As Donald Trump prepares to assume office again, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel discuss this unsettling transition period, the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and the alarming tactics that have compromised the Senate's confirmation process. 

Alongside our hosts today is Dr. Matt Ditty, a clinical social worker and expert in dialectical behavioral therapy, who brings his eloquence and wisdom to provide tips for managing the psychological challenges of what lies ahead.

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For the last 8 years, our hosts have always been some of the most vocal leaders calling out Trump’s severe personality disorders and cognitive decline. We’ll analyze how this impacts his decision making and discuss the worrying implications of Pete Hegseth's nomination process-where intimidation has pressured senators to overlook crucial background checks, and silence potential witnesses.

Dr. Ditty provides us with unique guidance for managing the stress and anxiety that accompany these challenging political times. An expert in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Diddy prescribes powerful tools to help us maintain our balance amidst such uncertainty. 

Like some of our previous guests, he also stresses the need for radical acceptance to empower individuals—which means acknowledging reality, without passively resigning to it. 

And we’ll examine the ugly phenomenon of Trump’s world of fiction, where corporate media has let his disinformation and lies ultimately shape the narrative. 

Like every one of our episodes, this is a call to action. We are urging listeners to remain vigilant and courageous amidst the coming storm. As society grapples with the normalization of ethically questionable behaviors, maintaining a firm grasp on truth, and our anxiety, becomes more important than ever. That's why the hosts, along with Dr. Ditty, are so strongly advocating for a healthy, grounded, mental well-being.

Be sure to join Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel next time as they speak out about Trump, provide their expert analysis of current events, and empower our audience to stand tall in these tumultuous times.

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Hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal are joined by psychoanalyst, teacher, and author Dr. Pilar Jennings to dissect Trump’s unhinged statements about invading our allies. As Donald prepares to retake power, our hosts are more committed than ever to call out his cognitive decline and extreme narcissism, while providing audiences with tools to cope with it all.

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Our hosts, who have been sounding the alarm on Donald’s broken brain for years, dive right into the growing unease and psychological implications surrounding Trump's return to power. We’ll talk about how Donald’s grandiose expansionist fantasies, which reflect a delusional mind prone to destruction, may impact international relations. 

The Dr.’s also highlight broader issues of corporate complicity that we face, as the Press continues to normalize Trump’s behavior, and social media outlets like Facebook are bending to his influence. This has shown to be particularly problematic as corporate media fails to challenge Trump’s irrational and dangerous military threats against Greenland, and the Panama Canal.

Therapist and long-term Buddhist practitioner Dr. Pilar Jennings joins the show to offer insight on maintaining your inner peace amid so much external chaos. She shows how contemplative practices, and a robust mindset can be your anchors during such times.

Dr. Jennings also provides our listeners with practical tools we can use every day to strengthen self-awareness and harness our emotions using Buddhist techniques—like meditation and using gratitude as a means to recenter our focus.

Dr. Siegel shares his insights into the mounting hysteria surrounding Elon Musk’s rise to power, whom he describes as a modern-day enabler of authoritarian regimes. And our hosts urge the audience to remain vigilant, critical, and vocal of such actors.

John and Harry equip you with the knowledge and psychological tools needed to navigate this difficult political landscape, and give you the critical thinking and coping strategies required for psychological resilience on the road ahead.

Be sure to join us next time, as we continue to provide incisive psychological analysis of current politics, seeking to empower their audience amid the coming storm.

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Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal explore the anxiety surrounding what’s to come when Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Journalist and biographer Laurie Winer returns with her line on what this moment means politically and historically.

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As the New Year unfolds, our hosts consider what Trump's return to power means for democracy, and dive into Donald’s dangerous fantasies–from territorial expansion to increasingly bold threats.

Reflecting on the launch of our show last year, John and Harry renew their commitment to calling out Donald Trump's cognitive decline and severe personality disorders. We’ll also continue to assess MAGA’s sweeping effects on democracy, the press, and the emotional health of America’s public.

