Shrinking Trump

Psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal consider Trump’s psychopathology and how it makes his self-destructive course inevitable. They are joined again by Ahmed Baba, journalist and communications expert, on why we should have hope in these dire times.Be sure to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app:Our siteSubscribe on iTunesSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Amazon MusicSubscribe on iHeartRadioDr. Gartner and Dr. Segal dive into the surreal and turbulent landscape of the Trump presidency. Packed with sharp insights and pointed critiques, this episode examines how Trump’s erratic behavior and psychological issues continue to disrupt and reshape the nation.We’ll unpack a whirlwind year marked by aggressive antics and shocking policy moves, all underscored by Trump’s narcissistic personality disorder. Staying true to their commitment to analyze the president through a psychological lens, the hosts examine the cognitive framework behind Trump’s compulsive lying, lack of empathy, and relentless pursuit of power.A key focus of the episode is Trump’s administration’s authoritarian tendencies, contrasted with its frequent ineptitude—what the hosts humorously call “the gang that couldn’t coup straight.” They explore the fallout from Trump’s chaotic decision-making, from a disorganized Pentagon under Pete Hegseth to reckless economic policies that have left America on shaky financial ground.Dr. Segal and Dr. Gartner emphasize the urgent need for psychological insight into Trump’s behavior, a perspective often overlooked by mainstream media. They draw historical parallels, highlighting the dangers of such a personality in charge of a superpower’s political and economic machinery.But it’s not all doom and gloom. The episode also celebrates the resilience of America’s democratic institutions. Harvard University, for example, stands out as a beacon of defiance against federal overreach, demonstrating the power of institutional strength in resisting unlawful executive orders. The hosts encourage listeners to see this as proof that America’s foundational principles remain intact, even in the face of authoritarian threats.The episode concludes on a surreal yet thought-provoking note, recounting a signal chat that humorously (and chillingly) reveals plans to target Santa Claus himself. This metaphor underscores the extremes of power misuse while serving as a stark reminder of the administration’s willingness to cross previously unimaginable lines.Listeners are urged to stay vigilant and proactive, recognizing that their collective voice is essential in steering the nation toward a more stable and authentic democracy. As the episode wraps up, the hosts issue a powerful call to action: stay informed, stand firm, and fight for justice in these challenging times.Be sure to subscribe, leave your feedback, and join us next week for another eye-opening episode of Shrinking Trump. Together, let’s engage, resist, and pave the way for a better tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Shrinking Trump, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal dive headfirst into the psychological and political chaos Donald Trump is unleashing on the world. From his malignant narcissism to troubling signs of cognitive decline, the hosts break down how Trump’s behavior is reshaping America into an increasingly unstable landscape.Be sure to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast app:Our siteSubscribe on iTunesSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Amazon MusicSubscribe on iHeartRadioDr. Gartner kicks things off by revealing he almost titled this episode “Apocalypse Now”—a nod to the unfolding constitutional crisis, which they describe as riddled with pathological lies, defiance of Supreme Court orders, and dangerous authoritarian policies.They tackle the Trump administration’s blatant disregard for legal norms, exploring how Trump’s persona appeals to autocratic world leaders like the President of El Salvador, and drawing eerie parallels to oppressive regimes of the past.As leading psychologists, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal take a deep dive into Trump’s severe narcissistic personality disorder, which they say is the driving force behind his chaotic governance. They examine how his thrill in flouting the law and disregarding human rights is a symptom of his narcissism—which poses serious risks to the nation’s well-being.But we also take a look at moments of resilience, like Harvard University’s bold stand against federal overreach. The hosts praise this act of defiance as a beacon of hope, urging other institutions to follow suit and push back against Trump’s threats.Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal issue an urgent call to action: stay vigilant, stay engaged, and fight for democracy no matter how you’re able. Every proactive step, no matter how small, helps chart a new course for America.The episode is packed with warnings and unique insights, but it also inspires hope for a democratic resurgence. Be sure to subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for next week’s special episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this all-new, 47th episode of Shrinking Trump, Psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal analyze the mental disturbance underlying Trump‘s impulse to crash the world economy through tariffs. How do you stop a mad king? These issues and more are discussed by a very special guest.Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/In this riveting show, our hosts unravel the implications of Trump's administration, emphasizing his reckless economic missteps and the devastating effects of his erratic policies—which have plunged the stock markets into chaos. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal survey the damage caused by Trump’s tariffs, comparing it to economic downturns like the Great Depression.As experienced clinicians, our hosts analyze Trump's troubling psychological profile, characterized by malignant narcissism and a worsening cognitive decline. They uncover how Trump’s actions mirror those of a self-destructive leader—manipulative, power-hungry, and shockingly paranoid.Dr. Segal passionately critiques Trump's administration, describing the destructive impact it’s having on both domestic and international fronts—illustrating how Trump's economic policies are self-defeating, and catalyzing unprecedented levels of instability.And Dr. Gartner likens Trump to fictional tyrants, pointing out the psychological thrill Donald seems to derive from his influence over global markets.As beacons of hope amidst the chaos, we’ll also put a spotlight on some of the rising voices of the Resistance and review the inherent resilience of our democratic institutions. Listeners are called to remain engaged and proactive, standing united against the malign forces that are threatening our democracy. It's a powerful call to arms in these turbulent times.Be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and tune in with us next week for another insightful episode of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this all new, 46th episode of Shrinking Trump, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segel take listeners on a tour of the unsettling psychological and political landscape of Donald Trump’s second term. Our guest is Georgia-based political strategist and pundit Fred Hicks, who believes Democrats are due for a political comeback. Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/As experts in psychology, our hosts unravel how Trump’s malignant narcissism and cognitive decline are reshaping America into a looming police state. His erratic behavior is not just chaotic—but catastrophic.We’ll start by analyzing Trump’s self-proclaimed “Freedom Day,” a grandiose spectacle designed to mask the destructive reality of his trade war and horrific immigration policies. Trump hails it as the most significant day in American history, which our hosts expose as a clear symptom of his severe narcissistic personality disorder. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal recognize the grim reality of Trump’s draconian and lawless immigration policies, drawing chilling historical parallels to oppressive states where citizens disappear without a trace.The episode also points out some of highlights from the resistance, such as Princeton's courageous stand against federal bullying. The hosts commend the university’s president for his unwavering defense of academic freedom, summoning a rallying cry for other institutions to do the same.Our guest Fred Hicks sees this and other signs as brilliant glimmers of hope, like recent special elections results in Florida and Wisconsin that hint at a democratic resurgence. Hicks suggests that an economic downturn could spur massive public backlash and even reverse the tide in favor of democratic ideals. Dr. Segel and Dr. Gartner explore the data behind this optimism and point to signs that change may be right on the horizon. And we’ll wrap things up with a call for our listeners to remain vigilant and active in the fight against Trump. May this episode serve as a rallying cry for everyone committed to preserving our democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this all-new, 45th episode of our show, Psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal interpret Trump’s devastating sociopathic playbook before discussing it all with Joe Walsh–former congressman, warrior for democracy, and host of the daily Social Contract podcast.Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/We’ll reflect on the exhausting state of the nation, still just weeks into Trump’s second term, and explore how his psychological disorders continue to jeopardize the nation. And we’ll examine Trump's reliance on mafia-like tactics, with extortion being his go-to, to manipulate everyone around him and project his power at any cost.As psychologists with deep expertise in personality disorders, our hosts warn of the dire consequences of Trump’s severe narcissistic and psychopathic tendencies—now more apparent than ever.Throughout the session, the Doctors shed light on Trump's impulsivity and cognitive issues that make him particularly susceptible to influences from nefarious figures such as Vladimir Putin. And we’ll meticulously outline how Trump’s unpredictability undermines international alliances and destabilizes the global order.As always, our hosts wrap things up by urging listeners to resist complacency and remain vigilant during this rising tide of authoritarianism. Both Gartner and Segal ask us to stand together in a unified front against Trump. It's a call to arms, reminding everyone to stay informed and engaged in our fight for democracy.Be sure to join us again next time for another awesome episode, when we continue our mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of "Shrinking Trump," hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel dissect the chaotic and dangerous trajectory of Donald Trump's economic and political turmoil. With 44 episodes under their belt, the hosts have been tireless warriors, highlighting Trump's cognitive decline and severe narcissistic personality disorder—and calling out mainstream media for normalizing it every step of the way.Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/Drs. Gartner and Siegel expertly examine how the unpredictable nature of Trump's psychological disorders have far-reaching implications, including numerous retaliatory measures from other countries. We’ll also discuss Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior, which is clearly made worse by his broken brain. The doctors also make connections between Trump's psychological state, and the resulting impacts on both economic and international fronts. Donald's inability to accept the fact of a looming recession reflects a disconnect—borne from his grandiosity and unfounded self-assurance—cascading into what Dr. Gartner refers to as "the coming Trump depression."Join us for an eye-popping analysis of Trump's disastrous trade policies, including imposing tariffs on Canada, that are unsettling markets and crashing the economy. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel break down Trump's mantra "no pain, no gain," arguing that it translates more accurately to "pain and more pain" for the global economy. We’ll explore how Trump's behaviors are what one would expect from a Russian asset, questioning his motivations and alliances. Putting a microscope on Trump’s undeniable displays of pro-Russian tendencies, they stress the importance of recognizing how this contradicts longstanding national interests and destabilizes the global order.Equally, if not more important, our hosts offer a glimpse of hope by touching on the inspiring global resistance that is rising against Trump’s policies. Highlighting significant resistance around the world, they once again echo the collective yearning for restored stability, and an end to this tyranny.Consider this episode a rallying cry for action, as we urge listeners to stay informed, stay engaged, and be sure to join us next time as we navigate the murky waters of this presidency, right here on Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal take a close look at that disastrous meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office before turning to the big picture with George Conway, constitutional lawyer, political activist, and one of the leading lights warning the country about Trump.Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/In this newest episode of Shrinking Trump, our hosts analyze the signs of cognitive decline and severe personality disorder seen in Trump’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior. And our guest George Conway, a well-known figure in the "Never Trump" movement, shares his insights into the global implications of Trump's psychopathy and inherent sadism. We’ll kick off the show with a reflection on the exhausting chaos of Trump's second term, six weeks in. And we take a hard look at the recent meeting between Trump and Zelensky, a pivotal moment when America betrayed its allies and continued its descent into authoritarianism.Dr. Siegel describes how, in that meeting, Trump’s grandiosity, narcissism, and pathological need for recognition played out with disastrous consequences in real-time. Dr. Gartner breaks down the erratic display—marked by grandiosity, followed by sudden deflation and aggression. The hosts expertly explain how Trump’s impulsivity and lack of foresight clearly manifests itself when Trump is threatened, leaving him open to manipulation by figures like J.D. Vance. And the duo emphasizes how Trump’s penchant for authoritarian leaders, like Vladimir Putin, is undoing long-standing alliances and destabilizing the Western World.Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel close out the show with powerful words, urging our listeners to remain vigilant, active, and informed in this fight against tyranny.Be sure to join us next week for another all-new episode, where we continue our mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this intense episode of Shrinking Trump, Dr. John Gartner, and Dr. Harry Siegel, unravel the layers of psychological complexities and political uncertainties stemming from the chaotic shenanigans of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/Our hosts reflect on the week's events, exploring how Trump and Musk’s hypomania and severe narcissism creates a pathological atmosphere, lacking any real compassion.Through the lens of psychology, Dr. Siegal, and Dr. Gardner, consider Trump's apparent cognitive decline and personality disorder that plays into his constant lying and manipulation. Dr. Siegel emphasizes the feeling of betrayal experienced by long-standing allies, pointing out how Trump's erratic geopolitical engagements are sidestepping crucial, longstanding diplomatic protocols.And Dr. Gardner examines some of federal appointments that have dangerously concentrated executive power in the hands of conspiracy theorists and authoritarians. The hosts also analyze recent town hall meetings across the country, where constituents from both sides of the political spectrum have shown a growing anger with Trump’s mayhem and Musk's shadowy involvement in the federal government. This public sentiment, Dr. Gartner asserts, could absolutely sway Trump's approval ratings, which are currently in a rapid decline across multiple polls.We’ll take a look at the psychology of resilience, and discuss how mounting resistance, seen at these town halls and in protests all over America, offers a critical reminder of the power of persistence in the struggle for democracy.As always, we urge our listeners to remain vigilant and informed, to combat misinformation and stand up to tyranny. So be sure to join us next week as Dr. Gartner, and Dr. Siegel, continue their mission of Shrinking Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal review the destruction of NATO, the betrayal of Ukraine, and discuss future elections with Joe Jacobson, founder and executive director of the Democratic SuperPAC Progress Action Fund.Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/In this latest episode of Shrinking Trump, we’ll dive right into a week of geopolitical surprises. As experts in psychology, our hosts offer a unique perspective into the broken psyche of Donald Trump, and the implications of a NATO conference that had the whole world watching.Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel reflect on the intense developments surrounding Trump’s collaboration with Elon Musk, leading to disruptions within NATO and unsettling repercussions for Ukraine. The duo, seasoned in clinical psychology, voice their concerns about the psychological undertones and the dangerous precedent set by these global shuffles.We’ll analyze Trump's alarming behavior, which stems from early signs of dementia and profound personality disorders. Dr. Siegel draws from his deep connections with Europe, and stresses the betrayal that must be felt by our longtime allies.Our hosts also dissect Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks at the NATO conference, where he essentially forfeited America’s leverage against Russia. The broader national security concerns, hostile appointments, and strained international relationships we’re seeing symbolize a dark shift in America's global standing.Beyond the chaos, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel spotlight the rising resistance. Reminding us all of the importance of maintaining awareness and resilience, they encourage listeners to remain informed and engaged in these uncertain times. Be sure to join us next week, as we continue our mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbara McQuade, a law professor and MSNBC commentator, discusses the current threats to democracy and the judiciary's role. She highlights Trump's methodical dismantling of democratic norms and examines the psychological aspects of his leadership, likening his tactics to those of authoritarians. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's influence on governance and transparency, revealing the complexities of modern political dynamics and the urgent need to address disinformation. McQuade's insights shed light on the fragility of our democratic institutions.