Musk is what Unhinged Hypomania Looks Like

Musk is what Unhinged Hypomania Looks Like

Author: Really American Media February 7, 2025 Duration: 1:53:31

Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal try to process the third week of the Trump administration, with its blitzkrieg of illegal actions and absurd declarations, led by the unelected Elon Musk. They get help from Prof. David Ost, political scientist and historian of political history in Eastern Europe. Aside from being a world-renowned expert on Solidarity in Poland, his forthcoming book is about the rise of the far-right and the return of fascism in the west.

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In a whirlwind of disarray and psychological scrutiny, our hosts unearth the frenetic pace at which Trump and his allies are working to dismantle institutions, labeling it a "blitzkrieg against democracy." 

Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel also analyze Elon Musk’s hypomanic energy, sleeplessness, and impulsiveness—that resonate with another hypomanic: Trump. They’ll compare historical figures with similar traits and underscore how this often-dangerous behavior is glamorized in American culture to represent creativity and leadership.

The hosts unravel the complexities behind Musk's unprecedented influence, likening him to a modern-day Darth Vader alongside Trump as the emperor. This paints a vivid picture of a dangerous duo wielding disruptive power across the federal landscape. 

Our guest, David Ost, an expert in Eastern European politics, joins the show to explore how previous authoritarian regimes were toppled by unexpected resistance movements. Drawing lessons from the Polish Solidarity movement, Ost emphasizes the need for collective mobilization.

And as always, through their unique lens, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel contextualize Trump’s increasingly volatile speeches and decisions as symptoms of cognitive decline—which has been exacerbated by his nearly unrestrained power.

By dissecting the unyielding pace of these authoritarian advances, the psychologists relay a critical message: awareness and resilience are key. So be sure to join us next week as we continue to inform and engage, right here on



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Each week, psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal sit down for a session focused on a singular, complex subject: the mind of Donald Trump. In their Shrinking Trump podcast, produced by Really American Media, they apply their clinical expertise to publicly available behavior and speech, methodically documenting signs of cognitive decline and exploring the ramifications of his diagnosed malignant narcissism. They are joined by a roster of expert guests from various fields, turning each episode into a nuanced discussion that goes beyond standard political commentary. Dr. Gartner, a former Johns Hopkins psychiatry professor and founder of the Duty To Warn association, brings a particular urgency to these conversations, framing them within a broader ethical context. This isn't about partisan politics; it's a forensic psychological examination of a figure who has profoundly impacted the national landscape. Tuning in, you'll hear a careful, evidence-based analysis that breaks down rhetoric and action through a clinical lens, offering listeners a distinct perspective found in few other news and politics podcasts. The dialogue is direct, informed, and dedicated to understanding the psychological drivers behind the headlines, providing a deeper framework for interpreting ongoing events.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 70

Shrinking Trump
Podcast Episodes
This series on Trump’s mental condition comes to a close [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:45:09
On this last show, your favorite psychologists, John Gartner and Harry Segal, review Trump’s bizarre speech in Quantico while explaining their decision to end the series. They are joined by Really American’s Justin Horwi…
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Your favorite psychologists, John Gartner and Harry Segal, review the insidious way the Trump administration is using the Kirk assassination to end freedom of speech. They are joined again by Dr. Vince Greenwood, an expe…
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Duration: 1:43:25
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Duration: 2:15:32
Your favorite psychologists, John Gartner and Harry Segal, present “this week” in Trump’s power grab encouraged by the Supreme Court. They are joined by the great Andy Borowitz who brings his humor and insight to this da…
Trump faces push-back as he sinks in the polls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:08
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Duration: 2:07:24
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Is Trump becoming “the demented dictator?” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:07
Is Trump becoming “the demented dictator”? That’s the question driving the latest episode of Shrinking Trump, as clinical psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal sit down with Dan Rodricks, the legendary former Baltim…
Even Republicans can’t miss Trump’s walk on the roof! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12:00
Your favorite clinical psychologists, John Gartner and Harry Segal, observe how the media is turning again, however slowly, to Trump’s mental decline. They are also joined by James Fishkin, professor at Stanford, whose w…
Finally, Trump’s grip on the country has begun to slip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:45
Your favorite clinical psychologists, John Gartner and Harry Segal, observe more signs of Trump’s cognitive decline as well as his loss of support among independents. Is it starting to look like 2020 all over again? Be s…