The Dr.’s discuss how Trump might be outsourcing decision-making to people like Elon Musk, who many consider a modern-day Rasputin. And they push back against the press for normalizing and downplaying the pair's dangerous behavior. 

Harry offers a cautious optimism for the year ahead, pointing out the sheer logistical and financial roadblocks that stand in the way of Trump's most extreme ideas, like mass deportations. While John and our guest Laurie Weiner warn us against the terrible dangers of complacency. 

Laurie shares eerie parallels with Germany's historic descent into fascism and urges vigilance against incremental normalization of Donald’s extreme authoritarian behaviors.

Our hosts also call upon our listeners to remain steadfast, by nurturing mental well-being and personal connections amid the chaos. We encourage folks to stay engaged and stay informed, because our collective awareness and actions are crucial for navigating the storm ahead. 

Be sure to join us next time as we continue to dissect the psychological and political challenges of this new era, like no one else can.

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Hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel are joined by esteemed guests Dr. Yosef Rabinauer, and Simone Adams, as they seek to unravel the challenges of maintaining sanity amid growing political tensions.

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Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel have long focused this show on highlighting Trump's cognitive decline and personality disorders. Now, with the unsettling post-election atmosphere, we have expanded to address the broader cultural and political repercussions of this era and provide coping mechanisms for it all.

We’ll discuss ABC News' disastrous settlement with Trump, that many see as a preemptive collapse of journalistic integrity. To John and Harry, it marks a dangerous precedent for Trump and the Press, and they predict that it will have a lasting chilling effect on the media.

Dr. Rabinauer and Simone Adams bring a unique perspective to the show, rooted in spiritual inquiry and psychotherapy. Drawing connections between current events and historical experiences, especially the lessons from Nazi Germany, they underscore the importance of finding an inner compass. 

Through practices like inquiry and meditation, they explore how individuals can cultivate a grounded presence that is equipped to handle whatever may come.

Our guests also stress the importance of maintaining balance when engaging with the world and staying true to one's spiritual/moral core. And they’ll offer easy tools you can use every day to foster empathy and counteract the chaos.

As we close out this week’s episode, the Dr.'s share their reflections on the therapeutic power of honest and open dialogue and recommit themselves to always providing a platform for truth and reflection during these uncertain times.

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Today on Shrinking Trump, Dr.’s John Gartner and Harry Siegel dissect the complex dynamics of America’s post-election landscape, and the psychological toll recent events have taken on the public psyche. Dr. Jason Stanley, an author and professor of philosophy at Yale, joins the show to provide historical perspective and warn against the dangers of authoritarianism. 

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Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel launched Shrinking Trump out of concern for the dangerous tendencies of Donald Trump, including potential dementia and personality disorders. Months later, our focus has widened to consider the implications of Trump's return to the White House. As a country seemingly on the brink of drastic changes, together we’ll ponder what these shifts mean for democracy, civil service, and the psychological wellbeing of Americans.

In this all-new episode, our hosts reflect on the growing concerns about Trump’s threats to democracy and explore historical parallels that speak to the dangers of silence and inaction in the face of tyranny. Harry and John also shed light on the precarious situation facing federal employees who are grappling with the threat of political purges.

And we’ll have a tense discussion about Biden using pardons to protect folks who have unjustly been targeted by Trump’s personal political vendettas.

As social morals are overshadowed by political agendas, we’ll explore strategies for maintaining sanity, such as embracing radical impermanence and pursuing personal morality. Dr. Gartner opens up about his own moments of profound sadness, while Dr. Siegel explains how he alternates between denial and engagement. 

Advocating for mindfulness and reaffirming our moral values, the Dr. 's urge our listeners to remain resolute, even when institutions appear to falter. They also discuss the vital role of maintaining personal networks and nurturing one's mental health for creating a buffer against prevailing anxieties. 

Be sure to join us next time as we continue to unpack the psychological and political implications of these transformative times. 

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Dr. John Gartner and Harry Segal discuss Kash Patel's plan for terror at home and treason abroad. Their guest, Rev. Konrad Ryushin Marchaj, a psychiatrist and Zen monk, helps us find sanity and humanity while accepting "radical impermanence." 

