In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Dr. Pamela Brewer welcomes esteemed psychoanalyst Dr. Justin A. Frank—author of “Trump on the Couch”—for a wide-ranging conversation delving into the psychological underpinnings of current political and social turbulence. The discussion explores the rise of anger and chaos in today’s climate, and how former President Donald Trump’s appeal taps into deep-seated frustrations and anxieties. Dr. Frank offers actionable advice for listeners feeling overwhelmed by ongoing stress, shares professional reflections on the complexities of collective mental health, and addresses the importance of focused engagement in times of uncertainty. The episode provides a thoughtful and compassionate lens on our emotional well being in a chaotic world.

Topics Covered:

• Why contempt and defensiveness pervade current public discourse
• Dr. Frank’s psychoanalytic perspective on Donald Trump’s appeal and leadership style
• The psychological roots of anger, chaos, and yearning for authority
• Strategies for managing stress in an anxious political environment
• The challenges of collective mental health under divisive leadership
• How to stay grounded and mentally healthy amid constant news and upheaval

Key Takeaways:

• Chaos can leave individuals feeling anchorless and frightened, but focusing on a single topic or issue can help regain composure and clarity.
• It’s important to separate the concepts of something being only one way (“only”) versus a genuinely held belief (“really”).
• Collective mental health is under strain, and self-care strategies are crucial.

Questions I Ask (Highlights):

• “How is it that he [Trump] is a danger to society? Help us understand that.”
• "Do you get concerned about our collective mental health?"
• “Do you see the way that he is approaching our world as chaos?"
• “Can you help us understand the numbers of people that seem to support him in that, that it seems to be okay to scare people?”
• “Would you say that he and his followers actually believe at their core that what they are saying and doing and thinking is the way to go?”
• “For people who experience this administration all day long as stressful…what do we need to think about?”

Top Six Quotes:

1. “Trying to read somebody else's mind or expecting somebody else to read your mind is never a good idea and it's always going to take you down a really unpleasant path.” – Pamela Brewer
2. “People have contempt for other people who make them uncomfortable. And so it's a way of protecting yourself from thinking and also from vulnerability.” – Dr. Justin Frank
3. “Anger…can also be a defense against thinking because if you're really angry about something, you're not allowing yourself to entertain different possibilities.” – Dr. Justin Frank
4. “When you're feeling in a state of chaos, you're also frightened because you don't see land anywhere. You don't see a rock to hold onto.” – Dr. Justin Frank

Connect with Dr. Justin Frank:

• Email: jafrankmd@mail.com

Resources List:

• Book: Trump on the Couch by Dr. Justin Frank
• Book: Bush on the Couch by Dr. Justin Frank
• Book: Obama on the Couch by Dr. Justin Frank
• M.E.S.H. Podcast: Tune in every Wednesday to FaceBook Live and You Tube for new episodes with Dr. Pamela Brewer