Podcast Summary: Human Events Daily with Jack Posobiec
Episode: The Toxic Psychology of Tyler Robinson
Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Jack Posobiec
Guest: Dr. Chloe Carmichael, Clinical Psychologist
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode, Jack Posobiec investigates the psychological underpinnings of Tyler Robinson, the confessed shooter of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk. Joined by Dr. Chloe Carmichael, the conversation delves into Robinson's toxic relationship with roommate Lance Twigs, their dissociation from society, the influence of online subcultures, sexuality, and the broader cultural currents affecting young men today. The discussion focuses on unpacking the grim circumstances leading to the tragedy, aiming to identify warning signs, cultural failures, and the psychology that could contribute to similar acts in the future.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Events Leading Up to the Crime
[00:50]
- On September 10, 2025, Tyler Robinson skipped his electrical apprenticeship, went to Utah Valley University, and fatally shot Charlie Kirk during a campus event.
- CCTV footage documented Robinson's preparation and escape.
- Robinson's father recognized him on the news and confronted him, resulting in Robinson's confession.
- Shortly before the shooting, Robinson left a note for his roommate:
“‘I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.’” [08:58]
2. The Relationship Between Robinson and Twigs
[02:28] [03:02] [09:36]
- Evidence points to a close and possibly romantic relationship between Robinson and roommate Lance Twigs, who was reportedly transitioning.
- Leaks from a close friend provided insight into their “strange and toxic relationship.”
- Joint drug use, online immersion, and radicalization appeared to fuel their dynamic.
- Dr. Carmichael references the psychological concept “folie à deux” (shared psychosis), hypothesizing they might have shared a delusional worldview.
“...two people that are participating in the same delusion together...” – Dr. Carmichael [10:22]
3. Attempts at Motivational Analysis
[11:34] [13:36]
- Dr. Carmichael and Jack discuss possible motives, including Robinson trying to impress Twigs or playing the “white knight” or hero figure.
“...at this particular developmental age...they're still kind of in a late form of adolescence...craving and seeking social approval...” – Dr. Carmichael [13:36]
- Jack draws a parallel with radicalization processes, noting that perpetrators rarely consider themselves extremists but rational actors.
4. Online Culture, Dissociation, and Identity
[15:59] [18:15] [21:44]
- Both Robinson and Twigs were extensively involved in insular online communities (Reddit, Discord), with influences including pornography, furries, trans identity, drug use, and anti-religious/anti-family rhetoric.
“It seems like there could be a little bit of a goal there, as far as, you know, becoming the white knight, but in a little bit of a twisted sense...” – Dr. Carmichael [13:36]
- The COVID-19 lockdowns further entrenched behind-the-screen socialization, alienation from family, and increased exposure to radical and pornographic content.
“...they couldn't step out into the world. The world was shut down. And so they stepped out into the world online.” – Dr. Carmichael [15:59]
5. The Loss of Traditional Support Structures
[18:15] [29:59]
- Both individuals had recently left the Mormon church, with Dr. Carmichael noting how “ex-Mormon” culture can drive some to directly oppose their upbringing.
- The breakdown of traditional communities, masculinity, and family bonds is discussed as a root cause for some young men’s alienation.
“What better way to step away from...‘Oh, I’m just a terrible toxic straight white male’? I know, I could be trans...” – Dr. Carmichael [30:18]
- Online communities filled the void but often exacerbated harmful ideologies.
6. Dissociation and Double Life
[24:02] [36:09]
- Notable mention that Robinson’s online behavior included disturbing searches and engagement in furry/trans pornography, which Jack describes as “gross” and “disturbing.”
- Dr. Carmichael analyzes the possibility of a “bifurcated identity” – being one person with family and another in his life with Twigs and online.
- Isolating forces and online echo chambers reinforced their detachment from reality.
