Welcome everyone and pull up a seat at the table. It’s Lunchtime in Rome. Tonight’s episode 283 is titled “Triggers.” What causes us to “lose it”? The current word is “triggers” but what is it that sets us off and why does it? We’ll be talking about that at The Table this evening.
Pull up a seat at the table and join us!
Lunchtime in Rome Podcast Episode 283: Understanding Triggers
In episode 283 of the Lunchtime in Rome podcast, titled "Triggers," the guys dive into an engaging and insightful discussion about what sets us off emotionally and why. Recorded on May 8, 2025, this episode explores the concept of triggers—external stimuli that provoke internal reactions—and offers practical strategies for managing them.
The episode kicks off with personal anecdotes, including a memorable wedding in the Poconos and a powerful storm that hit Pittsburgh, highlighting the hosts’ knack for blending humor and relatability. These stories set the stage for the main topic: triggers. The guys define triggers as external events—like a loud noise, a change in plans, or someone cutting you off in traffic—that spark emotional responses such as anger, fear, guilt, or self-condemnation. They trace the term’s evolution, noting its roots in specific contexts like PTSD and its broader, sometimes overused, application today.
Through candid conversation, the hosts share their own triggers. From slow play on the disc golf course to someone kicking the back of a movie theater seat, they reveal how these moments can escalate emotions, often tied to unmet emotional needs like respect or security. A key insight emerges: triggers aren’t just about the moment but are amplified by past hurts, creating an “exponential reaction.” For example, a story about a colleague who reacts strongly to bullying reflects how childhood experiences can intensify present-day responses.
The guys emphasize that while we can’t control external stimuli, we can manage our internal reactions. They share personal coping mechanisms, including:
Self-awareness: Recognizing physical signs of a trigger, like clenched fists or a racing heart, and reflecting on past patterns.
Positive self-talk: Using logic to climb out of a “doom spiral” by assessing the worst-case scenario and working backward, as Joe describes after a minor car accident.
Seeking understanding: Eric advocates for empathizing with others’ perspectives, like understanding a child kicking a seat isn’t malicious.
Prayer and perspective: Jay turns to prayer and asks, “Will this matter in 10 minutes or two years?” to reframe the situation.
Drawing from the book Switch on Your Brain, the hosts outline a systematic approach to handling triggers: be aware of your senses and history, assess past outcomes, and attach a new, positive thought to redirect your response. They also touch on the “trigger death spiral,” where unchecked emotions lead to feeling isolated or misunderstood, underscoring the importance of breaking this cycle.
The episode wraps up with a call to listeners to share their own triggers and coping strategies at lunchtimeinrome.com, fostering a sense of community around emotional growth. With humor, vulnerability, and practical advice, the guys deliver a compelling case for understanding and managing triggers to live more connected, grace-filled lives.
Join the conversation at lunchtimeinrome.com, take the Relational Needs Questionnaire, and tune in next week for episode 284!
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