What Your Triggers Are Trying to Teach You About Your Marriage | Guest: Dr. Kelly Flanagan

What Your Triggers Are Trying to Teach You About Your Marriage | Guest: Dr. Kelly Flanagan

From Marriage on the Daily by Julie B.

March 31, 2026 · 42 min · Season 1 · Episode 11

About this episode

The episode explores how triggers in marriage can teach couples to navigate conflict and enhance intimacy.

What really happens in those moments when you feel triggered in your marriage—and why do they so often lead to disconnection instead of deeper intimacy? In this powerful episode of Marriage on the Daily , host Julie Baumgartner sits down with clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and relationship expert Dr. Kelly Flanagan to unpack the real meaning behind being “triggered” and how couples can navigate those moments in a healthier, more connected way. Drawing from his new book The Road Less Triggered , Dr. Flanagan shares how our reactions in conflict often have less to do with our spouse—and more to do with what’s happening inside of us. From understanding how our nervous system shifts into protection mode, to learning how to regulate ourselves before responding, this conversation offers practical tools to help you move from conflict to connection. You’ll discover: Why “you triggered me” can actually give away your power The hidden pain beneath most emotional reactions How to calm yourself before trying to communicate A simple daily practice to help keep your heart open How your triggers can become teachers instead of tripwires If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the same…

People in this episode

Host: Julie Baumgartner

Guest: Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Topics covered

  • triggers
  • marriage
  • intimacy
  • conflict resolution
  • emotional reactions
  • self-regulation

Keywords

  • triggers
  • marriage
  • intimacy
  • conflict
  • self-regulation
  • emotional reactions
  • communication

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Road Less Triggered

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