Hidden True Crime - Patreon Exclusive: Into the Mind of Robin Westman, Minneapolis School Shooter

I love the football analogy. It describes my partner well at times and the tension between me being the overthinker and him keeping things simple 😆

Julie Port

2025-09-13 08:43:58 +0000 UTC

The insights you share are truly valuable and amazing. Thank you. However, and this is NOT political, quoting Noem is like citing Reinhardt Heydrich. She is callously cruel and dishonestly divisive. South Dakotans know this all too well.

Tracy Jensen

2025-09-09 22:38:19 +0000 UTC

Thank you for your thoughts and sharing them. Knowing I can come to your channel is a gift for my heart ❤️

Stacy McFall

2025-09-08 04:15:08 +0000 UTC

Dr. John, I love how well-read you are. It brings your interpretations to a whole new level.

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-06 03:41:34 +0000 UTC

Americans, please don’t buy your children guns. Let’s start there.

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-06 01:35:50 +0000 UTC

I’m always confused/baffled by why do these killers end others lives with the end being ending their own life. I don’t mean to seem crass, but couldn’t that same person just unalive themselves? Do they think they’ll have notoriety?

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-06 01:31:23 +0000 UTC

Most of us desperately want better but our politicians think with their wallets and dead children don't matter

Melinda Wood

2025-09-06 01:26:46 +0000 UTC

My interpretation of “I’m sorry I couldn’t be the person you wanted me to be” along with the positive messages like “live, laugh, love” is that they were all meant to be snarky/sarcastic. However, the letter to family as a whole exists at such stark dissonance to the shooter’s darker side and evil act that it reminds me of the high level of compartmentalization seen in criminals like serial killer Dennis Radar (aka, living a completely different “family man” life separate from his darker obsessive self). I was very struck by the dissonance in the letter — the shooter paints a completely different, compartmentalized, persona in it. It’s pretty wild. At first, I was seriously wondering how someone this disturbed could go under the radar for so long, but I think this letter and sophisticated compartmentalization may be the key. (For anyone that doesn’t know, I’m referring to the handwritten (in English) letter to the shooter’s family and friends that the shooter shows at the very beginning of the video discussed in this podcast)

Abby

2025-09-04 09:37:34 +0000 UTC

Are your lectures to your students this great?!

Dal Pace

2025-09-04 01:13:17 +0000 UTC

I gotta say, hearing my own name said many times in this video kept me tuned in.. lol I love the story about your son. :)

DeLady aka Robin

2025-09-03 15:30:13 +0000 UTC

Thank you both for all your insight and willingness to explore the complexities of this tragedy us. I definitely agree with Dr John that people will try to simplify it. My heart hurts for the children that were injured and killed and their families. I wish with my heart and soul that these occurrences of shootings would become less but sadly, the way people are so divided and quick to judge and hate those that are 'different' makes that seem so unlikely. I just wish everyone in the world could feel love and know love and feel secure with their identities. I wish for less hate, less aggression, less judgment anad more tolerance and understanding. I definitely appreciate all you both do to help us understand the why behind so many crimes (even if there isnt ever really a reason). Understanding human behaviour is absolutely hard work. 😬 Love and hugs to you both!! Also, love the.mention of Banks. I believe my son will be exactly the same -- he is nearly 7 and SUCH a deep thinker. Always keeping me on my toes and my brain working for answers. 💕💕💕

Katie S

2025-09-03 07:42:43 +0000 UTC

So concerned that we make anyone feel an outcaste.

Maryann McDaniel

2025-09-03 04:56:00 +0000 UTC

Why do these shooters take out others when they know the end is them or others taking them out.?

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-03 02:50:09 +0000 UTC

Are love and hate closer than we think?

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-03 02:44:22 +0000 UTC

Nice race analogy.

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-03 02:25:44 +0000 UTC

Americans: To protect your own children in schools, stop gun ownership until people are 30. They have children of their own at that point. Potentially those shooters have children and can empathize, maybe?

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-03 02:22:04 +0000 UTC

Americans, do better! WTAF?

Ruth Claessens

2025-09-03 02:15:38 +0000 UTC

A little positive note: Lauren, you look so pretty!

Eedee

2025-09-02 16:04:48 +0000 UTC

Dr John: last month, Jupiter Art Park, Scotland. Wee sculpture: Only Connect. Share what this means if you like, it’s long been a fave of mine. Cheers Margaret

Margaret Hartley

2025-09-02 03:29:42 +0000 UTC

Great conversation as always. I feel that I have to confess that I became a massive F1 fan following my divorce.

Lavender Haze

2025-09-02 01:56:18 +0000 UTC

My heart breaks for ALL involved, including Robert/Robin. So much internal conflict and self loathing, IMO. So very heartbreaking.

Lynn Saastad

2025-09-01 19:36:52 +0000 UTC

As a mom of a trans daughter, I’m still in the early stages of relearning pronouns. It isn’t the easiest for me and it has no reflection of my level of support. It’s literally reprogramming my mind. So, John, no worries on those pronouns. I can tell you were upset with yourself.

