Shrinking Trump

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.  Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMedia Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump  Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4 Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump] Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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."  Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMedia Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump  Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4 Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

In this brand new session with the Doctors, along with special guest Joe Walsh, our hosts dive deep into the American post-election psychological landscape.  Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMedia Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump  Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4 Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/] This episode, our 30th, marks a significant milestone for our podcast’s journey through America's political and psychological turmoil. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel recount the origins of Shrinking Trump, which initially focused on Donald’s cognitive decline and psychological disorders. Now, they have shifted their focus to understanding how Trump's new term affects the nation’s psyche and what it means for the future. Former Congressman and long-time Trump critic Joe Walsh joins the show to share his insights into what has transpired and what might lie ahead. Walsh touches upon Trump's potential for deep-seated vendettas against democratic institutions and the personal nature of his political vendettas. He reassures listeners that even though Trump will try to consolidate power, the structures within American democracy are stronger than most people think. Joe also stresses the urgency for resistance and remaining vigilant against the erosion of our democracy.  You’ll hear about some important coping mechanisms to deal with the feelings of anxiety, dread, and powerlessness in the face of Trump's renewed power. Our hosts stress the importance of finding solace in personal relationships, developing a support system, and taking the time to nurture your mental health as vital strategies to brace for the uncertainty ahead. And Dr. Gartner announces he is writing an exciting new book about his exploration of psilocybin therapy, and calls for innovative approaches to mental well-being, and enlightenment during dark times.  Dr. Gartner, Dr. Siegel, and Joe implore our listeners to remain committed to democracy and their own mental health. As we embark on this new chapter, our hosts reaffirm their dedication to guiding folks through unprecedented times with clarity, empathy, and hope. Join them in the next episode as they continue to delve into the America’s political and psychological landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

In this all-new session, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel enlighten us with a raw discussion about the current state of America, following last week’s shocking election results. Along with our guest, renowned psychologist Dr. Drew Weston, we’ll discuss the damaging implications of Trump’s bizarre cabinet picks and look at how it reflects a broader effort by Donald to dismantle our institutions. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMedia Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump  Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4 Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ This 29th episode of Shrinking Trump marks a crucial moment in addressing the collective unease felt nationwide. We’ll open the show with a reflection on the core psychological concerns that inspired this podcast series: Donald Trump's apparent cognitive decline and malignant narcissism. Dr’s. Gartner and Siegel recap the importance of recognizing how Trump’s dementia is intertwined with a pathological narcissism—a combination that leaves no room for empathy, morality, or humility.  Our guest Dr. Weston provides an unmatched expert perspective on the current political climate, and emphasizes the need for understanding the systemic issues that led to our current situation. Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel stress the potential for radical acceptance—a psychological term for facing reality as it is, without denying or fighting against it. And together, they urge our listeners to remain informed and engaged, but also to maintain a balance in their lives, nurture their mental health, and find moments of joy wherever possible. We’ll share feedback from our viewers and listeners from across the country, revealing a nation dealing with fear, grief, and an overpowering sense of loss. We’ll also draw parallels to the therapeutic approaches for trauma, where naming and acknowledging emotions is a key step in healing. Our hosts also introduce the concept of radical acceptance—a psychological term for facing reality as it is, without denying or fighting against it. And along with Dr. Weston, They encourage our listeners to remain informed and engaged, but also to maintain a balance in their lives, nurture their mental health, and find moments of joy wherever possible. To conclude, the episode extends a call to action, using historical lessons to remind us all that adversity can forge a powerful resilience. In what seems like very dark times, our hosts encourage listeners to band together as symbols of hope, truth, and unwavering commitment to democracy. Join us next week as we continue to uncover the psychological layers of these unprecedented times, helping us all navigate whatever lies ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Welcome to the session of Shrinking Trump we all need after a difficult week, where Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel address the aftermath of a surprising post-election landscape that has left many Americans grappling with uncertainty, fear, and trauma. Along with their guest, John Skrovan, a renowned therapist, they delve into how to process these overwhelming emotions and maintain a realistic sense of hope. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMedia Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump  Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4 Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ Dr. Skrovan joins the show to offer a calming perspective on how to navigate this new, hostile world. He advises on reconnecting with one’s surroundings and focusing on present, tangible sources of joy and goodness as a means to counteract despair.  Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel reflect on their own surprise at the election results, having expected different outcomes based on their analyses of the candidates' psychological health. The episode focuses on addressing the collective trauma experienced by listeners, comparable to an emotional earthquake that leaves people in a state of shock and confusion. The hosts emphasize the importance of openly discussing feelings associated with trauma, as bottling them up can hinder the healing process. Dr. Siegel draws parallels with historical and personal experiences of loss to highlight the deep emotional impact of the election results. And In perhaps the most profound moment of the session, we’ll find meaning amidst the chaos, sharing the example of Austrian Psychologist Viktor Frankl’s resilience during dire times. The discussion transcends politics, touching upon the fundamental human need for stability amidst the fear of malevolence and unpredictability. We’ll conclude with a reminder of the power of community and collective action. There are always ways to resist authoritarianism and safeguard democracy. Whether through meditation, activism, or community involvement, the call is to stay engaged, informed, and connected. Be sure to join us next week as we continue to navigate psychological dimensions of America’s ongoing political turmoil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]