Lovers of the murderous psyche podcast received sad news shortly after Christmas. Psychiatrist and forensic expert Svetozár Droba died on the night of December 24-25 at the age of 82. The podcast was founded by his grandson Richard Mažonas, with whom he conducted interesting conversations about criminal stories in each episode. In the new installment of Murderous Psyche, Richard spoke about his death for the first time and sent his grandfather a heartbreaking message to heaven.
“Today we’re not going to analyze cases or broach the subject of mental health the way you’re used to. This episode is different, it is a thank you for the incredible journey that we have traveled together with this podcast, a memory of the person who was his heart, my grandfather, Dr. Svetozár Droba. When we started, I would never have imagined how much of an impact this project would have on both of us, on me and on my grandfather and on you, our listeners,” said Richard at the beginning.
Mažonas was a law student and loved foreign crime podcasts. As he revealed in the past, when he was thinking about what he would do in the future, he thought of creating his own podcast. He recorded the first part, but something was missing, and that’s when he looked at his grandfather, who was just swimming in the pool.
“I remember pulling him out of the garden one summer evening and telling him, I have a project where I need your help. Grandpa answered without hesitation – of course – and from that moment the history of the Murderous Psyche began to be written,” he recalled.
Mr. Droba was able to explain complex topics in such a way that even an ordinary person could understand them, which is why the public liked him very quickly. “Thanks to the podcast, he literally became a star, people took photos with him, asked for autographs, thanked him for his contribution, and although the grandfather took it with humor, these interactions genuinely pleased him. He devoted his whole life to psychiatry and saw the opportunity to popularize it through the podcast as the cherry on top of his career,” continued Richard.
“It was grandfather’s view of the world and his unique message that raised our project to the next level. Murderous Psyche is not just a crime podcast, it is grandfather’s legacy. My grandfather, Svetozár Droba, was not only a great psychiatrist and expert, but also a person with a huge heart and a good guy. His mission in life to help others knew no bounds, he was always able to see the best in people, as many of our episodes prove. He never turned anyone down and was always ready to lend a helping hand, even if it often meant sacrificing his time and comfort,” said Mažonas.
Mr. Droba considered his work a mission. “I remember how many times we had to postpone our recording because one of his patients needed help. Even on Christmas Day, in his last moments, he answered phone calls from his patients and in his dreams, when the line between reality and imagination was already hazy, he continued his mission, analyzing, diagnosing and finding answers to the questions that life presented to him. All this with a smile on his lips,” he described his last moments.
“Grandpa was a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest, his humor and his favorite phrase: “Work your body, you will become an ox”, will remain in our memory forever. This wisdom described his philosophy that nothing worthwhile in life comes without effort. He was principled and never gave in to injustice. He stood up for what he thought was right, even if it was often difficult. At the same time, he was able to appreciate even small joys. Grandpa loved jazz music, good coffee, evenings with a glass of wine and shared moments with loved ones,” the grandson recalled.
Mr. Droba could be a role model for many men. “Grandpa was a true gentleman, an echo of a time that no longer exists today. His greetings – kissing hands or opening doors for ladies – were a matter of course for him. His elegant demeanor and respect for others were an example of what a rare person he really was,” he said of his late grandfather’s habits.
“In conclusion, I would like to say just one thing. Grandpa would definitely not want us to be sad. He was an eternal optimist and a great joker who could find humor even in the most difficult moments. He lived a beautiful, fulfilling life that was full of love success and joy. And that’s why, when we remember him, let’s remember with a smile his laugh, his jokes. All the good that grandfather’s legacy gave us remains here with us. And I promise you that I will continue to spread it, because I know that grandfather would have wanted it,” added Richard in conclusion.