TABATHA WAGNER

2025-09-01 10:03:14 +0000 UTC

The fact that Dr. John is confused on what would be most respectful to call this person is a reflection of how this person felt inside in the end. It’s no surprise that as Dr. John is beginning his analysis of this person he is already feeling the confusion. T What this murderer did is unforgivable but it is a reflection of where we are as a society. I’ll say this, I’m in my early 40s. I was lucky to grow up in a time where there was beginning to be more acceptance of the LGBTQ community. However, the children who recently graduated hs (including this murderer) and who are in highschool now, grew up where being part of that community was more than a fad. It wasn’t enough to accept. You had to be. I saw it with very close people to me. They confided their sexual orientation. They felt the fear of not being accepted. I had my doubts on some things but accepted. It wasn’t until a loved one came to me and said they were so confused and thought they were the wrong gender that I knew it had gone too far. I knew these close children had immense pressure to actually be part of the LGBTQ community. It wasn’t enough just to accept it. There was a lot of pressure. Other woman/Mothers I know saw it too. I would have accepted this person no matter what. But I knew they needed me to say enough is enough. And I’d say I felt 99.5% right. And I’m so glad for their sake I was able to see the pressure they were under. I don’t doubt that this recent murderer felt societal pressure to change gender. But also, he’s a murderer. Politics helped create this but we are all guilty. It’s not one side or another. Both sides pushed so hard that the extremes cane out. Shame on us all and let’s do better for these upcoming generations! I’m curious to hear John’s interpretation of the ‘brainwashing’ this murderer felt. Seems he was likely going to be capable of horrific acts even before any transition but this made him the most angry. This pressure from society that this new generation felt, what term or interpretation do you have on that? I’ll say one last thing, lol. When I was growing up, going away to college and ‘experimenting’ (I never went away to college) was the norm. These days it wasn’t t about experimenting. It confused the ever loving crap out of these children. They needed to be gay in order to be accepted. At least in some areas of the country. They lost their identity because of the intense pressure. I personally am accepting of everyone with who they are. But over a couple decades, it wasn’t enough to be straight and accepting. I wasn’t enough to close people to me because I was straight I felt the pressure they were under but I knew who I was and what I preferred already. Can you explain this phenomenon, if that’s the right word? Thank you Dr. John, your insight is up there with the ‘elite’, bar none. And Lauren, your reporting is pure, authentic, raw, hard working, in real time or with the times, and deliberately off the cuff, yet remarkably relatable and engaging. Thanks to you both. Sorry I write so much. lol

Alli

2025-09-01 06:14:50 +0000 UTC

I also wonder about Robins experiences at this school, the mother working there. Her/his sense of self there. The political Easter eggs in the video. How the hell did this person get an assault rifle? (Oh)

Gin Leto

2025-09-01 02:12:29 +0000 UTC

Wow. Amazing. Thought about the quote from Carl Jung. “Until you make the unconscious, conscious it will direct your life and you will call it fate”

Gin Leto

2025-09-01 01:29:28 +0000 UTC

This is so well said, thank you for sharing this. And thank you for the kind words for us, too. We are all processing this together

Hidden True Crime

2025-09-01 00:39:50 +0000 UTC

Thank you, John & Lauren. I can see how heavy this is for you both. Your willingness to help us understand is what the world needs more of. The two of you so wonderfully made the point of the dichotomy of life at 118:31 when you both speak at once and L says "hope & faith" at exactly the time John says "horrendous violence' and if you knew it you didn't show it. Thank you for living out your purpose.

Cathleen Thomas

2025-08-31 22:33:52 +0000 UTC

I really loved this analysis. It is so sad to know that all the tech innovations we all tout and seek seem to bypass the evolution and innovation we should be seeking within ourselves and our national ethos. We are developing AI models to reinforce the shallow and honestly primitive processes and explanations our ancestors once held. I think the attitude of Robin really embodies the awful quote from Elon Musk earlier this year when he said "I am meme." The trolling and hyper-ironic rhetoric of the online world is now pulsing through the veins of our government, leaders, policies, personal beliefs. I know it's a disturbing thought, but I really think the ability of discernment as it relates to reality is becoming mush more elusive for Gen Z and Gen Alpha relative to older generations. Robin, like many of us now understand how the media will cover certain topics, we all have learned just how to manipulate and excite the so called algorithm of mass media. It seems like that is only going to feed these types of troubled people in their desire to become notorious and "trend." It really is frightening just how much this has changed from when I was in high school, and I'm a Gen Z/Millennial cusper. I always love that you both give us space to have empathy for everyone involved, especially since our world is becoming so polarized. I have felt so much fear and anxiety as it relates to being an American right now, but feel that everyday gives us the opportunity to exercise hope and empathy. I use the word exercise deliberately because my G-d it is straining as of late. I really think the two of you are helping to make this world a better place. Hope you, your family, and the Gem community are doing well.

Evie Rae

2025-08-31 20:19:22 +0000 UTC

I believe it is dangerous when young people with severe mental health problems start believing that they are just trans, that is why they are unhappy and transition will help. Then they transition and nothing changes, and if they start saying that they want to detransition they get hate and rejection from their new community. So a huge betrail and let down. Often first by society, then by their trans and supporter community. It is a very difficult point in life. Many want to kill themselves. This, of course, is something more - not just killing yourself but taking kids with them. But in general I hope that people get support not just for transitioning but especially when detransitioning.

Līga Vasara-Brakmane

2025-08-31 19:48:41 +0000 UTC

I think John may be correct in transitioning between male and female in this podcast, I read that in the time before the shooting Robin/Robert wrote that they deeply regretted their transition to being female. It sounds as if he felt conflicted about this. It sounds as if initially his mother was not supportive of Robin/Robert's transition. I don't know if that was a reason Robin was sent to a conservative military style school. After attending the school however was when Robin's mother assisted them in transitioning to female legally. It certainly sounds as if Robin was a very troubled individual, going through numerous schools before finally graduating.

