Spirit of EQ

Using AI as a Mirror for Growth with Teresa Escrig

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever wondered how AI can be used to deepen emotional intelligence, or you’re searching for practical steps to drive meaningful change in your life, this episode will spark fresh insights and inspiration.

Welcome to Spirit of EQ! I’m Eric Pennington, your host, and in this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Teresa Escrig, an expert in artificial intelligence, an entrepreneur, and a spiritual practitioner.

Our conversation explores the fascinating intersection of AI and human consciousness, revealing how tools like ChatGPT can serve as powerful mirrors for our self-discovery and growth.

Teresa Escrig shares her innovative “mirror method,” which is built around four key pillars: awareness, alignment, boundaries, and empowered decision-making.

As we break down some common misconceptions about spirituality, we discuss the challenges of setting healthy boundaries, taking responsibility for our lives, and the ways technology can both amplify our strengths and reflect our struggles.

This is a thought-provoking conversation connecting science, spirit, and everyday personal growth.

Moments

00:00 Integrating AI and Consciousness

06:56 AI & Human Ascension Dialogue

11:55 "Authenticity as Personal Value"

16:55 "Alignment: Value, Purpose, Direction"

26:04 "Demystifying Clarity and Focus"

32:13 "Self-Knowledge for Life's Path"

37:10 "Discovering Tools Within"

39:50 "Transformation: Tools and Process"

43:44 "Human Regression, AI Advancement"

49:06 Rejecting Divisiveness for Positivity

58:27 "Brain Makes Best-Guess Decisions"

01:00:26 Rewiring Mindset for Positivity

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

AI as a Mirror for Growth: Teresa introduces the concept of using AI chatbots as a "mirror method"—a way to reflect on our own behaviors and patterns, helping us gain invaluable self-insight. When we interact intentionally, AI can amplify our awareness and support clearer, healthier decision-making.

Four Pillars for Aligned Decision-Making: Teresa shares her four-pillar method (awareness, alignment, responsibility, and decision-making) that guides users to interact with AI (and people!) in ways that are consistent with their deepest values and goals.

Empowerment Through Integration: Rather than viewing technology as something that divides or diminishes us, Teresa encourages us to integrate it into our self-development practices. When used mindfully, AI can accelerate both our emotional intelligence and spiritual evolution.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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We hope you enjoy the podcast. Hopefully, you're tuning in on a regular basis. We'd love it if you would give us a great review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It's so appreciative and helps us as we try to get more exposure for the work we do and the episodes that we publish. We're grateful to you as a listener. Secondly, our content is for educational purposes only. It's not intended by any stretch to diagnose or treat anything that may be occurring in your life or anyone else's life that you may be connected to through the podcast. And as always, we look forward to the next time that we're together. Take care.

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Spirit of EQ

Mentioned in this episode:

SEQ Development Report

The SEQ Development Report is an innovative tool that combines emotional intelligence with one's spiritual life, distinct from religious contexts. The report helps individuals understand their connections with themselves, others, and their surroundings. It aims to identify areas in their lives that may need improvement and highlight their strengths, ultimately facilitating better navigation through life. To obtain the report, individuals need to contact Spirit of EQ via email at info@spiritofeq.com and complete an online assessment that takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After the assessment, a debrief session is required to review the comprehensive information provided in the report. Spirit of EQ also offers further coaching to support individuals in their personal development journey.

Thanks for listening to Spirit of EQ

This podcast was created to be a tool to primarily help you to discover and grow your EQ. Science and our own lived experiences confirm that the better we are at managing our emotions, the better we're going to be at making decisions. Which leads to a better life. And that's something we all want. We're glad that you've taken the time today to listen. We hope that something you hear will lead to a breakthrough. We'd really appreciate a review on your podcast platform. Please leave some comments about what you heard today, as well as follow and subscribe to the podcast. That way, you won't miss a single episode as we continue this journey.

Thoughtful Technology for Every Learner with Preston Zeller

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This is an authentic and thoughtful conversation about leveraging new tools and ancient wisdom to build resilience, emotional health, and deeper connections—whether you’re a longtime believer, just curious, or somewhere in between.

Welcome to Spirit of EQ! In this episode, I sit down with Preston Zeller—an inspiring technologist, artist, and committed believer—to explore the fascinating intersection of faith, technology, and emotional intelligence.

Preston shares the story behind Psalm Log, an app he created to deliver personalized biblical advice, using AI technology to help people navigate both their spiritual and emotional journeys.

Together, we discuss the role artificial intelligence is playing in faith practice today, discussing its ethical implications, potential pitfalls, and how it can actually support reflection and personal growth—no matter your religious background.

We also talk about Preston’s moving experience with grief and creativity, highlighted by his award-winning documentary, “The Art of Grieving.” Preston reveals how artistic expression can serve as a powerful outlet for healing, and why embracing creativity isn’t just for artists, but for anyone seeking to work through life’s toughest challenges.

Moments

04:09 AI-Assisted Journaling for Growth

06:22 "Faithful AI Alliance Initiative"

12:18 AI Adoption: Categories and Insights

15:02 Navigating Uncertainty in Information

17:49 "The Value of Authentic Writing"

20:30 Sunday Christians and Spiritual Stagnation

25:41 "Finding Hope Amid Struggles"

29:02 "Psalm Log: Grief in Art"

30:52 "Painting Grief into Mosaic"

35:46 "Navigating Loss and Connection"

36:40 "Grief, Discipline, and Healing"

40:19 "Creative Expression for Healing"

45:56 "Creativity Opens New Possibilities"

47:02 "Grief, Emotions, and Healing"

50:37 Approaching Gospel with Nonbelievers

55:38 "Less Can Be More"

57:07 Faithful AI and Biblical Guidance

Here are 3 key takeaways:

AI as a Tool for Reflection & Growth: Preston emphasized that Psalm Log uses AI responsibly to supplement personal and spiritual reflection, not replace it. Technology can facilitate deeper self-awareness and biblical guidance, but it shouldn’t override the human side of processing and agency.

Creativity & Grief as Catalysts for Healing: Preston’s documentary, The Art of Grieving, explores how creativity can be a powerful outlet in navigating loss. Whether through art, music, or journaling, giving emotions their “mic” leads to genuine healing and growth.

Inclusivity & Impact Beyond Belief: While Psalm Log is inspired by biblical wisdom, its benefits aren’t limited to Christians. Preston noted the app is designed to help anyone—regardless of faith background—find encouragement and tools for emotional wellness.

Preston Zeller sits at an unusual intersection: faith-tech founder, growth executive, documentary filmmaker, and abstract artist. As founder of Psalmlog, he's building an AI-powered biblical guidance app that helps believers access relevant Scripture for any life situation—addressing the universal Christian challenge of knowing God's Word has answers but not knowing where to look.

His approach is informed by proprietary research with 200+ Christians and 15 years scaling companies from $25M to $300M ARR. As Chief Growth Officer at BatchService, he oversaw the GTM teams, leading to two successful exits. He previously led digital marketing and growth at A Cloud Guru (acquired by Pluralsight for $2B) and ZoomInfo (IPO’d).

Preston brings equal depth to creative work. His documentary The Art of Grieving (2022) follows his year-long project of painting daily after his 35-year-old brother Colin died suddenly from a fentanyl overdose. The film explores grief through personal narrative, art therapy, and cultural history. It's available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Tubi, and has won Best Documentary at the LA Film Awards, Bridge Film Fest, and Love Wins International Film Festival.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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SEQ Development Report

The Art of Thinking

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

I encourage you to consider how you come to your conclusions, and how practicing EQ can help you build better habits of thought—and even start fresh if you need to.

I dig into what it really means to think—not just react.

I talk about how our brains handle the countless events we face each day, and why choosing to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively makes all the difference. I share what I’ve learned from neuroscience, especially the idea that our minds often operate on best guesses based on past experiences, and why that matters when we’re absorbing information in today’s media-driven world.

I challenge you—and myself—to blend critical thinking with emotional intelligence, and to be willing to reflect, question our assumptions, and admit when we get something wrong. It can be tough, especially with all the bias and team-like mentalities out there, but it’s essential for healthier decision-making. In this episode, let’s dive in and start thinking in a way that’s true, reflective, and uniquely our own.

Moments

00:00 "Patience, Perception, and the Brain"

05:50 "Bias and Critical Thinking"

10:19 "Facing Loss and Truth"

14:19 Embracing Discipline Over Blind Ambition

17:34 "Embracing Healthy Selfishness"

18:26 "Optimism Amid Life's Urgency"

Here are three key takeaways:

Our Brains Run on Best Guesses: Our life experiences “write the script” for how our brains interpret events. But thanks to neuroplasticity, we can intentionally develop new ways of thinking—especially about topics or situations we’ve previously only reacted to.
Admitting We’re Wrong Is Strength, Not Weakness: Culturally, we’re conditioned to avoid “losing,” but owning our mistakes or lack of information only helps us grow—and fosters respect with others.
Emotional Intelligence Is Your Ally: Practicing EQ means blending thinking and feeling, regulating our responses, and being willing to say, “I don't know” when we don’t have all the info. This genuine approach helps us stand out, even if it feels awkward or uncomfortable.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Empathy and Belonging

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Eric Pennington takes us on a deeply personal journey through the themes of empathy and belonging.

Reflecting on his recent emotional intelligence assessment and the transformative experience of navigating his son's life-threatening auto accident, Eric Pennington explores how self-empathy and growth in emotional awareness have impacted his relationships and perspective on the world.

He also breaks down the Spirit of EQ development model, illustrating how strengthening domains like awareness and belonging can ripple out positively into our broader lives.

Listen for candid insights, practical wisdom, and encouragement to foster emotional growth—both within yourself and those around you.

00:00 Life-Changing Impact of Trauma

04:05 "Embracing Change and Growth"

07:39 "Empathy, Awareness, and Belonging"

11:09 Self-Care Reminder

5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Empathy is a Two-Way Street: Discover what it means to not only show empathy to others, but also to yourself.
Dealing with the Inner Critic: Eric talks about learning to quiet the inner critic and how self-empathy can be dramatically increased.
Healing and Growth After Trauma: You’ll hear a moving story on how a personal crisis—like a family emergency—can spark transformative change.
The SEQ Model in Action: Learn about the three domains—awareness, belonging, and insight—and how strengthening these muscle groups improves not just our personal lives but ripples out into the world.
Letting Go of Control: Get practical wisdom on focusing on what you’re actually responsible for—and letting the rest go.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Marathons and Life Lessons with J.A. Dava

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re a runner, someone tackling a big goal, or just trying to figure out what it means to keep going, I think you’ll find something here to encourage you. Let’s get started.

Welcome back to Spirit of EQ! I’m your host, Eric Pennington, and I’m excited to invite you into a powerful episode that goes deep into the emotional journey behind running a marathon—and the life lessons we can pull from it.

I’m joined once again by my good friend and guest, J.A. Dava, who many of you might remember from his incredible insights on sales during his last visit. Today, though, we’re shifting from business to the marathon course, and trust me, the parallels to life are striking.

J.A. is a multi-marathon runner, and in our conversation, he opens up about his life-altering heart attack, what it really feels like to hit “the wall” at mile 22, and how the support of others—sometimes even complete strangers—makes all the difference.

We talk honestly about the tough moments, the battles with ego, those humbling setbacks, and what it means to rely on community.

I share my own observations—like watching my son-in-law run his first marathon and reflecting on how life sometimes feels exactly like those endurance miles: full of hope early on, then testing you when you least expect it. We cover the importance of rest, the power of discipline over motivation, and why your “why” matters for whatever marathon you’re running—on the road, or just in everyday life.

Moments

00:00 "Life-Saving Health Wake-Up Call"

06:54 "Marathon Missteps: Food & Hydration"

13:24 "Reflections on Marathons and Life"

17:23 "Mile 13: Keep Going"

21:09 Running Without Proper Training

31:21 Marathon Reflections and Achievement

32:20 "Persistence and Emotional Triumph"

42:14 Empathy Struggles and Growth

48:00 Success Requires Support & Preparation

49:23 "What Do I Really Want?"

57:28 "Prioritization Over Training Costs Result"

01:00:42 "Walking Away and Reflecting"

01:07:12 "Overcoming the Fear of Starting"

01:14:48 What's It Take to Be You?

01:18:20 "Evaluate Your Inner Circle"

Here are 3 takeaways you can apply to your journey—whether you’re chasing fitness goals or professional ones:

🔹 Progress Is Built Step by Step J.A. Dava reminds us that success, whether in running or life, isn't about focusing only on the 26th mile or the “finish line.” Break big goals into smaller actions and celebrate the mile 3s and 5s along the way.

🔹 Know Your WHY The “why” behind your journey matters more than the title, achievement, or even the bling. J.A. Dava ran his marathons not just for medals, but as a commitment to health and in service to causes he cares about.

🔹 Community Carries Us Forward Whether it’s an EMT helping you off the course or the supporters who rally when things don’t go to plan, we never truly “run alone.” The people around us—not just our grit—help us cross the finish line, in races and in life.

Coach J.A. Dava is a leadership coach, speaker, and co-founder of Latreia Coaching & Consulting, where he helps leaders, sales professionals, and business owners grow not only in performance, but in spiritual, relational, physical, mental, and philanthropic well-being.

With more than two decades in the mortgage and real estate industries, J.A. built his reputation by developing people, strengthening relationships, and helping professionals thrive in changing markets. Today, he challenges individuals and organizations to move beyond transactional success and pursue wholistic growth that produces lasting impact.

His life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and hard-earned lessons through adversity. By the grace of God, those experiences now fuel his passion for serving others, encouraging men and women to lead with courage, live with purpose, and stay grounded in what matters most.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

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License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

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Spirit of EQ

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SEQ Development Report

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Transforming Leaders at Baker Road with Joe DeLoss

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re a leader feeling isolated, someone longing for deeper community, or just looking for a fresh perspective on personal growth, this episode is all about finding meaning, creating space for change, and, as Joe DeLoss puts it, “hiking to the beginning” again and again.

Welcome to the Spirit of EQ podcast! I’m Eric Pennington, your host, and in this episode, I’m joined by Joe DeLoss—an entrepreneur many of you might know from Hot Chicken Takeover, but today he’s here to share something entirely new and deeply personal: Baker Road.

As Joe DeLoss and I talk, you’ll hear how he’s moved beyond just building businesses to cultivating a mission-driven community space that reconnects people with themselves and with nature.

Baker Road isn’t about productivity for its own sake, but about creating restorative spaces where individuals and teams can find clarity, stillness, and genuine connection—something we all need in our fast-paced, achievement-focused world.

In this conversation, Joe DeLoss opens up about what drew him to this work—a journey that started with a rite of passage experience for a friend’s son and grew into a vision for transformative retreats.

We also explore why so many of us feel nature is out of reach, how slowing down can spark huge personal breakthroughs, and why cultivating safe, authentic spaces—especially for men—matters so much right now.

Join us for a thoughtful, honest dialogue about what it takes to get back to ourselves and each other.

Joe DeLoss is a serial entrepreneur and servant leader focused on building transformational experiences and businesses for the betterment of everyone involved.

He’s best known for a Midwest restaurant chain he built and exited called Hot Chicken Takeover. The business gave Joe the privilege of leading nearly 1,000 people impacted by adversity, ranging from incarceration to addiction to bouts of homelessness.HCT earned critical acclaim as a break-out brand in the industry and garnered national attention, enabling Joe to encourage and coach countless other entrepreneurs and leaders towards impact. He continues this legacy of HR innovation through a fractional culture practice he co-founded called HRT Systems.

Currently, Joe’s pulling a new thread of personal and professional development by launching Baker Road, a retreat center andguide-service based in rural Ohio. Baker Road offers venues and experiences for individuals, teams, and leaders to truly retreat, allowing them to re-enter life and business from refreshed vantage points. From backcountry experiences to boardrooms, Joe is demonstrating the transformational power of hospitality, wildness, and grounded support.

Joe’s work been highlighted by The Today Show, Forbes, Harvard Business School, Politico, The Rachael Ray Show and manyothers. He lives adventurously and abundantly on a farm in Knox County, Ohio with his wife and two wild daughters. When not serving as a “dirtbag concierge” to Baker Road guests, he spends time training for endurance races, advising entrepreneurs, and dreaming up new adventures.

Moments

00:00 "Crafting Transformative Experiences"

07:56 "Noticing the Overlooked"

12:03 "Nature, Rest, and Clarity"

16:34 Facing Fear Brings Clarity

22:28 "Designing Transformative Retreat Experiences"

26:39 "Finding Growth Through Letting Go"

34:59 "Redefining Masculinity Through Vulnerability"

38:21 "Presence and Overcoming Small Burdens"

45:29 "Fostering Growth Without Destination"

49:34 "Unspoken Truths in Relationships"

58:18 "Guides, Not Gurus"

01:02:30 "Guide, Not Guru: Your Path"

01:04:47 "Gratitude and Future Talks"

3 key takeaways you can apply to your life and leadership:

Nature is a Tonic: As Joe shares, time in nature isn’t just restorative—it can offer clarity and valuable perspective that we rarely find in our busy, achievement-driven lives.

False Summits Are Real: Just like hiking a mountain, our professional and personal lives are filled with “false summits”—those moments we think we’ve “arrived,” only to realize there’s more journey ahead. Embracing that can keep us humble and open to growth.

Leaders Need Safe Spaces, Too: Even (and especially) high-impact leaders need places where they can be seen and supported as humans—not just by their titles and achievements.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Emotion Component of Holistic Care with Dr. Mark Sherwood

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re curious about the emotional side of healthcare, searching for ways to take more ownership of your wellbeing, or interested in holistic approaches to longevity and healing, this episode is packed with wisdom, actionable insights, and heartfelt stories.

Eric Pennington is joined by Dr. Mark Sherwood for an eye-opening conversation about the crossroads of healthcare, emotional intelligence, and the choices we make around our well-being.

In this episode, Eric and Dr. Sherwood dig deep into the emotional impact of health challenges, the staggering rise in lifestyle-related diseases, and how our everyday decisions—from what we eat to how we respond to stress—shape both our physical and emotional health. Dr. Sherwood shares fascinating perspectives on the Standard American Diet, the addictive nature of certain foods, and the importance of trust and empathy between doctor and patient.

You’ll also learn how Dr. Sherwood and his wife, Dr. Michelle Sherwood, have built an alternative medical practice centered on treating the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Mark offers practical advice for managing healthcare costs, becoming more intentional about your health, and fostering hope and compassion in medical interactions.

Moments

00:00 America's Health Crisis Worsens

05:11 "Processed Foods as Addictive Drugs"

07:34 "Relearning Lifestyle Beyond GLP1"

09:50 Focusing on Positivity First

14:44 Specialist's Approach to Personalized Care

18:46 "Creating Alternative Healthcare Systems"

20:51 "Rethinking Health Savings Systems"

25:17 Webinar for Transparency and Engagement

28:40 Holistic Health and Spiritual Connection

32:05 Freedom to Choose Beliefs

33:50 "Power of the Professional Pause"

37:26 "Patient Recognition and Connection"

40:46 "Lost Personal Connection Today"

44:08 Personalized Medicine for Diabetes

48:14 Women's Health Dismissal Struggles

52:29 "Longevity and Health Optimization"

56:10 "Mark's Inspiring Message Shared"

Here are 3 thought-provoking takeaways:

Healthcare Is More Than Just Medication and Diagnosis - Dr. Sherwood advocates for a partnership with patients, focusing on trust, empathy, and really listening to their stories. Creating genuine relationships leads to better health outcomes—and patients know when you truly care.
Lifestyle Choices Account for the Majority of Our Health - The conversation highlights that up to 90% of recurring health conditions are tied to lifestyle, not just genetics or bad luck. Nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management are critical pillars—and we have more control than we think.
Treat the Whole Person, Not Just the Symptoms - Mark and Michelle Sherwood’s practice looks at physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health—helping people feel seen, heard, and valued. It's a reminder that no one is defined by a diagnosis; we are all more than our medical charts.

Mark Sherwood, Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Michele L. Neil-Sherwood, Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), have a full-time wellness-based medical practice in Tulsa, OK called the Functional Medical Institute where they adopt a whole person approach, which is outcome based looking at each individual’s unique needs. Their goal is to lead people down a pathway of true healing. To that end, there are two purposes: 1. To eradicate all self-imposed, choice driven disease conditions, and 2. To eliminate the usage of unnecessary medications. Through their unique clinic, various diagnostic tests are used, healing and prevention of common disease patterns are the norm.

The couple has co-authored four Amazon #1 best-selling books, The Quest for Wellness, Fork Your Diet, Surviving the garden of Eatin’, The Narrow Road, Peptides Unlocked, and Hormones Unlocked. Their newest book, Authentic Longevity, will be released in September 2025. They have been seen on national TV, been quoted on CNN, featured on CBN, and are regular contributors to many national publications. Drs. Mark and Michele appear twice weekly on many TV networks with their show Furthermore. They are also movie producers of the documentary film Fork Your Diet, and other inspirational and faith-based movies: The Prayer List, WWJR, Heaven’s Date, and Holy Flix. Two more films have just concluded production – The Last POTUS and Wealthy Soul. Both will come out worldwide in 2025. Their most recent production, Forgotten Fortune, which stars Lou Ferrigno and Jimmie “JJ” Walker, is set to release in 2026.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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What Your Brain Health Reveals About EQ with Dr. Hector Rodriquez

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever wondered how your brain’s inner workings play into your growth, relationships, or resilience—or if you want real, practical tips for building healthier self-talk—I think you’ll find this episode especially meaningful.

I’m joined by Dr. Hector Rodriguez, an integrative psychiatrist and founder of The White Butterfly Clinic. His work focuses on trauma-informed care, brain health, emotional intelligence, and helping individuals move from survival mode into clarity, resilience, and purpose. Dr. Hector integrates neuroscience, lifestyle psychiatry, and compassionate clinical insight to support healing at both the individual and relational level. He is especially passionate about working with high-performing, emotionally complex, and often marginalized individuals, and about changing how we understand and care for the human mind and soul.

In this episode, Dr. Rodriguez and I talk about what your brain health can reveal about your emotional intelligence. We explore some powerful ideas, like the concept of the “inner bully” versus the “inner cheerleader” and how the way our brain is wired shapes our self-talk and beliefs.

Dr. Rodriguez unpacks the science behind self-awareness and negativity bias, shares practical strategies for rewiring our thought patterns, and guides us through how both major traumas and smaller, everyday micro-traumas impact who we are.

We also talk about the true roots of psychiatry—as the management of the soul—and why that perspective matters more than ever. Our conversation touches on everything from loneliness and connection to the role of technology in our lives and the essential human need for genuine bonds.

Moments

00:00 "Bully and Cheerleader Brain Concept"

05:07 Silencing Your Inner Critic

07:09 "Identifying and Addressing Negative Thoughts"

10:45 Internal Bully vs. Cheerleader

15:05 Reframing Mental Health Perspectives

18:28 Openness to Soul Beyond Religion

22:20 Emotional Block and Vulnerability

24:39 Building Trust Over Time

29:08 Overthinking Disrupts Sleep

30:23 Nervous System's Hidden Impact

36:36 "Urgent Help Needed for Injury"

37:06 Avoiding Mental Health Attention

41:55 "Life Isn't a Football Game"

43:47 "The Connection Issue"

49:56 Loneliness and OnlyFans Impact

51:33 AI Companions and Mental Health

54:44 "Insight on Family and Perception"

59:09 Improving and Seeking Help

01:00:32 "Dr. Hector's Info & Updates"

3 Key Takeaways:

You can retrain your brain: Through daily practices and conscious reframing, it’s possible to move from automatic negative thoughts to self-supportive beliefs.
Emotional intelligence is rooted in brain health: Being self-aware isn’t just a soft skill—it’s physically mapped in the brain, and can be strengthened like a muscle.
True connection matters: Human bonding and authentic relationships are essential for mental and emotional health—no app or artificial substitute can replace the brain’s need for real connection.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Lessons in Empathy and Belonging from a Local Diner

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

These “small” places can hold big lessons.

