Summary:
Triggers feel like the enemy, but what if they’re actually your greatest weapon for transformation? In this episode, we break down the neuroscience behind triggers and why they hold the power to shift everything—if you lean in instead of running away. I’ll share how to recognize your triggers, decode what they’re really telling you, and use them to rewire deep-seated patterns. The things that set you off aren’t here to break you—they’re here to wake you.
What could be going on under a trigger:
1. An unprocessed emotional memory: If the original experience wasn’t fully processed, the brain remains hypersensitive to anything remotely similar.
2. Sensory reminders of a past experience: The brain links sensory details to past emotions, so encountering something similar later can activate that stored emotional response.
3. Violating a core belief: We all have deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves and the world
4. Nervous system sensitivity: If someone has chronic stress, anxiety, or past trauma, their nervous system is already on high alert.
5. A threat to identity or autonomy: If something makes a person feel powerless, unheard, or unseen, it can activate a triggered response.
6. Repeating a familiar dynamic: If a current situation mirrors an unresolved past experience, the brain reacts as if it’s happening again.
Want my FREE GUIDE on the top 3 emotions that need to be ignited to do things scared? This guide is going up on my site for $27, but you can get it for free! Here’s how:
1. Send me a screenshot of your podcast review to averymacdo@gmail.com or on IG @avery___macdonald
2. I will send you the guide
3. See the shifts happen in your own life!
Want to uproot your blocks in 30 min? Click here to book a 1:1 session: https://snipfeed.co/averymacdonald/meetings/Q29uc3VsdGF0aW9uOjY3MjEzZjFlYTczZDk5YjBlMWQ2MjJiNQ==?canGoBack=true
Follow along, share your thoughts, and build community! @avery____macdonald
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com