Jill Wilson

2025-08-31 19:47:38 +0000 UTC

Thank you for helping us get a glimpse of understanding this tragedy. I expect it will become politicized in the days to come with media pointing fingers and casting blame and vilifying marginal groups when what is needed is more tolerance and more acceptance and more support for those hanging on by their fingertips. You didn't make excuses and I'm not going to either, but this violence doesn't come from young people who are accepted and supported by society -- maybe. I am saddened by the hate that is spewn at trans people (and let's face it, everyone that doesn't look or act "right") in our society today.

Claudette

2025-08-31 19:20:58 +0000 UTC

Once again, you two have nailed it. So, so appreciated your perspective and sharing of knowledge. Thank you ❤️

Theresa Rathbone

2025-08-31 19:09:32 +0000 UTC

Thank you for sharing this. I’m so glad you survived and got out.

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-31 16:03:42 +0000 UTC

This was so good. Such a horrible tragedy and that picture of the mom running with her shoes off that is circulating is so powerful as well. Thank you for covering this.

Maria Albanese

2025-08-31 15:39:44 +0000 UTC

Hi Lauren! For me, cognitive dissonance at the far end of the spectrum is true psychological torture. I’m only putting these pieces together as I sit here, but here we go…I recently escaped a 10 year relationship with a covert narcissist. After ten years, we bought a house with his name on it and from there his true self emerged toward me. I suddenly needed to make sense of a situation where, again, after TEN years, the kind man I married was also a sadistic, cruel, hateful, and grandiose person. A monster that even with the hindsight of red flags it was still so difficult to comprehend. The man I loved was seemingly two different people and I had to separate the two and break through the torturous cognitive dissonance in order to make him one person again. He was always a monster inside but he only showed me his good parts and faked the rest. He was fun. He felt kind. Societal beliefs and family opinions unknowingly added to the torturous experience. I had never felt torture in my life before this. I suppose, that although we experience a typical and unalarming level of cognitive dissonance everyday, I didn’t ever have a need to know the term. I feel lucky that I survived such a severe level of cognitive dissonance. I also realize while rereading this, that it really depends on the complexity of the situation as well as how often it is experienced by society. Balancing daily cognitive dissonance among my peers , I typically find a group to belong to. The situation I was in seemed more rare. Some of the only, societal ‘norms’ I could cling to in order to feel balanced were stories about Chris Watts.

Alli

2025-08-31 14:48:34 +0000 UTC

So cool!

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-31 13:09:36 +0000 UTC

So why script or watch. Or discuss a tragedy? Because if we are honest we know and see the jagged edges of despair intervene in real life and know at our core how fragile and how close some of us can become.. to live and love with eyes open is an act of courage. Please continue in your sensitive and important work continuing to pray for the best of health for your family. Margaret Hartley

Margaret Hartley

2025-08-31 10:52:10 +0000 UTC

I usually agree with Dr. John. But I am not sure about all of his analysis. I love this podcast and you both give so much food for thought. Thank you!! A deep, thoughtful analysis that has me pondering my own interpretations. 💕

Shari DeClerico

2025-08-31 09:09:06 +0000 UTC

I am thorough. Probably unpopular opinion. However, for me, I'd want to talk with mom and dad. Especially mom. Because "they" (he to she then regretted it. No solid identity is they) voiced regret and self loathing for not being what their family wanted them to be. Adam Lanza's autopsy report revealed "emaciation to the point of brain damage) and Nancy Lanza fought against treatment for him. Although people dont want to hear it, sometimes, the parents are a root cause.

Mary Sheldon

2025-08-31 00:45:46 +0000 UTC

Thank you for taking the time to address this, guys. I found it really helpful.

Enaldi

2025-08-31 00:34:47 +0000 UTC

Many including Lauren are stating we should not give Robin Westman any attention at all. We should not study her videos. The issue is that there are sadly many people like Robin. We had a shooting by an individual who I think could be somewhat similar to Robin here in Coeur d'Alene Idaho who started a fire to bring fire fighters into to a site so that he could turn around and start shooting them. He died in the process. The issue is if we do not try to understand these people, to understand the development of these people, we will never learn, we will never to learn how to possibly prevent these events in the future.

Jill Wilson

2025-08-31 00:30:16 +0000 UTC

Where does this deep sense of failure or lack of love of self, of significance come from. How does this develop? Does this person "know" themself?

Jill Wilson

2025-08-31 00:11:18 +0000 UTC

Speaking of Pokémon, there are a number of Pokémon livery planes flying worldwide with airlines ANA (Japan) and Scoot (Singapore). Their websites have more information but in case you want to take your little man on an adventure further afield, it might be a nice surprise for him!! Or just look out for them at the airports if you do travel!

JenAus

2025-08-30 22:59:31 +0000 UTC

John, its fine! This is not about being sensitive to the shooter at this time.

Juliet Carrington

2025-08-30 22:40:17 +0000 UTC

And his Mom had formerly worked for the school similar to Lanza's mother's attachment to the school.

Gloria S

2025-08-30 22:39:59 +0000 UTC

It could be true, but Robin didn't seem committed to being trans

Matt B

2025-08-30 22:34:24 +0000 UTC

I remember reading that Robin attended this school and I'm wondering if that is what led to Robin committing this heinous act there. I wonder if there is something about the Robin's journey attending this school that got twisted in his/her psyche. I have not had a chance to listen to the whole podcast yet but wanted to stop by and comment. Was there some experience that related to Robin's feelings of self that led her/him to go there to kill. Catholicism has never been kind to the lgbtq+ community. Did this create in Robin a great sense of conflict? Did it lead to this hatred of self and other. It is said one can't love others unless they love themselves. You must understand and accept yourself. If you can't, if you don't understand yourself or your motivations that must create a great sense of inner conflict.

