In a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, hosts Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke discuss the perplexing decision of Donna Adelson in her upcoming trial for the murder of FSU law professor Dan Markle. Adelson, facing charges of murder, conspiracy, and solicitation, has chosen to hire the same attorney who previously represented her son, Charlie, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
 
 The conversation begins with a critical question: "Why would Donna Adelson hire the same attorney who failed to prevent her son's conviction?" This question sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the Adelson family dynamics and their approach to the legal system.
 
 Brueski outlines the case's key elements, noting the unusual choice of Donna Adelson to retain the same lawyer who represented her son. Dreeke, with his expertise in behavioral analysis, delves into the psychology of the Adelson family. "This family lives in an echo chamber," he observes, suggesting that their insular world view has led to a series of poor decisions.
 
 The hosts discuss the Adelson family's apparent lack of objectivity and their tendency to surround themselves with people who reinforce their own beliefs. Dreeke references Robert Greene's "Laws of Human Nature," which discusses the human tendency to seek validation of personal opinions. "There are no loving critics, because your loving critics think the same thing you do," Dreeke explains, highlighting the lack of diverse perspectives within the Adelson family.
 
 Brueski and Dreeke also examine the content of phone calls between Adelson family members, noting their peculiar nature. The calls do not explicitly discuss the murder but reveal a pattern of mutual encouragement and reinforcement within their echo chamber. "They're not flat out discussing the murder as if they did it. It's very much their kind of echo chamber and giving each other encouragement in weird ways," Brueski notes.
 
 Dreeke comments on the intellectual capabilities of the Adelson family, contrasting them with other cases they have discussed. Despite their apparent intelligence, their insularity has led to unwise choices. "When you don't have objectivity outside the small circle of family, you're going to make a lot of dumb decisions and dumb choices," Dreeke remarks.
 
 The conversation shifts to the arrogance and judgmental nature of the Adelsons, particularly in their interactions with others. Brueski recounts Charlie Adelson's derogatory comments about the jury members in his trial, illustrating the family's disdainful attitude towards those outside their circle.
 
 Dreeke concludes that the Adelsons' behavior is not just about collecting grievances but about being vindictive. "This is a nasty, vindictive group of people that stand in judgment of everyone because they think everyone else is a moron but them," he says.
 
 As the episode concludes, Brueski and Dreeke leave the audience with a thought-provoking question: "In a case as complex and emotionally charged as the Adelsons', can the truth be discerned through the layers of family loyalty, arrogance, and self-deception?" This question encapsulates the uncertainty and intrigue surrounding a case that continues to captivate and confound observers.
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