Trump’s Dictator Obsession (and Why MAGA Loves It)
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S1 E8

Trump’s Dictator Obsession (and Why MAGA Loves It)

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Trump says people want a dictator — and for MAGA, that’s a selling point, not a threat. Here’s why I almost lost hope this week… and how your calls brought me back.

This week I almost didn’t record. Watching Trump inch America closer to fascism — sending troops into cities, threatening free speech with flag-burning bans, and bragging that people want a dictator — left me feeling hopeless. And here’s the twisted part: for his MAGA base, “dictator” isn’t a threat, it’s a selling point. That’s how cults work. But by the end of this episode, I realized one voice may feel small, but millions of voices together can still change things. Even a silly podcast like mine is part of that chorus.

Along the way, I take listener calls (including one about having gay MAGA friends), reflect on what I miss about believing in God, share my favorite childhood movies, talk about the role of instigators in building community, and answer a surprise question from Corey about my work ethic. It’s a messy, emotional, and ultimately hopeful ride.
Subscribe to the podcast: https://thereisnogodandwereallgonnadie.transistor.fm/
Website: https://www.danieljcartier.com/

  • (00:00) - Introduction and Personal Reflections
  • (02:29) - The Cruelty of the Current Administration
  • (04:37) - The Importance of Communication and Awareness
  • (07:03) - Patriotism vs. Nationalism
  • (09:01) - Overcoming Hopelessness and Taking Action
  • (11:09) - Oklahoma's Ideology Test for Teachers
  • (12:55) - The Role of PragerU in Education
  • (13:55) - Concerns Over Propaganda in Teaching
  • (14:03) - Trump's Executive Orders and Military Threats
  • (16:02) - The Impact of Trump's Policies on American Society
  • (16:47) - The Dictatorship Debate
  • (20:13) - Voicemails and Personal Reflections
  • (24:12) - Childhood Memories and Media Influence
  • (28:11) - Questioning Faith and Religion
  • (32:09) - Community and Atheism
  • (32:48) - Navigating Political Friendships
  • (41:40) - The Role of Compassion in Politics
  • (42:24) - Introduction and Self-Promotion
  • (44:28) - The Asshole of the Week: A Call to Action
  • (49:00) - Community Engagement and Personal Connections
  • (51:31) - The Role of Social Instigators
  • (53:24) - Building Community Connections
  • (55:46) - Creating a Supportive Environment
  • (56:37) - The Essence of Work Ethic
  • (01:02:23) - Reflections on Creativity and Connection

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