Jill Wilson

2025-08-30 22:26:20 +0000 UTC

Is it remorse though? I’m not convinced

Shari DeClerico

2025-08-30 22:16:25 +0000 UTC

You seem to have missed the entire reason Dr. John spent time talking about this.

Christie Blair

2025-08-30 22:07:25 +0000 UTC

A lot of the other shooters did it because they were rejected by women - the motivation was sexual. It could be the same here, but with children, and the generalized anger towards society is because our norms shame him/her and discourage that behaviour. I really think all the "messaging" is just a smoke screen

Matt B

2025-08-30 21:12:59 +0000 UTC

Your “Little Man” is very wise…

Penny Brown

2025-08-30 20:12:17 +0000 UTC

I still am waiting for the delphi take on mass scicosis on richard allen confession rejection...hope to hear soon!

Debeans

2025-08-30 19:23:58 +0000 UTC

My son's love love Pokémon cards when young. I have 2 plastic bins full. They still won't part with them after at least 8 yrs. Enjoy them Banks!

Debeans

2025-08-30 19:16:07 +0000 UTC

This isn’t to say the shooter didn’t have genuine regret for their transition, but statistically the vast majority of people who experience that regret feel that way due to lack of acceptance from people in their lives and society at large.

Gabe

2025-08-30 19:11:37 +0000 UTC

It’s part of our constitution and this country has more guns than people. It’s actually, statistically, a small % that are used for murder, let along mass murder. Additionally, the news seldom covers guns used to save lives. I just always ask why people from other countries involve themselves in our affairs.

Wyatt Sway

2025-08-30 18:32:53 +0000 UTC

My family owns weapons like this and oddly, they never killed a soul. It’s not the weapons. This guy should not have had weapons when the cops had been called at least twice in his teen years for mental health issues. Red flag laws should have been used on him. Guns are not to blame here, the shooter is.

Wyatt Sway

2025-08-30 18:28:38 +0000 UTC

He was transgender but said he felt it was awful he transitioned. He regretted it and didn’t want to cut his hair because it was all he could hold onto of his MtF journey. He said he would probably cut his hair before the shooting. This was someone who regretted his transition. It appears in his mind he had left the LGBTQ community and one of his journals did express hate towards that community (like most every other community). I have switched from her to him because of that. I will use whatever pronouns you want but in this case, he seemed to hate himself and his transition. Still….focusing on children like this guy, the guy from Nashville, the columbine guts, Lanza etc seems a special kind of evil. Adults is bad enough but targeting small children seems beyond evil. If people are upset on misgendering (and I’m not sure based on his writings it’s even misgendering, tbh) when he opened fire on small children, you are focusing on the wrong part of this even, just as much as blaming the LGBTQ community for this, which is sad and wrong. This guy hated himself but why the need to take out small kids? Special kind of evil.

Wyatt Sway

2025-08-30 18:25:49 +0000 UTC

As O'Hara said- we refer to him as the shooter, no more giving this person a name. Gender, isn't the problem- the mind is the problem Mpls, Mn Pray for my city- its run by people that shouldn't be in office - to much damage here

Chris Bolander

2025-08-30 17:15:42 +0000 UTC

I wouldn't be surprised if Robin's a sexually-frustrated pedophile. All the messaging is meant to confuse the public and Robin did this cause the children "make" her feel shame, which turned to rage. Btw, I like hearing Dr Johns impromptu, unfiltered takes. It's interesting hearing a smart person process

Matt B

2025-08-30 17:10:37 +0000 UTC

People should not own weapons like this.

Julienne Buscho

2025-08-30 16:53:47 +0000 UTC

I agree Robin is greatly manipulative- and so conflicted - incredibly sad

Julie Wilburn

2025-08-30 16:33:57 +0000 UTC

I love hearing, your explanations, Dr John and Lauren. I say that, all the time- but, it’s comforting to me. Thank you

CG1

2025-08-30 16:09:39 +0000 UTC

Don’t apologize at all for less “shows.” You two are such wonderful parents to your little guy. Lauren, your conversations w him were just the sweetest ever. My son was hugely into Pokémon too when he was little. Prayers that you enjoy every moment w your little one. One day you’ll blink, and he will be 30 like mine.

Patricia Seybold

2025-08-30 15:58:05 +0000 UTC

With the deepest respect to everyone, I truly believe we shouldn’t give this primordial piece of human excrement one more minute. That’s what it wanted. Why did it commit this horrific crime? Answer: sometimes it’s just a simple matter of pure evil. Period. My hope is we stop trying to deconstruct evil, and stop giving this monster one more thought.

Patricia Seybold

2025-08-30 15:38:45 +0000 UTC

Great, thoughtful episode. I think there’s no simple solution for a very complex problem. I do think we can and should speak up if we see red flags. Most shooters in hindsight leak their intentions.

Jackie Bradstone

2025-08-30 15:24:01 +0000 UTC

THIS! Thank you!

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:26:12 +0000 UTC

Thank you Sarah. We’ll continue here and thanks for understanding this topic would be difficult on that platform

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:17:00 +0000 UTC

💕💕💕

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:15:24 +0000 UTC

This is Lauren. You literally summarized and explained CD better than any Internet search or podcast host I’ve listened to. That was genuinely so helpful.

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:13:02 +0000 UTC

Thank you for your compassion Louise. Intent is so important to note.

