In this wide-ranging episode of Shrink the Nation, Drs. David and Rob dive into the psychological underpinnings of modern American life. From the nation's grandiosity complex to the cognitive dissonance simmering beneath our politics and self-perception, the hosts weave together psychiatry, history, humor, and cultural critique. They reflect on the role of social media in distorting reality, unpack the national identity crisis, and introduce the powerful concept of ego integrity — the ability to stay whole in the face of contradiction. Along the way, they touch on classic TV references, political absurdity, and the enduring weirdness of being human in 2025.

Whether you're a clinician, a curious mind, or just exhausted by the noise, this episode offers sharp insights, dry wit, and a bourbon-soaked reminder that you're not alone.

Keywords: psychiatry, grandiosity, cognitive dissonance, social media, national identity, ego integrity, cultural references, mental health, personal insights, societal issues

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Shrink The Nation is where America lies on the couch — and we pour the bourbon.
Hosted by board-certified psychiatrists and mental health pros with backgrounds in military, media, and systems thinking, we break down the psychology behind politics, culture, and public dysfunction.
Smart. Funny. Clinically sharp. Slightly buzzed.

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Shrink The Nation — On the Couch With America.