It’s easy to overlook the little things that truly build culture and connection in the workplace, but this episode is a great reminder that the way teams interact can have a big impact—on each other and on customers.

3 Takeaways from the Diner Experience:

Community Over Task: The staff worked together seamlessly, jumping in wherever needed. They didn’t just stick to rigid roles—everyone helped out, which created a real sense of community (and made the place run like clockwork).
Empathy & Intrinsic Motivation Matter: Genuine care for each other and pride in their work were obvious, regardless of pay or job title. These “softer” skills—empathy and motivation—were crucial to a positive environment and high performance.
Customer Experience is Energy: Because the workforce felt connected, customers left their phones in their pockets and engaged with each other—and even strangers. The result was more than just a meal; it was a feeling of belonging and genuine connection.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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The Importance of Spiritual Health with Steve Goodner

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

I sit down once again with Steve Goodner for a heartfelt and practical conversation about the importance of spiritual health. If you heard the first part of our discussion, you’ll remember our focus on emotional intelligence, especially in the context of sales and business.

We expand that conversation to explore what spiritual health means—and why it’s essential for a truly abundant and fulfilled life.

Steve shares deeply from his own spiritual journey, making it clear that when we talk about “spiritual health,” it’s not about specific religions or rituals, but about nurturing that inner core, regardless of background or beliefs. Using the analogy of a target, Steve explains how our spirit is at the very center of who we are, influencing our emotions, knowledge, behaviors, and ultimately, the outcomes of our lives. He emphasizes that many of the issues we encounter—whether personal or professional—can often only be addressed by attending to our spiritual wellbeing.

We also discuss the growing prominence of AI in our lives and why building our spiritual and emotional strengths is more important than ever in an age of rapid technological change. Steve offers insights into the differences between “change” and true “transformation,” sharing practical strategies for personal growth, such as becoming aware of self-limiting habits and intentionally working to rewire our brains.

Throughout the conversation, we talk about the benefits of spiritual health, including increased joy, fulfilment, and the ability to set healthy boundaries and priorities. Steve also talks about his new mastermind groups and other resources he's created to help people grow in leadership, sales, and ministry.

If you’re looking for actionable advice on strengthening your spiritual health and transforming the way you live and lead, you’ll find lots of wisdom in today’s episode. All of Steve’s resources and links are in the show notes—reach out to him for a conversation, it could be your first step towards positive transformation.

Moments

00:00 "Spiritual Growth and New Book"

04:36 Address Emotional Issues Spiritually

07:10 AI's Impact on Emotional Growth

11:44 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Fulfillment

14:32 Inner Beliefs and Self-Talk

17:43 "Rewiring Faith and Self-Perception"

23:52 "Developing a Growth Mindset"

26:59 Embrace Growth, Reject Limits

29:07 Self-Imposed Limits on Opportunities

33:40 "Assessing Habits: Productivity vs Counterproductivity"

35:30 Powerful Support System Investment

40:41 12-Week Mastermind Transformations

44:10 Leadership Transformation Ripple Effect

46:17 Upcoming Book Launches and Themes

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Spiritual Wellbeing is Foundational: Steve likened our spiritual self to the bullseye at the center of a target, with our emotions, intellect, and actions radiating outward. True transformation starts at the core—addressing the spirit influences everything else.

Growth is an Ongoing Journey: Transformation is not a one-time event. Steve stresses the importance of a growth mindset and continuous, inside-out change, emphasizing that self-improvement requires as much commitment as any work project.

Practical Steps Matter: Insight is key, but so is action. Steve recommends starting with validated self-assessments and investing in your personal development, just like you would with any big decision—because the ROI on you is always worth it.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Exploring Core Beliefs and Emotional Health with Anita Ritchey, MA, LPCC

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Unlocking the Subconscious with EMDR: "It's not just eye movement that we now know allows us to get into that subconscious in that way. It's any bilateral stimulation, both sides of the body." - Anita Ritchey

I sit down with returning guest Anita Ritchey, MA, LPCC, for a powerful conversation about how our core beliefs shape our emotional health and daily lives. Anita shares her expertise on how core beliefs are formed—starting from infancy and early childhood through experiences, observations, and what we’re taught. We explore how these often subconscious beliefs impact behavior, relationships, and self-worth well into adulthood.

We talk about the importance of examining and challenging longstanding beliefs, especially when they no longer serve us. Anita explains how therapy, including approaches like EMDR, can help us uncover, process, and even rewire these deep-seated patterns—offering hope and practical insight for anyone looking to grow, heal, and understand themselves better.

Whether you’re just starting to think about your own core beliefs or you’re well along that journey, this episode is full of relatable stories, clinical wisdom, and a reminder of the power of self-awareness. If you’re curious about why you react the way you do—or if you’ve ever wondered where certain feelings come from—this conversation will resonate.

Moments

00:00 Early Childhood Memory Formation

04:15 "Perceived Beliefs About Dog Danger"

07:47 Childhood Observations Shape Beliefs

13:01 Challenging Core Beliefs

14:58 Core Beliefs in Relationships

18:33 Therapy: Growth and Self-Discovery

22:27 Rewiring the Brain Takes Effort

26:00 EMDR and Subconscious Clarity

27:48 "EMDR: Enhanced REM for Stress Processing"

32:24 Positive EMDR Outcomes Discussed

34:15 Rising Demand for EMDR Therapy

37:42 Exploring EMDR for Emotional Distress

43:20 Unresolved Childhood Trauma's Adult Impact

44:50 Emotional Intelligence and Retirement Concerns

49:28 Pros and Cons of AI Therapy

51:50 "Music's Emotional Impact Explored"

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

Core beliefs start young and run deep. Most of our core beliefs are formed in childhood—often before the age of 7—through what we’re taught, what we observe, and how we interpret our experiences. These beliefs get “written into” our subconscious and influence adult relationships, work, and self-worth.
Awareness leads to growth. Re-examining those early beliefs isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about ongoing self-discovery. Whether things are going “fine” or you’re feeling stuck, proactively reflecting on core beliefs (with a counselor or through journaling) helps you identify outdated narratives and sparks personal growth.
There are effective tools for change. Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help address distress from past traumas and beliefs that hold us back. Anita shared how EMDR facilitates healing by unlocking and reprocessing those deeply stored memories—something an AI chatbot just can’t replicate.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Why Knowing Yourself Changes Everything: Insights on Self-Reflection and Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400

We kick things off with an honest, down-to-earth conversation about really getting to know yourself. We chat about how spending time in silence (yes, even those long, quiet car rides) can actually help you figure out what’s going on inside your head—not as scary as it sounds, promise!

Jeff shares some personal stories about his travels and what he learned by turning off the radio, while Eric opens up about his own journey of self-reflection and why talking to yourself doesn’t mean you’re losing it. There’s even a fun little experiment they try out on air to show just how tricky—and important—self-knowledge can be.

Plus, we look at making mistakes, letting go of perfection, and how emotional intelligence tools can make navigating life’s ups and downs a whole lot easier.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Unintentional Radio Silence

04:54 Starting Small: Building Self-Reflection

06:58 "Talking to Ourselves Helps"

12:41 Baseball: Hitting into Bad Luck

15:04 Imagined Acquaintance Reflection

16:30 Musician's Disney Connection Revealed

22:12 Self-Validation Over External Approval

26:31 Optimism and Empathy as Growth Tools

30:40 "Curiosity Over Judgment: Parental Challenges"

31:39 Reconsidering "Toxic" Relationships Advice

36:05 "Prioritize Curiosity Over Judgment"

Here are three key takeaways for anyone looking to strengthen their emotional intelligence:

Embrace Silence as Self-Discovery

Sometimes the best way to get to know yourself isn’t through books or podcasts, but by simply sitting in silence and observing your own thoughts. Jeff shares how driving in silence helped him become comfortable with himself and do some important self-inventory.

Curiosity Over Judgment

When reflecting on our actions or beliefs, approach with curiosity—not criticism. As we discussed, being curious about your reactions and beliefs (instead of immediately judging yourself) leads to growth and healthier self-understanding.

Strong Relationships Start Within

The better we know ourselves, the better equipped we are to nurture and sustain healthy relationships with others. Self-knowledge makes us less reactive and more responsive, which is vital for personal and professional growth.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Role of EQ and Mindset in Sales with Steve Goodner of EQFit

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

If you’re looking to sell more effectively, communicate more powerfully, and grow your business without sacrificing your soul, this episode is for you.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Goodner of EQFit to explore the real game-changer in sales: emotional intelligence and mindset. Steve has 40+ years in business, consulting, and coaching.

His use of the tools of psychology in the workplace, combined with his training in neuroscience and emotional intelligence, has allowed him to create assessments, methodologies, and proven practices that have been adopted and validated.

After spending years in sales and sales management, earning President's Club (top 5%) with two different organizations and Sales Manager of the Year with another, he began Goodner Strategic Consulting LLC, dba EQFIT®, with a focus on emotional intelligence. The skills of emotional intelligence directly correlate with growth and success in every aspect of life and work.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, you’ll want to listen in as we explore why traditional sales tactics often miss the mark—and how approaching sales as an authentic, problem-solving partnership can completely transform your results.

Steve and I talk about the emotional challenges that come with being an entrepreneur or salesperson—everything from nerves and anxiety to the dreaded impostor syndrome. We look into practical, neuroscience-backed strategies for building self-trust, creating a sense of safety for your clients, and tapping into the emotional drivers that influence over 70% of all buying decisions.

You’ll pick up actionable tips for staying authentic, making deep connections, clarifying your messaging, and using tools like CRMs and AI to structure your follow-ups without losing the human touch. We also talk about why extrinsic motivation can lead you astray, and how building your business is as much about personal growth as it is about revenue.

This is a heartfelt, illuminating discussion that might just change the way you see sales—and yourself!

EQ Moments

00:00 Entrepreneurial Nerves and Salesmanship

10:27 Building Trust and Overcoming Bias

13:53 Authentic Connections Drive Sales

18:27 Intrinsic Motivation Beats Materialism

26:00 "Top Salespeople's Mindset Secrets"

27:56 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Adaptability

35:27 Managing Sales Opportunities Spreadsheet

42:20 Compelling Story vs. Credentials

46:24 "Empowering Life and Work"

53:22 "Emotionally Intelligent Living Series"

58:30 Raising Prices Through Fewer Clients

59:56 "Prioritize Clients for Better Focus"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Healthcare, EQ and the EQ Zone with Dr. Mickey Liebowitz

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

If you’re a healthcare provider, patient, or just interested in the role of empathy and self-awareness in medicine, you won't want to miss this episode.

I'm thrilled to be joined once again by Dr. Mickey Liebowitz—an accomplished endocrinologist, author, and a true champion for bringing emotional intelligence into the world of healthcare.

Dr. Liebowitz and I talk about the current state of the U.S. healthcare system—not just looking at the advancements in medicine and technology, but focusing on something that’s often overlooked: the human connection between doctors and patients. Together, we discuss how easy it is for that critical relationship to become transactional with the ongoing pressures of the business side of medicine, and why that matters for both patients and practitioners.

Dr. Liebowitz shares some powerful stories from his decades of experience that really drive home just how important emotional intelligence is in creating trust, hope, and better outcomes. We also discuss his brand new book, "The EQ Prescription," and his concept of the Emotional Intelligence Zone—a tool that can help both professionals and patients foster real, meaningful connections in healthcare.

We share real-life scenarios, practical advice, and the reasons why optimism and the willingness to change can make such a difference in our health journeys.

Mickey Lebowitz, originally from Brooklyn, New York, is a graduate of SUNY-Oswego (magna cum laude and student athlete of the year) and Upstate Medical University and a board-certified endocrinologist/diabetologist (Fellow, American College of Endocrinology). He has worked in a physician-owned practice, as an employed physician in the VA system, and currently as an endocrine hospitalist.

He spent seven years as a hospital-based senior medical quality director and is currently a chief medical officer at a healthcare transportation company. He's an educator, serving as the medical director of a physician assistant program in upstate New York, and an author whose first book, Losing My Patience, was published in 2009. Through Six Seconds, he is a certified assessor, practitioner, facilitator, and coach in emotional intelligence (EQ), coaching clinicians, nurses, and healthcare students on leadership, professionalism, and interpersonal relationships.

He has given countless presentations and workshops on EQ locally and nationally, and is in the process of publishing his research on the impact of EQ on his PA program's students.

He has been on the list of Best Doctors in America, is an honoree of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Breakthrough TID), and has received awards for preceptor and resident teaching, community service for educating health-care professionals on wellness and burnout, dedication and loyalty to the medical profession, and excellence in health-care education, as well as the NYSSPA Physician Advocate of the Year award.

Spirit of EQ

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Personal Branding and Self-Reflection with Jess Jensen

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

If you’re ready to rethink what your brand says about you and how it can fuel your next chapter, this is the conversation you need to hear.

We welcome Jess Jensen, the founder of Co-pilot Communications, a Portland-based advisory helping bold executives and founders build digital brands that actually sound like them. After 20 years inside Fortune 100 companies (Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestlé, and Adidas), Jess stepped out of corporate to help leaders stop playing small online and start showing up with clarity and confidence.

Co-pilot works with curious, values-driven leaders who are tired of generic content and ghostwritten fluff. Jess believes that building a professional brand isn’t just smart—it’s your moat. Through sharp messaging, editorial strategy, and smart use of platforms like LinkedIn and podcasting,

Follow her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakjensen/

Subscribe to her monthly newsletter: https://newsletter.copilotcommunications.com/subscribe

Jess offers a 25-minute consultation that can be booked directly via her website. She also mentions a free LinkedIn profile review for Spirit of EQ listeners (October/November availability — just mention the podcast when booking).

Together, we explore the intersection of emotional intelligence and personal branding, why vulnerability and storytelling build trust, and how anyone—not just corporate execs—can benefit from thinking intentionally about their “brand.”

Jess also offers actionable steps for getting started, insight from her time in the tech industry, and a few musical analogies that perfectly hit the right note.

For those wondering about practical steps, Jess offered a high-level outline of her five-step process for brand building:

Define your primary audience—who are you really trying to reach? Clarifying their needs and challenges is crucial before anything else.
Craft your narrative platform—determine two to four key “story territories” (often business-related, leadership philosophy, and personal/passion areas) that form the pillars of your brand.
Architect intentional content that reinforces those narratives, staying focused despite the temptation to react or go off-brand.
Master one digital platform at a time, whether audio, LinkedIn, or another channel, and only expand as you gain confidence and rhythm.
Build relationships in the comments and interactions—don’t just broadcast, but truly foster a two-way conversation that builds community and trust.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Taking Life for Granted: Cultivating Gratitude and Presence

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

We look into the often-overlooked “disease” of taking things for granted.

Reflecting on personal stories of loss, transformation, and the unexpected challenges life throws our way, we explore how gratitude, mindfulness, and intentional self-reflection can help us appreciate the present moment—and the people and privileges we too often overlook.

Eric shares how a family crisis upended his long-standing habit of “performing” through life, forcing him to confront his limitations and embrace vulnerability. Jeff opens up about his journey through anxiety and panic attacks, and how he learned not to take life’s freedoms for granted.

Together, we discuss the value of intentional gratitude, the importance of self-empathy, and offer practical advice on recognizing and appreciating what we have before it’s gone.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Adapting to Anxiety's Challenges

05:07 Navigating Life Through Performance

07:45 Facing Human Limitations

13:16 Song's Origin and Inspiration

16:00 Gratitude and Perspective on Luck

20:05 Living a Transcendent Life

23:13 Intentional Parenting and Personal Growth

24:19 "Grateful Farewell and Excitement"

Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out:

Gratitude Requires Intentional Work: We both share that truly appreciating what (and who) we have isn’t automatic—it takes curiosity, self-reflection, and consistent practice. It’s not about waiting for a wake-up call, but about making gratitude a daily habit.
Loss and Change Fuel Growth: Whether it’s health, relationships, or even our sense of freedom, losing something we once overlooked can lead to powerful learning and personal development—if we’re willing to adapt and put in the effort.
Curiosity and Self-Compassion Matter: Asking honest questions about what you might be taking for granted (without judgment or self-criticism) is crucial. It’s this habit of gentle inventory that paves the way for more authentic connection, empathy, and fulfillment.

Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World

Ray Charles - America The Beautiful

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On Our Minds - Social Media, Humor, and Empathy: The Emotional Cost of Chasing Attention

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Here's what's been on our minds lately.

We explore the importance of knowing your strengths—or your "wheelhouse"—and the courage it takes to stay true to what you do best, even when outside pressure tempts you otherwise. They dive deep into lessons learned both as musicians and emotional intelligence practitioners, offering real-world stories about confidence, alignment, and growth.

We examine the darker side of social media trends, where humor and pranks sometimes cross the line into harm and disrespect. You'll hear our perspectives on self-awareness, the value of true comedy, and the difference between humor that lifts people up versus that which tears others down.

Finally, we tackle the timely topic of AI’s rapid evolution and its impact on the skills that will matter most in the future—curiosity, emotional intelligence, and our spiritual connections. Whether you’re a leader, creative, or just someone curious about living more authentically, this episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways on how to flourish in a changing world by truly knowing yourself.

Moments

00:00 "Mastering Music Through Confidence"

05:12 Passion vs. Obligation in Work

09:09 "Emotional Intelligence and Self-Discovery"

10:59 Standing Up to Misplaced Expectations

15:28 Embrace Your Expertise Authentically

19:14 Sentinel Island Contact Prohibition

20:36 Controversial Stunt Backfires in Korea

25:22 Online Video "Clowning" Critique

27:45 Winnie the Pooh Moment

33:34 Humor's Personal Boundaries

35:40 Automated Strike Zone Tested in Baseball

37:54 "Reflecting on Self-Seriousness"

42:41 AI Enhancing Motorbike Choices

45:35 AI's Impact on Knowledge and Emotion

50:02 "Building Emotional & Spiritual Muscles"

51:19 "Leaders Ignore Emotional Growth"

Here are our top 3 takeaways for anyone seeking growth, personally and professionally:

Know Your Wheelhouse (and have the courage to honor it):

Understanding what you do best—and more importantly, WHY—allows you to confidently step up for the right opportunities and graciously step aside from those that aren’t a fit. This self-knowledge not only fuels better performance but helps conserve your energy for work that truly resonates.

EQ in Action: Humor, Connection, and Consequences:

From the pitfalls of “prank culture” to the fine line in comedy, Eric and Jeff emphasize the importance of self-awareness and consequential thinking. Is your humor uplifting or potentially harmful? EQ isn’t just a professional asset; it’s essential for authentic human connection and personal responsibility.

EQ as a Competitive Advantage in the Age of AI:

While AI can provide us with instant answers and automate analytical tasks, it can’t replace genuine curiosity, the drive to discover how, or the capacity to connect in meaningful ways. The future belongs to those who cultivate emotional and spiritual intelligence alongside technical savvy.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Why Burnout Is Everywhere with Elizabeth Wangugi

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Elizabeth Wangugi shares eye-opening statistics—like how 77% of employees, including executives, report feeling burned out—and offers her unique perspective on why burnout is more than just a workplace issue.

Our discussion journeys through the hidden symptoms of burnout, why many people (especially leaders) fail to recognize it until it’s too late, and the cultural factors that reward pushing past our limits.

You’ll hear honest reflections on the unique challenges women face, from lack of health resources to juggling multiple roles at home and work, and why support systems, self-care, and the courage to rest are essential for true productivity and happiness. Elizabeth even peels back the layers on concepts like discipline vs. self-control and the power of being proactive in supporting loved ones.

Packed with practical wisdom, personal stories, and a refreshing take on life’s true successes, this episode will inspire you to rethink your own relationship to work, rest, and purpose. Whether you’re feeling the weight of burnout or simply want to build a more balanced life, there’s something here for everyone. Tune in, and let’s explore how to move from simply surviving to truly thriving.

Moments

00:00 Zora's House: Support for Women

10:17 Preventing and Addressing Employee Burnout

15:07 Minority Pressure to Overperform

20:41 "Exploring Slow Productivity and Burnout"

21:48 Defining Success and Productivity

28:05 Endless Thoughts, Sleepless Nights

37:36 Purpose and Motivation Against Burnout

39:51 Intrinsic Motivation vs. Extrinsic Pressure

45:35 The Illusion of Success

53:47 "Black Women's Strength and Independence"

58:56 "Understanding Partner's Personality"

01:02:43 "I Lied": Heartfelt Song's Twist

01:06:17 Networking Pajama Concert & Wellness

Here are 3 key takeaways we think are worth sharing:

• Burnout is often invisible—until it isn’t. Many people, especially leaders and high achievers, don’t recognize burnout until they’re forced to stop. The societal reward for pushing through pain needs to be questioned.

• Connection is a powerful antidote. Those less prone to burnout often have strong, supportive networks—people they feel safe being vulnerable with. High-quality sleep, healthy routines, and regular ‘mental’ practices (from meditation to faith) are also common protective factors.

• Women carry layered burdens. Burnout in women is amplified by gaps in health resources and disproportionate “second and third shifts” at home. Support for women requires not just empathy, but proactive help—sometimes before it’s even asked for.

Elizabeth Wangugi is a workplace wellness strategist, trauma-informed

embodiment facilitator, and the founder of Exclusive Excursions and the Nap

Concert.

With over 10 years of experience in event planning and organizational

transformation, Elizabeth helps teams and leaders dismantle burnout culture

by reconnecting to the company purpose, emotional intelligence, and embodied

care.

Known as “The Business Witchdoctor,” she blends behavioral science, somatic

rituals, and graceful strategy to create environments where healing and high

performance coexist. Her work invites both individuals and institutions to

reimagine success through restoration, not depletion.

Elizabeth’s voice is a balm for burned-out professionals and a compass for

companies seeking something more human—and more sustainable. Connect

with Elizabeth at https://www.veex.store.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Why Intrinsic Motivation Is Key to Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

I want to talk about what I believe is one of the most vital—and often overlooked—aspects of personal growth: intrinsic motivation.

I’ll be sharing some real examples from my own life to help unpack the difference between the extrinsic pressures we all face—like societal expectations and external rewards—and the powerful, lasting drive that comes from truly knowing ourselves.

I’ll also talk about the effects of technology, fear, and even past trauma on our decision-making, and why it’s so important to make working on ourselves a top priority.

Join me as I share why building intrinsic motivation is not just important for better health and fulfillment, but also for discovering your true destiny. Let’s begin this journey of self-discovery together.

Moments

00:00 Influence and Purchasing Pressures

03:31 Self-Discovery Post-Corporate Mini Journey

06:44 "Future Leadership Beyond AI"

10:34 Intrinsic Self-Discovery for Growth

Here are a few insights:

Know Thyself: The more you understand who you are, the better equipped you are to make decisions aligned with your authentic self, not just what others (or society) expect. Your self-knowledge fuels confident, intentional choices.

Build the Intrinsic Motivation Muscle: Learning to recognize and strengthen your internal drivers can help you resist powerful external pressures, be it family, marketing, or industry expectations.

Progress Over Perfection: You don’t need to solve everything overnight. Taking small, consistent steps toward self-awareness and intrinsic motivation can lead to significant, long-term growth.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Spirit of EQ

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SEQ Development Report

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Building Bridges in Divisive Times: Insights from Political Consultant and Entrepreneur Scott Schweitzer

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Working Across Differences in Politics: "I can work with people, and still it goes back to what we were saying earlier. I can work with people and still disagree with them on things, but maybe I need to." - Scott Schweitzer

We sit down with Scott Schweitzer—a longtime political consultant and entrepreneur whose journey bridges the worlds of politics and microbrewing. Scott shares how a simple night of beer tasting with friends led him to co-found a brewery, while continuing his 25-year career navigating the highs and lows of American politics.

Scott Schweitzer began his career in political storytelling in 2000 at The Strategy Group Company. Over the years, Scotthas worked across every stage of the advertising process and at every level of politics. Including having served as Co-Chair of Vivek Ramaswamy’s Super PAC.

Today, he serves as the Chief Operations Officer as well as providing campaign strategy to statewide officeholders, members of Congress, legislative caucuses, ballot initiatives, and third-party organizations.

Before joining The Strategy Group Company, Scott worked in Washington, D.C., focusing on grassroots lobbying and public policy. Upon returning to Ohio, he served as Executive Director of a successful issue advocacy organization, managed numerous political campaigns, and worked at the Ohio State House of Representatives.

We talk about the powerful emotions that drive today’s increasingly divided political arena, explore the complexities of building bridges across differences, and talk about how tribalism in both politics and everyday life can separate us—or bring us together.

Scott also opens up about his approach to helping candidates connect authentically with voters through storytelling and reflects on the personal challenges of staying grounded and empathetic in a profession marked by skepticism and heated debate.

Plus, we touch on the impact of social media, the importance of curiosity, and how skills from entrepreneurship and consulting translate to everyday relationships. Whether you’re interested in leadership, emotional intelligence, or are just a curious soul, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and some practical advice—including a heartfelt reminder that failure is part of learning and growth.

Here are our top three takeaways:

Curiosity Opens Doors: Scott emphasized the power of asking questions and being curious, both for personal growth and bridging divides. Stepping outside our echo chambers and seeking different perspectives can reshape our understanding and foster empathy.
Emotional Connection is Key: Whether it’s a political campaign or launching a new product, Scott underscored the importance of building genuine emotional connections. People are far more likely to buy in—to ideas, products, or candidates—when they feel heard and understood.
Failure is Part of the Process: Scott’s advice for entrepreneurs? Be willing to fail—and most importantly, learn from those failures. Growth comes from trying, stumbling, reflecting, and trying again.

Key Moments

05:12 The Cost of Political Tribalism

09:23 Purposeful Living and Community Impact

11:40 Rethinking Affirmative Action Globally

14:56 Value of Elected Officials

18:00 U.S. Government's Poor Decision-Making

23:21 Collaborating Despite Differences

24:25 Familiarity Breeds Skepticism

28:07 "Emotional Connection in Politics"

32:03 Profound Insight on Bill Maher

35:33 "Escaping Reality and Its Risks"

38:45 "Power of Personal Testimony"

41:06 Embrace Failure to Succeed

44:31 Overlooking Self-Empathy's Importance

48:07 The Challenges of Personal Growth

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

SEQ Development Report

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Why Healing From Trauma Isn’t Just About Moving On

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

I’m joined once again by Dr. Ken Yeager for an honest and insightful conversation about healing from trauma. And why it’s so much more than just “moving on.” As a journalist and trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand how deeply these experiences can affect both our bodies and our minds.

In this episode, Dr. Yeager and I dig into the science behind trauma and stress, exploring how unresolved pain and constant fight-or-flight responses can show up as physical symptoms—everything from gut issues to memory lapses.

We talk about the myth of the “quick fix,” and the importance of understanding how nutrition, nervous system regulation, and holistic wellness all play a part in true healing.

I open up about my own healing journey, including what it’s taken for me to unravel old patterns, the obstacles I’ve faced, and the ways I’ve learned to ask for help. Dr. Yeager helps map out what recovery really looks like. Highlighting why it’s a team effort, why vulnerability matters, and how patience and compassion are essential.

If you or someone you care about is living with the aftermath of trauma, I hope our conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and real hope. You are not alone, and there is a path forward—one step, one day at a time.

Some important takeaways I wanted to share:

Healing is Holistic: Trauma has a real, measurable impact on physical health, including inflammation, chronic illness, and even memory loss. Addressing trauma requires looking at emotional, nutritional, physical, and environmental factors, not just quick fixes or medications.
The Recovery Journey is Nonlinear—but Mapped: True healing isn’t instant. Dr. Yeager shared a roadmap of about 18-24 months, with stages of crashing, building hope, setbacks, and ultimately acceptance and growth. Understanding this timeline can help set compassionate expectations for ourselves and others.
Self-Awareness is the Foundation: Early warning signs of stress and trauma (jaw clenching, sleep disturbance, emotional numbing) are our body’s way of communicating. Being honest with yourself and willing to ask for help opens the door to real, lasting change.

Moments

00:00 Stress, Inflammation, and Health Risks

04:04 Visualizing Emotional Impact on Body

09:12 "Balancing Holistic and Western Medicine"

10:45 Balancing Health and Medication

16:39 Aging, Trauma, and Cognitive Decline

20:05 Neurotransmitter Activity in Hyper-vigilance

22:45 Understanding Memory Gaps and Trauma

24:51 Intentional Healing Through Determination

27:31 "Challenges of Executive Dysfunction"

31:45 Recovery Challenges: 120-180 Days

36:57 Understanding Neurodivergence and Addiction Struggles

40:05 Empowerment Through Understanding and Support

Spirit of EQ

Mental Triggers and Activators: Rewiring Your Brain With Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Triggers and Activators Are More Than Buzzwords: We clarify that “triggers” (or “activators”) are events that alter our nervous system, often deeply rooted in past traumas, not just everyday disappointments.

In this conversation, Jeff shares a personal story about how traumatic events from our past, big or small, can leave lasting marks on our nervous system and influence our emotions well into the future.

Our discussion takes a thoughtful look at how emotional intelligence (EQ) can help us navigate and manage these triggers, not by erasing them, but by developing new ways of thinking and responding.

We emphasize the importance of curiosity instead of judgment when reflecting on emotional responses and describe how, just like updating outdated computer software, we can “upgrade” our mindsets and beliefs to function better in today’s world.

This episode offers practical strategies, a few laughs, and a poignant reminder that while working through our triggers takes effort and sometimes outside help, the journey is well worth it, and none of us has to go it alone. Whether you’re looking to understand your own emotional responses or support someone else, there’s something here for everyone looking to grow on their EQ journey.

Here are 3 key takeaways for you:

Triggers = Old Neural Pathways: Our emotional triggers are often rooted in past events that created neural pathways in our brains—think of it as “old software” that keeps running unless we update it through intentional effort and curiosity.
EQ is a Learnable Tool: Emotional intelligence isn't a magic fix, but it’s a powerful, learnable skill to help us recognize, understand, and slowly reprogram our responses to triggers. This process requires work, but that’s where real growth happens.
Curiosity Over Judgment: The first step to transforming our experience is curiosity, not blame. By exploring past emotions without judgment, we can identify which beliefs still serve us, and which need updating.

Key Moments

00:00 Trauma's Impact on the Brain

03:59 Navigating Triggers with Emotional Intelligence

07:12 Building New Neuroconnections

11:53 Curiosity in Emotional Reflection

13:28 "Rewire Thoughts, Question Core Beliefs"

18:12 "Creating Space for Energy Renewal"

21:38 "Simple Complexity of Auto Repair"

23:41 "The Insidious Influence of Wealth"

26:40 "What Happens When the Wizard's Power Fades?"

30:28 Thinking, Fast vs. Slow

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

Spirit of EQ

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Mentioned in this episode:

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SEQ Development Report

What Trauma Really Does to Us

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

We’re talking about a topic that touches so many lives but is still so misunderstood. Trauma and its profound impact on our minds and bodies.

I’m joined once again by Dr. Ken Yeager, a leading expert whose career has been dedicated to understanding trauma, neuroscience, and the power of nervous system regulation.

In this conversation, we unpack what trauma really does to us. Not just emotionally, but neurologically. We explore how adverse life events, especially early in life, can literally rewire our brains, influencing everything from our daily decisions to our sense of safety in the world.

Dr. Yeager explains the science behind the fight, flight, and freeze responses, and why high-pressure professions like journalism, healthcare, and law can leave us feeling chronically on edge.

You’ll hear personal stories from my own journey as a journalist and trauma survivor, and we’ll talk about the realities of living in a society that demands more, faster—and why that’s making so many of us unwell. More importantly, we focus on hope and practical tools, like mindfulness and nervous system regulation, that can help us begin to heal, slow down, and actually experience life in the present.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, anxious, or wondered if there’s a healthier way to move through the world, this episode will resonate with you. We’re here to remind you that you’re not alone—and there is hope and support on the horizon.

Here are my 3 key takeaways:

Trauma isn’t just “in your head." It rewires your brain and narrows your ability to access critical thinking, often pushing you into fight, flight, or freeze mode. This can make daily life and decision-making feel overwhelming, especially in high-stress professions.

Nervous system regulation and mindfulness are not just nice-to-haves; they’re game changers for sustainable performance and wellbeing. Simply learning to check in with your body, take a deep breath, or slow down your internal pace cues your brain to exit survival mode.

Organizations that acknowledge the impact of stress and create space for mindfulness see real benefits. Not just for their people, but for productivity as well. A reimagined “work-life balance” starts by recognizing that we’re not machines, and our emotional well-being deserves real priority.

Moments

00:00 Understanding Trauma and Nervous System Regulation

03:52 Trauma's Impact on Brain Function

07:51 "Managing Calm in Recovery"

10:08 "Building Positive Energy Awareness"

16:12 Post-COVID Work-Life Balance Trends

20:26 Nervous System Stress Impacts

22:32 Prioritizing Emotional Well-Being Over Expectations

26:37 Grounding Through Presence

28:49 Finding Focus and Grounding

31:23 Mental Health Resources & Support

Spirit of EQ

Emotional Intelligence and Curiosity

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to Spirit of EQ! In this episode, Eric here.

In this episode, I look into the powerful connection between emotional intelligence and curiosity. I’ve been thinking a lot about how curiosity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a vital tool that can open the doors to learning, enrich our relationships, and help us truly understand ourselves and others.

Drawing from my own experiences and practical examples, I unpack how curiosity ties into key emotional intelligence competencies like recognizing patterns, intrinsic motivation, and empathy.

I’ll share some personal insights on how easy it is to slip into judgment, and why being intentional in my conversations, especially by asking open-ended questions, has made such a difference, even with people I might not always see eye to eye with or those I may have taken for granted.

If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your connections or become a lifelong learner, you’ll find something valuable in this episode. Slow down, shift gears, and discover the transformative power of curiosity in our everyday lives.

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Curiosity Strengthens Relationships: By taking a genuine interest in others—especially those closest to us—we reinforce our connections and communicate how much we value them.

Intentional Practice Drives Growth: Being curious, especially in tough situations or with people we disagree with, takes intentional, sometimes uncomfortable work. Leaning into open-ended questions helps us gather better data, not just quick judgments.

Curiosity Fuels Self-Awareness & Empathy: It’s closely linked to recognizing our own patterns, intrinsic motivation, and building empathy. Pausing and seeking to understand rather than rushing to react makes us better listeners, colleagues, and leaders.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Intrinsic Motivation and Empathy Explored

05:18 Curiosity in Meaningful Interactions

10:29 Nurturing Close Relationships Intentionally

13:04 "Curiosity Enhances Business Connections"

16:51 "Intentional Work in Relationships"

19:02 "Building Takes Time and Effort"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Spirit of EQ

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Unpacking Trauma: How the Brain Responds and How We Can Heal

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

I’m Hattie Hawks, and in this very special episode, I’m opening up about my personal journey with complex PTSD—how I discovered it, how it’s shown up in my life, and how it continues to shape my healing process.

I’m joined by Dr. Ken Yeager, the founder of the STAR (Stress, Trauma And Resilience) program at The Ohio State University and an expert in trauma research and recovery.

In this conversation, Dr. Yeager and I talk about what trauma really is, how it lives in our minds and bodies, and the sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming ways it impacts our emotions, executive function, and relationships.

We talk candidly about my own experiences—including the surprises and setbacks of recovery—and how trauma can show up even when we might not realize it. Dr. Yeager also gives us an accessible look at the neuroscience behind trauma, why we might blame ourselves, and the ways our culture and recent events (like the COVID-19 pandemic) have increased collective feelings of isolation and stress.

I hope this episode brings you validation if you’re on your own healing journey, or helps you better understand and support those around you. With honesty, some well-earned humility, and the wisdom of a true expert, we explore how emotional intelligence and self-compassion are absolutely crucial as we work toward joy and wholeness.

Thank you for being here with me—let’s take these next steps together.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our discussion:

Trauma often hides behind everyday struggles. If you—or your colleagues—are feeling scattered, forgetful, or emotionally exhausted, underlying trauma might be part of the story. Understanding this is step one to creating more supportive workplaces.
Healing is not linear—and self-compassion is essential. Progress is messy. You may move forward, backwards, or sideways, and that’s okay. Extending kindness to yourself (and others) is a critical part of recovery.
Connection is the antidote to loneliness and shame. Whether you’re recovering from trauma yourself or leading others, fostering genuine human connection and open dialogue fosters healing and growth for everyone.

Key Moments

00:00 Trauma Insights with Dr. Yeager

09:44 "Parental Impact on Childhood Trauma"

13:19 Impact of Trauma on Perspectives

19:33 Healing Through Life Experiences

25:58 Understanding Personal History

30:20 Loneliness Epidemic: Fear of Closeness

33:37 Thriving Through Emotional Understanding

42:50 Struggling with Emotional Connection

43:54 Loneliness and Connection Crisis

53:22 "Self-Understanding Through Compassion"

55:16 Processing Emotions and Anger

01:01:11 Rediscovering Joy Amidst Challenges

01:11:06 "Understanding Work's Impact on Well-being"

01:12:44 "OSU STAR & Helpful Resources"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Spirit of EQ

Redefining DEI and Civility in the Workplace with Dyann McDowell

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

DEI is Broader Than Just Race - Dyann McDowell emphasizes that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t only about race—it includes disability, body type, age, religion, and more. Creating inclusive workplaces means considering everyone’s needs.

Eric here. I sit down with Dyann McDowell, a seasoned HR professional and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expert with over 25 years of experience. Dyann shares her journey from traditional HR training to her pivotal role in DEI—well before it became a mainstream corporate focus.

Together, we talk about the most pressing challenges facing today’s workplaces: the evolving meaning of DEI beyond race, the resurgence of incivility, and why genuine inclusion and civility are more critical than ever.

Dyann brings a fresh, honest perspective on what’s working and what isn’t in DEI, highlighting the danger of divisive tactics and the importance of true conversation and curiosity. She draws from personal and professional stories—from lessons on privilege to the very real impacts of workplace culture—to illustrate how organizations can move past surface-level initiatives and create truly welcoming, high-performing environments.

Hear more about Dyann's latest project, “Civility Unleashed,” a new framework designed to help organizations not only address but transform toxic workplace behavior, build accountability, and foster real, sustainable change.

If you’re passionate about the future of work—or just want to be inspired by a candid, solutions-oriented leader—this episode is a must-listen.

Here are three key takeaways that stood out to me:

DEI Goes Beyond Race: Dyann emphasizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just about race. True DEI means considering all forms of difference—ability, size, age, gender, and more—to ensure everyone feels like they belong and can contribute fully.
Civility Is a Business Necessity: The rise of toxic workplace behaviors and incivility isn’t just a social or moral issue—it’s a bottom-line problem. Dyann shares that only 16% of today’s workforce is actively engaged, and uncivil behavior is a top driver of disengagement and turnover. Building a respectful, civil culture is non-negotiable for organizational success.
Curiosity and Civil Discourse Matter: One of the most compelling parts of the discussion was the urgency to bring back curiosity and civil discourse. Dyann advocates for workplaces where difficult conversations happen with empathy and openness, rather than judgment or division. “If we’re not opening up the conversation, then we’re not advancing.”

Key Moments

04:12 DEI's Future Post-Election Analysis

06:31 "Glasses and Unfair Blame"

10:33 Generational Privilege and Education

13:20 Debate Over Wilson School Naming

17:20 Reevaluating Affirmative Action Beliefs

19:41 Misconceptions About DEI

22:32 "Curiosity Deficit's Societal Impact"

27:42 "Six-Second Rule in Decision-Making"

29:20 Rise in Workplace Misconduct Cases

34:33 "Superstars' Behavior Excused at Work"

35:39 Leadership's Impact Flows Downward

44:50 Owning Mistakes with Grace

45:44 Empowering Employees Against Microaggressions

48:55 "Empowering Employees Through Constructive Dialogue"

52:45 "Understanding Emotional Intelligence"

55:54 "Leaning In to Listen and Learn"

59:11 "Divine 3 AM Mosaic Vision"

Dyann McDowell is a powerhouse in the world of Human Resources and Training. As the President and HR Business Partner at Training Marbles, Inc., a company revolutionizing HR Consulting and training. With a mission to elevate conversations and exceed expectations, Dyann transforms complex HR policies into engaging, understandable training programs.

She's a strategic thinker who creates and implements high-performance solutions that directly impact growth, engagement, and compliance. Known for her thought-provoking insights, she helps others contemplate the changes necessary to achieve success.

Spirit of EQ

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

SEQ Development Report

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The Problem of Worry and How EQ Can Help

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Spirit of EQ! I’m Eric Pennington, and today I want to talk about one of the worst investments we can make—worry.

If you’re like me, you know how easy it is to pour your time, energy, and even your heart and soul into worrying, even though it rarely brings anything positive in return. In this episode, I’ll share some personal experiences from my time in the corporate world, and how worry became an all-too-familiar companion—one that often operated in the background, quietly eroding my peace and sometimes even affecting my relationships.

I’ll walk you through the lessons I’ve learned about the impact of chronic worry and, more importantly, how developing emotional intelligence (EQ) helped me start traveling lighter. Together, we’ll look at practical ways to separate what we’re actually responsible for from what’s beyond our control and discuss how you can build healthier thought patterns that serve you better.

If you’ve ever gotten stuck in those endless cycles of “what if,” you’re not alone. Join me for an honest conversation about worry and discover some steps that could help you find more calm and clarity in your own life.

Here are a few key takeaways I share:

Focus on Responsibility & Control: Narrow your focus to what you’re truly responsible for and what you actually have control over. Letting go of unwarranted worries is liberating and allows real growth.
Emotional Intelligence is Key: Recognizing how your thoughts drive emotions—and learning to manage that process—is a skill anyone can build. EQ helps us break the cycle of worry and move forward with intention.
Inventory Your Worries: Take time to honestly assess how much of your day is spent worrying—no judgment, just reflection. This awareness is the first step toward shifting your mindset and reducing unnecessary stress.

Key Moments

00:00 Corporate Merger Anxiety

05:49 Learning to Let Go

09:01 Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth

13:41 Evaluating and Adapting Thought Patterns

15:48 Finding the Right Support Path

Spirit of EQ

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

SEQ Development Report

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Hattie Hawks and the SEI EQ Assessment

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Life-Changing Assessments: "The work that you're doing through these assessments is life-changing for people. It is difficult, but you are a lifeguard in this scenario." - Hattie Hawks

Hattie Hawk steps into the hot seat, openly sharing her own EQ report—and together, she and Eric explore not only what her results reveal, but also how self-awareness, honesty, and the courage to confront personal challenges can lead to meaningful growth.

Eric and Hattie break down the assessment’s key components, from success factors like quality of life and well-being, to the core competencies that drive emotional intelligence.

Hattie gets candid about her own journey, revealing how complex life events, personal struggles, and intentional self-reflection have shaped her emotional landscape. The conversation touches on the power of recognizing patterns, navigating emotions, and cultivating empathy—not just for others, but for ourselves.

Whether you’re curious about taking an EQ assessment yourself or simply looking for inspiration to face your own life’s storms, this episode offers plenty of wisdom, encouragement, and practical strategies for building greater emotional resilience.

How it's used: The EQ Assessment is designed to measure factors like competencies (e.g., pattern recognition, emotional literacy, and navigation of emotions) and success factors (effectiveness, relationships, well-being, and quality of life), with a debrief provided by a practitioner and often followed by ongoing coaching.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Honest Self-Assessment Is Transformative - The value of an EQ assessment lies in being radically honest with yourself. As Hattie put it, “At the end of the day, you really only have to be honest with yourself to have a better life.” Growth really starts when you drop the facade and embrace your current reality with curiosity, not judgment.
Leaning Into Your Strengths—And Weaknesses - It’s natural to focus on your lowest scores, but there’s power in acknowledging where you’re already strong. Hattie gravitated to her high “quality of life” score, which reflected intentional work she’d been putting in. Both strengths and challenges offer essential clues for personal development.
Building Emotional Muscles Is a Dynamic Process - Developing EQ is like building muscle—it happens over time, through consistent effort, resistance, and sometimes discomfort. The process isn’t about achieving perfect scores, but about using insights to navigate challenges, improve relationships, and create more meaning in your life.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

Spirit of EQ

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

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Practical Tools for Spiritual Emotional Growth with Jim and Lynette Vaive

Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Managing our emotional state—by finding calm and focus—is essential before we can effectively plan or take action. If we're emotionally overwhelmed, our minds "swirl" and we lose clarity.

Eric here. I welcome back Jim and Lynette Vaive for an insightful discussion about how SEQ can help us navigate uncertainty, disruption, and the complexities of modern times.

From the looming impact of AI on the workforce to the inner crossroads of meaning and purpose, we explore practical ways to develop resilience and clarity. Discover why mere thinking isn’t enough to process our deepest worries, and how integrating spiritual, emotional, and intellectual awareness can unlock growth and connection.

Together, we discuss the stages of personal development, the power of intention at life’s crossroads, and the benefits of supportive community—along with real-world strategies and tools (like assessments and group cohorts) you can use to strengthen your own SEQ “muscle.”

Whether you’re just curious, seeking meaningful change, or feeling called to something deeper, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and tangible pathways forward.

Here are 3 key takeaways you can apply right now:

Recognize Your Crossroads: Points of uncertainty or disruption are invitations, not dead ends. SEQ helps us see choice and growth where we might otherwise see obstacles.
Balance More Than Your Mind: Navigating complexity isn’t just about thinking harder—it's about blending intellect with emotional and spiritual awareness to stay grounded and focused, especially in stressful times.
Connection is the Catalyst: Whether through communities, assessments like the Enneagram, or simple reflection, building SEQ is most powerful when shared. There’s no one-size-fits-all—find your starting place and the people who will walk alongside you.

Key Moments

00:00 Understanding SEQ Amid Global Uncertainty

04:36 Spiritual Foundations Amid Life's Complexity

09:03 Calmness Unveils Ignored Issues

10:04 "Navigating Profound Conversations"

15:40 "Managing Emotions Quickly"

17:01 Intention and Cultural Priorities

20:46 Politics' Unintended Place in Soul

24:53 "Cohort Dynamics Explained"

27:26 Hiking Adventure at Mount Rainier

31:53 "Three-Mile Rest Spot"

34:35 Personalized Development Tools Access

38:42 "Guiding with Empathy and EQ"

41:33 "Guidance and Support Offered Freely"

43:06 "SEQ: Enhancing Personal and Global Connection"

Spirit of EQ

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

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Emotional Caregivers: Balancing Empathy, Optimism, and Realistic Boundaries

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

We often think of caregiving as helping those with physical or medical issues. But there's another form – providing care to those facing emotional challenges.

We explore the nuanced role of emotional caregiving in our personal and professional lives.

We discuss the concept of an "EQ caregiver," focusing on the importance of providing emotional support to someone going through a trauma or emotional distress. This involves being present, empathetic, and establishing a connection with the person you're supporting.

Key insights

Empathy and Presence: True empathy goes beyond surface-level interactions. It involves actively engaging with others by asking insightful questions and listening without judgment. This approach helps to genuinely connect with others, offering support that extends beyond mere conversation.
Setting Boundaries: We highlight the importance of setting personal boundaries. This ensures that caregivers don't overextend themselves emotionally, which can lead to burnout or ineffective support. Being clear about your capabilities and limits is crucial for both the caregiver and the person receiving support.
Commitment and Communication: Understanding the level of commitment required is vital. It's okay to express when support needs to transition to professional help, and transparency in communication is essential. The value of honest dialogue about needs and limitations helps maintain relationships and fosters understanding.
Awareness and Self-Care: We emphasize the need for self-reflection and self-awareness. Caregivers are encouraged to assess their emotional state and ensure they are in a position to adequately support others without compromising their own well-being.

Key Moments

00:00 Empathy and Genuine Caregiving

12:51 Navigating Caregiver Boundaries

16:44 Seeking Understanding Through Vulnerability

19:42 "Communicate Honestly, Accept Perceptions"

20:39 "Commitment and Emotional Impulse"

24:08 "Reflecting on Life Choices"

29:27 Curiosity in Long-Term Relationships

32:20 Uncertain Conversations

36:12 Acknowledging and Overcoming Challenges

38:19 Avoiding "Me Too" Responses

46:44 "Unwavering Support Commitment"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Patterns of Growth and Healing with Hattie Hawks

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Understanding PTSD Diagnosis: "The psychiatrist was just like, well, I really don't know for sure if you have ADHD, but you definitely have PTSD. And when she said that, she said it in a way that was it made it more serious to me, like the gravity of it because she had so much compassion in her face that I wasn't expecting." - Hattie Hawks

I'm joined by Hattie Hawks, a TV journalist, trauma survivor, and CEO of Authentic Connections. We explore Hattie's remarkable journey from the fast-paced world of television news to founding her company dedicated to emotional healing. Hattie shares her personal experiences with complex PTSD and the pivotal moment when she realized the depth of her condition. She discusses the symptoms she faced, such as confusion, anxiety, and the surprising revelation about flashbacks that come not just as memories but as overwhelming physical sensations.

We examine the importance of recognizing these patterns in the journey of healing and the critical role of emotional awareness. Hattie emphasizes the necessity of feeling physical sensations to heal and recalibrate one's nervous system, despite life's challenging circumstances.

Throughout our conversation, Hattie shares insights into her lifestyle changes, such as moving at a slower pace, journaling, and embracing simplicity to aid her healing process. We touch on the significance of curiosity, compassion, and questioning oneself as a means of personal growth and overcoming judgment and shame.

We also discuss the broader societal issues, touching on topics like cancel culture and the need for society to embrace its flaws and openly connect. Hattie highlights the importance of building authentic connections and understanding how trauma impacts daily life. Join us in this episode as Hattie offers her wisdom and strategies for navigating life's challenges and finding ways to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

Recognition and Healing: Hattie's journey highlighted the importance of recognizing physical sensations linked to emotional trauma as a starting point for healing. Embracing curiosity over judgment can open pathways for breakthroughs and personal growth.
Balanced Living: The critical need to balance high-achievement ambitions with personal well-being. Hattie's insights underscore the importance of self-compassion and taking moments to recharge and reconnect with oneself.
The Power of Authentic Connections: Emphasizing authentic communication and compassion, Hattie encourages us to share our stories and vulnerabilities. This openness not only heals but also strengthens communal bonds and fosters understanding.

Key Moments

00:00 Healing Journey Through Complex PTSD

04:21 Understanding Trauma Beyond Visual Flashbacks

07:06 Healing Through Acknowledging Bodily Sensations

12:38 Unsustainable Life Patterns

14:37 Emotional Maturity by Age 35

19:15 Empowering Through Curiosity and Growth

20:20 Emotional Pain's Physical Impact

25:32 Mindfulness: Rest, Presence, Responsibility

28:14 Control Over Productivity Limits Creativity

31:32 "Pursuing a Transcendent Life"

34:45 "Reflecting on Music and Relationships"

42:08 Post-Victory Loneliness and Community

45:19 "Reconnecting Authentically Post-COVID"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Mystery of Neural Pathways

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered why certain thoughts or beliefs are so hard to shake? It’s all about neural pathways—connections in our brain that are formed by repeating patterns of thought and behavior.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Understanding Core Beliefs: Discover how core beliefs, often formed early in life, can influence our neural pathways.
Adapting to New Realizations: Learn the importance of examining and questioning your core beliefs to see if they truly serve you.
Building New Pathways: We talk about the challenges and process of creating healthier neural pathways that align with the life you wish to live.
Tools from Emotional Intelligence: Explore how competencies like recognizing patterns, exercising empathy, and nurturing optimism play crucial roles in this process.
Celebrate the Journey: Understand the importance of patience and persistence when forging new mental routes.

Key Moments

00:00 Exploring Core Beliefs in Neuroscience

04:06 "Beliefs vs. Mathematical Probability"

08:04 Challenging "Not Good Enough" Belief

10:12 Old Pathways vs. New Habits

16:05 Accepting Life's Changing Paths

19:00 Parental Concerns and Realizations

23:26 Old vs. New Neural Pathways

24:38 "Embracing Self-Empathy in Adversity"

28:13 "Proactive Change Benefits Everyone"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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SEQ Development Report

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Cultivate Yourself

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

When you hear "cultivate," you might think of plants or farming. But it's more than that! Merriam-Webster defines it as improving through labor, care, or study. Imagine applying this to yourself—endless potential for self-improvement!

Jeff and Eric discuss the idea of self-cultivation. They start by examining the term "cultivate," which is usually linked to farming. According to Merriam-Webster, to cultivate means "to improve by labor, care, or study." They explore how this definition goes beyond agriculture and applies to personal growth and self-improvement as well.

Here are the 5 key takeaways you will learn from this episode:

Redefining Cultivation: Discover the broader meaning of 'cultivation' beyond just soil and crops, and how it applies to life improvement.
The Power of Intent: Learn why having a clear intent is crucial when embarking on any journey of self-improvement.
Parables and Their Lessons: Find out how storytelling and parables can be powerful tools for teaching and self-reflection.
The Role of Curiosity and Patience: Understand how these two elements are essential for personal growth and navigating life's mysteries.
Dealing with Life's 'Rocks': Get insights into handling unexpected challenges that may arise on the path of personal development.

Key Moments

00:00 Cultivation Beyond Crops

04:32 "Parable of the Sower Discussion"

09:21 Acquiring Neighbor's 20-Acre Field

09:54 Ohio's Glacial Soil History

13:57 Intention Beats Instant Gratification

17:50 "The Danger of Easy Soil"

21:17 "Value of Enjoying the Journey"

23:41 "Fighting Complacency with 'Day One' Mindset"

26:37 "Embrace Change, Move Forward"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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SEQ Development Report

Humanity in the Workplace with Moe Carrick

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Does your workplace prioritize humanity?

My guest, Moe Carrick, highlights the need for empathy and genuine human connection in leadership. Do leaders truly see and hear their employees?

The core message in this episode revolves around transforming workplaces to be fit for human life, focusing on emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership. Moe stresses the importance of companies prioritizing both profit and people, challenging outdated models from the industrial revolution that prioritize profit at the expense of human well-being. We discuss the role of emotions in the workplace and share real-life anecdotes illustrating the impact of genuine empathy versus perfunctory empathy.

5 Keys You'll Learn in This Episode

Human-Centric Workplaces: Discover the secrets to building workplaces that aren't just about driving profits but are fit for human life, tapping into the best talents of each individual.
Balancing Profit and People: Understand why chasing profits without considering people and planet could doom the future sustainability of organizations.
Empathy in Action: Learn the nuances of genuine empathy in leadership and how it impacts employee well-being and effectiveness.
The Power of Choice: Delve into the importance of aligning your work with personal values and how to make discerning choices in your career path.
Breaking Stereotypes in Leadership: Explore Moe Carrick's insights on gendered leadership and why breaking outdated stereotypes benefits everyone.

Moe Carrick is a pioneer in workplace culture and leadership, known for her award-winning frameworks that have helped companies like Nike, Reddit, and Amazon improve engagement, reduce burnout, and drive performance. A TEDx speaker and bestselling author, Moe’s work has transformed businesses across industries for over two decades. She specializes in creating environments where people thrive, rooted in her deep expertise in leadership, human connection, and innovative workplace practices.

Key Moments

00:00 "Building Human-Centric Workplaces"

05:34 Nuanced Emotional Intelligence Challenges

08:06 Balancing Optimism with Corporate Profit

11:44 Wealth, Philanthropy, and Moral Questions

15:48 Responsibility and Influence in Small Business

18:47 Holistic Life and Career Choices

21:41 "Finding Work-Life Balance Beyond Pay"

24:31 Life's Journey: Embrace Each Part

28:08 Navigating Nonprofit to Corporate Transition

32:02 Connecting Employees to Organizational Purpose

33:43 Progress in Crisis

39:22 Redefining Gender-Neutral Leadership Traits

42:22 "Balancing Masculinity and Care"

44:00 "Future Conversations Await"

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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SEQ Development Report

How EQ Can Help You Age Better

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Wisdom Through Failure: "A lot of my wisdom that I have is not from succeeding. It's from when I fail, you know."

Old vs. Getting Older

Jeff poses an important question: Is there a difference between being old and getting older? Eric agrees, noting that while getting older is an inevitable part of life, being old is more about one's mindset. The discussion touches on societal pressures, particularly the emphasis on youth, and how these pressures can shape our attitudes toward aging. They also examine how pop culture tends to idolize youth, often overlooking the lasting contributions of older generations.

Role Models and Changing Perceptions

Eric brings up musicians like Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton, who continue to perform and inspire despite their age. This serves as a reminder that aging doesn't have to equate to obsolescence. It also highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations and finding joy and purpose in the later stages of life.

Physical Changes and Adaptation

Jeff candidly shares his own experiences with physical changes as he has ages, including undergoing hip surgery. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these changes without letting them define your outlook on life.

Building a Practice of Emotional Intelligence

Jeff notes that a successful EQ practice isn't about achieving perfection but about continuous improvement and application. Eric concurs, highlighting that these competencies become increasingly vital as we grow older.

Emotional Intelligence Competencies

The hosts identify several emotional intelligence competencies that are particularly useful as we age. These include:

Self-Awareness - Recognizing and understanding your emotions, especially during challenging times.
Optimism - Maintaining a hopeful outlook, even when facing physical limitations or other aging-related challenges.
Adaptability - Adjusting your mindset and actions in response to new circumstances.
Empathy - Understanding the emotions and experiences of others, which can be especially enriching in later years.
Relationship Skills - Building and maintaining strong connections with others, which can provide essential support and companionship.
Stress Management - Learning to cope with stress in healthier ways, which becomes increasingly important as we age.

Jeff and Eric encourage you to build and maintain a practice of emotional intelligence throughout your life. This practice can make the journey of aging more fulfilling and less daunting. Plus don't forget the importance of humor and maintaining a positive outlook, both of which can significantly enhance the experience of getting older.

Key Moments

00:00 Will today's stars remain popular in future?

06:04 Groundedness aids artists' adaptation and longevity.

08:54 Plan now for a healthy, active final decade.

12:17 Emotions persist; optimism aids post-surgery recovery.

13:48 Building long-term emotional intelligence through practice.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

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SEQ Development Report

Jazz As a Tool for Creativity and Problem Solving with A Tribe For Jazz

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The Hidden Power of Jazz: "Jazz music, I think it's important to say, (Jazz) has a significant number of benefits, neurologically, physiologically, even passive listening."

A Tribe For Jazz is a nonprofit organization founded with a mission to preserve and advance jazz through visual storytelling, performances, education, and community engagement. Founded three years ago, with an anniversary approaching in April 2025, the organization has already left a notable mark in the jazz community.

Stephanie Matthews' Journey and Role

Stephanie Matthews, the executive director of A Tribe For Jazz, shares her personal journey and the roots of her passion for jazz. Growing up surrounded by jazz music, influenced by her family, and learning the trumpet out of admiration for Louis Armstrong, Stephanie's connection to jazz runs deep. She joined the organization bringing her expertise in visual storytelling, which has become a crucial part of their mission.

Visual Storytelling and Achievements

One of the standout achievements of A Tribe For Jazz is the creation of "Legacy Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey" a cinematic performance film showcased at film festivals worldwide. This project exemplifies the organization's innovative approach to preserving jazz in a visual and immersive way.

Additionally, the organization hosts the Combs International Jazz Series, featuring top-tier national and international jazz musicians, in partnership with CCAD and Columbus Dance Theatre.

Educational and Community Initiatives

Stephanie emphasizes the organization's commitment to education and community engagement. They use jazz as a tool in educational contexts such as STEM and social-emotional learning. By forming dynamic partnerships, A Tribe For Jazz provides young children, especially from marginalized communities, with opportunities to think differently and develop essential skills like collaboration, adaptability, resilience, and improvisation.

Jazz as a Way of Thinking

Stephanie Matthews elaborates on how jazz is more than just music for her organization; it's a way of thinking and collaborating, similar to interactions in a jazz ensemble. She shares insights on how jazz fosters inclusivity, access, dialogue, and listening, making it applicable beyond the realm of art. However, she has faced skepticism from those who see jazz only as an art form and not as a broader concept with scientific connections.

Neuroscience and Music’s Influence

Stephanie articulates jazz's influence on the brain. She mentions how music, especially jazz, can evoke geometric patterns, mathematical equations, and colors, signifying its complexity and relation to science. Eric recommends a talk by Pat Metheny at a neuroscience conference, illustrating how music can be detected in nonmusical sounds, further emphasizing music's pervasive presence in our lives.

The Challenge of Thinking Over Judging

Eric discusses the notion that judgment is easy and thinking is hard, particularly in businesses and educational institutions. He encourages analytical individuals like engineers or accountants to explore and utilize different parts of their brain to enhance their existing processes.

JazzLab and Creative Processes

Stephanie sheds light on the JazzLab approach, where a catalyst idea is built upon with inputs from others, allowing room for evolution and feedback.

Adapting to Change and Embracing Possibilities

Eric and Stephanie discuss the inevitability of change and how jazz can be used as a metaphor to navigate it. Stephanie introduces "jazz thinking," a method in development focusing on relinquishing control and being open to possibilities rather than predetermined outcomes.

Music and Problem-Solving

Eric and Stephanie explore the idea of using creative approaches, like music, to solve societal and organizational issues, such as affordable housing. They suggest incorporating music into corporate retreats to inspire new solutions and improve problem-solving.

Key Moments

00:00 Discussing reasons for choosing jazz music.

05:16 Jazz captivates beyond famous names and personalities.

08:12 Stephanie loves the organization's focus on music.

11:40 Jazz enhances wellness, creativity, memory, and emotion.

14:12 Miles Davis influenced song's crucial early change.

18:50 Judgment is easy, thinking requires effortful understanding.

22:12 Jazz is music and a collaborative lifestyle.

23:22 You're talented at communicating in STEM education.

27:35 Creativity liberates non-artists; society emphasizes analytics.

30:58 Bring your organization for Columbus growth issues.

36:12 Promote collaboration, adaptability, interconnectedness through music.

37:48 Indictment looming, societal issues and reluctance.

43:52 People resist change, prefer control for happiness.

46:57 Digable Planets were ahead of their time.

48:38 Adjust to changes to minimize discomfort.

51:37 Nondualistic thinking can be valuable during crises.

Stephanie Matthews is the Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, a visionary 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving jazz's legacy and advancing its future through education, performance, and visual storytelling.

As an arts administrator, Stephanie harnesses jazz as a transformative tool to promote social and emotional learning, STEM integration, and emotional wellness. She created Jazz Lab™, an innovative program funded by the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant, that merges music and science. Jazz Lab™ engages underserved youth in innovative, hands-on experiences like virtual reality, 3D printed instrument assembly, and exploring the physics of sound, igniting creativity, collaboration, and curiosity in the next generation of learners.

Stephanie’s leadership also extends into award-winning film production. Notable projects include Legacy Jon Irabagon: A Solo Tenor Odyssey, a captivating celebration of jazz’s creative spontaneity, and Exploration, a documentary and workshop that blends jazz, mindfulness, and collaborative art to promote emotional wellness.

Grounded in her faith and an unwavering commitment to inclusion and educational equity, Stephanie has elevated A Tribe for Jazz into a globally recognized organization. Through her vision, the organization continues to redefine how jazz is experienced—bridging disciplines and inspiring, dynamic connections that honor the legacy and innovation of jazz.

Website: https://www.atribeforjazz.org

The article referencing South Dakota Mines

"Music and STEM combine to create perfect harmony"

https://hardrock.sdsmt.edu/magazine/music-and-stem-combine-to-create-perfect-harmony

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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SEQ Development Report

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The Power of Sabbatical and Self-Discovery with Lyndall Farley

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What interests or passions would you pursue if you incorporated frequent sabbaticals into your lifestyle?

We talk about the transformative power of sabbaticals and self-discovery with our special guest, Lyndall Farley, a sabbatical coach who has taken an impressive 11 sabbaticals herself. This episode explores strategic approaches to taking time off work, the importance of planning ahead, and the essential role of support networks.

What are the impacts of the pandemic on personal reflection, the increasing adoption of sabbaticals in the corporate world, and the benefits of disconnecting from the constant demands of work? Lyndall shares insightful stories, including how sabbaticals can aid in transitioning to retirement, improve work-life balance, and provide clarity in one’s career and personal life.

Whether you're considering a short break or a longer sabbatical, or just curious about how to find purpose beyond professional achievements, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in as we uncover how stepping away from the 'hamster wheel' can rejuvenate not only your career but your entire outlook on life.

Key Moments

00:00 Exploring role of a sabbatical coach.

04:31 Reflecting post-pandemic: career breaks and life priorities.

09:57 Successful but burnt-out professional seeking sabbatical.

13:09 Life design clarified career and work-life balance.

16:12 Decompression fosters recovery and self-rediscovery.

20:30 Prepare family, business, build connections for future.

22:40 Unexpected life events require immediate adaptation.

26:08 Entrepreneur seeks validation through business success.

29:15 Corporate career lacks enduring personal connections.

35:02 Optimal EQ work requires undistracted focus, ideally sabbatical.

37:28 Discuss burnout costs, prevention, and sabbaticals.

42:04 Sabbaticals retain employees, delaying natural exit points.

43:13 Successful family member fears mindless work burnout.

48:38 Traveling to foster kids' empathy and growth.

52:15 Prioritize a break over hiring a coach.

54:30 Prefer workforce with periodic, strategic recharge breaks.

Lyndall Farley

Sabbatical Coach and Consultant

www.beyondabreak.com – Coaching and Consulting

www.gobreakspace.com – Community

Lyndall Farley is an experienced Sabbatical Coach and Consultant passionate about the transformative benefits of extended breaks from work. Through her private coaching practice and membership community - BreakSpace, she guides people to intentionally design a break then helps them recharge and reimagine their next chapter in life and work.

Lyndall also works with companies setting up sabbatical programs to boost employee wellbeing and retention by providing consulting, workshops, sabbatical toolkits and employee coaching.

Lyndall is a true believer in the power of sabbaticals. She has taken 11 sabbaticals (solo and with her family) and has now guided hundreds of people on their sabbatical journeys.

Since the beginning of her career, Lyndall was using sabbaticals to step back, recharge and reflect, so that she could return and leap forward with her next big challenge. She spent 10+ years working for a global consulting firm specialising in Organisational Change Management before training as a coach and launching her business. In 2024 she was awarded a MSc. in Psychology and Neuroscience from King’s College London and combines all this knowledge and experience into her coaching approach.

Lyndall is Australian and has travelled to over 70 countries on all 7 continents. She's lived in the Sydney, America, London and now lives in Amsterdam with her husband and daughter.

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The Emotions and Money Connection with Mike Perez, CFP, CKA, CAP

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0400

How can individuals cultivate a sense of contentment and focus on personal financial goals without falling into the trap of comparing themselves to others?

Eric Pennington talks with financial planning expert Mike Perez, CFP, CKA, CAP, to discuss the critical connection between our emotions and money decisions.

Throughout the conversation, they tackle the challenges of financial planning, including managing emotional influences.

The episode also covers practical advice on managing finances during politically turbulent times, the pitfalls of emotional spending, and the importance of honest financial disclosure akin to a medical consult. Mike and Eric discuss the science of reducing client anxiety and the essential role of financial advisors in helping clients avoid emotional pitfalls in investment decisions.

This episode reveals how emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in achieving financial peace, contentment, and smart decision-making.

Top Takeaways

1. **Timing and Deals**: Mike Perez advises the importance of finding deals at the right time, advocating for strategic patience in financial decisions.

2. **Contrarian Investment Strategy**: The discussion highlights Sam Zell's approach of investing against the norm, suggesting this can often lead to better financial outcomes.

3. **Historical Wisdom**: Mike recounts a story about Joseph Kennedy who exited the stock market before the Great Depression, illustrating the value of recognizing when to step out of the market.

4. **Client Engagement and Fit**: Effective financial planning requires clients who are coachable, open to sharing information, and have legitimate needs. Ensuring a good fit between advisor and client is crucial.

5. **Impact of Emotions**: Both Eric and Mike emphasize how emotions heavily influence financial decisions, often leading to poor financial choices if not properly managed.

6. **Communication in Couples**: Financial planning often involves mediating between couples to ensure shared goals and effective money management, crucial for preventing relationship strain and divorce.

7. **Spending Plans and Emotional Regulation**: A structured spending plan and taking breaks to curb emotional spending can lead to better financial decisions and less impulsive spending habits.

8. **Forward-Thinking Over Comparison**: Mike recommends focusing on future goals instead of making decisions based on comparisons with others, to avoid dissatisfaction and financial missteps.

9. **Behavior Over Information**: In the age of accessible information, Perez stresses that personal beliefs, behaviors, and emotional intelligence are more valuable than mere knowledge.

10. **Integrating Faith with Finance**: The integration of faith into financial practices can lead to greater peace, joy, and contentment, as exemplified by Mike's personal journey and insights shared in his book on faith, finance, and generosity.

Key Moments

00:00 Early money beliefs impact adult financial behavior.

05:39 Financial planners assess clients' money beliefs.

09:51 Focus on contentment, avoid comparison and regret.

13:50 Invest without emotion; prioritize long-term objectives.

14:40 Rely on certified financial planners for advice.

19:07 Coachable and vulnerable clients are essential for success.

22:55 Stress-free zone; assess working relationship fit.

25:04 Full disclosure essential in challenging relationships.

28:26 Forces busy couples to address financial planning.

31:41 Balance spending: Pause before emotional purchases.

35:12 Money management: owe, grow, live, give categories.

40:04 Education fails to teach healthy money habits.

42:10 Behavior tied to emotions is very powerful.

47:32 Faith-inspired financial journey fosters peace and generosity.

49:25 Politics feels overly prioritized, similar to money.

54:26 Sharing wisdom and stories through life's journey.

55:16 Impact one life at a time matters.

Michael has over three decades of experience as a Financial Advisor. He currently is a partner in a national biblically-based wealth management firm where he oversees the Columbus, Ohio office. He holds prestigious credentials including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). He is also the author of "Faith and Finances - Embracing Biblical Principles for Financial Success and Generosity". He is one of the leaders of the faith and finance movement in Central Ohio.

Michael is on a mission to encourage as many people as he can to live out their faith through their finances by embracing biblical principles for financial success and generosity. He has written a book on this topic. www.faithfinancesbook.com.

He is a partner at a nationally recognized, biblically based wealth management firm headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, where I oversee the Columbus, Ohio office.

He can be reached at 614-505-0865 or email Michael@faithfinancesbook.com

Scott Galloway podcast link referencing Intel

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Spirit of EQ

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SEQ Development Report

Tackling the Epidemic of Loneliness

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Eric Pennington tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: loneliness.

