Aggressive - #FeelingsMatter

In this episode of #FeelingsMatter, hosts Heather Hampton, Michelle Stinson Ross, and Tina Schweiger explore the emotion of aggression - that feeling of wanting to attack or argue with someone. The conversation moves from personal experiences with aggression to the challenges of handling aggression in children, particularly neurodivergent children. The hosts discuss how aggression can be contagious, creating escalating cycles, and share insights about maintaining calm in the face of others' aggressive behavior. Episode Highlights: Heather shares how she experiences aggression primarily while driving, using her car as a "safe space" to express feelings she wouldn't verbalize face-to-face, and recounts working through persistent aggressive feelings after a friendship breakup using EMDR therapy Tina describes living with three neurodivergent males and observes how aggression tends to escalate as a "one-up emotion," creating power struggles that can trigger anxiety in bystanders The hosts candidly discuss the challenges of parenting children with aggressive tendencies, with Tina sharing vulnerable stories about managing public meltdowns and the importance of finding compassion despite being tested Michelle reflects on witnessing and helping Tina during a difficult parenting moment, highlighting the value of trusted community support when dealing with aggression, especially in public settings where others lack context The conversation concludes with insights about the contagious nature of intense emotions like aggression, with Tina noting that "advanced emotional agility" involves staying mindful enough of your own emotional state to avoid unconscious reactions to others' aggression Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission. This episode is sponsored by FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/ Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform Podcast theme music by Dubush Miaw from Pixabay This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission. This episode is sponsored by FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/ Don’t miss a moment of the conversation, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform