This Triggers Me

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 us Email- [email protected] Social media- https://www.instagram.com/dr.audra.horney/ https://www.instagram.com/re.masculine/ https://www.instagram.com/thistriggersmepod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thistriggersmepod Podcast post-production credit to Stacy Blackburn

Is empathy for men dangerous or is the real danger what happens when empathy is withheld? In this episode of This Triggers Me, a psychologist specialized in therapy for men and a sociologist focused on men and boy’s wellbeing take on one of the most polarizing questions about gender dynamics. They explore the tension between empathy and accountability, challenge the fear that supporting men’s mental health enables harm, and unpack how dehumanization fuels division. Through real life examples and psychological frameworks, they examine what it actually looks like to hold both compassion and responsibility at the same time. Key takeaways: Why empathy for men is often seen as controversialThe difference between empathy and excusing harmful behaviorHow dehumanization (not empathy) is what drives anger and divisionThe “trauma triangle” (victim, villain, hero) and how it shows up in conflictHow triggers and shame keep people stuck in reactive rolesThe impact of polarization in conversations around the male loneliness epidemic and men’s mental healthCommon themes in men’s therapy, including self loathing and difficulty with self compassionWhy many men deeply want emotional closeness but struggle to access itHow validating and witnessing pain can reduce defensiveness, anger, and disconnectionConnect with us Email- [email protected] Social media- https://www.instagram.com/dr.audra.horney/ Looking for a therapist for men? Visit Dr. Audra's global directory: www.draudra.com" https://www.instagram.com/re.masculine/ https://www.instagram.com/thistriggersmepod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thistriggersmepod Podcast post-production credit to Stacy Blackburn

Why has the phrase “toxic masculinity” become so triggering? 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 why “toxic masculinity” is such a loaded and often counterproductive term. They explore how masculinity itself isn’t the problem, but how restrictive, rigid expectations can negatively impact men’s wellbeing, relationships, and emotional lives. Through cultural, psychological, and relational lenses, they reframe masculinity as something complex capable of both harm and growth. Key takeaways: Why the term “toxic masculinity” often triggers defensiveness and derails meaningful dialogueThe difference between masculinity and restrictive masculinityHow emotional suppression, hyper-independence, and dominance impact men’s mental healthThree lenses of masculinity: biological, social, and spiritualHow cultural definitions of masculinity evolve over time (e.g., cowboys, provider/protector roles)The concept of “threatened masculinity” and how men respond when identity feels challengedHow emotional intelligence (like RULER skills) can help menThe importance of community, connection, and a healthier relationship with powerHow masculinity can be both empowering and harmful and why owning that complexity mattersConnect with us Email- [email protected] Social media- https://www.instagram.com/dr.audra.horney/ Looking for a therapist for men? Visit Dr. Audra's global directory: www.draudra.com" https://www.instagram.com/re.masculine/ https://www.instagram.com/thistriggersmepod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thistriggersmepod Podcast post-production credit to Stacy Blackburn

Welcome to the This Triggers Me podcast.Hosted by Dr Audra Horney a licensed psychologist and sociologist Dr. Brendan Hartman, this conversation driven podcast explores masculinity, gender, and emotional development by leaning into charger or triggering topics.Each episode blends psychological insight, sociological perspective, and real dialogue to unpack some of the most polarizing conversations around men today. If you’re tired of surface level takes and ready for conversations that challenge you, stretch you, and actually move you forward, this is where that work begins