EPISODE NOTES

At a Kamala Harris rally in Michigan over the weekend, Michelle Obama delivered a powerful message about abortion rights and warned male voters. She said, “If we don’t get this election right, your wife, your daughter, and your mother will become collateral damage to your rage.”

This striking statement sets the tone for a larger conversation that I had with Dr. Mark Levy, a respected forensic psychiatrist, who explored the psychological dimensions of Donald Trump’s behavior and his impact on our society.

We recorded our conversation right after the May 30th verdict in the New York vs. Donald Trump case, where he was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to an extramarital affair before the 2016 Presidential election. Rather than focusing purely on legalities, we delved into Trump’s behavior and his troubling attitude toward independent thinkers and the rule of law. With over 3,300 lawsuits and six bankruptcies, his track record raises many questions about accountability and integrity.

Dr. Levy categorizes Trump’s followers into three distinct groups, highlighting one particular group he finds most concerning. Yet, amidst the serious nature of our discussion, our conversation brought an unexpected sense of reassurance. Dr. Levy emphasized the importance of preserving our better selves during these trying times, echoing the sentiment that hope is still within our grasp.

With over four decades in the field, Dr. Levy isn’t just talking theory; he’s a seasoned clinical and forensic psychiatrist who has been an expert in over 500 civil lawsuits. He brings a unique perspective on how forensic psychiatry operates at the intersection of law and mental health. As he puts it, while the pathologist examines dead bodies, forensic psychiatrists like him analyze behaviors, cognitive capacity, and legal standards. Dr. Levy’s insights into Trump suggest a lifetime of reliance on others to bail him out, prompting us to think critically about leadership and accountability.

One of the most revealing terms Dr. Levy coined is “grievance contingency,” referring to a segment of Trump’s followers still clinging to outdated sentiments about the Civil War. This sparked a meaningful conversation about reparations and the ongoing efforts in Minnesota led by Governor Tim Walz. His commitment to partnering with the state’s 11 tribal nations is crucial to addressing historical injustices and achieving healing.

Tim Walz is the first governor in Minnesota to meet with the 11 tribal nation leaders in the state. It has led to a signed executive order to appoint tribal-state liaisons at state agencies and other empowering actions. 

Additionally, I’ve been actively writing grants for the Open Road Fund, which supports Black communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota with $50,000 in wealth-building gifts to 100 Black families each year. This initiative aims to foster pathways to liberation and prosperity, honoring the resilience of ancestors and redistributing resources to uplift present-day descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Such efforts confront our painful history head-on, providing opportunities for collective healing and a vision for an abundant future to build upon for the next generation.

As we approach the November 5, 2024, Presidential election, protecting your mental well-being is vital. Listen closely to Dr. Mark Levy’s insights and concerns, and remember to exercise your right to vote. Our democracy relies on your independent thinking and active participation—now more than ever.

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