Podcast
Shrinking Trump
Hosted by Really American Media · EN
Psychologists John Gartner, Harry Segal, and their expert guests, conduct weekly sessions analyzing the psyche of Donald Trump, documenting his cognitive decline and plumbing the depths of his malignant narcissism.
Dr. Gartner is a former part-time assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University Medical School and the founder of Duty To Warn, an association of mental health professionals warning about Trump and Trump-ism.
Dr. Segal is a senior lecturer in psychology at Cornell University.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Trump's Police State is Here
Apr 4, 202502:09:34Tap to summarizeIn this all new, 46th episode of Shrinking Trump, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segel take listeners on a tour of the unsettling psychological and political landscape of Donald Trump’s second term. Our guest is Georgia-based political strategist and pundit Fred Hicks, who believes Democrats are due for a political comeback. Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/As experts in psychology, our hosts unravel how Trump’s malignant narcissism and cognitive decline are reshaping America into a looming police state. His erratic behavior is not just chaotic—but catastrophic.We’ll start by analyzing Trump’s self-proclaimed “Freedom Day,” a grandiose spectacle designed to mask the destructive reality of his trade war and horrific immigration policies. Trump hails it as the most significant day in American history, which our hosts expose as a clear symptom of his severe narcissistic personality disorder. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Segal recognize the grim reality of Trump’s draconian and lawless immigration policies, drawing chilling historical parallels to oppressive states where citizens disappear without a trace.The episode also points out some of highlights from the resistance, such as Princeton's courageous stand against federal bullying. The hosts commend the university’s president for his unwavering defense of academic freedom, summoning a rallying cry for other institutions to do the same.Our guest Fred Hicks sees this and other signs as brilliant glimmers of hope, like recent special elections results in Florida and Wisconsin that hint at a democratic resurgence. Hicks suggests that an economic downturn could spur massive public backlash and even reverse the tide in favor of democratic ideals. Dr. Segel and Dr. Gartner explore the data behind this optimism and point to signs that change may be right on the horizon. And we’ll wrap things up with a call for our listeners to remain vigilant and active in the fight against Trump. May this episode serve as a rallying cry for everyone committed to preserving our democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How the one-trick pony president is destroying democracy
Mar 28, 202502:10:49Tap to summarizeIn this all-new, 45th episode of our show, Psychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal interpret Trump’s devastating sociopathic playbook before discussing it all with Joe Walsh–former congressman, warrior for democracy, and host of the daily Social Contract podcast.Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/We’ll reflect on the exhausting state of the nation, still just weeks into Trump’s second term, and explore how his psychological disorders continue to jeopardize the nation. And we’ll examine Trump's reliance on mafia-like tactics, with extortion being his go-to, to manipulate everyone around him and project his power at any cost.As psychologists with deep expertise in personality disorders, our hosts warn of the dire consequences of Trump’s severe narcissistic and psychopathic tendencies—now more apparent than ever.Throughout the session, the Doctors shed light on Trump's impulsivity and cognitive issues that make him particularly susceptible to influences from nefarious figures such as Vladimir Putin. And we’ll meticulously outline how Trump’s unpredictability undermines international alliances and destabilizes the global order.As always, our hosts wrap things up by urging listeners to resist complacency and remain vigilant during this rising tide of authoritarianism. Both Gartner and Segal ask us to stand together in a unified front against Trump. It's a call to arms, reminding everyone to stay informed and engaged in our fight for democracy.Be sure to join us again next time for another awesome episode, when we continue our mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Donald Is Crashing the World Order
Mar 14, 202501:42:51Tap to summarizeIn the latest episode of "Shrinking Trump," hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel dissect the chaotic and dangerous trajectory of Donald Trump's economic and political turmoil. With 44 episodes under their belt, the hosts have been tireless warriors, highlighting Trump's cognitive decline and severe narcissistic personality disorder—and calling out mainstream media for normalizing it every step of the way.Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/Drs. Gartner and Siegel expertly examine how the unpredictable nature of Trump's psychological disorders have far-reaching implications, including numerous retaliatory measures from other countries. We’ll also discuss Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior, which is clearly made worse by his broken brain. The doctors also make connections between Trump's psychological state, and the resulting impacts on both economic and international fronts. Donald's inability to accept the fact of a looming recession reflects a disconnect—borne from his grandiosity and unfounded self-assurance—cascading into what Dr. Gartner refers to as "the coming Trump depression."Join us for an eye-popping analysis of Trump's disastrous trade policies, including imposing tariffs on Canada, that are unsettling markets and crashing the economy. Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel break down Trump's mantra "no pain, no gain," arguing that it translates more accurately to "pain and more pain" for the global economy. We’ll explore how Trump's behaviors are what one would expect from a Russian asset, questioning his motivations and alliances. Putting a microscope on Trump’s undeniable displays of pro-Russian tendencies, they stress the importance of recognizing how this contradicts longstanding national interests and destabilizes the global order.Equally, if not more important, our hosts offer a glimpse of hope by touching on the inspiring global resistance that is rising against Trump’s policies. Highlighting significant resistance around the world, they once again echo the collective yearning for restored stability, and an end to this tyranny.Consider this episode a rallying cry for action, as we urge listeners to stay informed, stay engaged, and be sure to join us next time as we navigate the murky waters of this presidency, right here on Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trump Has Oval Office MELTDOWN
Mar 7, 202501:54:02Tap to summarizePsychologists John Gartner and Harry Segal take a close look at that disastrous meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office before turning to the big picture with George Conway, constitutional lawyer, political activist, and one of the leading lights warning the country about Trump.Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/In this newest episode of Shrinking Trump, our hosts analyze the signs of cognitive decline and severe personality disorder seen in Trump’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior. And our guest George Conway, a well-known figure in the "Never Trump" movement, shares his insights into the global implications of Trump's psychopathy and inherent sadism. We’ll kick off the show with a reflection on the exhausting chaos of Trump's second term, six weeks in. And we take a hard look at the recent meeting between Trump and Zelensky, a pivotal moment when America betrayed its allies and continued its descent into authoritarianism.Dr. Siegel describes how, in that meeting, Trump’s grandiosity, narcissism, and pathological need for recognition played out with disastrous consequences in real-time. Dr. Gartner breaks down the erratic display—marked by grandiosity, followed by sudden deflation and aggression. The hosts expertly explain how Trump’s impulsivity and lack of foresight clearly manifests itself when Trump is threatened, leaving him open to manipulation by figures like J.D. Vance. And the duo emphasizes how Trump’s penchant for authoritarian leaders, like Vladimir Putin, is undoing long-standing alliances and destabilizing the Western World.Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel close out the show with powerful words, urging our listeners to remain vigilant, active, and informed in this fight against tyranny.Be sure to join us next week for another all-new episode, where we continue our mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Shrinking The Global Repercussions Of The Trump-Musk Mayhem
Feb 28, 2025Tap to summarizeIn this intense episode of Shrinking Trump, Dr. John Gartner, and Dr. Harry Siegel, unravel the layers of psychological complexities and political uncertainties stemming from the chaotic shenanigans of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/Our hosts reflect on the week's events, exploring how Trump and Musk’s hypomania and severe narcissism creates a pathological atmosphere, lacking any real compassion.Through the lens of psychology, Dr. Siegal, and Dr. Gardner, consider Trump's apparent cognitive decline and personality disorder that plays into his constant lying and manipulation. Dr. Siegel emphasizes the feeling of betrayal experienced by long-standing allies, pointing out how Trump's erratic geopolitical engagements are sidestepping crucial, longstanding diplomatic protocols.And Dr. Gardner examines some of federal appointments that have dangerously concentrated executive power in the hands of conspiracy theorists and authoritarians. The hosts also analyze recent town hall meetings across the country, where constituents from both sides of the political spectrum have shown a growing anger with Trump’s mayhem and Musk's shadowy involvement in the federal government. This public sentiment, Dr. Gartner asserts, could absolutely sway Trump's approval ratings, which are currently in a rapid decline across multiple polls.We’ll take a look at the psychology of resilience, and discuss how mounting resistance, seen at these town halls and in protests all over America, offers a critical reminder of the power of persistence in the struggle for democracy.As always, we urge our listeners to remain vigilant and informed, to combat misinformation and stand up to tyranny. So be sure to join us next week as Dr. Gartner, and Dr. Siegel, continue their mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trump wants to chop up Ukraine for parts
Feb 21, 2025Tap to summarizeDr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal review the destruction of NATO, the betrayal of Ukraine, and discuss future elections with Joe Jacobson, founder and executive director of the Democratic SuperPAC Progress Action Fund.Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/In this latest episode of Shrinking Trump, we’ll dive right into a week of geopolitical surprises. As experts in psychology, our hosts offer a unique perspective into the broken psyche of Donald Trump, and the implications of a NATO conference that had the whole world watching.Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel reflect on the intense developments surrounding Trump’s collaboration with Elon Musk, leading to disruptions within NATO and unsettling repercussions for Ukraine. The duo, seasoned in clinical psychology, voice their concerns about the psychological undertones and the dangerous precedent set by these global shuffles.We’ll analyze Trump's alarming behavior, which stems from early signs of dementia and profound personality disorders. Dr. Siegel draws from his deep connections with Europe, and stresses the betrayal that must be felt by our longtime allies.Our hosts also dissect Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks at the NATO conference, where he essentially forfeited America’s leverage against Russia. The broader national security concerns, hostile appointments, and strained international relationships we’re seeing symbolize a dark shift in America's global standing.Beyond the chaos, Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel spotlight the rising resistance. Reminding us all of the importance of maintaining awareness and resilience, they encourage listeners to remain informed and engaged in these uncertain times. Be sure to join us next week, as we continue our mission of Shrinking Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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If We Don’t Hang Together, We Will Surely Hang Separately
Dec 13, 2024Tap to summarizeToday 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, an author and professor of philosophy at Yale, joins the show to provide historical perspective and warn against the dangers of authoritarianism. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/Dr. Gartner and Dr. Siegel launched Shrinking Trump out of concern for the dangerous tendencies of Donald Trump, including potential dementia and personality disorders. Months later, our focus has widened to consider the implications of Trump's return to the White House. As a country seemingly on the brink of drastic changes, together we’ll ponder what these shifts mean for democracy, civil service, and the psychological wellbeing of Americans.In this all-new episode, our hosts reflect on the growing concerns about Trump’s threats to democracy and explore historical parallels that speak to the dangers of silence and inaction in the face of tyranny. Harry and John also shed light on the precarious situation facing federal employees who are grappling with the threat of political purges.And we’ll have a tense discussion about Biden using pardons to protect folks who have unjustly been targeted by Trump’s personal political vendettas.As social morals are overshadowed by political agendas, we’ll explore strategies for maintaining sanity, such as embracing radical impermanence and pursuing personal morality. Dr. Gartner opens up about his own moments of profound sadness, while Dr. Siegel explains how he alternates between denial and engagement. Advocating for mindfulness and reaffirming our moral values, the Dr. 's urge our listeners to remain resolute, even when institutions appear to falter. They also discuss the vital role of maintaining personal networks and nurturing one's mental health for creating a buffer against prevailing anxieties. Be sure to join us next time as we continue to unpack the psychological and political implications of these transformative times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trump is SHRINKING before our eyes.
Aug 30, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this all new episode of Shrinking Trump, hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel are joined by Veteran journalist and Trump expert David Cay Johnston to analyze the latest glaring symptoms of Donald Trump's cognitive decline and severe personality disorders. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/You’ll hear shocking video and audio evidence of Trump’s phonemic paraphasias, erratic speech patterns, deteriorating associative thinking, and other bipolar traits. We’ll also give you an update on George Conway’s efforts to exploit Trump’s vulnerabilities and psychological weaknesses with targeted attack ads.Our guest David Cay Johnston contributes expert insights into Trump’s psychological state. He’ll also reveal how Trump’s tumultuous upbringing with a harsh father left him emotionally and psychologically affected and is now driven by an unending need to fill an internal void.We’ll talk about how JD Vance is both revealing a deeper, systemic thinking in the MAGA base, and alienating voters with recent ugly, personal attacks. Dr.’s Gartner and Siegel also use examples of Trump’s low-energy rants and increasingly simplistic language to demonstrate a clear deterioration of Donald’s cognitive abilities. You won’t want to miss this awesome episode! And be sure to tune in next week for another hit session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Psy-Op against Trump Is Working
Aug 23, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this session of Shrinking Trump, our hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segel are joined by PhD-trained psychologist Dr. Ben Michaelis to explore the latest evidence of Trump's rapid cognitive decline, and discuss how recent targeted political attack ads have triggered the worst of Donald’s malignant narcissism. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ We’ll examine the pathology of Trump's deteriorating speech patterns, worsening personality disorders, and weird obsessions, and contrast it against the psychological and emotional strength displayed by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. And you’ll hear the latest update on how the Lincoln Project and George Conway’s Anti-Psychopath PAC are exposing Trump’s cognitive deterioration by provoking his wild responses to carefully placed attack ads.Dr. Michaelis walks us through the impact that social media and Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior has on the national psyche and emotional connections in our communities. He’ll also work together with John and Harry to compare Trump's past and present speech patterns, which reveal a shocking deterioration of his language skills and associative thinking. We’ll also talk about Barack Obama’s DNC speech, and reflect on the genuine power of emotional connections in building psychological health.So listen in as our esteemed psychologists, Dr.’s Gartner and Segal set the stage for another entertaining and in-depth analysis of the latest evidence of Trump’s cognitive decline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Conway's Anti-Psycho PAC is "getting inside his head"
Aug 9, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this all-new episode of Shrinking Trump, our hosts Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Segal are joined by author and expert psychotherapist Dr. Alissa Hirshfield-Flores to diagnose the intricate aspects of Donald Trump's mental and emotional decline. With a focus on Trump's malignant narcissism, and psychological frailty, we’ll talk about Donald’s meltdown in Georgia, his continued obsession with crowd sizes, and the obvious signs of his worsening dementia.Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMediaOur site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trumpSubscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/You’ll hear new, clear evidence of Trump’s decline as we share some of his most unhinged statements and antics from the last week and debunk several of his latest conspiracy theories and lies. We’ll also talk about some disturbing RFK, Jr. news and discuss the major impact of Kamala Harris’s VP selection. Dr. Hershfield-Flores’s book Fury: Women's Lived Experiences During the Trump Era, explores the trauma women in America faced under Trump's presidency. The book features essays that capture women's reactions to Trump's rhetoric and tells of their inspiring self-empowerment through activism. Together with John and Harry, Dr. Hershfield Flores walks us through the psychological effects of Trump's narcissism on women, the significance of Kamala Harris’s nomination, and the collective energy gathering among women voters in this election. We’ll also discuss how Trump’s hostile strategies might backfire against a joyous, powerful woman like Kamala Harris. And we’ll take a hard look at the schemes behind Trump and Elon Musk’s recent pivot toward cryptocurrency.So tune in and turn it up for another awesome episode, and we’ll see you back here next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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