Dr John Gartner and Dr Harry Segal cover the approaching threat to the rule of law with the help of their guest, Barbara McQuade, law professor at the University of Michigan and frequent legal commentator on MSNBC.

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In this 40th, all-new riveting episode, our hosts analyze another tumultuous week of the Trump administration, headlined by the startling dystopian influence of Elon Musk. We’ll dissect all of the unsettling events that signal a perilous slope towards authoritarianism.

Our guest Barbara McQuaid, a renowned legal expert, joins the show to share her unique perspective on the ongoing constitutional battles and the fragility of our democracy.

We’ll start with a stark reflection on Trump's methodical dismantling of our democracy and discuss the psyche behind Donald’s severe personality disorder and progressing signs of dementia. Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel highlight how Donald's constant lies can have an effect of hypnosis, which is a tactic regularly deployed by authoritarians to instill chaos and fear.

The hosts liken Musk to a contemporary Darth Vader, who is asserting control over vast swathes of Trump’s empire. Donald’s "Hitlerian attack on democracy," as they posit, is only exacerbated by Musk's growing influence. 

Musk’s reckless spree through federal agencies with unchecked hypomania, they explain, is equally alarming to Trump's chaos. We’ll also take a look at the parallels between Musk and other destructive historical figures. 

The doctors caution our listeners to be aware of Elon’s sophisticated use of disinformation, which has too often proved to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Dr. Siegel, drawing on his unparalleled psychological insights, urges us to arm ourselves with consciousness and resilience.  

In this new world, Shrinking Trump continues to deliver messages of resilience and awareness, as we dissect the characters and narratives at play. Be sure to tune in next week as Trump’s unraveling saga continues.

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Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal try to process the third week of the Trump administration, with its blitzkrieg of illegal actions and absurd declarations, led by the unelected Elon Musk. They get help from Prof. David Ost, political scientist and historian of political history in Eastern Europe. Aside from being a world-renowned expert on Solidarity in Poland, his forthcoming book is about the rise of the far-right and the return of fascism in the west.

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In a whirlwind of disarray and psychological scrutiny, our hosts unearth the frenetic pace at which Trump and his allies are working to dismantle institutions, labeling it a "blitzkrieg against democracy." 

Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel also analyze Elon Musk’s hypomanic energy, sleeplessness, and impulsiveness—that resonate with another hypomanic: Trump. They’ll compare historical figures with similar traits and underscore how this often-dangerous behavior is glamorized in American culture to represent creativity and leadership.

The hosts unravel the complexities behind Musk's unprecedented influence, likening him to a modern-day Darth Vader alongside Trump as the emperor. This paints a vivid picture of a dangerous duo wielding disruptive power across the federal landscape. 

Our guest, David Ost, an expert in Eastern European politics, joins the show to explore how previous authoritarian regimes were toppled by unexpected resistance movements. Drawing lessons from the Polish Solidarity movement, Ost emphasizes the need for collective mobilization.

And as always, through their unique lens, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel contextualize Trump’s increasingly volatile speeches and decisions as symptoms of cognitive decline—which has been exacerbated by his nearly unrestrained power.

By dissecting the unyielding pace of these authoritarian advances, the psychologists relay a critical message: awareness and resilience are key. So be sure to join us next week as we continue to inform and engage, right here on

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Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal review the norm-crashing first week of the Trump administration, before returning to the issue of authoritarianism with Dr. John Bone, professor and author of “The Great Decline,” a study of the historical and psychological forces contributing to the rapid new rise of the right.

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In this all-new episode, our hosts explore Trump’s rapid succession of executive actions, which they describe as a tactic designed to overwhelm the sensory processing capabilities of an entire nation. By inundating the public and political institutions with a relentless stream of outrageous initiatives, Trump's administration seeks to destabilize any opponents, leaving them grasping for time and unable to respond effectively.

We’ll draw parallels to past regimes and examine how Trump’s deliberate psychological warfare creates an atmosphere of chaos and fear. 

Professor John Bone of the University of Aberdeen joins the show to explain how chronic stress can impair our cognitive functions and make us more susceptible to emotions like fear and anger. This psychological state, Bone argues, is intentionally cultivated by Trump’s malignant narcissism—his drive for power unrestrained by norms or legal constraints.

We’ll also take a look at what role economic insecurities and cultural nostalgia plays in determining whether someone is more or less susceptible to Trump-style populism. 

Amidst the chaos, our hosts remind us that resilience lies in understanding these psychological dynamics and finding ways to counteract them. They emphasize the critical role of media and political figures to resist the reigning disinformation and fear. And they’ll better equip us all to handle the road ahead.

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Hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal review Trump’s dangerous first day in office with the help of guest Hafiz Rashid, an intrepid journalist from the New Republic, who shares his reporting on the 220 executive orders that went into effect on January 20th.

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In a world where Donald Trump’s return to power threatens to upend our democracy, our hosts tackle the psychological and political implications of his presidency. Drawing on their deep expertise, they bring clarity to the chaos.

Hafiz Rashid, a journalist from the New Republic, joins the show to provide extremely valuable insights into the media's role, and the potential dangers ahead for journalists willing to hold the administration accountable.

We’ll dive right into the troubling start of Donald Trump's new term, which our hosts describe as akin to the rise of a Russian-style oligarchy. Through the unique lens of these top clinical psychologists, we’ll reflect on Trump's inauguration, where tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg set the backdrop. 

We’ll also point out how his inauguration speech, rife with aggressive language, reflects his worsening malignant narcissism. Described as a harbinger of a new “oligarchic” age in America, they analyze Trump’s obvious allegiance to the billionaire class in his speech.

Our hosts don’t hold back when it comes to Elon Musk’s bizarre behavior this week, including his alleged Nazi salute. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel dissect the psychological dimensions of these kinds of displays of power, and unchecked grandiosity.

We’ll also talk about the incredulous blanket pardons given to the violent Jan 6 insurrectionists, and discuss how Trump’s meme coin is nothing more than a means to “cash in” on his presidency.

As Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel stress, now is the time for resistance-and psychological resilience is more important than ever. So be sure to join us next week as we continue to remain vigilant and proactive in these uncertain times.

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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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