Linda Jaivin, an expert on Chinese culture, and Sheila Fitzpatrick, a historian of the Soviet Union, dive into the legacies of Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. They explore the frightening similarities between these historical tyrants and contemporary leaders, like Trump. Discussion includes the cult-like admiration for Mao, the tumultuous Cultural Revolution, and how their influences resonate in today's politics, particularly in Russia and China. Personal stories of generational trauma linked to these regimes highlight the enduring impact of their authoritarian legacies.