Will the courts be Democracy’s last stand?

Will the courts be Democracy’s last stand?

Author: Really American Media February 14, 2025 Duration: 1:33:05

Dr John Gartner and Dr Harry Segal cover the approaching threat to the rule of law with the help of their guest, Barbara McQuade, law professor at the University of Michigan and frequent legal commentator on MSNBC.

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In this 40th, all-new riveting episode, our hosts analyze another tumultuous week of the Trump administration, headlined by the startling dystopian influence of Elon Musk. We’ll dissect all of the unsettling events that signal a perilous slope towards authoritarianism.

Our guest Barbara McQuaid, a renowned legal expert, joins the show to share her unique perspective on the ongoing constitutional battles and the fragility of our democracy.

We’ll start with a stark reflection on Trump's methodical dismantling of our democracy and discuss the psyche behind Donald’s severe personality disorder and progressing signs of dementia. Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel highlight how Donald's constant lies can have an effect of hypnosis, which is a tactic regularly deployed by authoritarians to instill chaos and fear.

The hosts liken Musk to a contemporary Darth Vader, who is asserting control over vast swathes of Trump’s empire. Donald’s "Hitlerian attack on democracy," as they posit, is only exacerbated by Musk's growing influence. 

Musk’s reckless spree through federal agencies with unchecked hypomania, they explain, is equally alarming to Trump's chaos. We’ll also take a look at the parallels between Musk and other destructive historical figures. 

The doctors caution our listeners to be aware of Elon’s sophisticated use of disinformation, which has too often proved to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Dr. Siegel, drawing on his unparalleled psychological insights, urges us to arm ourselves with consciousness and resilience.  

In this new world, Shrinking Trump continues to deliver messages of resilience and awareness, as we dissect the characters and narratives at play. Be sure to tune in next week as Trump’s unraveling saga continues.

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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…
The Jimmy Kimmel canceling is a tipping point for democracy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:08
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…
Epstein Files Frenzy and Court Losses Fuel Trump’s Collapse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:25
One of your favorite psychologists, Harry Segal, is back to describe and interpret Trump’s strange behaviors this week, from his tone-deaf response to the Epstein-Maxwell victims to his mysterious medical symptoms. Since…
Trump stumbles over Epstein while aiming at Chicago [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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
Your favorite shrinks, John Gartner and Harry Segal, present “this week” in Trump’s cognitive decline, as well as an extended excerpt of Pritzker’s heroic speech pushing back on federal threats to Chicago. While describi…
Trump’s pathological relationship with Putin is on full display [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:24
Your favorite psychologists, John Gartner and Harry Segal, review Trump’s disastrous Alaska summit and marvel at how he has reverted to Putin’s absurd Ukraine talking points. They also speak with Richard Wood, eminent cl…
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…