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Why Smart, Self-Aware People Still Struggle in Love (The Brain Hijack™ Explained)
You can be emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and deeply committed to growth — and still find yourself shutting down, overthinking, or walking on eggshells in love.
In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Diane McDowell, therapist-turned-coach and creator of the Brain-to-Heart Code™, to unpack why that disconnect isn’t a failure — it’s wiring.
Diane explains what she calls The Brain Hijack™: the nervous system’s survival reflex that quietly takes over in relationships, even when everything looks “healthy” on the surface. Together, they explore why communication tools often fail, why emotional safety matters more than effort, and how self-leadership — not partner-fixing — is the real path to deeper connection.
This conversation is for high-achieving, emotionally aware people who’ve done the work… but still feel off-center in love.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why emotional shutdown isn’t a flaw — it’s protection
• What’s really happening in the brain during conflict or disconnection
• Why self-awareness doesn’t automatically create safety
• How emotional wiring affects love, money, and decision-making
• A practical first step to interrupting the Brain Hijack™
🔗 Want to go deeper?
Diane created a short, powerful starting point for listeners:
👉 https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/the-brain-to-heart-mini-course
Join us in the Lounge!
Until next time — stay faithful, stay fearless, and remember: freedom lives where faith and action meet.
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By Joey Ruffalo | Financial Coach • Business Growth ExpertYou can be emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and deeply committed to growth — and still find yourself shutting down, overthinking, or walking on eggshells in love.
In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Diane McDowell, therapist-turned-coach and creator of the Brain-to-Heart Code™, to unpack why that disconnect isn’t a failure — it’s wiring.
Diane explains what she calls The Brain Hijack™: the nervous system’s survival reflex that quietly takes over in relationships, even when everything looks “healthy” on the surface. Together, they explore why communication tools often fail, why emotional safety matters more than effort, and how self-leadership — not partner-fixing — is the real path to deeper connection.
This conversation is for high-achieving, emotionally aware people who’ve done the work… but still feel off-center in love.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why emotional shutdown isn’t a flaw — it’s protection
• What’s really happening in the brain during conflict or disconnection
• Why self-awareness doesn’t automatically create safety
• How emotional wiring affects love, money, and decision-making
• A practical first step to interrupting the Brain Hijack™
🔗 Want to go deeper?
Diane created a short, powerful starting point for listeners:
👉 https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/the-brain-to-heart-mini-course
Join us in the Lounge!
Until next time — stay faithful, stay fearless, and remember: freedom lives where faith and action meet.