The Truth About Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Marc Brackett

About this episode

Dr. Marc Brackett discusses emotional intelligence and the importance of emotional skills in parenting.

Dr. Marc Brackett joins us today to talk about what emotional intelligence actually is—and why it’s not just “being a deep feeler” or a good talker. He breaks it down with his RULER framework (recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, regulating) and pushes for more precise language than “good,” because nuance changes everything. One of the biggest takeaways: emotional skills don’t grow without “permission to feel,” and most people didn’t have an “emotional ally” growing up—someone “non-judgmental” who offers presence instead of fixing. He also shares practical regulation tools: “never worry alone,” watch your self-talk, and set identity-based intentions (like being “cherished” and “alive” as a parent). He reminds parents, including Devi, that it’s “effortful, but it is not difficult,” and sleep is often the hidden barrier. Connect with Marc Website: https://marcbrackett.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marc.brackett/ Read:  Dealing With Feeling Connect with Devi: Website: &nbsp…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Marc Brackett

Topics covered

• emotional intelligence
• RULER framework
• parenting
• self-regulation

Keywords

• permission to feel
• emotional ally
• self-talk
• identity-based intentions

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Dealing With Feeling

Books & works: The Truth About Emotional Intelligence, Dealing With Feeling

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