From Ideology to Violence: Lone Actors and the Psychology of Extremism, with Dr Nathan Brooks

In this episode, hosts Dr Lars Madsen and Shay Addison welcome back guest Dr Nathan Brooks for a timely and thought-provoking conversation. Against the backdrop of recent cases - including Dezi Freeman in Australia and the killing of Charlie Kirk in the United States - the discussion examines how lone-actor violence appears to be evolving. Together, the hosts analyze statistical trends, and explore emerging patterns toward targeted acts against symbolic ideological figures.Dr Nathan Brooks also reflects on the release of his recent book, Mass Casualty: The rise of Lone Actors. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mass-Casualty-Rise-Lone-Actors/dp/0473749998Link for Groundproof Forensic Institute: https://www.groundproofforensics.com/Send us a Message

Dr Lars Madsen, Shay Addison, and Dr Rob Brockman are back for a new season to examine one of Australia’s  one of Australia’s most high-profile recent cases - the conviction of Erin Patterson, widely referred to in the media as “the mushroom murderer.”In this episode of Beyond the Crime – A Psychological Analysis, we move beyond legal outcomes to explore the psychological question left largely unanswered at trial: why? Using schema therapy and schema modes as a framework, they develop a speculative psychological formulation based on publicly available evidence, courtroom material, and reported behaviour patterns.Send us a Message

Dr Lisa Warren - clinical and forensic psychologist and co-founder of Code Black Psychology - joins Dr Lars Madsen to explore the complex psychology behind threats to kill and coercive control. Drawing on years of clinical experience and groundbreaking research, Lisa shares insights into the motivations behind repeated threats, the chilling dynamics of coercive control, and the often-overlooked emotional distress underlying these behaviors.We dive deep into the profile of individuals who make threats, including their risk for future violence and even suicide, and the clinical challenges in treating them. Lisa also sheds light on the architecture of coercive control, comparing it to tactics used on prisoners of war and cult members, and reveals how these dynamics trap victims in an “invisible cage.”This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals, forensic practitioners, and anyone interested in the psychology of threat, control, and harm.Stalking Symposium Melbourne - Friday 5th September 2025https://www.drnathanbrooks.com/event-info/stalking-symposium-melbourneSend us a Message

Dr Lars Madsen is joined by Dr Stan Steindl to discuss the principles of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and its application in forensic settings. They explore how CFT can support clients, and consider how compassion might play a role in managing shame and building emotional regulation. They also discuss the integration of CFT with schema therapy approaches, and how therapists can maintain compassion for themselves when working with challenging client groups.For more information on CFT:Compassion in a T-Shirt Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/compassion-in-a-t-shirt/id1760679546The Compassionate Minds Foundation: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/Send us a Message

In this episode of Beyond the Crime, Dr Lars Madsen sits down with philosopher and author Massimo Pigliucci to explore the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and its relevance in today's world. They delve into the origins of Stoicism, its core principles, and how it aligns with modern psychological concepts like the 'Healthy Adult' in schema therapy. Massimo shares his personal journey into Stoicism, the motivations behind his book How to Be a Stoic, and discusses the parallels between the Stoic 'sage' and contemporary ideas of psychological well-being. Whether you're new to Stoicism or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers valuable insights into living a virtuous and balanced life.Interested in learning more from Massimo Pigliucci?Website: https://massimopigliucci.org/The Philosophy Garden: https://thephilosophygarden.substack.com/Send us a Message

In this episode of Beyond the Crime, hosts Shay Addison and Dr. Lars Madsen continue their deep dive into lone actor violence, with a focused exploration of the infamous case of Gabriel Wortman. Joined by expert Dr. Nathan Brooks, they examine the forensic psychology behind Wortman’s actions through the lens of schema modes.Send us a Message

In this episode of Beyond The Crime, Dr Lars Madsen is joined by Dr Nathan Brooks to explore the psychological analysis of lone-actor violence. They discuss critical risk factors, including fixation, grievance, identity shifts, and direct threats. Dr Brooks emphasizes the importance of early intervention and addressing underlying issues to prevent violence, using a compelling analogy about rescuing children from a river. The conversation highlights the necessity of proactive measures and building psychological resilience, particularly in children, to mitigate future risks. Tune in for valuable insights on understanding and preventing lone-actor violence. Dr Nathan Brooks Events: https://www.drnathanbrooks.com/eventsSend us a Message

In this follow-up to Part 1; 'Lie Detection: Polygraph Testing with Sexual Offenders, with Don Grubin', hosts Shay Addison, Dr Lars Madsen, and Dr Rob Brockman delve deeper into the complexities of deception in forensic psychology. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by professionals working within correctional systems. Gain insights into the different manifestations of deceit, from compliance and passive-aggressive behaviours to the impact of prolonged exposure to specific client types on therapists' perspectives. This episode of 'Beyond The Crime' provides a thought-provoking exploration of human behaviour.Send us a Message

In this episode of 'Beyond The Crime', hosts Shay Addison and Dr Lars Madsen are joined by Don Grubin, a leading expert on polygraph use with sexual offenders in the UK. Together, they explore how polygraph testing has become a valuable tool in managing sexual offenders by uncovering the truth and helping assess risk, and why it has proven effective in both monitoring offenders and supporting their rehabilitation. Tune in for an insightful discussion on lie detection.Send us a Message

In this follow-up to Part 1, 'Understanding Fire Setting,' hosts Shay Addison and Dr Rob Brockman delve deeper into the psychological dynamics behind fire-setting behaviour. In this episode, they explore the schema modes that might drive individuals toward destructive actions, unpacking how schemas can fuel risky behaviour.Send us a Message