Emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most essential life skills you can develop—both personally and professionally. It affects how we manage stress, communicate in relationships, make decisions, and handle conflict. Fortunately, learning emotional intelligence doesn't require enrolling in a psychology course or reading heavy textbooks. Thanks to audiobooks, you can develop your EQ on the go—during commutes, workouts, or while winding down at night.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best audiobooks on emotional intelligence, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to your ability to:
- Recognize and understand your own emotions
- Manage your emotions in healthy ways
- Recognize others’ emotions (empathy)
- Build strong interpersonal relationships
- Navigate social situations and conflicts effectively
Unlike IQ, which is largely fixed, EQ can be developed. Audiobooks offer an engaging, accessible way to absorb powerful lessons from experts and real-life stories.
Why Listen to Audiobooks on Emotional Intelligence?
If you're wondering whether it’s worth investing your time in EQ audiobooks, here are a few reasons why many professionals and everyday listeners love them:
- Convenience: Learn while doing chores, driving, or walking.
- Better retention: Narration with tone and emotion helps ideas stick.
- Motivation: Hearing real-life stories and expert voices can be inspiring.
- Practical insights: Many books come with actionable tips you can apply immediately.
Whether you're a team leader, student, parent, or simply someone who wants to improve relationships, EQ skills are life-changing.
Top 7 Audiobooks on Emotional Intelligence
1. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
Narrated by: Tom Parks
Length: ~5 hours
Best for: Beginners who want a practical, structured approach.
This bestselling guide breaks down emotional intelligence into four core skills—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. It includes a self-assessment and tips you can immediately apply at work and in personal relationships.
Available on Audible
2. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Narrated by: Daniel Goleman
Length: ~13 hours
Best for: Those who want to dive into the science and psychology behind EQ.
This is the seminal book that brought EQ into the mainstream. Goleman explores how emotional intelligence impacts everything from mental health to leadership, using neuroscience and case studies. It’s a bit dense but incredibly insightful.
Learn more about Goleman's emotional intelligence model
3. EQ Applied: The Real-World Guide to Emotional Intelligence by Justin Bariso
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
Length: ~6 hours
Best for: Everyday people who want real-world EQ examples.
Bariso takes emotional intelligence out of theory and shows how it plays out in business, parenting, and even social media. It's engaging, modern, and very relatable—great for practical thinkers.
4. The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren
Narrated by: Karla McLaren
Length: ~11 hours
Best for: Deep emotional healing and self-awareness.
McLaren offers a unique perspective: emotions aren’t obstacles to be avoided—they’re valuable messengers. This audiobook teaches how to work with your emotions instead of suppressing them.
5. Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
Narrated by: Marc Brackett
Length: ~10 hours
Best for: Teachers, parents, and emotional educators.
Brackett, a Yale researcher, makes a strong case that emotional literacy should start young. This audiobook blends science with personal storytelling and is especially powerful for those raising or teaching children.
6. The Empathy Effect by Helen Riess
Narrated by: Karen White
Length: ~8 hours
Best for: Healthcare workers, leaders, and anyone in service roles.
This audiobook shows how empathy is not just a personality trait—it’s a skill that can be developed. Based on Dr. Riess’s research at Harvard, it’s perfect if you want to strengthen emotional connection in professional settings.
7. Emotional Agility by Susan David
Narrated by: Susan David
Length: ~7 hours
Best for: High achievers who want to navigate emotions without getting stuck.
David, a Harvard psychologist, teaches how to break free from emotional patterns and live with greater purpose. It’s especially useful for leaders and professionals managing stress and big decisions.
How to Choose the Right Emotional Intelligence Audiobook for You
Here’s a quick guide depending on what you're looking for:
| Your Goal | Recommended Audiobook |
|---|---|
| Just getting started | Emotional Intelligence 2.0 |
| Want science + depth | Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman |
| Need real-life tips | EQ Applied |
| Parenting or teaching | Permission to Feel |
| Emotional healing | The Language of Emotions |
| Improve empathy at work | The Empathy Effect |
| Boost decision-making & resilience | Emotional Agility |
Tips to Get the Most Out of EQ Audiobooks
- Take notes. Use your phone’s notes app or a notebook to jot down key takeaways.
- Pause and reflect. Don’t rush—some chapters may challenge your beliefs.
- Practice one concept a week. Apply just one strategy in your real life.
- Re-listen. EQ is about internalizing ideas—not rushing to finish a book.
FAQ
Q: Can listening to audiobooks improve my emotional intelligence?
A: Yes! While active practice is essential, audiobooks offer foundational knowledge and mindset shifts that can help you grow your EQ.
Q: What if I find emotional intelligence books too abstract?
A: Start with practical ones like EQ Applied or Emotional Intelligence 2.0, which offer clear examples and actions.
Q: Are these audiobooks good for leaders or managers?
A: Absolutely. EQ is one of the top traits of great leadership. Books like Emotional Agility and The Empathy Effect are especially useful for leaders.
Q: Can kids or teens benefit from these audiobooks?
A: While most are written for adults, Permission to Feel is excellent for educators and parents who want to teach emotional skills to younger audiences.
