Unfiltered Deep Dive into Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Audrey Schnell

Episode Overview

 

In this unfiltered and dynamic episode of Higher Density Living, host Jason Rigby sits down with Dr. Audrey Schnell, an emotional intelligence expert with over 40 years of experience studying human behavior, self-sabotage, and personal transformation. With an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dr. Schnell brings a unique blend of science-backed insight and practical wisdom to the conversation. She’s spent decades helping clients—from entrepreneurs to everyday individuals—end self-sabotage, master their emotions, and unlock their potential. Together, Jason and Dr. Schnell dive into the messy truths of emotions, boundaries, and productivity, offering actionable strategies to turbocharge emotional intelligence and live a more intentional life.

 

Guest Bio: Dr. Audrey Schnell

• Credentials: M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Experience: Over 40 years researching why and how people change
• Mission: Enables clients to stop self-sabotage, eliminate emotional triggers, and achieve their goals by identifying blind spots and mastering emotions
• Impact: Helps individuals and businesses build long-term relationships, turn difficult clients into success stories, and reach peak performance
• Achievements: Featured speaker at retreats, frequent podcast guest, and founder of two successful online summits featuring 20+ top experts in healing and peak performance
• Personal Life: Lives off-grid on 40 acres in rural West Virginia with her husband and dogs
• Website: audreyschnell.com

 

 

Key Topics Discussed

 

1. Boundaries: The Ultimate Power Move (00:36 - 06:51)

• Why We Struggle with Boundaries: Dr. Schnell explains that boundaries are less about others and more about self-care—what we’re willing to accept or not. Many fail to set them due to a need to be liked, hypervigilance, or fear of rejection.
• Practical Tip: For entrepreneurs, set time boundaries (e.g., no client texts at 6 a.m. unless it’s a true emergency). A simple automated response like “I’ve seen your message and will reply soon” can ease the pressure.
• Jason’s Insight: Entrepreneurs often get addicted to busyness, feeding off high cortisol levels and the need to feel wanted.
• Saying No to Good Things: Dr. Schnell highlights the challenge of rejecting appealing opportunities that derail focus—a lesson reinforced by Jason’s anecdote about a billionaire who mastered saying “no” to amazing offers.

 

2.  Emotional Intelligence for Everyone (12:14 - 18:22)

• Underrated EI Skill: Empathy is the game-changer we’re sleeping on. It’s about understanding others’ feelings, not just feeling them (empathy vs. sympathy).
• Cultural Traps: Jason notes society’s victimhood obsession, asking how narcissists can develop empathy. Dr. Schnell debunks the overuse of “narcissist” labels and urges people to escape survival mode to unlock self-awareness and empathy.
• Practical Application: In relationships, aim to connect, not win. Start conversations from shared goals (e.g., “We both want to retire by 70”) and ask curious questions like “What made you say that?” instead of arguing.

 

3. The Science of Getting Things Done