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:11:07 +0000 UTC

Thank you for adding this. We agree

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:09:29 +0000 UTC

So well said! Thank you for this comment

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 14:08:36 +0000 UTC

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. I know a lot of people said we should just ignore the "why" and stop talking about the perpetrators. At some degree I agree but, talk and unmask them, help me a lot to learn about myself and let me have more compassion to others. We can't just ignore the mind behind criminals and simplify them into monsters or demons. I think especially for parents or caregivers, it's important to learn. Instead of making these perpetrators like a mythological creatures, unmasked them will take their powers away. They all human with complex and twisted minds.

Lenny Wen

2025-08-30 14:05:58 +0000 UTC

Something that I think is not quite understood in this discussion, mainly because this is not part of John and Lauren’s world, is the impact of the internet on the murderer. The phrases on the magazines are meme phrases. The shooter was deep in nihilistic internet communities. I see the “Live Laugh Love” not as a positive thing but as a joke, a troll. This is a huge problem with young people and specifically men. I’m not sure what role the shooter’s gender dysphoria played in this. I am a huge supporter of the trans community and I think it’s completely ridiculous to say they did this because they were potentially trans. However, the self-hatred that very likely existed, and the anti-trans sentiment that proliferates in the online communities they were a part of, as well as the population at large, surely influenced these horrendous actions.

Lauren Leiendecker

2025-08-30 13:56:18 +0000 UTC

My son was in school in Waynesboro VA during VA Tech tragedy. Everyone was on lockdown, and I was terrified being so far away in Texas. When will all this end?

Patricia Seybold

2025-08-30 13:29:15 +0000 UTC

Me too.

Patricia Seybold

2025-08-30 13:27:07 +0000 UTC

Thank you, Lauren and John. So, so sad.

Patricia Seybold

2025-08-30 13:26:35 +0000 UTC

It would be extremely hypocritical to blame the trans in the gender to be the problem. If so the same people would have to blame the male gender in other shopping which is not happening at all. Males are not blamed and guns are not blamed. Yet they're the ones often doing the killing. It's so wild to look at from Europe. We want to scream; WHY ARE ALL THOSE GUNS ALLOWED IN NORMAL HOUSEHOLDS??

Ditte Christiansen

2025-08-30 12:06:03 +0000 UTC

Glad to see HR LILY❤️

Cathy Rodolosi

2025-08-30 11:37:25 +0000 UTC

Don't apologise for incorrectly gendering Robin. This incessant social pressure to apologise for everything is nonsense. As someone who gets misgendered more often than correctly gendered, you learn to recognise when people are innocently using the wrong gender and when they're intentionally using the wrong one. Intent is more important than the word used, and we know you're not intentionally doing it.

Louise Grills

2025-08-30 11:30:01 +0000 UTC

thank you for sharing this, I wouldn't have thought it would be, but your content helps me cope with life and the psyche 😊❤️❤️❤️ your compassion and positive messages are awesome. hugs from Germany

Karin

2025-08-30 11:15:25 +0000 UTC

I will NEVER FORGET SANDY HOOK!!! I remember where I was when I heard about it. 😢

Cathy Rodolosi

2025-08-30 11:03:45 +0000 UTC

Cognitive dissonance was explained to me in my psych undergrad as when your behavior doesn’t align with your values. It creates internal turmoil and something has to change to alleviate that. Usually people shift their mindset to justify or excuse behavior rather than realizing they’re behaving in a way that goes against their values. So to use the simple diet example given by Lauren..maybe you know you need to avoid sugar but you tell yourself “oh it’s just one..I deserve it.” Thus, mindset shift to allow you to be ok with the behavior. That’s such a simplistic example but it fits

LLemon

2025-08-30 11:02:39 +0000 UTC

Really appreciated this thoughtful breakdown

Iris Ford

2025-08-30 10:35:08 +0000 UTC

Thank you both, John and Lauren. I know each mass shooting is its own tragedy, but I am compelled to say that I was teaching at Virginia Tech when our April 16th shooting occurred. I include this to offer some hope. https://www.facebook.com/StoryCorps/videos/jane-vance-and-lucinda-roy/10156200947688622/

Jane Vance

2025-08-30 10:17:48 +0000 UTC

Statistically speaking I believe the % of women who commit this type of crime is well below 1%. I can, personally, only recall 1 occursnce. I'm LGBT and even we screw up with the pronouns, John's doing fine, we know who's an ally.

Robinette Conger

2025-08-30 10:13:28 +0000 UTC

I'm sure the press and politicians will make what they want out of this but universally they will ignore the obvious of gun control issues and lack of mental health support

Louise Grills

2025-08-30 09:46:49 +0000 UTC

My kids are in their 30s and still into Pokémon. My daughter is always looking for pikemen when we go walking. She’s 35 ! ;-)

Tad Auty

2025-08-30 08:20:44 +0000 UTC

Your son saying “we can hope …” is just the MOST darling thought ♥️ Thank you for sharing this precious moment ♥️

Jax Seph

2025-08-30 07:50:31 +0000 UTC

Yes Audra, I agree with you on the importance of this channel along with Dr. John and Lauren’s value / strengths. I feel so fortunate to be apart of this community as well as learning so much concerning minds, behavior, and actions of the criminals committing these heinous acts against humanity. 🏜️

Terrie

2025-08-30 07:06:55 +0000 UTC

This is so aweful

Bonnie Schoeneman-Dilley

2025-08-30 07:00:54 +0000 UTC

I joined again for your coverage on this. I recognize this will be hard for YouTube. I will be interested to hear your thoughts again when you have time to digest the manifesto. There’s a lot to unpack there.

