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
Musk is what Unhinged Hypomania Looks Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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. Dav…
The Imperial President Begins his First Week! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:59
Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal review the norm-crashing first week of the Trump administration, before returning to the issue of authoritarianism with Dr. John Bone, professor and author of “The Great Decline,” a s…
Trump’s First Day will Live in Infamy: American Carnage Begins Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:00
Hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal review Trump’s dangerous first day in office with the help of guest Hafiz Rashid, an intrepid journalist from the New Republic, who shares his reporting on the 220 executive ord…
Trump Transition: No Calm Before the Storm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:11
As Donald Trump prepares to assume office again, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel discuss this unsettling transition period, the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and the alarming tactics that hav…
Understanding Insanity: Trump, Musk, and the New Imperialism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:50
Hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal are joined by psychoanalyst, teacher, and author Dr. Pilar Jennings to dissect Trump’s unhinged statements about invading our allies. As Donald prepares to retake power, our hos…
This Terrible Moment Before Trump Takes Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:20
Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal explore the anxiety surrounding what’s to come when Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Journalist and biographer Laurie Winer returns with her line on what this moment means pol…
Holding Your Ground With Power and Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:05
Hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel are joined by esteemed guests Dr. Yosef Rabinauer, and Simone Adams, as they seek to unravel the challenges of maintaining sanity amid growing political tensions.Make sure you…
If We Don’t Hang Together, We Will Surely Hang Separately [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:33
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…
Navigating the Shadows: Finding Balance in Uncertain Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:27
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 "…
Coping With Fear Of Tyranny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:58
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 g…