Despite being seemingly connected through technology and social media, many of us still grapple with feelings of isolation. Eric explores the underlying causes of loneliness, delving into core beliefs and the stories we tell ourselves, some of which may stem from our past.

He also discusses the dual nature of loneliness, distinguishing between those requiring clinical intervention and those born from social media influence.

Takeaways

1. **Loneliness as a Major Issue**:

Loneliness is identified as one of the biggest problems in the United States and possibly the Western world.

2. **Connection vs. Disconnection**:

Despite the advent of technology and social media creating seemingly endless connections, many people feel more disconnected than ever.

3. **Exploring Remedies**:

The episode emphasizes exploring practical remedies for loneliness, acknowledging it may not be entirely solvable but can certainly be managed.

4. **Self-imposed Isolation**:

The heart of loneliness often lies in isolation, which can be rooted in stories we've created based on outdated core beliefs.

5. **Historical Core Beliefs**:

These core beliefs might have been developed for protection or adaptation in specific environments, but they may no longer serve their purpose.

6. **Understanding Loneliness**:

Gaining a better understanding of what is driving our loneliness can aid in addressing it effectively.

7. **Psychological Factors**:

Loneliness can stem from psychological issues such as depression, requiring professional help from therapists or counselors.

8. **Impact of Social Media**:

Social media can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation by creating unrealistic comparisons and perceptions of others' success.

9. **Addressing Social Media Influence**:

Reducing time spent on social media or changing how we engage with it can be part of the remedy for loneliness.

10. **Holistic Approach**:

A holistic approach is important in tackling loneliness, identifying both psychological issues and social media impacts, and seeking appropriate remedies for each.

Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted issue, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding its roots and employing practical remedies, we can navigate the path to connection and reduce feelings of isolation. As Eric Pennington aptly puts it, “addressing the things that are within our control” can significantly impact our emotional well-being.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Learning from Pears

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Today’s episode is intriguingly titled "Learning from Pears," and trust us, there's a powerful message behind it. Jeff recently stumbled upon a fascinating book that inspired today's discussion. Written by Jeanne Gaffigan, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, "When Life Gives You Pears" chronicles her journey through a life-threatening health challenge, featuring a pear-shaped tumor in her brain.

We look into Jeanne's story, exploring her resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence (EQ) throughout this harrowing experience. We discuss how she leaned on family, friends, and humor to navigate some of the darkest times, and what we can all learn about community, empathy, and optimism from her journey.

Top Takeaways

1. **Unexpected Inspirations**: The episode highlights how unexpected sources, like a book titled "When Life Gives You Pears," can provide profound insights and serve as a foundation for meaningful discussions.

2. **The Importance of Family and Community**: The story of Jeanne Gaffigan emphasizes the vital role of family and friends in providing support during challenging times.

3. **Humor as a Coping Mechanism**: Both Jeanne and Jim Gaffigan utilized humor to navigate through difficult circumstances, showing how laughter can be a powerful tool in facing adversity.

4. **Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence**: Jeanne's journey exhibited high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, helping her recognize and manage her emotions throughout the experience.

5. **Empathy and Compassion**: Demonstrating empathy towards medical practitioners and herself, Jeanne illustrated how understanding and compassion are essential during tough times.

6. **Faith and Coincidences**: Jeanne's renewal of faith and the remarkable "coincidences" she experienced underscore the belief in and impact of a higher power or destiny during crises.

7. **The Role of Optimism**: Jeanne's optimism, despite the severity of her condition, was instrumental in her resilience and recovery, highlighting the power of a positive attitude.

8. **Intentionality in Relationships**: The episode stresses the importance of nurturing relationships intentionally so that when tough times arise, a strong support system is readily available.

9. **Transparency and Openness**: Jeanne's willingness to share her journey openly provided inspiration and lessons for others, demonstrating the value of vulnerability and openness.

10. **Investing in the Right Things**: The conversation points to the necessity of investing time and energy into meaningful relationships rather than material or peripheral pursuits, which proves invaluable during life’s challenges.

Memorable Moments

05:37 Despite life-threatening challenges, she maintained optimism.

06:48 Woman humorously copes with hospital stay, recovery.

11:23 Nurture connections for support during challenging times.

15:23 Share story of strength and support through illness.

18:25 Amazing events lead to a total renewal.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Lessons From a Mountain Hike

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Spirit of EQ podcast! I'm your host, Eric Pennington, and in today's episode, we're diving into a personal and transformative experience I recently had hiking near Mount Rainier in Washington State.

Despite my fear of heights, I pushed through a challenging 6-mile trek, rising from 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, I encountered a myriad of emotions and found valuable lessons in vulnerability, the importance of naming emotions, and the power of taking life one step at a time.

Join me as I share my journey, the strategies that helped me overcome my fears, and the insights gained from this unforgettable adventure.

Life Lessons from the Hike

Eric wraps up the episode by summarizing the life lessons he gathered from this hike:

Life as a Hike: He emphasizes that life is a series of moments or "chapters," and recognizing each moment as part of a larger story can help us navigate difficulties. This perspective prevents us from being overwhelmed by challenges, as they are just a part of the larger narrative of our lives.
Authenticity and Ego: Eric discusses the importance of showing up as your true self. When ego becomes too dominant, we risk becoming inauthentic. Vulnerability can indeed be risky, but if people abandon you for being vulnerable, it says more about them than it does about you.
Emotional Intelligence: Naming and understanding emotions can transform them from an internal enemy to an ally. Eric credits EQ (Emotional Intelligence) skills for helping him manage his fear during the hike. These skills are essential tools that can be learned and honed over time.
Success One Step at a Time: True success doesn’t come from skipping to the end goal but from the journey itself. Each step holds its own value and lessons. This approach applies not just to hiking but to all aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal growth.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Exploring Creativity and Community: Stacie Boord’s Vision for Shadowbox Live

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

How does embracing discomfort and resilience play a role in effective leadership, especially in creative environments?

We have an amazing conversation with the incredibly talented Stacie Boord from Shadowbox Live.

Stacie Boord is the CEO and creative powerhouse behind Shadowbox Live, the nation’s largest resident theater ensemble. Stacie brings her passion for the arts, her leadership insights, and personal reflections to this enriching discussion.

**5 Keys You'll Learn:**

1. **Pandemic Lessons**: Stacie shares her hopes on the important lessons we can take from the pandemic and how they shape our future.

2. **Creative Leadership**: Discover how Stacie’s role as CEO hasn’t stifled her creativity but enriched it, providing invaluable experiences she transfers to her art.

3. **Quality of Life for Artists**: Stacie compares the lifestyles of artists in Columbus versus other cities and emphasizes the supportive community in Columbus.

4. **Curiosity and STEM in the Arts**: Learn how a STEM mindset and a curious nature benefit both artists and business leaders.

5. **The Artistic Journey**: Stacie deep dives into the significance of the journey, challenges, and the resilience required in the life of an artist.

**Fun Fact from the Episode**

Did you know? Shadowbox Live has revamped its performance schedule to run single shows over 6-7 weeks instead of 4 months with two simultaneous shows, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for both artists and audiences!

Memorable Moments

00:00 Nation's largest theater ensemble with diverse performances.

05:07 Imitating idols helps develop your unique voice.

07:29 Artists use STEM approach for creative experimentation.

11:11 Embrace feedback, adapt, improve, don't get behind.

13:33 Adaptation led to unexpected life lessons.

15:43 Showmanship in singing conveys emotional storytelling.

20:09 Artists must be present; audience notices disengagement.

22:13 Process involves sending video, then interview, guidance.

26:46 Don't add undue pressure; you're where you are needed.

31:32 Shift mindset to accept and navigate challenges.

35:06 Grateful for amazing father, shaped life's perspective.

38:25 Balancing CEO role enhances my creative work.

40:25 Long-term artistry enabled by supportive community funding.

45:40 Improving but inspired by colleagues, still artists.

48:39 Embrace adaptability and support personal and professional growth.

51:25 Reviving creative assets and expanding reach collaboratively.

54:15 Young musician wants to create artist retreat.

56:42 Providing opportunities and nurturing skills is exciting.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Don't Borrow Trouble: Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

What are some strategies you use to stay present when you’re feeling overwhelmed or distracted?

In a world that constantly bombards us with information and stress, learning how to navigate uncertainty and stay grounded is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. We expand on their conversation, offering practical strategies to help you focus on the present and avoid wasting energy on future uncertainties.

While political and socioeconomic challenges are ever-present, it's essential to remember that everyone faces unique personal hurdles. Whether financial stress, health concerns, or emotional isolation, these challenges can overwhelm our ability to manage daily life.

The core message is clear: worrying excessively about future events depletes your mental and emotional resources.

**Understanding "Don't Borrow Trouble"**

Jeff introduced a phrase that carries timeless wisdom: "Don't borrow trouble." It's a reminder not to waste energy worrying about future events that you cannot control.

"If you’re always looking at the next thing, you’re never going to be in the moment now," Jeff says. This divided mind and presence hinders your ability to make correct decisions today. Eric echoes this sentiment, quoting the biblical wisdom, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble of its own."

**Navigating Personal and Global Stressors**

The hosts discussed the mental toll of overconsumption of media, particularly news outlets that thrive on sensationalism. When outlets constantly encourage us to worry, it’s vital to take a step back and evaluate the necessity and healthiness of the information being ingested.

Here’s a helpful practice: make use of a "lockbox" strategy. As Jeff mentioned, mentally place worries you can't address immediately into a lockbox in the back of your mind. Save your emotional and mental energy for the present moment when you can effectively and meaningfully use it.

**Developing Emotional Intelligence**

Eric and Jeff bring in concepts from emotional intelligence to help avoid borrowing trouble:

1. **Emotional Literacy**: Recognize and name the emotions you are experiencing. Are you feeling fear, anger, or anxiety? Understanding these emotions sets the stage for dealing with them effectively.

2. **Consequential Thinking**: Reflect on the consequences of your thoughts and actions. If worrying about the future doesn't benefit you or others, why continue?

3. **Empathy**: Exercise empathy towards others and yourself. Understand that everyone is struggling with their own challenges. Remember, as Eric notes, giving empathy aligns with being fully present and supportive to those who rely on us.

4. **Noble Goal Alignment**: Assess whether your thoughts and actions align with your noble goal. Jeff’s goal, for instance, is to help people find the art in themselves. Borrowing trouble detracts from his ability to live out this noble purpose and be present with others.

**Practical Steps to Avoid Borrowing Trouble**

1. **Limit Media Consumption**: Choose reliable, balanced news sources, and allocate specific times to catch up on news. Constant news notifications can serve as unnecessary stress triggers.

2. **Practice Mindfulness**: Meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga can help you stay grounded and focus on the present moment.

3. **Seek Professional Help**: If you find it exceptionally hard to let go of worries, consult a therapist or a coach who can provide strategies tailored to your unique circumstances.

4. **Set Realistic Priorities**: Concentrate on what you can control today. Utilize to-do lists and prioritize tasks that have immediate impacts over hypothetical future problems.

5. **Engage in Healthy Distractions**: Hobbies, exercise, and social activities can help shift your focus from worrying about future uncertainties to enjoying the present.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Navigating personal challenges without unnecessary worry.

05:40 Technology was essential during the COVID pandemic.

11:53 Evaluating and nullifying irrational fears through introspection.

16:57 Good advice influences success.

20:17 Consider consequences; ensure beneficial outcomes, including empathy.

20:57 Empathy needed for differing political views.

25:32 Is it moving you forward or backward?

27:29 Are you identifying and keeping what's essential?

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Progress to Vigilance

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Eric Pennington and Jeff East get into the journey of personal growth and the challenges we all face along the way. They explore the importance of self-reflection, community support, and the persistence needed to overcome struggles. Eric shares his personal experiences, touching on societal pressures and the balance between striving for more and finding contentment.

How do our brains process change? Jeff and Eric discuss the resistance we face, and the pivotal role curiosity and practice play in avoiding stagnation.

From understanding the emotional toll of past traumas to celebrating small daily progress, Eric and Jeff provide valuable insights and encouragement to help you navigate your own path to growth. Plus, hear about the inspiring journeys of individuals who defy the norm, and discover why empathy and consequential thinking are key to transforming your mindset.

Top Takeaways

1. **Self-Reflection and Community Support**: Integral components for personal growth, providing the foundation for understanding oneself and receiving the encouragement needed for development.

2. **Embracing Challenges**: Essential for growth, acknowledging that struggling is a normal part of the journey and a catalyst for progress.

3. **Persistence Is Key**: Continuous effort and persistence are crucial in achieving meaningful change and developing new behaviors and habits.

4. **Curiosity Prevents Stagnation**: Staying curious and maintaining regular practice are necessary to avoid stagnating and to facilitate breakthroughs.

5. **Societal Pressure and Personal Growth**: Understanding the impact of societal messages on personal decisions and behavior, and the pressure to constantly strive for more.

6. **Understanding Resistance to Change**: Exploring why people resist change, the role of the brain in this process, and how the brain can become an ally in overcoming this resistance.

7. **Consequential Thinking and Empathy**: Approaching setbacks and disappointments with empathy towards oneself and viewing consequential thinking from a positive perspective.

8. **Transformation Through Empathy**: The importance of empathy in transforming how one views the people who have caused past trauma and abandonment, facilitating healing and growth.

9. **Daily Progress and Small Improvements**: Focusing on daily progress and small, compounded improvements over time, rather than immediate large-scale changes.

10. **Updating Mental "Software"**: The necessity of updating outdated mental patterns formed from childhood traumas and fears, allowing new, healthier ways of thinking to guide growth and development.

Key Moments

00:00 People fear change, friend struggles with commitment.

03:47 Brain signaling and self-doubt in experience.

18:41 Neuroscience experts say brain works on best guesses.

20:55 Fear: brain's protective response, personal experience.

23:26 Belief in overcoming abandonment trauma through therapy.

30:09 Seek help for deep trauma, don't isolate.

36:44 Impressions hinder understanding of personal growth.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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EQ Cohort Information

Eric Pennington explains EQ Cohorts as a program designed to improve emotional intelligence (EQ) for senior leaders and their teams over nine to twelve months. It involves monthly group sessions, individual coaching, and provided content, aiming for behavior change and community building. Unlike short workshops, this approach fosters deeper, lasting EQ practices. To learn more, email us at info@spiritofeq.com

Finding Your Authentic Self: Lessons in Creativity and Belonging with Lee Ann Lander

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

How do you think the fast pace and constant connectivity of modern life affect one's ability to live authentically? What strategies could help maintain authenticity in a fast-paced society?

We're back with another soul-stirring episode that's all about finding your true self amidst the chaos of modern life. We sit down with our beloved and frequent guest, the inspiring Lee Ann Lander.

5 Key Takeaways:

The Cost of Inauthenticity: Eric explores the downsides of living an inauthentic life. The conversation explores how suppressing your true self not only eats away at your happiness but can have spiritual and emotional costs.
The Power of Creativity: Creativity isn't just for artists! Lee Ann breaks down how everyone has an intrinsic creative trait, whether you're a fast-food manager radiating joy or a logistician bringing new ideas to the table.
Belonging vs. Authenticity: The delicate balance of wanting to belong and staying true to who you are. Lee Ann and Eric discuss how societal pressures and the fear of judgment can lead to self-censorship.
Curiosity and Self-Improvement: Jeff suggests looking at past mistakes through the lens of curiosity for emotional growth. Eric and Lee Ann discuss how understanding your emotions can turn moments of anger or regret into growth opportunities.
Support Systems Matter: Discover the vital role a supportive network plays in your journey to authenticity. Even one like-minded person can make a world of difference.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Lee Ann gives a heartwarming example of a fast-food manager whose joy and enthusiasm left a lasting impression, showing that authenticity and positivity can shine through in any job.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Chose education and natural resources over writing.

05:56 Fear of judgment fosters inauthenticity for belonging.

11:43 Fearful management stifles team creativity and participation.

20:39 Creativity fosters growth by reframing past mistakes.

23:57 Embrace moments, correct them, and move forward.

29:25 Episode highlights dad's unintended influence on playing.

33:54 Respect others' values while sharing unconventional ideas.

39:19 Recognizing authenticity requires seeking external perspectives.

44:07 Progress takes time; it won't happen overnight.

50:23 World needs authentic people like Lianne's journey.

54:04 World loses much to time-consuming distractions.

01:01:52 Are you helping people move forward or backward?

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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SEQ Development Report

Emotional Taxation

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

The hidden costs of our emotional expenditures.

Jeff and Eric navigate the taxing effects of emotions in our everyday lives.

We often think of taxes solely in monetary terms, but how burdensome charges can also apply to our emotional well-being.

They explore how concerns like worry, envy, workplace unease, and relationship strains can deplete our emotional reserves, leaving us drained and overburdened.

Jeff and Eric will also provide insightful strategies for identifying what’s within our control to change and what isn’t, offering paths to reclaim our emotional energy. It's all about gaining the courage to make changes where we can and the wisdom to accept what we cannot.

Top Takeaways

1. **Emotional Taxation** - The idea that just as there are financial taxes, there are emotional taxes that can burden individuals, such as worry, envy, and the stress of relationships and work.

2. **The Power of Expectations** - Setting appropriate expectations can mitigate emotional taxation. Just as you wouldn't expect a team with a poor track record to win a championship, managing expectations in life can reduce emotional burden.

3. **Address vs. Worry** - There's a distinction between addressing an issue proactively and worrying about it. Proactive approaches can alleviate emotional taxes, whereas worry can exacerbate them.

4. **Reevaluating Relationships** - It's crucial to assess personal relationships and consider if they're beneficial. Staying in unhealthy relationships can be an unnecessary emotional tax.

5. **Workplace Challenges** - Changes at work can be perceived either as a tax or an opportunity. Embracing challenges can lessen the emotional taxation.

6. **Reflection and Control** - Reflecting on what elements of a situation are within one's control can help in making effective decisions to reduce emotional taxation.

7. **Actionable Changes** - Identifying and focusing on things one can change, rather than those one cannot, is key to decreasing emotional taxes and improving quality of life.

8. **Serene Acceptance** - The serenity prayer or a similar sentiment helps highlight the importance of accepting what can't be changed and finding the courage to change what can, thereby reducing emotional taxation.

9. **Curiosity and Reflection** - Employing curiosity and reflection helps to break out of negative emotional loops like continuous worry, thereby reducing emotional taxation.

10. **Think, Feel, Act** - This process involves thinking about a situation, identifying one's feelings about it, and then taking appropriate action. This cognitive approach can help manage and reduce emotional taxation.

Memorable Moments

00:00 "Worry as a form of tax imagery."

03:29 Worrying about job loss and financial insecurity.

09:00 Inability to take responsibility in relationships acknowledged.

11:15 Control worry, envy, and mindset in work.

13:48 Reflection on self-awareness and decision-making process.

18:54 Differentiate between what can and cannot change.

19:32 Explore new job opportunities for better fit.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Demystifying Spirituality with Dr. Veronica Tracy-Smith, Lynette Vaive and Jim Vaive

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

We get into the topic of spirituality and its various interpretations, featuring esteemed guests Dr. Veronica Tracy-Smith, Lynette Vaive, and Jim Vaive, alongside Eric Pennington.

In this episode, we'll explore how spirituality connects us to something larger than ourselves and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.

Whether you're seeking ways to enhance your spiritual intelligence or looking for some inspiration on your journey of self-discovery, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and heartfelt reflections.

Top Takeaways

1. **Defining Spirituality**: Dr. Veronica Tracy-Smith defines spirituality as a connection to something larger than oneself, being in service to that spirit, and engaging in practices to ground oneself physically and emotionally.

2. **Spiritual Awareness**: Lynette Vaive emphasizes going beyond the physical realm to become aware of another piece of oneself that guides in the right direction, which is pivotal in her spiritual journey.

3. **Connection and Essence**: Jim Vaive discusses spirituality as the essence inside oneself that connects with the universe, other people, and the world at large.

4. **Somatic Practices**: Both Dr. Veronica Tracy-Smith and Lynette Vaive talk about the importance of somatic practices like breathing exercises and yoga to enhance spiritual awareness and presence.

5. **Impact of Life Stages**: The guests agree that different life stages and experiences shape one's spiritual journey, prompting introspection about purpose and legacy.

6. **Self-Reflection and Self-Care**: Lynette Vaive highlights the importance of making time for self-reflection and nurturing one's spirit, including scheduling specific time for self-care activities.

7. **Emotional Intelligence**: Jim Vaive and Lynette Vaive stress the importance of understanding and integrating one's personality type and emotional intelligence into one's spiritual development.

8. **Tools for Personal Growth**: The comprehensive report linking emotional and spiritual intelligence is designed to aid personal growth and coaching purposes, providing language to describe emotions and experiences.

9. **Spiritual Intelligence Assessment (SQ21)**: Dr. Veronica Tracy-Smith discusses SQ21, which consists of 21 skills based on emotional intelligence and includes aspects like recognizing ego and exploring one’s mission, vision, and values.

10. **Breathing and Mindfulness**: Practices like the box breath technique and finding quiet stillness are recommended as small steps to begin one's spiritual journey, enhancing personal growth and self-awareness.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Define spirituality, connect to something larger than self.

06:21 Religious upbringing, cognitive intelligence shift, emotional journey.

07:55 Understanding inner guidance and spiritual awareness through experience.

12:01 Encouraging embracing attention, reflection, and spiritual growth.

14:51 Enhancing emotional intelligence through spiritual consideration.

24:02 Developing emotional intelligence is about self-awareness.

25:23 Understanding triggers, self-awareness, growth, and continuous journey.

34:51 Connecting with ourselves and others is essential.

36:06 Interpersonal connections are vital for personal growth.

42:44 Starting with the breath, finding quiet stillness.

43:28 Notice thoughts, create space, practice mindfulness activities.

Psychologist, coach and teacher. With a multi-faceted lens towards growth and well-being I weave in healing of the body, emotions, thoughts and our spiritual Self in the work with clients. Dr. Tracy-Smith has a deep level of training in Somatic Experiencing, trauma healing, polyvagal therapy, adult, emotional and spiritual development. She is also an instructor for the College of Executive Coaching in Positive Psychology, Health and Well-Being, and Personal and Executive Coaching. Also teaching SQ21 Spiritual Intelligence Coaches Certification through Deep Change University, meditation and the development of the multi-dimensional mystical self along with Reiki. Past teaching for California State University, Fullerton.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Redefining Health Goals with Quincy Williams

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Our latest episode of the *Spirit of EQ* is an invigorating conversation with the insightful Quincy Williams, from Quality Wellness Performance and Coaching. We catch up with Quincy and discuss the nuanced relationship between fitness decisions today and their long-term implications.

Quincy's previous guest appearances on Spirit of EQ are episodes 62 and 67.

Top Takeaways

1. **Anticipating Future Health**: Understanding that the decisions and actions made in one's fifties will significantly influence their quality of life in the subsequent decade, stressing the value of planning and maximizing the present to benefit future well-being.

2. **Mindset Over Metrics**: Highlighting the necessity for a shift in focus from short-term physical health metrics like weight and blood pressure to broader goals about what one wishes to be doing in the future.

3. **Interdisciplinary Collaboration**: Emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration between healthcare providers and fitness professionals to ensure comprehensive client care and the consideration of medication impacts on fitness programs.

4. **Holistic Health Approach**: Advocating a balanced emphasis on sleep, nutrition, exercise, and recovery as essential components of well-being, rather than quick fixes like weight loss drugs.

5. **Emotional Intelligence in Fitness**: Recognizing the value of emotional intelligence in managing emotions, making better lifestyle choices, and finding the personal motivation for maintaining fitness goals.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Valid studies invite scrutiny and skepticism for improvement.

06:57 Validate, understand, and give yourself grace. Trust.

