Cruelty by Nature with Dr. Peter Salerno

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Peter Salerno, author of Cruelty by Nature, about the deeper roots of manipulative and abusive behavior. Drawing from neuroscience, genetics, and clinical psychology, Dr. Salerno challenges the idea that cruelty is always just the result of trauma or bad upbringing. We explore how certain personality pathologies may be tied to stable biological patterns that bias some individuals toward exploitation, calculation, and harm. This conversation offers a bold reframe of abuse, accountability, and victim protection—and invites a more honest look at human cruelty, survivor validation, and what true healing and justice may require.Dr. Peter Salerno is a psychotherapist, educator, and author specializing in personality disorders, pathological abuse, and complex trauma. With advanced clinical training and a research-driven approach, he is the author of Cruelty by Nature.Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dZzsvFWebsite: www.drpetersalerno.comInstagram: drpetersalerno