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 Nuremberg
In 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 defendants
Why Goering fascinated and manipulated those around him
The concept of the “banality of evil” in practice
The absence of a single psychiatric diagnosis to explain atrocity
The moral and professional toll the Nuremberg experience took on Kelley
Why these questions still resonate today
Jack 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 Now
With 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-Hai
Jack El-Hai is an award-winning author and journalist specialising in narrative non-fiction, medical history, crime, and ethics.
📘 Featured Book
The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goering, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds
Originally published in 2013, the book examines the psychological chess match between Goering and Kelley — and its tragic aftermath.
🔎 Learn More & Connect
🌐 Website: https://www.jackelhai.com
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jackelhai
Jack also discusses his ongoing commitment to telling stories rooted in justice, ethics, and the darker corners of history.
If you’re interested in World War II history, the Nuremberg Trials, forensic psychology, or the moral complexity of historical biography, this book is essential reading.
Why You Should Listen to This Episode
This episode of Review It Yourself delivers:
A thoughtful, in-depth author interview
Insight into the psychology of Nazi leadership
Historical analysis grounded in primary research
A discussion on how history is interpreted — and misinterpreted
Reflection on how the past informs our present
Perfect for listeners interested in:
World War II history
Holocaust studies
Nuremberg Trials
Psychology and ethics
Historical biographies
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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.
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