14:51 Finding the why behind fitness and health.

16:36 Using tools for exercise and longevity is important.

22:40 Plan for the future and maintain well-being.

29:55 Small injuries impact movement and lifestyle choices.

33:54 Incorporate EQ, functionality, and specific fitness goals.

37:02 Open communication with your doctor is crucial.

44:47 Importance of weight loss and muscle building.

50:14 Enhancing emotional intelligence for better decision-making.

56:22 Individual choice is important but consider consequences.

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Excellence

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

The journey toward achieving personal and professional excellence.

Jeff kicks things off by sharing personal anecdotes from his bowling league experiences, emphasizing the relentless practice and focus required to master those elusive spare shots and ultimately score that perfect game. These lessons from the lanes set the stage for a broader conversation on the themes of intrinsic motivation, the significance of having a noble goal, and the importance of self-empathy in the pursuit of excellence.

Eric connects these experiences to the larger context of relationship and leadership development, underscoring the necessity of recognizing and adhering to effective patterns. Together, they explore how acknowledging even slight progress and maintaining optimism can propel us forward, and why it's crucial to construct positive environments, whether at home or in the workplace.

Top Takeaways

1. **Pattern Recognition and Routine**: Understanding and implementing patterns or routines in one's activities, whether personal or professional, are crucial for achieving excellence and consistent success.

2. **Personal Motivation in Relationships and Careers**: Identifying what one truly desires in a relationship or career is foundational in maintaining motivation and achieving personal satisfaction.

3. **Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation**: Recognizing the value of intrinsic motivation, which is driven by personal growth and satisfaction, as opposed to extrinsic motivation, which often involves external rewards and pressures.

4. **Creating Positive Work Environments**: The importance of fostering a positive work environment that encourages intrinsic motivation and overall well-being.

5. **Optimism and Progress Recognition**: Maintaining a positive outlook and acknowledging even small improvements as progress towards excellence.

6. **Self-Empathy in Skill Development**: Allowing oneself grace and recognizing that developing new skills and habits takes time and patience.

7. **The Importance of a Noble Goal**: Setting a noble, meaningful goal acts as a strong motivator and helps individuals to persist through challenges and setbacks.

8. **Resilience Through Noble Goals**: People guided by noble, altruistic goals tend to navigate difficulties better, preserving their motivation and focus during challenging times.

9. **Consistency and Hard Work in Practice**: The commitment to regular and focused practice is essential not only to achieve but also to maintain a high level of performance in any field.

10. **Learning from Experts**: Drawing inspiration and learning techniques from those who excel in a particular area can provide invaluable insights and motivation to improve oneself.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Bowling requires skill, especially with spares.

04:39 Bowling practice, focused on hitting specific pins.

06:22 Developed bowling skills through dedicated, repeated practice.

10:14 Enjoyed bowling but had to give up.

13:18 Consistency is key for leadership development training.

17:40 Intrinsic motivation is essential for reaching goals.

21:55 Embrace staying calm, it's a personal victory.

24:03 Intrinsic motivation drives fulfilling your noble goal.

26:19 Overcome trials, stay true to your goal.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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SEQ Development Report

Simplicity

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In today's world, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the complex interplay of emotions and daily distractions.

Eric and Jeff go into the vital topic of simplifying our emotional landscape to enhance our emotional intelligence.

They explore techniques like the 6-Second Rule to manage reactions, the importance of being intentional with our emotional focus, and the benefits of reducing life’s clutter to prioritize what truly matters.

Through personal stories and practical advice, they will guide you on how to create space for self-reflection and build better emotional habits. Embrace the journey with us as we uncover the power of simplicity in mastering emotions and enriching our lives.

Top Takeaways

1. **Emotion Management through the 6-second Rule**: The importance of creating a momentary pause before reacting in order to make more thoughtful decisions.

2. **Intentional Exploration of Emotions**: Setting aside specific times to reflect on and understand emotions rather than leaving emotional awareness to chance.

3. **Building New Neural Pathways**: Like rerouting a well-worn path, changing emotional responses and habits requires consistent effort and perseverance.

4. **Simplification as a Focus Tool**: Reducing distractions to better focus on important emotional and life experiences, leading to better management and understanding of one's emotional state.

5. **Curiosity Over Judgment**: Approaching emotions and memories with curiosity rather than judgment to better understand underlying feelings and reactions without placing blame.

6. **Physical Sensations and Emotional Responses**: Recognizing and respecting the physical sensations that accompany emotions can help in managing responses and making more rational decisions once intense feelings subside.

7. **Self-Assessment and Accountability**: The value of regular self-check-ins and having an accountability partner to stay on track with emotional intelligence goals.

8. **Energy Conservation through Prioritization**: Emphasizing the need to conserve mental and emotional energy for the things that truly matter by simplifying and prioritizing life's challenges and demands.

9. **Understanding the Brain's Interpretation of Emotions**: Acknowledging how the brain processes situations and emotions naturally, and the role of focused attention in managing the overflow of stimuli, such as excessive advertising.

10. **The Power of Simplicity in Emotional Prayer and Reflection**: Inspired by simplicity in other areas of life, such as a song, leading to more focused and meaningful personal reflections and spiritual practices.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Song lyrics emphasize simplicity and finding peace.

04:50 Prefrontal cortex processes stimuli, triggers subsequent emotion.

08:50 Limiting exposure to ads for focus.

11:01 Pause noise, focus on emotions and priorities.

15:03 Navigating memories, seeking breakthroughs through emotions.

19:13 Delving into emotions takes time and effort.

21:01 Embrace simplicity and intentionality for effective EQ.

24:15 Develop new neural pathways by writing things down.

28:07 Neural pathways are like cow paths, changeable.

32:24 Encouragement to build EQ for unknown challenges. Value in paying attention and embracing simplicity.

34:32 Prioritize big things before small things.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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The Competencies of Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Do you ever catch yourself believing those lingering negative comments from the past? Eric addresses how these can form neural pathways, influencing our reality and emotional responses, and both he and Jeff explore how you can rewrite this narrative.

They also touch on the bigger EQ picture—from the simplicity yet profoundness of a noble goal, the strategic navigation of your emotional GPS, the anchoring power of intrinsic motivation and optimism, to the practice of consequential thinking.

Top Takeaways

Accurately identifying and interpreting one's own feelings, as well as those of others, is a fundamental competency of emotional intelligence.

Belief in negative comments from one's past can lead to the formation of neural pathways that establish a distorted 'reality'.

Addressing one's vulnerability and acknowledging the need for reassurance play a significant role in managing concerns and emotions rather than dismissing or avoiding them.

Identifying negative emotional patterns and understanding their impact on behavior are crucial steps in improving emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence involves applying consequential thinking, which is about weighing the costs and benefits of choices and understanding their long-term effects.

Aligning actions to personal values and finding one's noble goal can provide clarity and purpose.

Like using a GPS for emotional guidance, strategic use of emotions involves recognizing where one is emotionally and deliberately using that knowledge to navigate complex situations.

Empathy is key to emotional intelligence and involves a deep understanding of and responding to others' emotions.

Recognizing and being honest about one's capacity for empathy and support—towards both oneself and others—is important.

Developing emotional intelligence is not just about gaining knowledge but actively practicing it through recognizing and navigating emotions, understanding patterns, and evaluating consequences. It's a continuous process of self-reflection and personal growth.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Experience updates, changes and restarting podcast series.

10:03 Literate in navigating complexities, but avoiding trauma.

12:54 Recent conversation with wife about childhood traumas.

20:02 Apple TV Plus features classic Charlie Brown content.

25:24 Value of self-reflection and curiosity in growth.

30:44 Deflecting compliments due to past negative experiences.

36:28 Struggle between analysis paralysis and impulsive decisions.

37:29 Different roles in life and work described.

46:39 3 competencies for each: know, choose, give.

48:47 Understanding emotions enhances navigation and management.

55:20 Recognize value and reflect on personal journey.

01:00:40 Questioning optimism, problem-solving perspective in engineering industry.

01:06:36 Embracing mistakes, learning, and cultural dysfunction.

01:10:03 Empathy requires understanding and active listening.

01:16:21 Recognizing signs, seeking help, fostering self-awareness.

01:21:11 Overpowering influences can hinder better decision-making.

01:26:20 Encountering problems and opportunities shapes happiness.

01:30:26 Seminars, workshops, coaching - all for you.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Lessons From George Washington's 110 Rules of Chivalry

Wed, 22 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

We explore this unique aspect of our culture, and we discover some powerful lessons that still hold today.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Choose your praise wisely: Praise should be genuine and deserved, not just empty words. Let's be mindful of what we praise and ensure we're nurturing a culture of true accomplishment and encouragement.

2️⃣ Foster positive connections: Whether it's during a meal or any other interaction, putting on a cheerful countenance can create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere. Let's remember to be fully present with the people around us and make meaningful connections.

3️⃣ Embrace emotional intelligence: In exploring George Washington's rules, we found connections to emotional intelligence. Consequential thinking, being measured in our praise, and encouraging others to grow are all elements of EQ that can enhance our relationships and interactions.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Defining qualities of a knight for today's behavior. The combination of courage, generosity, and courtesy for getting along and treating each other with emotional intelligence.

04:08 Consider costs and benefits when making choices, especially for those not close to you.

07:35 Connect meaningfully through shared meals and presence.

12:55 Emotions of anger, frustration, and disgust arise when accused of drug dealing.

15:07 The old English and the concept of a celestial fire are seen as contributing to the development of emotional intelligence and are connected to the noble goal and core values of striving to become a better person.

Here's the list we are talking about.

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Improving EQ Through Technology with Tina Schweiger and Michelle Stinson-Ross

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the "Spirit of EQ" podcast, Eric Pennington welcomes co-founders of Feelalytics, Michelle Stinson Ross and Tina Schweiger, as they provide invaluable insights into leveraging technology to elevate emotional intelligence (EQ) in organizations.

The highlight of the episode is the unveiling of a groundbreaking tool designed by Feelalytics for collecting emotional responses from video content. This innovative technology integrates an emoji keyboard on a web page with a video embedded to gather data on audience reactions, enabling organizations to assess the effectiveness of their content and refine production processes.

Top Takeaways

1. Emotions significantly impact decision-making, user experiences, and brand associations, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing emotions in business interactions.

2. Data on emotional responses is valuable for market research, internal training, and understanding audience reactions to content, highlighting the potential for technology to gather and analyze emotional data.

3. While AI can offer efficiency in emotional analysis, challenges such as bias and empathy limitations pose significant considerations in its application, especially in the workplace.

4. It's essential to understand the "why" behind audience actions in advertising and user experience design, as well as the potential detrimental impact of consistently irritating or irrelevant ads on emotional connections with brands.

5. Building emotional bonds with customers through authentic and emotionally resonant marketing can foster long-term loyalty and positive brand associations.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Renaming company for emotional data.

04:52 Cultural lack of emotional literacy in the US.

09:37 Emoji validation study published in a peer-reviewed journal.

10:45 Emoji usage correlates with emotional reactions.

14:07 Businesses collect consumer data using cost-effective methods.

17:39 Conair hairdryer commercial repetition leads to frustration.

23:47 Transitioning from negative to positive; choosing jewelry.

24:28 Ad sparked interest in bracelet history and creativity.

29:33 Gathering nuanced data on feelings for organizations.

31:28 Leaders seek belonging, emotion, pressure, and uncertainty.

38:42 Emotional intelligence and belonging in workplace value.

43:59 A company needs to show empathy and validation.

45:15 Expressive conversation about the concept of branching.

50:28 AI cannot replace human judgment and empathy.

56:02 Music's impact on emotions transcends scientific understanding.

Michelle Stinson Ross is a mental and emotional health advocate. In her current role at Feelalytics, she’s able to advocate for mental health on a large scale. Michelle recognizes that everyone processes events and emotions differently.

Christina “Tina” Schweiger is a published scientist in the field of emotions. Tina is the architect of the Feelalytics’ algorithm which bypasses the analytical part of the brain and taps into pure emotional feedback by capturing reactions from the limbic part of the brain.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Deconstructing Sales Intimidation: Tips from J.A. Dava

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Embarking on a sales career or starting a business venture is much like committing to a long-term relationship. It presents a myriad of challenges, from the emotional toll of rejection to the discipline required to manage time.

J.A. Dava of Latreia Coaching and Consulting unwraps the layers of wisdom of how to sustain the passion for sales and thrive in the dynamic world of business.

Facing rejection is an integral aspect of sales that can weigh heavily on one's emotional well-being. Embracing rejection as a teacher rather than an impediment can significantly improve one's approach.

Success in sales and business, as Eric and J.A. Dava discuss, hinges on intentionality. It's about aligning one's aspirations with the tangible realities of the market.

Both Eric and J.A. Dava emphasize the sheer power of discipline, especially for new entrants in sales. A revealing tip from J.A. Dava is the '10 daily phone calls' rule, which promises to ramp up business by a significant 40%.

The concept of time management is an underpinning theme of the episode. The '8-8-8' rule – balancing work, play, and sleep – is emphasized as a disciplined foundation for a successful life.

A significant part of sales success is staying visible and accessible. Eric and J.A. Dava stress the importance of marketing oneself—whether it be through sharing exciting news like a marriage or by simply reaching out to the contacts on one's phone to update them about your business.

J.A. Dava, Co-founder, Sr. Coach & Consultant

30+ year veteran in real estate & mortgage
Professional presenter, trainer & coach Rain-maker entrepreneur for 20+ years Influencer, leader & master networker
Husband of 28 years & proud dad of 2 sons
Avid marathoner, golfer & Harley-Davidson cruiser
J.A. brings incredible insight to helping individuals achieve well-being in five areas of life. He is passionate about helping people live their very best life.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Focus on high aspirations in business growth.

06:19 Preparing for business, excitement and enthusiasm.

12:02 Accountability is crucial for personal and business success.

19:10 Focus on marketing and prospecting, not sales.

28:51 Turned intimidating task into approachable, creating scripts.

33:12 Simplify sales approach and measure success effectively.

46:56 Discipline yourself to focus on productivity.

48:06 Consistency in tasks, learn from losses too.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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The Power of EQ in Law Enforcement with Chief Jeremy Jensen

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the "Spirit of EQ" podcast, hosts Eric Pennington and Jeff East engage in a deep conversation with guest Jeremy Jensen, the chief of police for the Dubuque Police Department. Jensen's focus on emotional intelligence (EQ) and its impact on law enforcement makes for a compelling discussion about recognizing and managing emotions in high-stress situations, enhancing community interactions, and creating a supportive organizational culture.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is crucial for law enforcement officers in recognizing and managing emotional levels, promoting officer wellness, and preventing negative outcomes caused by stress and emotional hijacking.

2. Building trust and safety in the community depends on utilizing EQ when interacting with citizens, including establishing personal connections, showing empathy, and fostering accountability in policing.

3. Mindfulness and EQ practices, such as breath work, can help officers manage stress, stay calm in tense situations, and improve the quality of interactions with the public.

4. Police departments can integrate EQ into their culture and operations, incorporating de-escalation techniques, mindfulness, and EQ assessments into leadership training and hiring processes.

5. EQ impacts how law enforcement interacts with the community, promoting self-awareness, emotional recognition, and positive community interactions.

6. Law enforcement departments should prioritize self-empathy, open conversations, and support networks to help officers cope with traumatic experiences and prioritize mental well-being.

7. Introducing EQ skills in law enforcement should focus on individual skill sets and better communication, aiming to improve community relations without appearing overly formal or "touchy-feely."

8. Recognizing and mitigating conscious thoughts is crucial for managing stress and improving performance in high-stress law enforcement situations.

9. COVID-19 has emphasized the need for government employees, including law enforcement, to prioritize self-awareness and emotional intelligence to better serve the community, improve communication, and address personal issues effectively.

10. Small interactions, personal connections, and improved communication within the community are essential metrics for measuring the success of EQ initiatives in law enforcement and promoting community trust.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Congratulations! Dubuque stands out for emotional intelligence.

04:28 Mindfulness and EQ used in the hiring process.

06:30 Recognizing emotional stress in law enforcement is crucial.

10:15 Curious about police-community interactions in Columbus.

14:07 Police work requires controlled interaction with the public.

18:11 Appreciate integration, accountability, and mindfulness in interactions.

21:26 Senior leader surprises with personal health revelation.

24:56 Focusing on others can help solve issues.

26:20 Creating a safe and impactful community through EQ.

29:58 Recognize and address personal biases in work.

32:41 Inability to manage emotions leads to empathy.

37:46 Empathy for first responders in difficult situations.

39:55 Suppress feelings, speak up, offer support, adapt.

42:28 Advice for police chiefs on EQ adoption.

46:03 Tools to simplify daily challenges, and minimize program mindset.

48:41 Recognize emotions in the organization and use them.

52:00 Road rage leads to deadly freeway shootings.

Jeremy Jensen is a trailblazer in the field of law enforcement leadership training. In 2018, he recognized the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and made it his mission to incorporate it into law enforcement training. Before this, he had experience in personal empowerment and other areas, but it was the EQ umbrella that captured his attention. His foresight and dedication to this concept led to the widespread integration of EQ components in leadership training within law enforcement. Today, Jeremy is seen as a pioneer in this area, having been ahead of the game and paving the way for others to follow suit.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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The Design Adventure with Rachel Scott

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Eric Pennington hosts Rachel Scott, a senior UX designer at Buckeye Innovation. Rachel is also a passionate world traveler who aims to visit every country on the planet. Both Eric and Rachel discuss the importance of embracing adventure, challenging perspectives, and living intentionally in both personal and professional aspects of life.

Top Takeaways

1. Embracing different perspectives: Rachel Scott's extensive travels and exposure to diverse cultures have influenced her design work and thought processes, highlighting the value of embracing different perspectives to foster creative problem-solving and innovation.

2. Challenging societal structures: Rachel and Eric agree that ideas of certainty, safety, and security are illusions and discuss the impact of societal structures as illusions that people buy into, prompting listeners to consider questioning and reevaluating established norms.

3. Personal growth through adversity: Rachel shares experiences of being stranded on Socotra and navigating dangerous trips, emphasizing the transformative power of difficult experiences in building confidence and resilience, offering inspiration for personal growth through adversity.

4. Intentional living and life transitions: Rachel's transformation after a divorce led her to prioritize joy, passion, and intentional living, prompting reflection on how life transitions can inspire individuals to reevaluate their goals and redefine success.

5. Continuous self-challenge: Both Eric and Rachel emphasize the value of continuously challenging oneself and pushing beyond comfort zones, encouraging listeners to seek personal and professional growth through ongoing self-challenge and exploration.

6. Impact of early experiences: Rachel's early exposure to different cultures, including visiting the Dachau concentration camp at a young age, demonstrates the profound impact of early experiences on shaping one's perspective and values.

7. Reevaluating success and fulfillment: Rachel's shift in perspective on Western values and success during her year-long trip prompts reflection on reevaluating personal definitions of success and fulfillment, encouraging listeners to consider broader perspectives beyond societal expectations.

8. Embracing change and uncertainty: Eric and Rachel discuss the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing it, drawing parallels to adapting to fluctuating weather conditions and the suspense of movies, offering a reminder to embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

9. Dispelling misconceptions about "unsafe" places: Rachel's experiences of finding hospitable people in places often labeled as dangerous challenge misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of seeking authentic experiences and reframing perceptions of off-the-beaten-path destinations.

10. Intersecting life and career goals: Rachel's emphasis on aligning her work with her life goals, focusing on serving the community and underserved individuals, offers inspiration for individuals seeking to integrate their professional endeavors with their values and aspirations.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Twist: Discuss travel goals and exotic destinations.

04:42 Nervous about Kabul, interaction with locals limited.

08:49 Adventurous, curious person with an active mind and body.

13:38 Year-long remote work and travel in 12 countries.

17:41 America's competitive mindset and dangerous places are discussed.

18:31 Stranded tourists on disputed Yemen island conflict.

22:44 Pushing beyond comfort for a healthy brain this year.

27:52 Money isn't a motivator. Alignment with life goals is more important.

31:00 Divorce led to self-discovery and travel.

34:43 Reflect on your life and make changes.

37:41 Embracing uncertainty and overcoming challenges with curiosity.

40:27 Preparing for unexpected challenges, we seek support.

44:01 Desire to inspire through global experiences and travels.

Rachel is a Senior UX Designer at Buckeye Innovation. She has been a multidisciplinary designer for over 21 years and has been working remotely since 2016. Rachel loves art, cooking, skiing, camping, and anything involving adventure. She is also a world traveler and has been to 66 countries so far.

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Nutrition and Mental Health with Ellen Issacs, DPT, CNC

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Spirit of EQ podcast! In this episode, host Eric Pennington is joined by special guest Ellen Isaacs, a licensed orthopedic physical therapist and nutrition coach.

Ellen shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her own nutrition and eating disorders to becoming a passionate advocate for holistic health.

After years of struggling with her nutrition, Ellen found a nutrition coach who met her at her starting point and guided her through a transformative process of gradually increasing her calorie intake.

Ellen offers valuable insight into the process of setting attainable fitness and nutrition goals, emphasizing the significance of starting with small, sustainable steps.

Key Takeaways

1. Gut microbiome plays a significant role in energy, mood, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of gut health in overall well-being.

2. Nutrition coaching can provide transformative results for individuals struggling with eating disorders and improper nutrition, highlighting the effectiveness of personalized nutrition guidance.

3. Adequate energy intake is crucial for the body's recovery and repair processes, especially for individuals dealing with frequent injuries or chronic pain.

4. Healthcare providers need to consider the holistic well-being of patients, looking at lifestyle factors before resorting to medication or surgery, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare.

5. Patients play a significant role in their health and should consider educating themselves, asking specific questions, and taking responsibility for their well-being.

6. Starting with small, sustainable steps when setting fitness and exercise goals leads to long-term success and prevents disruption in other areas of life.

7. Nutrition changes should be gradual and sustainable, allowing for indulgences while incorporating nutrient-dense foods to alter cravings over time.

8. The impact of food on overall health, emotional management, recovery, and inflammation is significant and should not be overlooked in healthcare and wellness practices.

9. Nutrition coaching and support can be particularly beneficial for women seeking body composition changes and improved athletic performance, addressing specific needs in health and fitness.

10. Seeking help and understanding that recovery from eating disorders is not linear are crucial steps for individuals struggling with eating disorders, highlighting the importance of support and perseverance in the recovery process.

Memorable Moments

01:22 Started running in high school due to eating disorder, struggled with body image and performance, and continued to struggle in college.

05:11 An Incremental approach to increasing calorie intake helped.

07:54 Exercising depletes body energy, leading to breakdown.

12:01 Trainer shows care by providing snacks for a runner.

15:38 Jump, try, don't waste time, the road to recovery.

17:25 Leap, sit with your fears.

22:18 Clients often expect coaching to work magically, but it requires hard work. Mostly women seek body composition changes.

24:07 Our country's health needs urgent attention.

27:59 Zoom out, ask about symptoms, modify lifestyle.

32:39 Mixed bag of doctor appointments: Some positive.

35:28 Health care system lacks solutions for chronic pain.

37:29 Performance and body composition goals can conflict.

40:32 Set small attainable goals to prevent discouragement.

44:53 Small changes in diet alter cravings.

48:25 Deep dive into gut health and microbiome.

Ellen Isaacs is a former college runner who found her passion for running during her freshman year of high school. However, her running journey began on a difficult note, as she was struggling with an eating disorder at the time. Despite her initial motivations, Ellen quickly excelled in the sport, showcasing her natural talent and drive.

Despite experiencing tremendous success in high school and earning a spot on a college running team, Ellen's battle with her eating disorder persisted. She yearned for the same level of triumph that she had anticipated for herself, as did her coaches. Unfortunately, she struggled immensely with maintaining a healthy relationship with nutrition, which hindered her performance.

