How To Control Emotional Reactions, with Dr. Kelly Flanagan

About this episode

Dr. Kelly Flanagan discusses how to manage emotional reactions and navigate conflict in relationships.

I sit down with Dr. Kelly to unpack what really happens when we get triggered and why it feels so hard to stay in control. We dive into how our nervous system hijacks us, how past experiences shape our reactions, and why awareness alone isn’t enough to change behavior. I also explore what it actually means to “keep your heart open” in conflict and how to take ownership without taking blame. This conversation is a practical look at how to respond instead of react, especially in relationships that matter most. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 What Is A Trigger 03:15 The Three Step Trigger Cycle 06:20 Why You Get Hijacked 11:50 Regulating The Nervous System 18:15 Fight Flight And Control Modes 27:30 Control And Letting Go 36:20 What Keeping Your Heart Open Means 43:30 Sensing Conflict Before It Happens 54:20 Taking Ownership In Conflict 01:04:00 What To Do During Conflict *** Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/ Heard about attachment but don’t know…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Topics covered

• emotional reactions
• nervous system
• conflict resolution
• self-awareness
• relationships

Keywords

• triggers
• nervous system hijack
• three step trigger cycle
• regulating the nervous system
• keeping your heart open
• taking ownership
• respond instead of react

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Stitcher, Podchaser, self-worth guide, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom

Books & works: Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage

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