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In this all-new episode of Shrinking Trump, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel unpack the prevailing unease in America amidst Trump's looming second term. Joined by remarkable guest Rev. Konrad Ryushin Marchaj, we’ll discuss the intersecting paths of politics, psychology, and spirituality.

To kick things off, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel revisit their reasoning for starting this show, which was to bring attention to Trump's cognitive and psychological decline. In today's shifting landscape, their focus has evolved to include the broader implications of a new Trump presidency. 

And now, their mission is more clear than ever before: guiding our listeners through these unprecedented times with empathy and clarity.

Recent headlines, like those about Trump's unhinged nominees, have left many Americans with a growing sense of dread and fear. To combat this anxiety, Konrad introduces the concept of radical impermanence, which embraces change and nurtures a consciousness that thrives amid uncertainty. Drawing insights from Buddhism, he encourages our listeners to fully engage in life’s constant flux.

The Reverend also unveils some practical meditative and spiritual practices, and shares some personal stories as a testament to how mindfulness can serve as a powerful anchor amidst any uncertainty.

Dr. Siegel and Dr. Gartner also peel back the layers of radical acceptance, and invite our audience to join us for this transformative journey of awakening and adaptability, as we promote the pursuit of inner peace and balance. 

We’ll see you next week, as our hosts continue to guide us through these unprecedented times.

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In this brand new session with the Doctors, along with special guest Joe Walsh, our hosts dive deep into the American post-election psychological landscape. 

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This episode, our 30th, marks a significant milestone for our podcast’s journey through America's political and psychological turmoil. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel recount the origins of Shrinking Trump, which initially focused on Donald’s cognitive decline and psychological disorders. Now, they have shifted their focus to understanding how Trump's new term affects the nation’s psyche and what it means for the future.

Former Congressman and long-time Trump critic Joe Walsh joins the show to share his insights into what has transpired and what might lie ahead. Walsh touches upon Trump's potential for deep-seated vendettas against democratic institutions and the personal nature of his political vendettas. He reassures listeners that even though Trump will try to consolidate power, the structures within American democracy are stronger than most people think. Joe also stresses the urgency for resistance and remaining vigilant against the erosion of our democracy. 

You’ll hear about some important coping mechanisms to deal with the feelings of anxiety, dread, and powerlessness in the face of Trump's renewed power. Our hosts stress the importance of finding solace in personal relationships, developing a support system, and taking the time to nurture your mental health as vital strategies to brace for the uncertainty ahead.

And Dr. Gartner announces he is writing an exciting new book about his exploration of psilocybin therapy, and calls for innovative approaches to mental well-being, and enlightenment during dark times. 

Dr. Gartner, Dr. Siegel, and Joe implore our listeners to remain committed to democracy and their own mental health. As we embark on this new chapter, our hosts reaffirm their dedication to guiding folks through unprecedented times with clarity, empathy, and hope. Join them in the next episode as they continue to delve into the America’s political and psychological landscape.

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In this all-new session, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel enlighten us with a raw discussion about the current state of America, following last week’s shocking election results. Along with our guest, renowned psychologist Dr. Drew Weston, we’ll discuss the damaging implications of Trump’s bizarre cabinet picks and look at how it reflects a broader effort by Donald to dismantle our institutions.

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This 29th episode of Shrinking Trump marks a crucial moment in addressing the collective unease felt nationwide. We’ll open the show with a reflection on the core psychological concerns that inspired this podcast series: Donald Trump's apparent cognitive decline and malignant narcissism. Dr’s. Gartner and Siegel recap the importance of recognizing how Trump’s dementia is intertwined with a pathological narcissism—a combination that leaves no room for empathy, morality, or humility. 

Our guest Dr. Weston provides an unmatched expert perspective on the current political climate, and emphasizes the need for understanding the systemic issues that led to our current situation. Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel stress the potential for radical acceptance—a psychological term for facing reality as it is, without denying or fighting against it.

And together, they urge our listeners to remain informed and engaged, but also to maintain a balance in their lives, nurture their mental health, and find moments of joy wherever possible.

We’ll share feedback from our viewers and listeners from across the country, revealing a nation dealing with fear, grief, and an overpowering sense of loss. We’ll also draw parallels to the therapeutic approaches for trauma, where naming and acknowledging emotions is a key step in healing.

Our hosts also introduce the concept of radical acceptance—a psychological term for facing reality as it is, without denying or fighting against it. And along with Dr. Weston, They encourage our listeners to remain informed and engaged, but also to maintain a balance in their lives, nurture their mental health, and find moments of joy wherever possible.

To conclude, the episode extends a call to action, using historical lessons to remind us all that adversity can forge a powerful resilience. In what seems like very dark times, our hosts encourage listeners to band together as symbols of hope, truth, and unwavering commitment to democracy.

Join us next week as we continue to uncover the psychological layers of these unprecedented times, helping us all navigate whatever lies ahead.

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Welcome to the session of Shrinking Trump we all need after a difficult week, where Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel address the aftermath of a surprising post-election landscape that has left many Americans grappling with uncertainty, fear, and trauma. Along with their guest, John Skrovan, a renowned therapist, they delve into how to process these overwhelming emotions and maintain a realistic sense of hope.

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Dr. Skrovan joins the show to offer a calming perspective on how to navigate this new, hostile world. He advises on reconnecting with one’s surroundings and focusing on present, tangible sources of joy and goodness as a means to counteract despair. 

Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel reflect on their own surprise at the election results, having expected different outcomes based on their analyses of the candidates' psychological health. The episode focuses on addressing the collective trauma experienced by listeners, comparable to an emotional earthquake that leaves people in a state of shock and confusion.

The hosts emphasize the importance of openly discussing feelings associated with trauma, as bottling them up can hinder the healing process. Dr. Siegel draws parallels with historical and personal experiences of loss to highlight the deep emotional impact of the election results. And In perhaps the most profound moment of the session, we’ll find meaning amidst the chaos, sharing the example of Austrian Psychologist Viktor Frankl’s resilience during dire times.

The discussion transcends politics, touching upon the fundamental human need for stability amidst the fear of malevolence and unpredictability. We’ll conclude with a reminder of the power of community and collective action. There are always ways to resist authoritarianism and safeguard democracy. Whether through meditation, activism, or community involvement, the call is to stay engaged, informed, and connected.

Be sure to join us next week as we continue to navigate psychological dimensions of America’s ongoing political turmoil.

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In our 27th episode, hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel are joined by Dr. Stefan Ducat, to dive into all the latest drama in the pivotal pre-election landscape, underlining the dramatic importance of the imminent election on global stability and America’s future. 

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Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel, both seasoned psychologists, began this podcast series to alert the public about Donald Trump's severe personality disorder and worrying signs of cognitive decline. Initially met with a feigned ignorance and neglect by the media, their message is now being recognized as truth, thanks in part to Kamala Harris’s unmatched ability to openly challenge Trump's unhinged behavior.

Dr. Stefan Ducat, a political psychologist, author, and a former psychology professor, joins the show to analyze Trump’s recent Madison Square Garden rally, drawing parallels with events from darker chapters in American history. We’ll explore how the dangerous rhetoric unleashed there revealed Trump's true internal narrative, but also mobilized an instant backlash in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania.

In this episode, our hosts present a stark dichotomy between Trump's chaotic rallies, where he stokes division and fear, and Kamala’s inspirational leadership, which evokes unity and hope. We’ll also hear about how the election is a moral crossroads for America, discussing the geopolitical and domestic stakes of the results.

The upcoming election is not just another political event. It's a referendum on America’s collective psyche—a choice between the chaos of authoritarianism and the promise of renewed democratic ideals. As election day looms, we hope "Shrinking Trump" has served as both a warning sign and a beacon of hope, reminding everyone of what’s at stake, while embracing this moment's potential for profound change. 

And don’t worry - we’ll be back again as the saga continues well beyond the ballot box, paving the way for another important journey of political and psychological insight, post-election.

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