Ep.7- Why Are Dad’s So Triggering?

Why do conversations about fathers bring up so much emotion, shame, and defensiveness, especially for men?In this episode of This Triggers Me, Dr Audra Horney (a therapist for men) and Dr. Brendan K. Hartman (a sociologist who researches the emotional well being of boys) unpack the complicated role fathers play in shaping men’s mental health, identity and emotional development.From father wounds to modern parenting expectations, they explore why dads are often seen as either sacred or suspect and how both extremes miss the nuance. This conversation dives into generational shifts in fatherhood, emotional connection, shame, repair and the impact fathers have on boys and men’s wellbeing.Key takeaways:Why fathers are such a triggering topic in conversations about masculinity and men’s mental healthThe tension between over praising dads for “bare minimum” parenting while also under crediting involved fathersHow modern fatherhood has shifted across generationsCommon father wounds and why many men struggle to honestly reflect on their relationship with their dadThe impact of emotional connection (or lack of it) on boys’ emotional development and men’s wellbeingDifferent father archetypes: the tyrant, the absent/workaholic father, and the teacherWhy repair after mistakes matters more than perfection in parentingResearch on fatherhood, bonding, hormones and paternity leaveThe loneliness and isolation many involved fathers experienceWhy men in caregiving roles are often treated with suspicionHow therapy for men can help unpack shame, resentment, grief and emotional patterns tied to fatherhoodConnect 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/@thistriggersmepodFind a Therapist for Men: www.draudra.comPodcast post-production: Stacy Blackburn