Episode 17: Feel to Know | The Science and Wisdom of Emotion – Entreé

Most of us were taught that emotions are irrational or inconvenient—but neuroscience tells a different story.

In this episode of Relish, host Alyssia Sheikh dives into the science and wisdom of emotion to reveal how feelings aren’t random reactions but intelligent constructions that bridge your mind and body. Based on cutting-edge research by neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, Alyssia explains how emotions are built in real time from your body sensations, context, and past experiences—and how understanding this can radically transform your relationship with yourself.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why emotion isn’t the opposite of logic—your brain thinks through feeling 
• What neuroscience shows about interoception, “body budgeting,” and the Theory of Constructed Emotion
• Why your emotions are not problems to fix, but data from the body to be felt and understood
• The difference between emotions, feelings, and moods—and why naming them builds regulation
• How unprocessed emotions get “stuck” in the body—and how awareness releases them
• Why emotional granularity and self-compassion are core to emotional intelligence and self-trust

💭 Reflection:
What sensations or feelings have you been avoiding—and what might they be trying to tell you?

Follow & Connect:

• Join the Newsletter
• IG: @alyssiasheikh
• TikTok: @alyssiasheikh
• YouTube: Alyssia Sheikh
• Email me: [email protected]
• Call our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬
• Book a Self-Trust Session with Alyssia

• The Hoffman Institute (Alyssia is a Hoffman Process teacher; podcast is not affiliated)

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Printable Feelings List (free download) → https://tinyurl.com/yf2fcsxz
• Learn more about The Power of Becoming! https://powerofbecoming.com/

Primary Research & Books

• Feelings Wheel (Gloria Willcox) → https://feelingswheel.com/
• Barrett, L.F. (2017). How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. → https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/
  (The foundational text for the Theory of Constructed Emotion.)
• Taylor, J.B. (2008). My Stroke of Insight / TED Talk on the 90-second rule of emotion. → https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight 

• Barrett, L. F., Atzil, S., Bliss-Moreau, E., Chanes, L., Gendron, M., Hoemann, K., … Westlin, C. (2025). The Theory of Constructed Emotion: More Than a Feeling. Perspectives on Psychological Science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12164598/ 
• Keng, S.-L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of Mindfulness on Psychological Health: A Review of Empirical Studies. Clinical Psychology Review.
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3679190/