Ellen's challenging journey has shaped her perspective on the importance of mental and physical well-being in athletics. She now advocates for an all-encompassing approach to wellness – viewing nutrition, body positivity, and self-care as vital components of athletic achievement.

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A Personal Journey to Mental Wellness and Empathy with Cat Person

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Cat Perlson, Leadership Development Corporate Trainer

We have an engaging conversation with Cat Perlson. We talk about the profound impact of trauma on mental health, advocating for the validation of emotions and resilience after traumatic experiences.

Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:

1. Embracing Vulnerability and Seeking Support: Cat Perlson's courageous journey emphasizes the importance of seeking help, being vulnerable, and addressing mental health challenges. By sharing her experience with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, she encourages openness and seeks to destigmatize seeking medical assistance for hormonal changes affecting mental health.

2. Psychological Safety and Empathy: We explore the significance of creating psychologically safe environments, validating others' feelings and traumas, and using empathy to understand diverse experiences. Cat's emphasis on understanding and accepting one's emotions contributes to fostering positive workplace cultures and personal growth.

3. Self-Compassion and Growth Mindset: Cat Perlson's inspiring message of hope and personal growth after traumatic experiences resonates with the concept of a growth mindset and the significance of self-compassion. She advocates for the use of dialectical behavioral therapy to balance emotions and logic, promoting the extension of grace to oneself and others.

Memorable Moments:

02:36 Discussing the impact of trauma on relationships.

10:01 Struggled, found purpose in teaching, learned a lesson.

14:15 Witnessed miracles watching children with disabilities thrive.

18:05 Acknowledging past pain and seeking help.

25:30 The Anxiety bobblehead makes me seek help.

30:56 Concerned about culture lacking noble goals in life.

35:29 Believing and empathy are essential in storytelling.

41:21 Supporting brain health: tangible, straightforward actions.

45:20 Yearning for hugs now cherishes solitude.

52:35 Understanding the chemical side of mental health.

53:11 Focus on women's hormonal and thyroid issues.

01:03:13 Excited about holidays, art, family, life, facilitation.

01:03:57 The Proudest moment is being here, still fighting.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

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Exploring Ethical AI Use with Credo AI's Giovanni Leoni

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Spirit of EQ podcast, host Luke Cavanagh welcomes Giovanni Leoni as they discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human experience and organizations. Giovanni, the head of business strategy and development at Credo AI, highlights the importance of aligning AI with human values, while Luke emphasizes the need to approach technological change with a positive mindset.

Top Takeaways

1. The Impact of AI and Chat GPT Technology: The discussion sheds light on the significant impact of AI and Chat GPT technology on human experiences and organizations, addressing both the potential benefits and challenges associated with their widespread adoption.

2. Fundamental Shift in Various Areas: With the adoption and integration of AI technology, there will be a fundamental shift in various areas such as customer interactions, marketing, sales, and internal organizational mechanics.

3. Automation of Customer Interactions and Marketing: It is predicted that within 3 to 5 years, customer interactions and marketing will largely be automated, significantly impacting retail, marketing, sales, and communication roles.

4. Shift in Sectors with High Workforce Involvement: The use of generative AI is anticipated to lead to a fundamental shift in sectors with high degrees of workforce involvement, impacting the nature of work and roles within these sectors.

5. Prioritizing the Human Element: Despite the advancements in technology, there is an emphasis on the importance of prioritizing the human element in organizations amidst the push for hyper-efficiency and advanced technology.

Memorable Moments

00:00 20 years of deep involvement in AI, and ethics.

04:19 AI's ethical use, positive business change.

07:04 AI's influence grows; organizations slow to adopt.

11:25 Technology must meet human needs to succeed.

16:17 Generative AI allows nuanced, scalable shifts in workplaces.

18:22 Millions facing work changes due to AI.

23:29 Waiting for change leads to negative consequences.

25:25 Successful adoption and adaptation amidst technological challenges.

28:42 Key point: Bringing people along, value delivery, change.

32:54 Efficiency and adaptability are crucial in the supply chain.

38:15 Connecting with others, understanding context, and adaptation.

40:35 Reiterating good points on human connection in AI.

46:09 Leaders prioritize efficiency over psychological safety and collaboration.

47:17 Change management must prioritize human involvement first.

52:16 CEO prioritizes and supports employees' personal growth.

Giovanni Leoni is the Head of Business Strategy & Development at Credo AI, one of the global leaders in operationalizing Responsible AI across all industries. Up until recently, he was Global Head of Algorithm and AI Ethics at Inter IKEA Group, responsible for developing, implementing, and leading the operationalization of responsible analytics across the Inter IKEA Group, encompassing all algorithmic processes, including administrative processes, operational processes, analytics, and AI. He is an active contributor to the global AI ethics community, engaging in legislative industry consultations and various forums and bodies, among them being on the Board of Advisors for Ethical Artificial Intelligence Governance Group, Board Member for Transparency International Sweden, Nordic Ethical AI Expert Group member for Nordic Innovation, an organization under The Nordic Council of Ministers and The Nordic Council and also a Member of the Responsible Applications & Transformation Working Group at the World Economic Forum. For more than 20 years he has been active across multiple sectors, private and public, driving the development of user experience, sustainable change management, and clarity in impacting factors for better business and wrapping everything in numbers and decision models. He has worked in diverse areas, including public sector processes, sales, procurement of services, digital platforms and physical products, supply chain, automatization, and business analytics.

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Navigating Change

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Spirit of EQ podcast, hosts Eric Pennington and Jeff East explore the intricacies of navigating change.

Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Embracing Change: Change can be unsettling, but having a noble goal and evaluating if we're still following our true north helps us navigate through doubts. Recognizing patterns, reflecting on past experiences, and practicing self-empathy are crucial in adjusting to change.

2️⃣ Failure as a Pathway to Success: Mistakes and failures are inevitable in the change process. Rather than being discouraged by them, we should embrace them as opportunities for learning and growth. Recognizing patterns, refocusing, and seeing the value in mistakes help us pivot and move forward.

3️⃣ Healthy Mindset: Life is not always positive, and that's okay. It's important to acknowledge that ups and downs are part of life's journey. By embracing both elated and disappointing moments, we avoid challenges in relationships and other pursuits. Evaluating our coping mechanisms and ensuring they move us forward is vital for a healthy mindset.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Change can be a catalyst for emotion.

03:50 Creating clothing art, exploring danger, and brain chemistry.

06:48 Acknowledge and address fears, don't run.

09:51 Prefrontal brain function allows rational decision-making.

14:32 Assess change and its long-term effects.

18:50 Identify emotional literacy for healthy change.

20:11 Transitioning to entrepreneurship means embracing failure.

24:55 Increased sympathy and empathy are important goals.

27:41 Navigating with hope, recognizing patterns, staying realistic.

29:01 Accepting reality makes managing problems more efficient.

Recognizing Patterns mentioned in this episode.

Navigating Emotions mentioned in this episode.

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Emotions and Decision-Making with Art Markman

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

We had the pleasure of hosting Professor Art Markman on the Spirit of EQ podcast. We had an insightful conversation on psychology, decision-making, and the importance of mental wellness. Here are three key takeaways from our episode:

1️⃣ "It depends" is the answer to many complex questions in psychology. Our decision-making process is heavily influenced by our motivational system, and whether it's beneficial or not depends on whether our current motivation is aligned with making the best choice.

2️⃣ Emotions play a crucial role in decision-making, especially when it involves understanding people and complex situations. However, when reliable data and projections are available, relying on emotions may not be necessary.

3️⃣ Mental health should be prioritized alongside physical health. We need to promote routine practices that support mental well-being, just like we do for maintaining physical health. Exercise, reframing perspectives, and building strong personal relationships are essential in achieving overall wellness.

Art is the Annabelle Iron Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology, Marketing, and Human Dimensions of Organization and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He's written over 150 research papers on topics including reasoning, decision-making, and motivation. Art brings insights from a cognitive science perspective to a broader audience through his blogs at Psychology Today and Fast Company. He has a podcast, 2 Guys on Your Head. He's also the author of several books, including Smart Thinking, and Bring Your Brain to Work.

Trevor Horn's remake of Joe Jackson's Steppin' Out with Seal

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Lessons, Insights, and Looking Forward

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

As we wrap up 2023, we find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with insightful conversations, personal revelations, and meaningful growth. In our latest podcast episode, Eric Pennington and Jeff East delve into topics covering emotional intelligence, personal health, and the impact of technology on the human experience.

Eric and Jeff emphasize the importance of embracing the "heavy lifting" involved in emotional intelligence work. They compare the process to weightlifting, highlighting that while it may be challenging, the results can be truly transformative. Their discussion underscores the value of self-reflection and the impact of emotional intelligence on stress management and relationships.

They share personal insights and experiences that resonated with many of our listeners. Eric's discussion about acknowledging personal limitations and the impact of fixating on things beyond our control struck a chord with our community. Likewise, Jeff's journey of growth, health complications, and the significance of personal responsibility spoke to the spirit of continual self-improvement and resilience.

Furthermore, the hosts explore the effects of technology on human curiosity and creativity, prompting thought-provoking discussions about the role of critical thinking and reflection in the age of easy access to information.

As we move into the new year, we're grateful for each of you who has been part of our community. We wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to engaging with you in 2024 with more thought-provoking content and insightful conversations on emotional intelligence, personal development, and the human experience.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll continue to dive into the intricate world of emotional intelligence and its impact on our lives and the world around us.

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Optimism, Culture and Generations with Zara Shirazi

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Luke Cavanaugh is our guest host for this episode!

His guest is Zara Shirazi, a native of Tehran, Iran who now runs a boutique branding agency based in Vaxjo.

Zara is a really strong example of an optimist, a trait she learned from her highly entrepreneurial father, and she reflects on the upsides and downsides of growing up in the shadow of such a dominant figure.

Zara and Luke share perspectives on the complicated Iran-USA relationship throughout our lifetimes (as natives of the two countries, bonded by a deep interest in personal development) and she shares how her father's business and her own life were hugely impacted by the 9/11 attacks, and the role optimism and resilience played there.

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Ted Lasso, Baseball and EQ with Luke Cavanagh

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we have a special guest joining us, Luke Cavanagh. In this episode, we dive into the world of emotional intelligence (EQ) and explore its impact on our personal and professional lives. We discuss the concept of navigating emotions and how it can be challenging for many individuals. Luke shares his own experiences with EQ and how it has helped him face fear and find fulfillment in his life. We also touch upon the importance of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the role of community in our emotional well-being. And, of course, we can't forget Luke's fascinating journey with baseball and how it brought him closer to forming meaningful connections.

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Reinventing Healthcare with Dr. Mickey Liebowitz

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We explore the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in healthcare and discuss the challenges faced by both physicians and patients in today's complex healthcare landscape.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our engaging conversation:

1️⃣ Emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital for effective healthcare: Understanding and managing emotions play a significant role in building trust and effective communication between physicians and patients. Physicians with high EQ are more likely to empower and motivate their patients, leading to better compliance with medical instructions and improved health outcomes.

2️⃣ Burnout is a pressing issue in healthcare: Healthcare professionals, particularly primary care physicians, face immense pressure and are susceptible to burnout due to factors like increased patient volumes, bureaucratic hurdles, and moral injury. By recognizing these challenges and finding ways to address them, we can create a healthier work environment and improve patient care.

3️⃣ Taking personal responsibility for our health: While physicians play a crucial role in providing guidance and expertise, it is essential for individuals to take ownership of their own health. Educating ourselves about our medical conditions, maintaining accurate medication lists, and being proactive during office visits can lead to more efficient and effective healthcare experiences.

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Own Your History

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We tackle the important topic of owning our history and embracing the valuable lessons it teaches us. We delve into how our past experiences shape our perspectives, our emotional intelligence (EQ), and our future. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

🔎 Looking Back for Growth: The episode highlights the power of examining our mistakes and failures, rather than ignoring or being embarrassed by them. Our history is filled with lessons waiting to be learned, and by reflecting on our past, we can uncover valuable insights. Discover how curiosity and emotional intelligence play vital roles in this process.

💔 Understanding Hurtful Behaviors: The hosts emphasize the significance of recognizing patterns of behavior, particularly in our relationships with others. By paying attention to warning signs and analyzing past experiences, we can avoid repeating negative patterns and address issues head-on. Learn how to navigate challenging situations with courage, curiosity, and reflection.

💪 Empowerment through Healing: The episode takes a deep dive into the transformative power of facing our past trauma and paying attention to it. Instead of avoiding pain, we can find healing by acknowledging our history and making intentional choices for our future. Explore the importance of self-empathy, accountability, and emotional intelligence in this empowering journey.

Recognizing Patterns episode mentioned in this episode.

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The Old Self and The New Self with Jim Vaive

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

If you've been following our podcast, you might recall that we've had some fascinating conversations with Jim in the past about spiritual emotional intelligence. But today, we dive even deeper into his journey of transformation and self-discovery.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our captivating conversation:

1️⃣ The Power of Self-Reflection: Throughout the episode, we explored the importance of self-reflection and understanding our past experiences. It was fascinating to discuss how our old selves can shape us, and by embracing personal growth and change, we can become our new selves. This journey allows us to tap into our true potential and make positive impacts in both our personal and professional lives.

2️⃣ Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity: We touched upon the significance of being vulnerable and authentic in who we are. I openly shared my own experiences of feeling the need to prove myself and achieve external success, only to find that it left me feeling empty and unfulfilled. Our discussion emphasized the importance of embracing our true selves and cultivating genuine connections with others.

3️⃣ The Role of Love and Kindness: Love truly holds everything together. It was inspiring to explore how, after years of extensive studying and learning from masters all over the world, the simple truth that emerged for both Eric and me was the power of love and kindness. In a world that can sometimes feel fractured and disconnected, cultivating love and kindness can bring us closer, foster understanding, and create positive change.

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The New Workplace Environment with Global HR Executive Robert Brezosky

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Robert Brezosky is a highly experienced Global Human Resources Executive with a successful record of transformational leadership across multiple areas of HR - including HR Operations, Talent Mobility, Early Career Development Programs, Recruiting, and HR Teams, in large multinational organizations, including PwC, The Walt Disney Company, and most recently Netflix.

Robert is considered a Visionary Leader who sees possibilities, reimagines the future, and generates excitement and buy-in for a new vision at all levels. In all of Robert’s leadership roles, he’s built and inspired high-performing teams - he accomplishes this using the approach of “individualization” which means he takes the time to understand and invest in making each team member successful, ultimately enabling his team to perform beyond what was ever imagined.

Robert is as committed to his own development as he is to that of his team’s development. He’s always looking for new ways to contribute to an organization, especially when that involves seeking new and exciting challenges.

For example, in January of 2022 with COVID cases surging and Amsterdam on lockdown, Robert packed up and moved there for a one-year assignment to lead HR Operations for Netflix’s EMEA region where he quickly set a vision, built a team, and formed trusting relationships to evolve and grow the function.

Robert is a master at building relationships, bringing a unique level of candor and authenticity to every interaction, ultimately advancing and accelerating desired business outcomes.

One of the things that truly sets Robert apart as a leader is his unique ability to balance empathy with the needs of the business, bringing just the right balance of business acumen and a human element connection to every interaction.

Robert is a huge dog lover, and outside of work he is actively engaged in supporting an LA-based dog rescue that he recently helped to establish, known as “Hope for China Dogs Rescue.” His favorite creative outlets are baking, cooking, and hosting parties for friends & family. And, his favorite way to foster a healthy state of mind and body is through regularly hiking some of the beautiful LA trails.

email address - ctcadc@gmail.com

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The Importance of Leadership with Shannon Lee

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

As the Executive Director at Leadership Columbus, Shannon Lee is committed to developing, connecting, and inspiring diverse leaders who serve as catalysts in building a healthy and vibrant community. She is most passionate about helping individuals change the way they experience leadership so that as leaders, they can create healing in the workplace. Shannon is the author of Servant Leader Mindset and is an experienced coach, speaker, and facilitator on subjects such as building a high-performing team, non-profit leadership, situational leadership, and mindset.

Shannon resides in Central Ohio with her husband Kristofer and their three dogs. Together they have three children and two grandchildren.

shannonlee@COLUMBUS.ORG

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The Current State of DEI with Toya Spencer

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Spirit of EQ, our guest Toya Spencer dives into the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Toya starts off by discussing the power of core beliefs and how they shape individuals' lives. She emphasizes the importance of examining and questioning these beliefs, even if they served as survival tools in the past.

Toya goes on to talk about the significance of feeling a sense of belonging and being welcomed in organizations. She emphasizes the need for organizations to address the emotions and fears that arise in employees and provide support.

We also touch on the importance of hiring the right leaders for organizations. Toya believes that leaders should be reflective and courageous, willing to make unpopular decisions.

Throughout the episode, Toya emphasizes the importance of authenticity, reflection, and curiosity in fostering an inclusive work environment. We discuss the challenges faced by marginalized employees and the skepticism towards organizations that may not fully commit to supporting them.

Toya also delves into the importance of building resources and being intentional about what content is consumed to foster personal growth.

We conclude with a discussion on the importance of understanding others and taking the time to have conversations, even with those who may have different communication styles.

Overall, this episode provides insightful perspectives on the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and actions in order to create more inclusive environments.

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Not My Monkeys

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Here's what we cover in this episode...

We cover a range of topics including social media impact, effective communication, empathy, EQ, personal growth, mental health support, personal responsibility, and setting boundaries in the workplace.

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Unleashing the Artist Within: A Conversation with Heather Hanson

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Entrepreneur and artist Heather Hanson shares her inspiring journey to finding her true self and pursuing her passion as an artist. She discusses her wake-up call after being diagnosed with breast cancer and how it led her to prioritize self-care and explore her natural expression as an artist.

Heather emphasizes the importance of being in choice when making career decisions and not living someone else's story. She also discusses the burnout rate among women in the corporate world and the need for more balance between masculine and feminine energy.

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EQ and Workplace Engagement with Josh Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome Josh Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds. As you listen to the podcast, you will gain valuable insights into emotional intelligence and its role in creating engaged workplaces and communities. With new research, frameworks, methods, and programs on employee well-being, we provide practical advice for individuals to strengthen their emotional intelligence skills and thrive in all areas of their lives.

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Episode 100 - Not Your Typical Celebration Episode

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

This is our 100th episode of Spirit of EQ!

We reflect on our personal growth journey over the past few years and how creating this podcast has helped us spread that growth to others.

We discuss the practical tools inside emotional intelligence that can improve decision-making and help all of us navigate life's challenges and opportunities. We talk about the importance of staying true to the original purpose of the podcast. We also delve into the impact of the pandemic on emotional and mental well-being and how EQ has become vital to daily living.

So if you're looking to boost your emotional intelligence and live your best life, be sure to tune in to our 100th episode of Spirit of EQ!

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Becoming A Calming Influence

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

It's not about giving a pass to those who do wrong, but rather allowing different perspectives and understanding. We all face ethical dilemmas and it's important to create space to think through the best way to proceed.

This episode is a thought-provoking discussion on how to make a positive impact on oneself and society.

Top Takeaways

Provoking someone can lead to self-reflection and encourage them to make positive changes in situations they find unsatisfactory.

Asking insightful and powerful questions can provoke curiosity, fostering trust and facilitating meaningful, constructive conversations.

Complacency and the comfort zone are significant hurdles that need disruption for personal and societal growth.

Disruption can be positive if it brings attention to important issues without causing harm, highlighting the importance of balanced interventions.

True listening is more than just hearing words; it’s an emotional and spiritual connection that requires energy and can sometimes be uncomfortable.

Improving listening skills can involve techniques such as likening it to engaging with music or connecting with underlying emotions.

While judgment is sometimes necessary, a more significant emphasis should be placed on actively listening and being open-minded to understand individual circumstances.

It's crucial for individuals to address their own shortcomings and stay curious about their beliefs and actions to foster personal growth.

When considering laws and traditions, it’s vital to focus on the spirit and intent behind them, rather than rigidly adhering to the letter, to ensure fairness and justice.

Times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can serve as catalysts for innovation and change, underscoring the necessity of disturbance for progress.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Prayer of St. Francis: Calm influence and peace.

04:11 Transforming gang leaders through Christian ministry program.

08:50 Powerful questions provoke positive self-reflection and change.

10:38 Exploring emotional intelligence through questioning and understanding.

15:32 Healthy disruption is key for growth.

17:49 Many people feel unheard, desire connection.

19:43 Video on listening for improving relationships mentioned.

23:42 Discussing the universal relevance of a biblical story.

28:53 Owner discretion in shoplifting incidents; audience caution.

30:37 Stealing car is wrong, owner asks questions.

34:02 Focus on winning, but not about control.

36:27 Self-reflection, change, and focusing on oneself.

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The Magic of Preparation

Wed, 24 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Creating meaningful moments in life can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Find out how you can use preparation to create powerful and meaningful moments in your life.

Watch or listen to Rush's Limelight soundcheck mentioned in the episode.

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Understanding Core Beliefs and Mental Health with Anita Ritchey

Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist Anita Ritchey from Directions Counseling examines the impact of core beliefs on mental health and well-being. By exploring how our deeply held assumptions shape our reality and behaviors, Rowe provides practical advice on identifying negative core beliefs and challenging them.

Hear how trauma can shape our beliefs, the benefits of therapy for mental health, and the importance of lifestyle choices in improving emotional intelligence and awareness.

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Spirit of EQ and Spiritual Intelligence with Lynette and Jim Vaive

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Jim and Lynette Vaive delve deep into the world of Spiritual Emotional Intelligence (SEQ) and offer invaluable insights into the integration of emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.

From understanding the importance of self-awareness to living from the inside out, this podcast provides valuable tools for personal growth and transformation. With the introduction of the SEQ Development Report, listeners now have access to a comprehensive analysis of their spiritual emotional intelligence, making it a must-listen for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of themselves and others.

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The Value Of Your Inner Voice

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

What are the various aspects of the art of listening...to yourself?

There is a connection between emotions and listening to yourself, and we talk about those connections.

And the return we get when we listen to ourselves.

The Art of Listening | Simon Sinek

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Staying In The Moment

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

What happens when we are not able to be in the moment?

What are those external and internal distractions?

How do we keep those distractions under control?

Find something every day that you can do to be fully present.

Don't grow up too much!

Jeff mentions the Redbull Soapbox Race in this episode.

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The Curated Life with Timmy McCarthy of Cocoon Investments, Part 2

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Timmy is the type of entrepreneur that inspires at every turn. He provides a combination of realism and optimism that is rare. I believe the audience will be drawn to his story, his approach to navigating transitions and why people matter most.

Tim McCarthy is an entrepreneur and social change advocate with almost twenty years of experience in the business world. Tim spent many years building and focusing on RCO Limited, the Ohio Franchise Partner of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. He built this up to be the largest franchise organization within the Raising Cane’s system, and Tim and RCO Limited became known for their impressive results as well as the way they advocated for and supported their employees.

Motivated by the social impact made possible by a successful business, and desiring to make this impact on a larger scale, Tim and his business partners purchased WorkPlace Impact (then WorkPlace Media) in 2013. In July 2017, Cara Zale, a Social Capital Investment Company was born. Through Cara Zale, Tim and his partners publicize that they are focused on “Growing Great Businesses and Developing People who Create Social Change.”

Tim lives in Worthington, OH, and teaches regularly at Ohio State University, his MBA alma mater, sharing his experiences in building businesses with students at the Fisher College of Business. He has been mentioned or featured in articles in Business First, Franchise Times, The Daily Reporter, The Lantern, Crain’s and The Columbus Dispatch.

