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The Human Skills Podcast
Hi, I'm Chris. I train educators at early learning centers, preschools, and community centers in modern neuroscience and emotional intelligence skills.
I use high-energy, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-do-it workshops to make learning stick.
See my work to see this training in action: www.chrisdanilo.com/work
I'm experimenting a bit by putting some of my learnings and experiments here on YouTube. I hope you find it useful.
👇 Drop me a line and let me know what you wish I was building for you!
https://chrisdanilo.com/pickmybrain
The Human Skills Podcast
You’re Not Burned Out, Your Emotions Are Misfiring (Here’s Why) - Emotionally Charged with Dr. Alicia Grandey | Episode 1
What if the key to better leadership and classroom culture isn’t another strategy—but learning how to manage our own emotions first?
In this episode of Human Skills Training, Chris Danilo talks with Dr. Alicia Grandey, professor at Penn State and co-author of “Emotion at Work”, about how neuroscience and emotional regulation can transform the way we lead, teach, and connect.
Alicia shares decades of research and real-world tools that help educators and leaders navigate tough moments with authenticity instead of burnout. From her DAIR framework to her insights on surface acting, she explains how to recognize, regulate, and respond to emotions in ways that build trust instead of tension.
Whether you lead a classroom or a company, this conversation will change how you think about self-care, resilience, and the emotional labor behind effective leadership.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ How the DAIR framework helps you manage emotionally charged moments
✅ Why “fake it till you make it” can backfire—and what authentic professionalism really looks like
✅ The connection between rest, emotion regulation, and creativity
✅ Simple, science-backed tools (like breathing and reframing) that calm your nervous system in seconds
✅ Why skipping straight to “positivity” destroys trust and authenticity
✅ How to set healthy boundaries between compassion and accountability
✅ The truth about “surface acting” and the hidden cost of emotional labor
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overextended, or emotionally drained at work—this one’s for you.
👇 What’s one emotional regulation tool that actually works for you? Share it in the comments!