Why do certain individuals, who seem to be on the path of achievement, suddenly descend into the abyss of crime? This perplexing question echoed throughout a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosted by Tony Brueski, featuring insights from J. Ruben Appleman, the author of "While Idaho Slept." Their exploration focused on Bryan Kohberger, a man with a multifaceted persona who, despite his achievements, now stands accused of heinous crimes.
 
 Bryan Kohberger's story is riddled with paradoxes. On one hand, he was a criminology student, poised to make a mark in the realm of criminal justice. On the other, his arrest paints a vastly different narrative. Brueski voiced the common sentiment: "It seemed rather odd that someone would throw away all of that education… on something like this." Appleman, however, walked a fine line, neither endorsing nor contesting Kohberger's guilt. He emphasized that while the police firmly believe in Kohberger’s culpability, his own book doesn't claim Kohberger’s guilt.
 
 Delving deeper, we find a resilient Kohberger who overcame substantial personal hurdles. He "kicked heroin, lost a hundred pounds as a teenager", and took bold strides in higher education. His physical achievements were undeniable. Appleman remarked, "He became a runner. He was studying kickboxing for a little bit. He was in very good shape." But, appearances can deceive.
 
 Despite his accomplishments, Kohberger's interactions, especially with women, were marred by narratives of rage, mistrust, and rejection. A recurring theme in the discourse was the potential influence of "incel" ideologies—those of the "involuntarily celibate." While Brueski contemplated if Kohberger's underlying issues stemmed from this line of thought, Appleman demarcated between merely having incel-like ideologies and identifying as an incel. Appleman stated clearly, "It’s very clear that he had lots of friction between himself and women.”
 
 This friction, combined with personal trauma, societal judgments, and a rare visual impairment called "visual snow," which alters one's perception, created a volatile mix. Brueski, reflecting on societal quick judgments based on isolated moments, stated, "Everybody looks like a creep in some pictures." It's evident that Kohberger, a man in his prime, grappled with the weight of consistent societal denigration. "All he got was rejection and shame and rejection and shame," Appleman mused.
 
 The duo's conversation painted Kohberger not merely as a defendant but as a case study on the intersection of personal experiences, societal norms, and the intricacies of the human mind. As Kohberger faced his trial, the wear of confinement starkly contrasted with his previous fit image. This decline, Brueski and Appleman highlighted, began long before the allegations.
 
 In a world where the tangible often overshadows the intangible, and where societal verdicts are passed on mere appearances, Kohberger's case serves as a mirror to society's hasty judgments and the underlying complexities of the human psyche. Brueski and Appleman's discourse emphasized the need to view individuals not just through the prism of their actions but to delve deeper into the socio-psychological factors that influence their behaviors.
 
 The "Hidden Killers" podcast episode culminated as a reflection on the profound impacts of societal judgment, human complexities, and the tragic outcomes when these forces intersect. Yet, the question lingers: "In a world dominated by perceptions, how can we discern the true essence beneath the facade?"
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