Temper Talks: Why Anger is Not Taboo

This week on Oh Gross!, Kara, Jennie and Molly  explore how anger is consistently mischaracterized as a bad emotion and get real about anger management and why “losing it” isn’t the shameful glitch we’ve been sold. This week's guest. licensed therapist, author and anger-management expert Anita Avedian—one of Kara’s own teachers—leads the conversation on how to smash the stigma around this vital emotion. Topics tackled about understanding your temper include: Anger vs. AggressionMaster the critical split between an emotion and a behavior—your first step to healthier emotional regulation. Taboo TriggerDiscover why even saying the word “anger” can spark defensiveness—and how normalizing it dissolves the shame. Inside Out IRLHow that Pixar moment taught Kara to name her feelings—and how labeling rewires your brain for better mental health. Body AlertsFrom racing heartbeats to clenched jaws, learn the physical “red flags” your body sends before your mind catches on. Unmasking Hidden FeelsAnger often masks hurt, fear, or shame—why curiosity trumps combativeness when you dig deeper. Pause & ResetTry our quick breathing hack (long exhale > inhale) to flip from reactive to responsive in seconds. Plus: real-world tips for role-modeling emotional literacy with your kids, why digital screens turbocharge frustration, and the forgiveness trick that turns conflict into connection. Stay curious, stay gross—and catch all the feels (not the shame) on Oh Gross! 9:03 — Anger as a Signal: Primary vs. Secondary Emotions  11:06 — Gender & Anger at Work: Why it is different for men and women. 23:11 — The Digital Age and Aggression: What You Need To Know About Screens. 40:07 — Rage vs. Aggression 42:14 — Anger Management Tools: Anger Logs, Triggers & Breathwork  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices