Psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal review Trump’s retreat on China tariffs, the legal obstacles to deportation, and the first American and (hopefully) Anti-Maga Pope.  They are also joined by Dr. Rosalind Watts, the renown clinical psychologist, who describes the practice and profound impact of psychedelic psychotherapy, especially in these difficult times.

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Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal once again break down Trump’s cognitive decline and malignant narcissism, a psychological profile marked by extreme self-interest and zero empathy. Trump’s erratic tariff strategy—first hitting China with a reckless 145% tax, then scaling back to 30%—is just another example of his weakness under pressure. While the rollback offers some relief, his trade war still threatens economic stability, leaving millions uncertain about the future.  

Then there’s his legal manipulation—Trump’s frantic attempts to bypass the courts and stack them with loyalist judges who will rubber-stamp his agenda. But here’s the twist: some Trump-appointed judges are actually pushing back, reinforcing due process and putting up resistance where it’s needed most. Even when Trump tries to rig the system, cracks are forming—and that’s reason for hope.  

Dr. Segal highlights what he calls a “hopeful turning point”—the election of Pope Leo, the first American Pope. Pope Leo’s commitment to social justice and outspoken criticism of Trump’s policies has already made him a powerful moral counterweight to MAGA extremism. His pushback against Trump’s immigration crackdowns is one of the most forceful challenges to the Trump agenda we’ve seen on a global scale.  

Dr. Rosalind Watts joins the discussion with a groundbreaking perspective on psychedelic therapy. She breaks down how substances like psilocybin can unlock deeper personal insight, help navigate emotional instability, and foster real connections in an increasingly divided world. But psychedelics aren’t magic pills—Dr. Watts emphasizes that their power comes from integration, long-term mental resilience, and a renewed understanding of self and community.  

Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal remind us why psychological insight is a weapon in political warfare. They call on listeners to stay vigilant, push back against authoritarian chaos, and support leaders who fight for justice.

This is the fight of our time. Stay tuned, subscribe, and join us next week as Shrinking Trump continues to unpack the intersection of psychology and politics in the era of Trump. 

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