“...it causes depression. It’s actually one of the first things an abuser wants to do to a victim is to isolate them and make them feel as if...their friends and family don’t understand them.” – Dr. Carmichael [36:09]
7. Radical Ideologies and the “Speech as Violence” Doctrine
[31:27] [33:19]
- Discussion of the notion that merely debating or disagreeing with trans or leftist ideology is interpreted as an existential, physical attack.
- Dr. Carmichael links this perception to intentional programming in schools and online, seeing Marxist influence as central.
“...it really is a very strong thread within the trans movement, specifically that if you should say to a, quote, trans man, you’re actually a woman, or use biologically accurate pronouns, they’ll say, you are threatening my existence.” [33:19]
- The fragility of identities untethered from reality fuels psychological instability and, in rare instances, extreme violence.
8. The Death Penalty, Culpability, and Insanity Defense
[38:28] [39:26] [42:21]
- The local district attorney intends to seek the death penalty.
“I am filing a notice of intent to seek the death penalty. I do not take this decision lightly…” – County Attorney [38:07]
- Dr. Carmichael and Jack examine whether psychological issues could be leveraged in the penalty phase. Dr. Carmichael is skeptical:
“...the behavior of Tyler Robinson following this event clearly shows that he was completely aware of the difference between right and wrong.” [39:26]
- Robinson’s premeditation, attempts to cover his tracks, and confession to his parents indicate a lack of insanity—as typically recognized by law.
- Erica Kirk's, Charlie’s widow, attitude towards the death penalty is one of forgiveness, but not necessarily opposition, reflecting her personal Christian faith.
9. Broader Lessons & Calls for Accountability
[44:28] [45:38] [46:50]
- Discussion ends with a call for accountability, deterrence, and the importance of valuing victimhood in society.
“It’s about showing society that the victim’s life had value.” – Jack Posobiec [46:50]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “This is what happens when the fourth turning meets fifth generation warfare.” – Jack Posobiec [00:02]
- “I want to unpack every single piece of it that I can...I want to dig in through every shadow, open every closed door, look under every rock to try to understand not just...the security failures...but even the psychological situations—what would drive someone to do this?” – Jack Posobiec [03:02]
- “If Tyler Robinson fancied himself, you know, as some kind of a, you know, hero here...craving social approval and social acceptance...they may have even fallen prey to some of this extreme vilification of straight white men…” – Dr. Carmichael [13:36]
- “Everything that would normally guide them to feel useful...to be providers, protectors, leaders...has all been branded as toxic masculinity...” – Dr. Carmichael [30:18]
- “They've hinged their existence on something that is untrue. So, of course, it creates a lot of instability.” – Dr. Carmichael [33:19]
- “A person can absolutely be mentally ill, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to feed to an insanity plea.” – Dr. Carmichael [41:07]
- “It’s about showing society that the victim’s life had value.” – Jack Posobiec [46:50]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:50] – Recap of the crime and Robinson’s confession
- [02:28] – Evidence of the Robinson-Twigs relationship
- [09:36] – Introduction of Dr. Chloe Carmichael for psychological insight
- [13:36] – White knight syndrome and adolescent identity crises
- [15:59] – Impact of COVID-19 lockdown and online radicalization
- [21:44] – Dissociation, drug use, and parenting deficiencies
- [30:18] – Vilification of masculinity and attraction to identity subcultures
- [33:19] – “Speech is violence” and psychological instability
- [38:07] – County attorney’s announcement of intent to seek the death penalty
- [39:26] – Legal culpability: premeditation and insanity defense
- [46:50] – Valuing the victim’s life and societal lessons
Final Thoughts
This in-depth episode examines not only the tragedy itself but the dangerous intersection of personal isolation, online radicalization, and broader cultural shifts. Through reflective analysis, Posobiec and Dr. Carmichael highlight the loss of grounded masculinity, the pitfalls of identity politics, and the weaponization of language and internet culture—while stressing the critical need for personal responsibility, community support, and societal accountability in preventing similar acts in the future.
For more information on Dr. Carmichael’s work:
Visit freespeechtoday.com for her book and resources on free speech.