Why Emotions Aren’t the Enemy of Smart Decision-Making

We’ve all heard the advice: “Keep a cool head,” or “Don’t let your emotions get in the way.” This age-old belief assumes that logic is king and feelings only muddy the waters. But what if emotions are not only unavoidable in decision-making—but essential? In this episode of Neuroblast, hosts Athena and Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa bust the myth that good decisions come from cold, emotionless reasoning. They make a powerful case: our brains are wired to think and feel together, and embracing that can lead to better, not worse, choices.

The Myth of Logic vs. Emotion

The idea that we should separate emotion from thinking is rooted in centuries of cultural storytelling. Tracey explains how we’ve inherited the notion that the “heart” and the “head” are at odds—that feelings cloud judgment and that rationality is the ideal. From philosophers to popular media, we’ve been told that emotions are messy, irrational, and unreliable.

But Athena is quick to point out that this kind of thinking isn’t just outdated—it’s also neurologically inaccurate. We can’t separate emotion from cognition. The brain doesn’t come with a toggle switch between the two. As Tracey puts it, “Emotions aren’t just something we can ‘turn off’—they’re always influencing how we think and act.”

The truth? Emotion and logic are part of a deeply integrated system. They’re not rivals—they’re partners.

The Neuroscience of Decision-Making

Modern brain science reveals just how connected our emotions and thoughts really are. Key brain regions like the amygdala (which processes emotions) and the prefrontal cortex (which handles logic and planning) are constantly working together. Rather than disrupting clear thinking, emotions guide our attention, shape our motivations, and help us prioritize what matters.

Tracey explains how emotional states like stress, fear, or joy affect our ability to focus, recall information, and evaluate options. For example, if you’re anxious, your brain may prioritize perceived threats. On the flip side, if you feel emotionally engaged with something—say, a cause or a person—you’re more likely to remember it and make thoughtful decisions about it.

This has real-world consequences. When we’re told to “stay calm and be logical,” we may actually be shutting down part of our brain that helps us read a room, trust our gut, or recognize when something just doesn’t feel right. Ignoring emotions doesn’t make us smarter—it limits the tools our brain has to work with.

Emotion: Your Decision-Making Superpower

Rather than seeing emotions as a liability, Neuroblast encourages listeners to recognize them as valuable data. Emotions help us weigh risks and rewards, assess social dynamics, and navigate moral decisions. This is especially important in complex, high-stakes environments—like leadership, parenting, or healthcare—where facts alone don’t tell the whole story.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a huge role in making effective decisions. People with high EQ are better at reading situations, empathizing with others, and managing stress—all of which contribute to more nuanced, compassionate, and strategic thinking.

Athena makes the case that, instead of resisting emotion, we should lean into it. “So next time someone says ‘keep a cool head,’” she jokes, “maybe remind them that a little emotional heat might actually lead to better decisions!”

Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode

1. Emotion and logic are partners, not opponents. The brain’s decision-making systems rely on emotional input to function properly.

2. We can’t “turn off” emotions. Emotions are always present and influencing our thoughts, whether we realize it or not.

3. Emotions enhance memory and focus. Emotional engagement makes information more memorable and helps direct attention to what matters.

4. Emotional intelligence supports better judgment. EQ helps us navigate complex situations with empathy, awareness, and adaptability.

5. Ignoring emotions limits decision quality. Denying our feelings can block access to important information that shapes wise choices.

The message of Neuroblast Episode 18 is clear: decision-making isn’t about choosing between your heart and your head—it’s about listening to both. Emotions don’t derail logic; they fuel it. They provide context, depth, and meaning to the facts we weigh. So the next time you’re faced with a big decision, don’t just ask yourself what’s reasonable—ask yourself what feels right, too.

Embracing emotion as part of the decision-making process doesn’t make you weak or irrational. It makes you human—and, as science now shows, it might just make you smarter, too.