Living Through Trumpism: How Do You Stay Sane?

The news cycle feels relentless. The politics feel terrifying. And somehow we’re still expected to answer emails, pay bills, and live our lives.

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown talk about what it’s like living through Trumpism, rising authoritarianism, and the growing sense that fascism isn’t just a history lesson—it’s something people are trying to understand in real time.

They unpack the emotional impact of political overwhelm, news fatigue, and political anxiety, especially for people whose privilege once shielded them from the realities many marginalized communities have faced for generations.

This conversation explores how systems like white supremacy and authoritarian politics function almost like belief systems—or even cults—and why leaving those systems can feel disorienting, lonely, and scary.

Becky and Taina also talk about the role of education, privilege, media literacy, and social media in shaping how people understand politics today. Why do so many online conversations turn hostile instead of productive? What happens when people begin waking up to systems of power they were once part of?

Most importantly, they talk about how to cope with political burnout and overwhelm without shutting down completely. Research shows that action—whether activism, community care, or even small personal steps—can help restore a sense of agency when everything feels out of control.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted by politics, struggling with the constant bad news cycle, or wondering how to stay engaged without burning out, this episode is for you.

Because surviving times like these has never been an individual project. It has always been collective.

Topics Covered:

• Trumpism and rising authoritarian politics
• What fascism can feel like in everyday life
• Political anxiety, news fatigue, and overwhelm
• Privilege and the moment the “bubble” cracks
• White supremacy as a belief system
• Social media and political discourse
• Political burnout and activism fatigue
• How community and collective action help people survive political crises

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