In this episode, we dive into the shocking and unsettling story of Theodore Streleski, a brilliant yet troubled Stanford mathematics graduate student who became infamous for the 1978 murder of his academic advisor, Professor Karel de Leeuw. After spending nearly 20 years as a graduate student, Streleski claimed the act was a political statement against the dehumanizing nature of academia.
We explore the intense academic pressure, isolation, and psychological decline that preceded the crime, as well as Streleski’s unapologetic attitude in its aftermath. His refusal to show remorse—and his strange insistence on serving his full prison sentence—captivated the public and raised questions about mental health, institutional neglect, and the dark side of higher education.
Join us for a chilling examination of ambition, obsession, and the breaking point of one man against the system.
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