Real Time with Bill Maher
Episode #702: Dr. Phil & Stephen A. Smith
Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #702 of Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher engages in a dynamic discussion with guests Dr. Phil McGraw and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith. The conversation spans a variety of contemporary topics, including political maneuvers within the Republican Party, the implications of artificial intelligence in mental health, educational policies, gender dynamics in sports, and futuristic governmental projects.

1. The Future of Donald Trump and Republican Party Dynamics

Timestamp: 01:05 - 03:07

The episode opens with an intense debate about former President Donald Trump's potential political trajectory. Dr. Phil expresses skepticism about Trump's likelihood to run in the 2028 presidential election. He draws a parallel between Trump and former Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Trump may adopt a similar strategy to maintain influence without holding office directly.

• Dr. Phil: "Trump can control this country the way he does now through social media [...] All he has to do is get on Truth Social and tear him a new asshole and the policy will change." (02:00)

Andrew Sullivan supports this viewpoint, emphasizing Trump's unparalleled popularity within the Republican Party and his ability to dictate the party's direction.

• Andrew Sullivan: "His popularity is so exponentially higher than everybody else within the Republican Party that the level of control [...] he wants to maintain control over the party." (02:27)

Stephen A. Smith concurs, acknowledging that prominent Republican figures like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance lack the influence to counter Trump's dominance.

• Stephen A. Smith: "They're not." (02:31)

This section highlights concerns about the Republican Party's ability to move forward without Trump's overshadowing presence, suggesting a potential stagnation in party leadership and policy-making.

2. The Role of AI in Mental Health and Therapy

Timestamp: 03:07 - 07:29

The conversation shifts to the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for therapeutic purposes. Dr. Phil raises concerns about people turning to AI chatbots for mental health support instead of seeking licensed professionals.

• Dr. Phil: "What do you think of more people turning to AI for therapy instead of seeking out licensed professionals?" (03:07)

Elon Musk weighs in, acknowledging both the potential benefits and significant dangers of AI in mental health care. He points out that while AI can offer fundamental advice for conditions like anxiety or depression, it lacks the ability to detect critical emotional cues, which can lead to inappropriate or harmful responses.

• Elon Musk: "I think it's really dangerous [...] It can't pick those things up and it will miss those red flags." (05:07)

Andrew Sullivan adds that reliance on AI may lead to increased social isolation and exacerbate mental health issues, as human interaction is diminished.

• Andrew Sullivan: "It's less human interaction as a human being. It sort of isolates you, serves to isolate you a little bit more." (05:44)

Dr. Phil underscores the current limitations of AI, citing instances where AI provided biased or incorrect information, thereby emphasizing the necessity for human oversight.

• Dr. Phil: "It will give you biased answers [...] lawyers that relied on it to brief a case and it totally made up cases." (05:58)

This segment underscores the precarious balance between leveraging AI for mental health support and ensuring that it does not replace essential human-led therapy, highlighting the current shortcomings and ethical considerations.

3. Texas Mandate: The Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms

Timestamp: 08:42 - 11:15

A controversial topic arises with the discussion of Texas's new policy requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. Dr. Phil criticizes the move, arguing that the list is outdated and selectively censorious.

• Dr. Phil: "It's a dumb list. There's only two things on it that are laws. Don't steal and don't kill." (09:24)

Elon Musk provides a nuanced perspective, differentiating between making the commandments available for children to see and forcefully imposing them.

• Elon Musk: "Having something available for kids to see is one thing. Pounding it down their throats is another thing." (08:57)

Andrew Sullivan offers a middle ground, acknowledging the moral teachings embedded in the commandments while recognizing potential issues with selective enforcement.

• Andrew Sullivan: "But it's good to have it in there. I mean, it's not a bad thing to say. Thou shalt not kill." (10:06)

The discussion highlights the tension between religious education and the secular framework of public schools, questioning the effectiveness and appropriateness of such mandates in modern educational settings.

4. Controversial Marketing in the WNBA: Dildos at Games

Timestamp: 11:51 - 14:35

Dr. Phil introduces a segment on a crypto group's provocative marketing strategy involving the distribution of green dildos at WNBA games. The conversation delves into whether this tactic is merely edgy marketing or indicative of deeper sexist attitudes towards women's sports.

• Dr. Phil: "They’re throwing green sex toys on the court. Is this just edgy marketing, or does it reflect a sexist attitude towards women's sports?" (11:51)

Andrew Sullivan attributes the act to both edgy marketing and underlying sexist motives, suggesting it maligns the athletes and trivializes their sport.

• Andrew Sullivan: "It just shows some people's definition of happiness is bringing you and lowering you to the level of misery." (13:22)

Elon Musk questions the intent behind the choice of color and the object itself, pondering whether the issue lies in the symbolism or the act itself.

• Elon Musk: "Is your problem that they're green or that they're just throwing a dildo on?" (12:15)

Stephen A. Smith adds frustration over the lack of understanding behind the gesture, emphasizing the disconnect between the marketers and the audience.

• Stephen A. Smith: "I don’t even get it. Is it saying, we don’t respect women's sports?" (12:31)

The panel agrees that such actions can be perceived as disrespectful and undermine the professionalism of women's sports, reflecting broader societal issues related to gender and respect in athletics.

5. The Trump Administration’s Lunar Nuclear Reactor Proposal

Timestamp: 14:14 - 14:45

In a lighter, yet still critical note, Dr. Phil brings up the Trump administration's announcement of constructing a nuclear reactor on the moon. The guests offer their takes on this ambitious and unconventional initiative.

• Dr. Phil: "They're going to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. Your thoughts about the nuclear reactor on the moon?" (14:14)

Elon Musk humorously opposes the idea, citing safety and practicality concerns.

• Elon Musk: "Well, I'd rather have it there than in my neighborhood." (14:26)

Stephen A. Smith adds to the skepticism, questioning the necessity and feasibility of such a project.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Not on my planet." (14:30)

Andrew Sullivan succinctly criticizes the proposal as another instance of governmental misallocation of resources.

• Andrew Sullivan: "Invent new ways to spend money." (14:39)

The brief exchange underscores the panel's skepticism towards extravagant and potentially impractical governmental projects, emphasizing the need for more grounded and beneficial initiatives.

Conclusion

Episode #702 of Real Time with Bill Maher offers a robust discussion on pressing societal issues, blending political analysis with cultural critiques. From the enduring influence of Donald Trump within the Republican Party to the ethical implications of AI in mental health, the conversation provides listeners with diverse perspectives aimed at fostering informed discourse. The guests collectively challenge prevailing narratives, urging a critical examination of policies and societal trends that shape contemporary America.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Phil: "It will give you biased answers [...] lawyers that relied on it to brief a case and it totally made up cases." (05:58)

• Andrew Sullivan: "They know that, which is why they capitulate to his every whim." (02:30)

• Elon Musk: "I think it's really dangerous [...] It can't pick those things up and it will miss those red flags." (05:07)

• Dr. Phil: "It's a dumb list. There's only two things on it that are laws. Don't steal and don't kill." (09:24)

• Stephen A. Smith: "Not on my planet." (14:30)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode #702, providing a coherent overview for those who have yet to listen.