April 22, 2026

Emotional Intelligence: Can It Be Taught?

What exactly is emotional intelligence? How does it contribute to our effectiveness and happiness? And is it something we are supposed to teach our kids?

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What is emotional intelligence, exactly? Is it the yin to IQ's yang? Is it equally crucial to our success and well-being?

In this episode we talk about what EQ (or EI, depending on who you're asking) actually means, why it matters, and whether it can be taught to both adults and kids.

We discuss:

  • The four core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills (plus what's been taken off the list)
  • Why emotional intelligence is morally neutral
  • Why neurodivergent kids may experience emotional intelligence differently
  • Practical ways to help kids build emotional intelligence

Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode:

Find all of our guests' books, as well as books we personally recommend: https://bookshop.org/shop/whatfreshhellcast


What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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