28: Carole Lieberman Talks TDS & Chad Kultgen of The Necessary Conversation

n this explosive episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits moderates a bold, no-holds-barred conversation between two fiercely opinionated voices from opposite ends of the political and cultural spectrum: Dr. Carole Lieberman, forensic psychiatrist and host of The Terrorist Therapist and Dr. Carole's Couch, and Chad Kultgen, comedian, writer, and co-host of The Necessary Conversation podcast.

 

What begins as a discussion about polarization quickly spirals into a raw, unfiltered debate on some of the most divisive topics in America today—from Trump and the 2024 election to mental health, gun violence, immigration, and the weaponization of the media.

 

Together, they unpack:

✅ Why "Trump Derangement Syndrome" is a clinical term—according to Dr. Lieberman
✅ How Chad's military upbringing and parenting shaped his views on authoritarianism
✅ Guns, school shootings, and what really drives violent behavior
✅ Why immigration is so deeply misunderstood (and manipulated) by both sides
✅ The role of trauma, fear, and identity in how people vote and engage online

 

And if that's not enough—this episode dives into…

✨ What makes people double down on beliefs instead of listening
✨ Whether liberals and conservatives can ever find common ground
✨ How TikTok, the media, and viral fame shape how we perceive "truth"
✨ What it's like raising kids in a politically chaotic America
✨ The difference between being right and being real

 

Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a wake-up call for anyone trying to understand the psychology behind the chaos. No matter your views, it'll make you think—possibly yell—and maybe even change your mind.

---

 

00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast

00:45 Meet Dr. Carole Lieberman and Chad Kultgen

02:30 Dr. Carole defines "Trump Derangement Syndrome" as a real mental illness

04:50 Chad's take on Trump supporters and the illusion of safety

07:00 Guns, shootings, and why mental health is not the only factor

10:20 Can banning guns work, or is the issue deeper?

13:00 Dr. Carole's controversial stance on media and mass shootings

15:15 Chad on raising kids in a world of gun drills and fear

18:30 The real psychological toll of polarization

21:00 Why both sides feel like victims—and both are traumatized

23:40 How 9/11 shaped Carole's mission—and Chad's military context

26:10 Chad breaks down authoritarianism and American exceptionalism

29:00 Dr. Carole on immigration and the fear of losing "America"

31:30 Chad's perspective on cultural supremacy and xenophobia

34:00 Why people double down, not listen—fear vs. openness

37:00 The rise of social media echo chambers