Why do we cling to beliefs we know don’t make sense? Why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong — especially in politics? In this episode, we break down cognitive dissonance: the psychological discomfort of holding contradictory beliefs, and how it’s fueling an identity crisis across American society.

From ego and empathy to national pride and political tribalism, the crew explores:

• Why we double down instead of backing down
• How media and social platforms keep us locked in dissonance
• What cognitive dissonance reveals about our personal and political identities
• How empathy might be the antidote to ego-fueled delusion

This is more than theory — it’s a real-time diagnostic of a country stuck in contradiction. And we’re not just talking politics. We’re talking identity, connection, and what it takes to stay sane in a fractured culture.

🧠 Keywords: cognitive dissonance, psychology, ego, identity, political identity, American society, empathy, national beliefs, contradictions

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Shrink The Nation is where America lies on the couch — and we pour the bourbon.
Hosted by board-certified psychiatrists and mental health pros with backgrounds in military, media, and systems thinking, we break down the psychology behind politics, culture, and public dysfunction.
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Shrink The Nation — On the Couch With America.