Sarah

2025-08-30 06:53:32 +0000 UTC

A bit of a tough listen so far with John’s frequent misgendering and use of improper terms, like “becoming transgender” (transitioning would be the correct term). I understand that topics like these are hard to cover especially with the pressure of being vilified for making a mistake, but I do think it’s important to be well versed in proper terminology surrounding trans folks if you want to publicly discuss it in a way that doesn’t further stigmatize the community !

Gabe

2025-08-30 06:35:35 +0000 UTC

Thank you Dr John for teaching us about “what is going to be wrong”. This channel and this Patreon is so important. I wish all would get to know HTC and Dr John! And Lauren we love you too. Please know you are both valued for your different strengths! 💕

Audra Neurauter

2025-08-30 06:26:08 +0000 UTC

Became a patron tonight to see your coverage of this. As a trans man from Minneapolis, it’s been a horrifying week especially since I also started school on Monday. It’s particularly difficult timing because it also comes just weeks after the two year anniversary of another mass shooting here in Minneapolis that killed my friend August Golden. When I was in elementary school, we passed Annunciation on our drive to school. It’s difficult to engage with any coverage of this without being faced with insane levels of transphobia hatred and misinformation. I appreciate the sensitivity that folks in the comments have shown in discussing the shooter. Haven’t watched yet, but I’m sure it reflects a precedent y'all set in the video.

Gabe

2025-08-30 06:10:24 +0000 UTC

I really appreciate this episode because I teach high school at a charter school in Utah that it is a safe haven for many LGBTQ+ students. I have a high ratio of trans students on my class rosters, and am extremely protective of them! This story is very confusing to me because my experience is that my trans students are the most compassionate kids I work with. I can't recall a single behavior issue other than vaping or mental health. I'm in grad school to become an MFT and specifically want to help LGBTQ+ teens and parents bridge ideological divides and anchor their connection through love and compassion.

Venus

2025-08-30 05:46:39 +0000 UTC

“Hope is good.” Wise words from the very young. I am reminded of one of my philosophy profs discussing why jihadists are so dangerous. If you really believe you have nothing to lose there is nothing you will not do. Hope, that you have something worth losing, hope that tomorrow holds rewards worth sticking around for is important. I worry in an era where we millennials are entering middle age and the gen Zers are coming to grips with an adult life that we will see more of this sort of killer. One who has decided there is absolutely nothing for them to lose in a world that can seem an endless slog of vitriol and cruelty and struggle with no hope for tomorrow being better. Young Chinese nationals have developed the “let it rot” or the even more nihilistic “let it burn” culture. Is “let it bleed” going to be the US equivalent? I hope not. But something needs to change to help restore hope.

Marmalade's Mom

2025-08-30 05:46:20 +0000 UTC

Love all the Pokémon stuff. My children collected cards and now my 3 granddaughters collect them. It is official, 2 generations of my family are obsessed with Pokémon!

Elizabeth Thompson

2025-08-30 05:42:09 +0000 UTC

Briefly saw this but have not delved into it. Not sure if and when I will. I always wonder if the shooters friends and family saw any signs? Dr. John starting out just talking about it is a beginning. Thank you for that. I am sorry for the two children killed and their families. I am also sorry for all the ones injured, it will be a long recovery and even those not injured will be affected. So sad that this happened. I also want to say that not putting this out on You Tube is smart. I am also glad you are covering baby Emmanuel. We need to have the stronger laws for child abuse. Thank you and glad to see you both back on Patreon.

Kay Louise

2025-08-30 05:24:18 +0000 UTC

Thank you John and Lauren, I think Robin was extremely confused, mentally ill and I hate what she's done but I can't help but feel compassion towards her x

Janski

2025-08-30 04:53:53 +0000 UTC

Hi! Minneapolis-an here! I live 3 blocks away and am an alum of the school/still go to the church. The reason the shooter shot through the windows is because once mass starts, most (if not all) of the outside door lock automatically. So she couldn’t even get in. It is not a well known thing that the doors shut after mass starts. The only way she would have achieved her goal that day is to shoot through the narrow windows. There are no bigger windows that look directly into the church/line of fire. She blocked the doors so the kids couldn’t get out, with the intention of trapping them to cause more panic. I am close to one of the 1st grade teachers and she said that the shooter actually tried to get in one of the unlocked doors, but a dad held it shut. The shooter shot at the door and the dad got out of the way.. then for some reason (thank god!) the shooter abandoned the door and moved on. Our community is heartbroken and will never be the same, but are still so thankful for the little things that saved a lot of kids that day. Hope this helps!

Kat Friedman

2025-08-30 04:43:59 +0000 UTC

When I saw you had a video on Patreon breaking this down I immediately became a member. I appreciate you Dr John, the way you can break down being human in such a honest and easy to understand manner. Being human means any one of us is capable of doing horrific things so it seems there is a place inside some of us who are willing to understand these complexities and not merely accept these simplified explanations people in powerful positions give us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I look forward to learning more from you.

Suzann

2025-08-30 04:42:49 +0000 UTC

I appreciate your analysis so much! The media reports on this have been so frustrating and biased. I love how you both emphasize the complexity of life and people. Thank you!

Sheri

2025-08-30 04:39:30 +0000 UTC

I could listen to you guys talk for hours. John is so intense. He really makes me do some deep thinking. Prayers for the family & friends involved in this tragedy.

Prairie Rose

2025-08-30 04:04:39 +0000 UTC

Thank you Lauren and Dr. John!

