The Book Behind The Film Nuremberg (2025): 'The Nazi and the Psychiatrist' (2013 Book) with Author & Speaker Jack El-Hai

Inside the mind of a Nazi—and the psychiatrist who studied him.In this powerful episode of Review It Yourself, Sean sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Jack El-Hai to discuss his gripping and deeply researched book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist.This is not just another Second World War/World War II book review. It’s a psychological investigation into evil, power, ego, and moral reckoning at the aftermath of history’s darkest chapter.A Psychological Duel at NurembergIn The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, Jack El-Hai explores the extraordinary relationship between Hermann Goering, the highest-ranking Nazi captured alive, and Douglas M. Kelley, the U.S. Army psychiatrist tasked with evaluating him during the Nuremberg Trials.During our conversation, we unpack:How Kelley psychologically assessed leading Nazi defendantsWhy Goering fascinated and manipulated those around himThe concept of the “banality of evil” in practiceThe absence of a single psychiatric diagnosis to explain atrocityThe moral and professional toll the Nuremberg experience took on KelleyWhy these questions still resonate todayJack reveals how Kelley’s pioneering psychological work challenged simplistic narratives about madness and evil — and how America struggled to process the uncomfortable conclusions.Why The Nazi and the Psychiatrist Matters NowWith the upcoming 2025 film Nuremberg renewing interest in this story, El-Hai’s book has never been more relevant.In a world still grappling with extremism, ideology, and the psychology of power, this episode asks:Are monsters born—or made?Can ordinary individuals commit extraordinary evil?What responsibility does psychology bear in interpreting history?About Our Guest: Jack El-HaiJack El-Hai is an award-winning author and journalist specialising in narrative non-fiction, medical history, crime, and ethics.📘 Featured BookThe Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goering, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of MindsOriginally published in 2013, the book examines the psychological chess match between Goering and Kelley — and its tragic aftermath.Why You Should Listen to This EpisodeThis episode of Review It Yourself delivers:A thoughtful, in-depth author interviewInsight into the psychology of Nazi leadershipHistorical analysis grounded in primary researchA discussion on how history is interpreted — and misinterpretedReflection on how the past informs our presentPerfect for listeners interested in:World War II historyHolocaust studiesNuremberg TrialsPsychology and ethicsHistorical biographiesFollow, Contact & Support Review It YourselfIf you value independent, honest book and film reviews without corporate spin:🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major platforms⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more than you know📧 Email the show: [email protected]📲 Follow Review It Yourself on your favourite social media platformFind us here: Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021Twitter/X: @YourselfReviewThreads: reviewityourselfpodcast2021BlueSky: @reviewityourself.bsky.social‬Support the PodcastReview It Yourself is proudly independent.You can support the show by:🔁 Sharing this episode with fellow film, history and psychology enthusiasts📝 Leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyYour support keeps independent podcasting alive.Listen now to this compelling discussion with Jack El-Hai — and decide for yourself what The Nazi and the Psychiatrist reveals about evil, responsibility, and the human condition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.