Understanding Populist Leaders and Why People Follow Them

Populism is defined as a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. On paper, it sounds perfect; why shouldn’t politicians appeal to “ordinary” people? 

However, once you get beyond the dictionary definition, populist leaders use lies, fear, and racism to gain power. Join us as Dr. Karyne Messina explains why populism is dangerous and why it appears to be undergoing a global resurgence.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Guest Bio

Dr. Karyne Messina is a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and author. She is also on the medical staff of Suburban Hospital—Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her books include Misogyny, Projective Identification and Mentalization: Psychoanalytic, Social and Institutional Manifestations (Routledge, 2019); Aftermath: Healing from the Trump Presidency (IPI Press, 2020); and Resurgence of Global Populism: A Psychoanalytic Study of Projective Identification, Blame-Shifting and the Corruption of Democracy (Routledge, August 2022). A fourth book will be available in the spring 2023.She is currently co-editing a book with Richard Wood, PhD, about Putin, Ukraine, and current threats to democracy from psychoanalytic and political perspectives.

Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without.

To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

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