New Podcast with Dr. Marc Brackett — The Emotional Intelligence Check-In Every Parent Needs

Check out our latest podcast with Dr. Marc Brackett, Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence; Professor, Child Study Center; Co-creator of RULER approach to SEL; Author, Dealing with Feeling. This podcast is based on our new workbook: The Teens' Guide to Emotions: Your Essential Workbook for Navigating Big Feelings, Decision-Making, and Relationships with Confidence

This podcast is for teens, parents, counselors, and teachers about navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens.

Here are some highlights of the episode:

1. Emotions are Signals, Not Problems.

One big theme Dr. Brackett brings up (and we explore with him) is that emotions aren’t something to “fix.” They’re data — helpful information that guides decisions, relationships, and growth. This is huge for parents who feel stuck in cycles of frustration or avoidance.

2. Emotional Intelligence Is a Skill, Not Just a Feeling

We're not born with Emotional Intelligence — we learn it. Dr. Brackett breaks it down into practical parts: recognizing feelings, understanding them, and using them to make better choices — especially in times of stress. That’s a game-changer when teens are reactive or overwhelmed.

3. Real Tools You Can Use Today

Instead of just talking theory, this episode gives actionable tools — small things you can start practicing right now:

How to reflect before responding
Ways to help teens name what they’re feeling
Shifts in language that reduce conflict and boost connection (We actually demo a few of these in the podcast — so don’t skip that part!)
The Circle of Control - helpful diagram of the tool attached!

4. Why Emotional Intelligence Matters SO much for Teens

Emotional intelligence affects:

how teens make decisions
how they manage pressure, anxiety, and overwhelm
how teens connect with peers and family
how they handle setbacks

And parents modeling emotional awareness literally builds that capability over time.

Let’s Talk

What stood out to you most in the clip and the circle of control tool? Drop your thoughts below - whether you’re thinking:

“This explains so much about my teen!”😬

“Ugh, yes — I need to improve this in myself.”💡

“Teach me more about Circle of Control and other helpful tools!”

Your experience matters — and chances are, someone else in this group is living it too.

Image credit: Dr. Marc Brackett, Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

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