Emotional intelligence is for everyone. But, it only works when you work it. Emotional intelligence (EQ) isn’t just about managing feelings—it’s about thriving in life, love, and leadership. In this episode, Alechia and Dani unpack the five components of EQ—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—while sharing the real-life lessons many of us grew up with (“stop crying before I give you something to cry about”) and the lasting damage of words that cut deeper than sticks and stones.

You’ll learn why avoiding your triggers makes you fragile, how to use values over moods when making decisions, and practical tools to grow your EQ—like naming your emotions, reframing challenges, and practicing active listening.

In This Episode We Dive Into:

• Why self-awareness is the foundation of all emotional growth.

• How avoiding triggers keeps us weak, and why exposure (like emotional immunotherapy) builds resilience.

• The truth about “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” and the invisible bones words actually break.

• Why EQ is for everyone—and how to start strengthening it today.

🔗 Join the Thrive Tribe Community: https://bit.ly/jtncommunity
🎧 Listen to more episodes: http://apple.co/2M79Od7
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @alechiareese + @thedanibourdeau
💬 DM us your favorite takeaway from this episode!

Triggered AF Podcast is where healing, self-mastery, and bold conversations collide. Hosts Alechia Reese & Dani Bourdeau unpack triggers, patterns, and strategies to thrive emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

Triggered AF Podcast is produced by Triggered Media Group.

Are you chasing approval at the expense of your own peace? In this episode of the Triggered AF Podcast, we’re joined by powerhouse executive coach and emotional intelligence expert Christina Howard, who’s guiding us through what she calls a Validation Detox.

After years of leading at the executive level for major corporations like Target, Ross, and ClubMed, and now coaching high-achieving leaders and CEOs of 9-figure organizations, Christina knows firsthand how easy it is to get hooked on external validation. She shares how to break free from the cycle, reclaim your power, and own your truth unapologetically.

In This Episode We Dive Into:

• Why it’s critical for leaders, visionaries, and anyone seeking inner peace to release the need for validation.

• How to spot when you’re chasing validation instead of living authentically.

• The role of emotional intelligence in creating self-awareness, self-acceptance, and healthier relationships at work and at home.

• How leaders can create meaningful environments where people feel seen, heard, and truly valued.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough unless someone else says so, this episode will help you detox from that need and step fully into your truth.

🔗 Join the Thrive Tribe Community: https://bit.ly/jtncommunity
🎧 Listen to more episodes: http://apple.co/2M79Od7
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @alechiareese + @thedanibourdeau
💬 DM us your favorite takeaway from this episode!

Christina Howard
📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-howard/
🔗 Website: https://connectedec.com

Triggered AF Podcast is where healing, self-mastery, and bold conversations collide. Hosts Alechia Reese & Dani Bourdeau unpack triggers, patterns, and strategies to thrive emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

Triggered AF Podcast is produced by Triggered Media Group.

The best way to reclaim your power and rebuild your life now requires owning the mindset shifts and small actions that create lasting change. In this powerful episode of the Triggered AF Podcast, we sit down with author, Notes from a BlackBerry, Julie Barth, a courageous author who has turned her pain into purpose. Julie opens up about surviving an abusive marriage, reclaiming her power, and rebuilding her life with intention. Her story is raw, honest, and a testament to resilience—showing us that it’s never too late to start again.

From the moment her son confronted her with heartbreaking truth, to learning how to take small but consistent actions forward, Julie’s journey is one of bravery, accountability, and radical transformation. Whether you’ve struggled with starting over, felt trapped by fear, or questioned your own worth, this episode will equip you with perspective-shifting truths to help you thrive.

• Why the average woman tries to leave seven times before it’s successful—and what finally pushed Julie to break free

• How taking even the smallest daily actions can build momentum and reclaim your power

• Why losing everything you thought mattered may actually be the path to true freedom

• The difference between surviving for others and choosing to live fully for yourself

• What it means to rebuild your life with intention and self-love

This isn’t just about survival—it’s about building a life worth living. The level of honesty will challenge you to rethink what’s really holding you back. And her resilience will not only inspire you to rise, but to discover your own—no matter how many times you’ve fallen.

🔗 Join the Thrive Tribe Community: https://bit.ly/jtncommunity
🎧 Listen to more episodes: http://apple.co/2M79Od7
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @alechiareese + @thedanibourdeau
💬 DM us your favorite takeaway from this episode!

Julie Barth
📲 Instagram: @julie_barth_author
🔗 Website: juliebarthauthor.net

Triggered AF Podcast is where healing, self-mastery, and bold conversations collide. Hosts Alechia Reese & Dani Bourdeau unpack triggers, patterns, and strategies to thrive emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

Triggered AF Podcast is produced by Triggered Media Group.