Intro

This chapter explores the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in improving relationships, especially during challenging times. It contrasts emotional intelligence with traditional IQ and offers insights and strategies for listeners to develop their own emotional skills.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

People avoid you for reasons that have nothing to do with your deodorant.
You can be smart, talented, even funny—but if people feel unseen or misunderstood around you, your life gets smaller.

Dr. Steven Stein has tested emotional intelligence in everyone from Air Force recruiters to reality TV contestants. And the results are weirdly human.

EQ isn’t about being soft. It’s about knowing when to shut up, when to speak up, and when to walk away.

This episode breaks down emotional intelligence like it’s a muscle group: you’ve got to work it, stress it, and recover from it. Steven explains the science, shares unexpected stories (like lighthouse keepers and narcissists), and makes EQ feel practical

We explore:

🔹 Spot the everyday signs you're low on EQ (and how to fix them) 🔹 Build empathy without becoming a pushover 🔹 Train your emotional intelligence like going to the gym

🔹 The biggest traits of success in the FBI, air force, army and navy

🔹 The psychology of reality TV

Come away with the practical side of emotional intelligence in real life - not just in theory

How to Change the World

Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players: