Ever feel like you're living in an alternate reality where up is down and facts are opinions? Welcome to the wonderful world of political gaslighting, where truth goes to die and confusion reigns supreme.

In this episode of Momarchy, we break down the psychological manipulation tactics that have become standard operating procedure in American politics. From outright denial of documented events to flooding the airwaves with conflicting information until we're too exhausted to search for truth, we're calling out the strategies designed to make you doubt your own judgment.

We also discuss why this is especially dangerous for parents making critical decisions about vaccines, education, and safety, how social media amplifies the gaslighting machine, and why both parties (yes, both) use these tactics to avoid accountability.

Plus, we debut our new segment "I Love My Husband But" because sometimes therapy comes in the form of complaining about coffee thermoses.

We Discuss:

03:46 - The basic definition of gaslighting and why toddlers are natural experts

07:58 - How "fake news" became the ultimate deflection tool

12:02 - Rewriting history in real time: from hurricane maps drawn in Sharpie to museum exhibits being erased

18:01 - The emotional manipulation of mom influencers spreading vaccine misinformation

27:19 - How the 2020 election denial continues to gaslight voters (even though Trump won in 2024)

32:16 - The propaganda machine: from White House Instagram to news outlets twisting the same story

35:04 - Why we stopped watching MSNBC and the problem with echo chambers

40:28 - Protecting yourself and your kids: media literacy, fact-checking, and trusting your gut

47:23 - How to spot manipulation in everything from political ads to beauty product influencers

48:34 - I Love My Husband But: Andrew Huberman's revolutionary "non-sleep deep rest" (aka meditation) and the curse of the impossible coffee thermos.

Learn more about: 

Tanya Nathan is a political campaign and communications strategist with over a decade of experience in progressive campaigns and advocacy. Currently a Principal at a nationally-based grasstops consulting firm, she's a Denver native living with her 8-month-old daughter, husband, and their rescue pets. Her hobbies include crosswords, mezcal tasting, and trying to sleuth out who's going to be on Love is Blind Denver.

Sarah Andrews is a political strategist living in rural Colorado with her husband and two young kids. When she's not managing campaigns or chasing toddlers, she's passionate about women's rights, childcare policy, and creating space for honest political conversations that don't end in shouting matches.

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