Episode Summary: “Little Dicktator Energy”

Podcast: I’ve Had It
Hosts: Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Ruth Ben-Ghiat (Professor of History, expert on authoritarianism)
Date: September 4, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan record from New York City and dive deep into the things they've “had it” with, from the absurdities of American politics and technology to cultural and psychological trends. For the latter half, they’re joined by Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, noted authoritarianism scholar, for a rich, incisive conversation on the warning signs of authoritarianism in America, moral collapse, and how citizens can resist creeping dictatorship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening: Being Out of the Studio (00:04–01:21)

• The hosts express awkwardness and vulnerability recording in a rented NYC studio.
• Angie feels “stupid in front of other people” and calls herself “the ringleader rubber stamping it,” referencing the show’s silly start (00:13).
• Jennifer jokes about the “patriots, gatriots, black triads, brown triads” and calls it “America’s top DEI podcast” as a tongue-in-cheek nod to their diverse, irreverent following (00:53).

Guns Have More Rights Than Children (01:21–02:03)

• Angie’s “I’ve had it”: The overwhelming rights of guns in America over women and children.

  “I have had it with the fact that guns have so many rights in America. They have more rights than women and they have more rights than children's lives.” – Angie (01:23)

• Frustration over political inaction and the prioritization of NRA funding.
• The normalization and desensitization of gun violence, especially school shootings (02:03).

Thoughts and Prayers: A Riff on Inaction (02:03–03:13)

• Jennifer rails against “thoughts and prayers” as a substitute for action:

  “You have two choices... You can either let the cardiologist come in here... or you can pray and let God sort it out. The majority would choose science.” – Jennifer (02:35)

• Points out hypocrisy in accepting science for medical emergencies but not societal emergencies like gun violence.

America’s Authoritarian Shift and Rampant Propaganda (03:13–05:32)

• Discussion veers into Trump’s normalization of authoritarian play, the rise in gun violence, and lack of empathy from political leaders.
• Jennifer refers to Trump with a string of nicknames: “Kanks, Kankles, McTaco Tits” (03:58).

Tech Frustrations: USB to US-C and Planned Obsolescence (05:32–07:28)

• Both hosts “had it” with how quickly USB ports have become obsolete, replaced by US-C (or “whatever you call it”).
• Angie: “You buy a new phone, you have to get a new charger. And it went from the USB to... I think that's what it is.” (06:15)
• Frustration over lacking universal standards in the US and perceived Apple-driven tech churn.

Trump’s Cabinet Pageantry and Delusional Leadership (07:35–14:00)

• Jennifer calls out Trump’s “dementia,” referencing his rambling, directionless public appearances (07:35–08:00).
• They discuss his need for “show and tell” and sycophantic displays like the three-hour, fully-televised cabinet meeting:

  "They went from one person to the next... telling him he was attractive, telling him that he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize." – Jennifer (08:22)

• RFK Jr.’s evolution: once an environmentalist, now a denier of wind energy and environmental science; a sign of moral and psychological collapse among political figures in Trump's orbit.
• The hosts question why Trump’s inner circle humiliates itself, proposing the “real” power lies with his handlers (e.g. Stephen Miller, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk).

The Psychology and Sociology of MAGA “Moral Collapse” (14:00–24:10)

• Jennifer and Angie discuss the transformation of political figures (Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, etc.) from established conservatives to authoritarian acolytes.
• The emotional stunting, unevolved mentality, and sociopathic traits in this political group.
• Angie: “There's a lot of mental illness. Like, there's a collection of mental illness.” (17:43)
• Conversation swerves to the rise of misogyny and homophobia as defining policies.
• Jennifer points out the cultural shift paralleling Nazi Germany, referencing the insidious normalization of cruelty.

Authoritarianism and Personality Profiles (24:11–28:29)

• They introduce Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an authority on fascism and authoritarianism.
• Quick plug for the hosts’ new book, Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches.
• Ruth’s arrival signals a tonal shift: “It's going to be more academic, but I think the more you can arm yourself with what is going on, the better chance that we're going to have to get through this.” – Jennifer (28:29)

In-Depth Interview with Ruth Ben-Ghiat (28:56–78:18)

Authoritarian Red Flags in America (30:12–32:48)

• Ruth’s Top 3 Worries:
  1. Trump’s open admiration for dictators: “We've never had an American president who's so openly a fan of dictators.” – Ruth (30:23)
  2. Erosion of user-trusted services: Social Security, disaster relief, COVID response—all sabotaged (31:30).
  3. Politicization and militarization: Dangerous push to put troops on city streets.

The Disintegration of Trust (32:48–34:54)

• “One of the things that keeps our society together... is trust and a common understanding of rules and respect for authority.” – Ruth (33:14)
• Trump attempts to discredit democratic institutions: judiciary, educators, media, and even librarians.

The Dismantling of Democracy: Economic and Legal Consequences (34:54–38:32)

• Jennifer asks about “fiscal conservatives” supporting Trump who attacks financial institutions and judiciary. Ruth responds:

  “If you undermine confidence in our regulatory and financial institutions... that's going to harm the economy because people are sick. Look what happened during COVID.” – Ruth (36:24)

Authoritarian Spectacle & Autocratic Backfire (38:32–44:13)

• Trump’s humiliation exercises resemble Putin’s oligarchs or African dictators, demanding public flattery.
• “There is no end to their adulation, that they need, they need constant acclaim.” – Ruth (39:36)
• The danger: Autocrats are surrounded by sycophants, leading to policy disasters (“autocratic backfire”), and turn against their loyalists if not constantly renewed.

The “Moral Collapse” and Making Worse People (44:13–45:58)

• “The purpose of authoritarians is to make you into the worst version of yourself. If you're around them and you capitulate, you become the worst version of yourself. Because everyone has to come down to his level.” – Ruth (44:24)
• Relates to military and political figures with integrity being removed or humiliated.

Misogyny, Homophobia, and the “Toxic Triad” (45:58–49:11)

• Ruth’s research expands on the links between authoritarianism and gender:

  “It's hyper masculinity... It's homophobia and misogyny. So you have to elevate the man, a certain kind of man—a lawless man... you put women down and you have policies that do that. And then you also are homophobic.” – Ruth (46:24)

• Gender-washing: right-wing female leaders using their position for regressive policies (Giorgia Meloni, Hungary’s president).

Hypocrisy and Hidden Behaviors (49:11–51:37)

• Discussion shifts to the prevalence of closeted behaviors among authoritarian ranks (e.g., Republican officials on Grindr).
• Ruth draws parallels to Gaddafi, Mussolini: “They used state resources for sex trafficking and gratification, with both genders, while being publicly homophobic. The hypocrisy is part of the system.”

Homophobia as a Recurring Authoritarian Tool (52:31–55:04)

• Homophobia is the “through line” of authoritarian movements.
• Ruth on Giorgia Meloni: “She came from the neo fascist party that still believed in Mussolini. And homophobia, of course, was part of original fascism.”
• The elevation of women to high office can mask (gender-wash) authoritarian goals.

Coping With Psychological Strain & Resistance (59:44–63:13)

• Jennifer and Angie ask how listeners can resist fatalism.
• Ruth insists on the power of everyday resistance, civic engagement, and hope.

  “It’s very important not to give in to fatalism or cynicism... get people to register to vote, educate them... for our own moral integrity, we should feel we’ve done something.” – Ruth (60:19)

Can America Recover? Historical Parallels (63:13–66:41)

• Ruth says there’s no exact parallel: “Trump is the only head of state who tried to overthrow the government and had an insurrection and... is back.” (63:13)
• But points to Poland’s reversal of its right-wing government as a sign change is possible.
• Key warning: Authoritarians have zero interest in public welfare—just personal gain.

The Power of the Personality Cult (66:41–69:38)

• Jennifer: “What is it about the cult that they fall prey to?”
• Ruth: “Donald Trump is actually one of the most brilliant propagandists in history... He’s been telling Americans that he loves them. He told them on January 6 that he loved them.” (67:36)
• Emotional manipulation, false care, and manufactured authenticity are core tools.

America’s Missed Opportunities (70:08–71:39)

• Failure to hold Trump accountable the first time is “one of the main places where we took a wrong turn.” (70:35)
• Lack of political will contrasted with more decisive action in Brazil, South Korea.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authoritarian spectacle:

  “There is no end to their adulation that they need, they need constant acclaim.”
  — Ruth Ben-Ghiat (39:36)

• On the moral impact of surrendering to authoritarians:

  “The purpose of authoritarians is to make you into the worst version of yourself... everyone has to come down to his level.”
  — Ruth Ben-Ghiat (44:24)

• On gender and fascism:

  “It's the first book to integrate the gender stuff and say, this is how it works with propaganda. This is how it works with violence.”
  — Ruth Ben-Ghiat (48:07)

• On resistance and hope:

  “It’s very important not to give in to fatalism or cynicism and think there’s nothing we can do... having hope is not just... fantasy. It’s proven in history that resistance movements... need a hope.”
  — Ruth Ben-Ghiat (60:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:21–02:03] Guns as prioritized over children’s lives
• [02:03–03:13] “Thoughts and prayers” and societal inaction
• [05:32–07:28] USB obsolescence, Apple and tech frustrations
• [07:35–14:00] Trump’s cabinet “pageantry,” dementia, power behind the throne
• [17:29–24:10] Psychological shift and “moral collapse” of MAGA followers
• [28:56–32:48] Ruth Ben-Ghiat on red flags in US authoritarians
• [34:54–38:32] Economic and judicial consequences
• [38:32–44:13] Authoritarian spectacle, sycophancy, and “autocratic backfire”
• [45:58–55:04] Misogyny, homophobia, and gender-washing
• [59:44–63:13] Coping strategies, hope, and resisting fatalism
• [66:41–69:38] Personality cults and emotional manipulation
• [70:35] Missed opportunity: failing to hold Trump accountable

Closing: Had It or Hit It? (71:39–79:09)

• The team plays their signature “Had it or Hit it” game with Ruth, covering everything from speakerphone use in public to “Cankles” (Trump), cancel culture, and the future of the USA.
• Ruth’s final affirmation:

  “Hit it. Of course! ... Everything I’m doing now is out of my love for this country and feeling that each of us can do what we can to save it...” (76:17)

Tone and Takeaway

The episode is unfiltered, witty, and at times irreverently petty (in line with the hosts’ comedic style), but pivots to earnest, often somber analysis when discussing the rise of authoritarianism and political decline in America. Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s academic insights are wide-ranging, actionable, and grounded in both history and personal conviction, giving listeners a blend of relatability, urgency, and hope.

For listeners:

• The episode is a sobering yet empowering look at the current American crisis, weaving personal storytelling with expert warnings.
• It urges civic participation, emotional resilience, and vigilance against authoritarian creep.
• The episode is also a call to community: “We should feel that we’ve done something and everyone has a way to do something... There’s too much at stake to just give up.” (62:08)