unique background as a former concert pianist and artist, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation on human behavior, mental health, and transformation.Dr. Kushnir shares his journey from the world of music and film scoring into psychology, including his work inside the prison system with violent offenders and inmates on death row. He opens up about sitting face to face with murderers, navigating high-risk environments, and what those experiences taught him about trauma, power, and the human need for control.The conversation explores emotional regulation, anger, narcissism, empathy, and why listening is one of the most powerful tools in both relationships and personal growth. Dr. Kushnir explains how even the most broken individuals can find meaning, why no one is beyond redemption, and how mindset shifts can change the trajectory of a person’s life.They also dive into spirituality, identity, and the intersection between art and psychology, offering a rare perspective on how creativity and deep thinking shape the way we understand ourselves and others.00:00 Intro01:45 From artist to psychologist05:00 Art, psychology, and identity07:00 Family background and upbringing10:00 Religion, spirituality, and early influences12:30 Leaving the music world14:00 Ayahuasca and life transformation15:15 Entering psychology and prison work16:30 First experience on death row18:45 Inside the mind of a murderer22:00 Working with violent offenders24:00 Redemption and human nature28:00 Understanding power and control30:00 Mental illness vs responsibility33:00 Empathy, narcissism, and human behavior36:00 Life inside the prison system38:00 Conflict with prison staff40:00 Handling danger and fear41:00 De-escalating anger and aggression43:00 Lessons on communication and listening