Linda Young

2025-08-30 03:53:55 +0000 UTC

This narrative and the media is also making us so worried. We are so sorry for the fear. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Hidden True Crime

2025-08-30 03:28:50 +0000 UTC

John and Lauren, my oldest is transgender. He has been absolutely gracious when my hubby and I mess up and say ‘she’. Most who are truly in transition are very forgiving when they feel that people are trying to work thru the change. As for Robin, my oldest and I had a very long conversation because my fear of media/social media back lash on the Trans community. Our takeaway without seeing the entire video just snippets - was that yes Robin was confused and it almost felt as though Robin was mocking Trans folks as well. Which is heartbreaking. I wish there was compassion. I can’t take my son on a road trip without worrying how we are going to stop for a potty break so they can use the restroom without worrying which bathroom to go in. I am scared as their parent!

Carole Conriquez

2025-08-30 02:22:21 +0000 UTC

I am so confused because she said she wanted to see kids die. But she shot through narrow stained glass windows. Barricaded the doors so no one could escape yet she couldn't have seen the kids pass away because the windows were narrow. And they started hiding under the pews. I guess I am trying to make something logical that is not logical and never will be. Robin knew the layout of the church. And knew adults would more than likely not be at an early morning Mass with kids. But more kids would have died but one of weapons jammed. It could have been even worse. She also knew we have an American Pope now and that would draw more attention. We had school shootings before Columbine. I am from Jonesboro, AR. One of the first school shootings was here. Westside School.

Donna

2025-08-30 01:50:12 +0000 UTC

As blunt as I am about my views on guns and having a best friend who is currently still holed up in Bright Victoria after the two cops were killed earlier this week by a complete knobhead “sovereign citizen” - please explain the psyche behind them if you will John - I appreciate your dissection of these crimes and what you all do (including Grayson). I am very proud to live in a country that was forthright and unapologetic about banning guns after 35 people were killed in Port Arthur. They included two little girls who were with their mother and shot at point blank range by another psychopath who should never have had access to a firearm. I stand by my views. I respect America has very strong views and it is a contentious topic, but humanity is universal and precious, no matter the race, the religion or the gender - people of all ages have a right to feel safe and to be safe. 🇦🇺

JenAus

2025-08-30 01:36:58 +0000 UTC

I think John is right...this is toxic shame taking over almost every part of this person.

Cindy Ginter

2025-08-30 01:16:58 +0000 UTC

Why? Why does America not have the fucking balls to do something about people accessing guns, especially people who are so young??

JenAus

2025-08-30 01:10:53 +0000 UTC

Hard topic. I understand Robin expressed regrets about not remaining Robert in their writings.

Maggie B

2025-08-30 01:00:23 +0000 UTC

This was rough. Phew. Look forward to hearing more once you’ve reviewed the latest info.

Joyce Filatreau

2025-08-30 00:54:03 +0000 UTC

Doing a Dr John episode on the Adelsons?? 🤦‍♀️

Diana Trendell

2025-08-30 00:25:28 +0000 UTC

Brilliant. Thank you so much Dr. John & Lauren for sharing your thoughts. I found them incredibly helpful, insightful and wise, which is extremely refreshing in today's media environment.

Jesse

2025-08-30 00:09:34 +0000 UTC

We can have hope. I love this Lauren ❤️

woobles 66

2025-08-30 00:01:36 +0000 UTC

I appreciate you John so much. I haven't seen the Video on this and like Lauren I don't believe I want to but Depression is tough Anxiety is tough but she has a whole other battle. Thank you both & yes Compassion goes a long way, we may not totally understand it but we can certainly continue to Love them

Kassandra Wells

2025-08-29 23:31:14 +0000 UTC

Patreon Exclusive: Into the Mind of Robin Westman, Minneapolis School Shooter

Comments

I love the football analogy. It describes my partner well at times and the tension between me being the overthinker and him keeping things simple 😆

The insights you share are truly valuable and amazing. Thank you. However, and this is NOT political, quoting Noem is like citing Reinhardt Heydrich. She is callously cruel and dishonestly divisive. South Dakotans know this all too well.

Thank you for your thoughts and sharing them. Knowing I can come to your channel is a gift for my heart ❤️

Dr. John, I love how well-read you are. It brings your interpretations to a whole new level.

Americans, please don’t buy your children guns. Let’s start there.

I’m always confused/baffled by why do these killers end others lives with the end being ending their own life. I don’t mean to seem crass, but couldn’t that same person just unalive themselves? Do they think they’ll have notoriety?

Most of us desperately want better but our politicians think with their wallets and dead children don't matter

Are your lectures to your students this great?!

I gotta say, hearing my own name said many times in this video kept me tuned in.. lol I love the story about your son. :)

So concerned that we make anyone feel an outcaste.

Why do these shooters take out others when they know the end is them or others taking them out.?

Are love and hate closer than we think?

Nice race analogy.

Americans: To protect your own children in schools, stop gun ownership until people are 30. They have children of their own at that point. Potentially those shooters have children and can empathize, maybe?

Americans, do better! WTAF?

A little positive note: Lauren, you look so pretty!

Dr John: last month, Jupiter Art Park, Scotland. Wee sculpture: Only Connect. Share what this means if you like, it’s long been a fave of mine. Cheers Margaret

Great conversation as always. I feel that I have to confess that I became a massive F1 fan following my divorce.

My heart breaks for ALL involved, including Robert/Robin. So much internal conflict and self loathing, IMO. So very heartbreaking.

As a mom of a trans daughter, I’m still in the early stages of relearning pronouns. It isn’t the easiest for me and it has no reflection of my level of support. It’s literally reprogramming my mind. So, John, no worries on those pronouns. I can tell you were upset with yourself.

