Ep.1- This triggers me: Trigger warnings, trauma responses, and why we're leaning into discomfort

What if the things that “trigger” us are actually the doorway to heal and connect?In this first episode of This Triggers Me, licensed psychologist Dr. Audra Horney (therapist for men) and Dr. Brendan K Hartman (sociologist focused on boys’ and men’s social emotional wellbeing), unpack why they’re creating a podcast that leans into discomfort instead of avoiding it. From the realities of modern masculinity to the resistance many men feel toward therapy, this conversation sets the tone for deeper, more honest dialogue.Key takeaways:Why avoiding triggers can actually make emotional reactions worse and what to do insteadThe current cultural polarization around masculinity and genderHow boys and men are often socialized into emotional restrictionThe role of loneliness in men’s mental health todayCommon barriers and misconceptions around men’s therapyWhy men may struggle to ask for guidance or supportFoundational concepts like the window of tolerance and stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn)How to approach difficult conversations with more curiosity and accountabilityConnect with usEmail- thistriggersmepodcast@gmail.comSocial media- https://www.instagram.com/dr.audra.horney/https://www.instagram.com/re.masculine/https://www.instagram.com/thistriggersmepod/https://www.tiktok.com/@thistriggersmepodPodcast post-production credit to Stacy Blackburn