I also wonder about Robins experiences at this school, the mother working there. Her/his sense of self there. The political Easter eggs in the video. How the hell did this person get an assault rifle? (Oh)

Wow. Amazing. Thought about the quote from Carl Jung. “Until you make the unconscious, conscious it will direct your life and you will call it fate”

This is so well said, thank you for sharing this. And thank you for the kind words for us, too. We are all processing this together

Once again, you two have nailed it. So, so appreciated your perspective and sharing of knowledge. Thank you ❤️

Thank you for sharing this. I’m so glad you survived and got out.

This was so good. Such a horrible tragedy and that picture of the mom running with her shoes off that is circulating is so powerful as well. Thank you for covering this.

So cool!

I usually agree with Dr. John. But I am not sure about all of his analysis. I love this podcast and you both give so much food for thought. Thank you!! A deep, thoughtful analysis that has me pondering my own interpretations. 💕

Thank you for taking the time to address this, guys. I found it really helpful.

Where does this deep sense of failure or lack of love of self, of significance come from. How does this develop? Does this person "know" themself?

John, its fine! This is not about being sensitive to the shooter at this time.

And his Mom had formerly worked for the school similar to Lanza's mother's attachment to the school.

It could be true, but Robin didn't seem committed to being trans

Is it remorse though? I’m not convinced

You seem to have missed the entire reason Dr. John spent time talking about this.

Your “Little Man” is very wise…

I still am waiting for the delphi take on mass scicosis on richard allen confession rejection...hope to hear soon!

My son's love love Pokémon cards when young. I have 2 plastic bins full. They still won't part with them after at least 8 yrs. Enjoy them Banks!

This isn’t to say the shooter didn’t have genuine regret for their transition, but statistically the vast majority of people who experience that regret feel that way due to lack of acceptance from people in their lives and society at large.

As O'Hara said- we refer to him as the shooter, no more giving this person a name. Gender, isn't the problem- the mind is the problem Mpls, Mn Pray for my city- its run by people that shouldn't be in office - to much damage here

People should not own weapons like this.

I agree Robin is greatly manipulative- and so conflicted - incredibly sad

I love hearing, your explanations, Dr John and Lauren. I say that, all the time- but, it’s comforting to me. Thank you

Great, thoughtful episode. I think there’s no simple solution for a very complex problem. I do think we can and should speak up if we see red flags. Most shooters in hindsight leak their intentions.

THIS! Thank you!

Thank you Sarah. We’ll continue here and thanks for understanding this topic would be difficult on that platform

💕💕💕

This is Lauren. You literally summarized and explained CD better than any Internet search or podcast host I’ve listened to. That was genuinely so helpful.

Thank you for your compassion Louise. Intent is so important to note.

Thank you for adding this. We agree

So well said! Thank you for this comment

My son was in school in Waynesboro VA during VA Tech tragedy. Everyone was on lockdown, and I was terrified being so far away in Texas. When will all this end?

Me too.

Thank you, Lauren and John. So, so sad.

Glad to see HR LILY❤️

thank you for sharing this, I wouldn't have thought it would be, but your content helps me cope with life and the psyche 😊❤️❤️❤️ your compassion and positive messages are awesome. hugs from Germany

I will NEVER FORGET SANDY HOOK!!! I remember where I was when I heard about it. 😢

Really appreciated this thoughtful breakdown

Statistically speaking I believe the % of women who commit this type of crime is well below 1%. I can, personally, only recall 1 occursnce. I'm LGBT and even we screw up with the pronouns, John's doing fine, we know who's an ally.

I'm sure the press and politicians will make what they want out of this but universally they will ignore the obvious of gun control issues and lack of mental health support

My kids are in their 30s and still into Pokémon. My daughter is always looking for pikemen when we go walking. She’s 35 ! ;-)

Your son saying “we can hope …” is just the MOST darling thought ♥️ Thank you for sharing this precious moment ♥️

This is so aweful

I joined again for your coverage on this. I recognize this will be hard for YouTube. I will be interested to hear your thoughts again when you have time to digest the manifesto. There’s a lot to unpack there.

Thank you Dr John for teaching us about “what is going to be wrong”. This channel and this Patreon is so important. I wish all would get to know HTC and Dr John! And Lauren we love you too. Please know you are both valued for your different strengths! 💕

Love all the Pokémon stuff. My children collected cards and now my 3 granddaughters collect them. It is official, 2 generations of my family are obsessed with Pokémon!

Thank you John and Lauren, I think Robin was extremely confused, mentally ill and I hate what she's done but I can't help but feel compassion towards her x

I appreciate your analysis so much! The media reports on this have been so frustrating and biased. I love how you both emphasize the complexity of life and people. Thank you!

I could listen to you guys talk for hours. John is so intense. He really makes me do some deep thinking. Prayers for the family & friends involved in this tragedy.

Thank you Lauren and Dr. John!

This narrative and the media is also making us so worried. We are so sorry for the fear. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

I think John is right...this is toxic shame taking over almost every part of this person.

Why? Why does America not have the fucking balls to do something about people accessing guns, especially people who are so young??

Hard topic. I understand Robin expressed regrets about not remaining Robert in their writings.

This was rough. Phew. Look forward to hearing more once you’ve reviewed the latest info.

Doing a Dr John episode on the Adelsons?? 🤦‍♀️

Brilliant. Thank you so much Dr. John & Lauren for sharing your thoughts. I found them incredibly helpful, insightful and wise, which is extremely refreshing in today's media environment.

We can have hope. I love this Lauren ❤️