Tim currently serves as chair of The Business of Good Foundation based in Mentor, OH, and has helped to develop TheBusinessofGood.org and their practice of “Serving Those Who Serve the Very Poor.” He also hopes to encourage budding entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs to continue their development of community and national projects, as those are the sources of America’s future potential success.

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Core Beliefs

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Those two words - core beliefs - may be familiar to many. It brings up different connotations and different definitions to each of us.

We're going to take some time in this episode to talk about what they are and how did we get them.

What's their impact?

Who do they impact?

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Ode To Success And Joy

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We've, on more than one occasion, tackled what happens when we're dealing with struggles and how to manage them. Sometimes that's from the mental health perspective, and sometimes, just from the challenges that the world presents.

But we should be able to talk about the success and joy that we're experiencing even in the midst of maybe rapid change and uncertainty

Why it's important for us to recognize someone's successes or wins.

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Courageous Creativity with Lee Ann Lander

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome back again Lee Ann Lander. Can creativity and the corporate world live in harmony? We think so, and so does our guest, Lee Ann Lander.

She is the owner of Lee Ann Lander Art and Creative Consulting.

We all have "gifts." But how and when did we get to the place where each of us recognizes those "gifts"?

But then as adults, we state we aren't creative. Why do we continue these myths about ourselves?

And then we feel creativity is squashed when we enter the corporate world. But creativity does show up - create problem-solving, as an example.

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What We Discovered That Will Make 2023 a Great Year

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

We're going to explore some of the things that Jeff and I have found and discovered in 2022. Tools and ideas that we've been stirring, let's say marinating, in our minds that we think are going to make 2023 a really good year.

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2022 Retrospect, The Best of Spirit of EQ (so far)

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Truthfully, every episode is our favorite. And that being said, each episode offers a nugget, a gem, we pass along. Here are our favorites from 2022. And here are the episodes they come from...

Living Your Noble Goal in Trying Times

Giving Up Stuff

The Curated Life

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Relentless Leadership

Keeping It Simply Simple

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Help Through The Holidays

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

How can somebody that is practicing emotional intelligence help someone else get through the "holiday blues"?

What are some things that you can do to support them?

We revisit some EQ competencies to help build a strong foundation for support.

*practicing good emotional literacy

*navigating emotions

*increase empathy

*noble goal

Plutchik Wheel of Emotions

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The Journey of Grief with Jess Laughlin

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Jess Laughlin is the founder and head “good vibes” gifter at xoLaughlinCo., where she’s helped hundreds of people overcome the fear and awkwardness of reaching out to people during heavy life moments. Her online shop features thoughtfully curated gifts, primarily sourced from small businesses and helps express just the right sentiment for loved ones who’ve experienced everything from miscarriage or loss of a family member, to struggles with mental health and everyday sh*t.

Like many other women in 2020, Jess decided to start a business in her basement. After losing her dad to heart disease a few years prior, she experienced first-hand how a small but thoughtful gift could allow her to feel seen and understood. Her journey has been both lonely and awkward, and she believes we can all do better to support one another. Jess has been on a mission to normalize grief ever since, opening up about her own experiences and encouraging others to do the same.

When she’s not ranting about grief, she’s wrangling her two kids and husband from their home in Clintonville, Ohio.

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Spiritual and Emotional Awareness

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This episode is a continuing conversation from an earlier episode and was spurred on by a comment made by a Spirit of EQ client.

I'm really convinced that until you have a good, strong • level of spiritual and emotional awareness, • • true success • • is really, really difficult.

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Laughter is The Best Medicine

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which serves as a reward for the brain, creates a sense of euphoria, and plays a pivotal role in our motivation to continue the behavior.

Enjoy the Fish Slapping Dance that was mentioned by Jeff.

And a great episode of The Carol Burnett Show. Enjoy!

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Mental Health and EQ In The Workplace

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

The impact that it has on the workplace.

The need for resources inside the workplace for employees.

Employers are genuinely more concerned about their employees and offering benefits to address this.

Here is Brene Brown's video mentioned in the podcast.

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The Curated Life with Timmy McCarthy, Cocoon Investments

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

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Let Your EQ Flow

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Practice makes "better" when it comes to using your emotional intelligence tools in your toolbox.

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The Idea Of Stories

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

6 powerful stories of

faith - Once all the villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella.
trust - when you throw babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them.
hope - every night we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but we still set the alarm to wake up.
confidence - we plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future.
love - we see the world suffering, but we still get married and raise children.
attitude -on an old man's shirt was written "I am not 80 years old. I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience."

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Belonging and EQ at Work with Tina Schweiger and Michelle Stinson Ross of Mindful Appy

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

There is a need for psychologically safe ways to ask for and get emotional feedback in the workplace. Inspired by the Net Promoter Score, Mindful Appy CEO, Tina Schweiger, has developed a way to track the emotional state of a group of people with the Net Emotional Index.

We get to speak with Tina Schweiger, Co-Founder and CEO/Michelle Stinson Ross, Co-Founder and CMO about Mindful Appy.

Mindful Appy

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The Waters of Change with Luke Cavanagh of IKEA

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome Luke Cavanagh, Communication Leader, Inter IKEA Group, Americas Region, as our guest.

So how does IKEA see EQ and its importance within its organization?

Here is a link to the article referenced in this episode.

Luke Cavanagh is a Corporate Communication Leader at Inter IKEA Group, working to support various functions in the IKEA Supply Chain throughout the Americas Region. Through years of work with change management, leadership support, and change management, he arrived at Emotional Intelligence as an enabler of many of the good things in business and in life. Today, his organization is using EQ as a foundation for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, change management, and other areas of organizational development. At home, he tries (sometimes successfully) to use it as a way to make the growing up process a little smoother for his two kids, ages 6 and 9. Luke and his wife Courtney have been married for 11 years and live in the Philadelphia suburbs.

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The Importance Of Optimism

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

While we are all experiencing world turbulence together, we are all handling this challenging time differently. We know that it can be difficult to stay motivated, but that doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about your dream future. Right now, more than ever, it’s important to embrace a positive mindset as much as you can.

Failure is not the end, in fact, it is often the beginning of something great. When things are good, we coast along without making any quantum leaps. When things go bad, our world gets shaken up, which requires us to grow, see new things, and start fresh.

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Giving Up Stuff

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

When we talk about "giving up stuff," we are talking about things that might be counterproductive to your happiness, your health, or your relationships.

So you can decide what you need to give up.

We're going to give you some examples, and we'll go from there.

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Fear And Anger

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

It can be a two-headed monster. But can fear and anger be our allies?

As with most bad news in our lives, we tend towards the worst-case scenario. But what information can we learn from our fears and anger?

Mentioned in this episode - Recognizing Patterns.

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Keeping It Simply Simple

Mon, 30 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

The world is complicated, and it continues to be so. But are we predisposed to making things complicated?

What can we control to keep our lives simple? What can we do to simplify? Emotional literacy may be the best place to start.

Episodes mentioned in our episode...

Self Empathy

Recognizing Patterns

Consequential Thinking

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Everything You Wanted To Know About EQ (But Were Afraid To Ask) - Pt. 2

Mon, 09 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

We field some great questions from our listeners during this episode, including...

Personality tests - what's different about the EQ profile?
What is neuroplasticity, and how does it relate to EQ?
How does EQ help when "life comes at you fast?"
You often say "be curious" to hold back judgment. What do you mean?
And a challenge from Jeff

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Relentless Leadership with Perry Maughmer

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome back the Founder at Relentless Leadership Perry Maughmer to the podcast.

As Perry comments, he doesn't train leaders, he develops people. How do we find or develop the skill set, the resilience and the efficacy to become agile, flexible, and adaptive leaders?

The Relentless Leadership Academy is scheduled to launch May 2022, and you can have Perry stay in touch with upcoming sessions as well.

Here are books and podcasts:

Books

Think Again - Adam Grant
Transcend - Scott Barry Kaufman
Think Like a Rocket Scientist - Ozan Varol

Podcasts

The Science of Success - Matt Bodnar
The Learning Leader - Ryan Hawk
The Thinking Leader - Red Team Thinking

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EQ And Personality

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Our personalities, when healthy, harmonize. When they are not, are in discord.

Seven Bridges Road from The Eagles

What role does personality play in EQ? It defines how your reactions and responses.

The Road Back To You

The more you really know who you are is when your life really begins.

What’s Wrong With Leadership Development

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Living Your Noble Goal In Trying Times

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

If you haven't heard our past episodes about developing a Noble Goal, here is a link to a collection of episodes we would encourage you to listen to.

By definition, Noble Goals help you Connect your daily choices with your overarching sense of purpose.

But does or can a noble goal change over time?

Can it survive threats to living it out? Can it transcend outside forces?

And how can we stay focused during trying times?

And then, how does our Noble Goal turn from focusing on you to connecting with other people around you? Your family, friends, co-workers?

Level 42 - Lessons In Love

Pink Floyd - On The Turning Away

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The Authentic Version of You

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Have you ever thought about the authentic, the real version of who you are?

When we come into this world, we come in as a free spirit. Our imaginations are just wide open. Discovery is at its height.

But there comes a time that you start to hear those messages of "This is who you should be," "This is how you should act," "This is where you should live." "This is what school you should go to."

Our personalities are being formed within this window of time.

Can we recapture our authentic, real version of ourselves as we move into adulthood, and what adulthood expects and designs for us to be?

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Harnessing Your EQ Horsepower

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Jeff expands on some "motorhead" terminology and how it relates to emotional intelligence.

He starts with the "rolling horsepower," or what is now called rolling resistance. How does this all relate to EQ?

The more weight (emotional baggage) you put on yourself (or in this example, a vehicle) the more horsepower (or your emotional energy) is needed.

Life can add to your emotional horsepower. And the more you need, the more likely you are to run out of emotional horsepower. This is where we need to manage life events. You may need to "pull off the road" to evaluate and determine what "emotional baggage" just has to go.

Other episodes that lend to this discussion include...

And a look at an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser Jeff mentions.

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Corporate Wellness and Music with Quincy Williams

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome Quincy Williams back to our podcast and continue our conversation about the state of the corporate wellness programs.

We highly recommend you listen to our previous episode with Quincy.

He helps companies save money by implementing & managing their wellness program. He's helped Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority win "Healthiest Employer" in 2017 & 2018.

Quincy owns his own fitness consulting business, Quality Wellness Performance & Coaching, which specializes in personal training, group training & fitness coaching.

Should there be a corporate change of view on what role human resources plays in their company when it comes to corporate wellness? What is the big question of the "why," what is the goal to invest in corporate wellness for a company?

What goes into a great corporate wellness program?

And finally, we talk about how music plays into what Quincy does with the corporate wellness programs he creates.

61 - EQ Conversations with Kelli Schweitzer

Quincy Jones on Netflix

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Creativity and the Noble Goal with Lee Ann Lander

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0400

The more important a call to action is to our soul's evolution, the more Resistance we will feel about answering it. But to yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It stunts us and makes us less than we are and were born to be.

Steven Pressfield - War of Art

Our conversation with Lee Ann picks up on where we left off in our last episode with her...Noble Goals. And the role of a Noble Goal.

What are you pursuing that is bigger than yourself? And how Noble Goals ties to your creativity.

Is creativity a necessity in developing your Noble Goal? And if so, how do you make it work for you?

Tom Petty - It's Good To Be King

Rush's Neal Peart

Find out more about Lee Ann on her website.

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EQ Conversations with Dr. Ajené Wilcoxson

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This is a recording of the November 2021 EQ Conversations with Dr. Ajené Wilcoxson.

Find out more, as well, on our YouTube channel.

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2021 Retrospect, The Best of Spirit of EQ (so far)

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0400

This is a special year-end retrospect episode. We've compiled some highlights from our best shows of 2021. We hope that you'll find these to be as inspiring as they were to create. Many of them are insightful, some are funny and others just reveal why emotional intelligence is so important for all of us.

We hope you'll enjoy and happy New Year!

Here is a link to the best-of collection of episodes referenced in this episode.

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Supporting Those Dealing With Stress and Anxiety

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Previously in Episode 57, Anxiety And Emotional Intelligence, Jeff talked about his personal struggles with anxiety. And how, with the help of those around him, and his continued understanding of EQ, he now has a better outlook on how he addresses anxiety in everyday situations.

We explore that more in this episode. How can YOU support those around you? What are the key ingredients to help?

Active listening is key to being in the moment. And EQ competencies are extremely helpful. Especially emotional literacy, empathy, and consequential thinking.

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The Connection Between Physical Exercise and Emotional Health with Quincy Williams

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome Quincy Williams to our podcast. He helps companies save money by implementing & managing their wellness program. He's helped Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority win "Healthiest Employer" in 2017 & 2018.

Quincy owns his own fitness consulting business, Quality Wellness Performance & Coaching, which specializes in personal training, group training & fitness coaching.

His approach is focusing on educating clients in ways that can support their goals and exercise adherence.

We talk about making that connection on how we think and how we stay healthy. Is being healthy a part of your identity?

Quincy dives into what calls the 4 pillars of health - emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental. A big part of staying on track for any of these pillars of health is understanding how we understand how our neural pathways can divert our healthy actions.

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EQ Conversations with Kelli Schweitzer

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Spirit of EQ's monthly EQ Conversations.

Eric Pennington is joined by Kelli Schweitzer of the Ohio Nurses Association. Kelli discusses her journey and how COVID-19 is impacting the nursing field.

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Spiritual Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400

With us on this episode is Lynette and Jim Vaive, Co-founders and Partners of Spirit of EQ.

Lynette Vaive is a Certified EQ Facilitator and Master Trainer; she employs effective experiential learning design to make training both powerful and meaningful. As a PCC Professional Certified Coach (International Coach Federation), Lynette partners with clients to maximize their personal and professional potential.

As a successful business owner for over 30 years, Jim Vaive speaks the language of CEOs and uses his personal experience to connect with decision-makers in the business arena. Jim completed extensive training in spiritual direction, along with deep dives into emotional intelligence work. He is trained as an emotional and spiritual intelligence coach, and is a PCC Professional Certified Coach (International Coach Federation). Jim founded Spirit of EQ in 2012 to better address the burgeoning needs he saw unfolding around him.

So what is Spiritual Emotional Intelligence?

As Jim states...

I would say that spiritual emotional intelligence is a blending of a couple of different things. And it's been said by many wisdom teachers throughout the ages that emotional intelligence without spiritual intelligence is two dimensional at best. And spiritual intelligence, when added to emotional intelligence, gives our life color and texture. Because if you have one of those without the other, it's more black and white and two dimensional.

Lynette also tells us...

Spiritual emotional intelligence is the capacity to utilize both spiritual and emotional insight, to create a full and meaningful life.

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EQ Conversations with Artist, Singer and Songwriter Hannah Bowers

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 05:30:00 -0400

The September episode of EQ Conversations with artist, singer and songwriter Hannah Bowers.

This was originally published on the Spirit of EQ YouTube channel.

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Dealing With The Unknown

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:15:00 -0400

We certainly have had months to become familiar with dealing with the unknown. Some things we just have to let go. And envision the best (or better). It's a perfect time to reflect, and see the possibility beyond the clouds of the unknown.

We dig deeper into this in this podcast.

We mention a Tim Ferris and Brene' Brown interview in this podcast.

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Anxiety and Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:30:00 -0400

As we have said many times, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify, understand, and use your own emotions in positive ways to relieve anxiety, as well as relieve stress, too communicate effectively, to empathize with others, to overcome challenges, and to defuse conflict.

But having a high EQ does not mean a person isn’t occasionally anxious or depressed.

Jeff talks about his personal struggles with anxiety. And how, with the help of those around him, and his continued understanding of EQ, he now has a better outlook on how he addresses anxiety in everyday situations.

In this episode, Jeff mentions The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. Packed with the most effective skills for assessing and treating anxiety, this evidence-based workbook contains the latest clinical research. You’ll find an arsenal of tools for quieting worry, ending negative self-talk, and taking charge of your anxious thoughts.

Know that there is always help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 800-273-8255.

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I'm Emotionally Intelligent. Why Isn't Everyone Else?

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:45:00 -0400

Do you know someone who never seems to be able to control their emotions? Perhaps they are constantly doing or saying the wrong things, at the wrong time. Or maybe they're always judging others, but have a hard time accepting criticism. If this describes someone you know, chances are high that this person struggles with low emotional intelligence.

Having low EQ or low emotional intelligence can negatively impact not only your interpersonal relationships but also your mental and physical health.

The ability to regulate emotions is one of the components of emotional intelligence. People with low EQ often struggle to understand and control their emotions.

We cover some ground on what you, as a person increasing your emotional intelligence, can do when those around you aren't. And know this, you aren't alone.

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Special Guest Bill O'Herron

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 05:45:00 -0400

Bill O’Herron, LCSW is a corporate executive, practicing therapist (weekends and evenings), and writer who seeks to use his 33 years of financial sales management experience, 24 years of marriage, 15 years of counseling clients, and 8,500 hours of sitting quietly to help his clients better understand themselves and deepen their relationships.

Bill teaches that all our relationships with others, especially our marriage, started in 4th grade, when our limbic-emotional body learned, absorbed, and inherited our parents’ lives and experiences. We are all therefore married to our own old, unconscious emotions more so than to our spouse.

His research shows that relationships fail for one single reason: a lack of understanding of one’s own emotions and reaction patterns created in childhood. His work with archetypes demonstrates also that relationships are not a single experience or dyad between two people but are eight unique relationships all occurring at the same time.

Three key concepts he uses to accelerate client’s work are Stand in the Fire, 2nd Law of Thermodynamics at Home, and Relatus. These three concepts provide direct access to understanding self.

He celebrates in and humorously expounds on the belief that working on self, which will automatically improve the dynamics of all our relationships, is the most important thing in life, and that what we do right now in our relationship echoes through posterity, changing who our grandchildren's children become.

Bill graduated from Middlebury College, VT with a BA in English, and earned a Master of Science degree from Columbia University School of Social Work, NY in ’03.

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Special Guest John O’Hagan and his Journey From Musician to Entrepreneur

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:45:00 -0400

John O’Hagan is a Co-Owner and Multi-Million Dollar Producer at Retro Real Estate.

But he began as a kid who wanted to be a rock star.

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Everything You Wanted To Know About EQ (But Were Afraid To Ask)

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:30:00 -0400

We field some great questions from our listeners during this episode, including...

What role does EQ play in the workplace (2:20)

Will I be perceived as weak if I let EQ help me with decision making (4:16)

What is Emotional Intelligence (9:22)

Won't it get too personal? (15:00)

How can I learn what emotions I'm feeling (22:56)

Name one concrete benefit to learning EQ (26:47)

What is the difference between EQ and IQ (28:46)

What are neural pathways? (35:10)

How do you relate to someone who is not emotionally intelligent? (40:56)

How do you apply EQ when decisions need to be made in seconds (45:50)

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Revisiting Emotional Intelligence

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Revisit. It can be powerful tool.

We thought this would be a good time to revisit Emotional Intelligence. For both people that have been listening to us for a while. And then people that are relatively new listeners that maybe don't understand or aren't familiar with some of the things we talk about.

Let's revisit the model that we use, which is from a company called Six Seconds. We us this as the basis of our model of emotional intelligence.

If one of the things we talk about in this episode strikes a chord, go back to our library and you'll be able to find more on a whole podcast about one of these models.

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Building Resources

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400

These resources are related to what are we going to do in a "post pandemic" world.

As Eric puts it...

But the reality is life is full of unknowns and there's going to be things that are going to be delivered at your door that you never expected you could have never predicted. And quite frankly, you may just not like.

What are some of the things some of the trends that we may be looking at?

Like changes in the way that we work. Companies are planning to downsize facilities because they found out that they can work from home instead of coming into an office. And this scenario is loaded with benefits and detriments.

What will your life be in hybrid mode? All-in mode? Do you have continued self-care modes in place to support what is coming?

Ultimately, your resource building will need your decision making skills.

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EQ and Parenting Through a Child’s Chronic Health Condition with Special Guest Aleasa Word

Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

When you have a diagnosis of a some sort of chronic illness, all of a sudden life is reimagined."

We tend to see, you know, all the bad things about this new diagnosis, as opposed to understanding that there are some really great teachable moments. And some opportunities for growth opportunities for us to learn to be courageous."

Aleasa Word is a Certified EQ Practitioner, Assessor, DEI Consultant and coach. She engages in deep dive conversations to reframe limiting beliefs, empower individuals and shift organizational culture.

With an academic background in EI, leadership, trauma, conflict resolution and organizational behavior, she utilizes technical skills and real world experiences in her Chapter 2 Living & Embrace programs to help improve leadership effectiveness, intrinsic motivation, cultural dexterity and confidence.

https://www.awordandcompany.com/

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DEI, Emotional Intelligence and the Road Ahead with Special Guest Toya Spencer

Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

We welcome Toya Spencer, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Worthington Schools. A fascinating interview with her about her role at the school system, and her previous work at Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

She joined the district with 18 years of corporate experience. For the majority of her career, she has been guiding organizations in becoming more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

Having worked at the corporate headquarters for Abercrombie & Fitch, Huntington National Bank and Danaher Corporation, Toya's experience working in such vastly different industries provides the dexterity required to understand and serve a school district with needs across many aspects of diversity.

In her corporate career, she served as Global Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Manager at Danaher

Corporation, where she created the foundational work for the Executive Diversity Council to establish employee resource groups and collaborated with HR teams in Europe and China to implement the company’s D&I strategy abroad.

As Vice President/Inclusion Manager at Huntington National Bank, Toya partnered with the Executive Leadership team members to develop tailored strategies to achieve their recruiting and hiring goals.

Additionally, she coached and advised HR Business Partners on D&I best practices as well as served as the subject matter expert (SME) on all D&I training content.

During her 16 year tenure at Abercrombie & Fitch, she managed relationships with minority professional and collegiate organizations, creating a more diverse candidate pool and eventual workplace. She also co-chaired the company’s executive diversity council and was credited with introducing family-friendly programs and events as well as establishing the company’s first-ever employee resource group for working parents.

At A&F, her work assignments took her to 18 countries - from facilitating store manager D&I training in Europe and Asia to establishing workplace inclusion policies in Australia.

Toya held the sole responsibility of creating and overseeing the company’s global D&I training program, impacting over 40 international stores and over 20,000 employees.

During the company’s expansion into the Middle East, she was also responsible for leading cultural training and providing direction on inclusive practices.

Upon leaving her corporate career in 2016, Toya worked with TAPO Institute and Strategic HR Advisors as a Senior Consultant and Trainer.

In 2019, Toya launched Spencer Allen Consulting Group, a small consulting firm focused on providing inclusion strategies to help organizations and schools create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Toya holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Kent State University and a master’s degree from Duquesne University in Corporate Communication.

The 2020 Porter Novelli Executive Purpose Study - Porter Novelli

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EQ, Exercise and Nutrition

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400

A number of people typically they set their New Year's resolutions as exercise, diet, and losing weight.

But by the second week of February is when those "promises to yourself" just kind of fall off.

Why is that? We all know when we exercise and when we eat well, it can have a positive effect on our focus and our outlook.

In this episode, we encourage the idea of using the competencies of emotional intelligence to help you make better decisions about how to increase exercise and better nutrition in your life.

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Forgiveness

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400

This is a topic we have not covered, and we felt it was a great time to do so. With social distancing, and the stress points we've all had to endure, forgiveness has become a bit more difficult to give at times. And that includes forgiving ourselves at time.

Here are some steps we outline in the podcast that can help you.

Step 1: Acknowledge - Acknowledge the hurt.

Step 2: Consider - Consider how the hurt and pain has affected you.

Step 3: Accept - Accept that you cannot change the past.

Step 4: Determine - Determine whether or not you will forgive.

Step 5: Repair - Repair the relationship with the person who wronged you.

Step 6: Learn - Learn what forgiveness means to you.

Step 7: Forgive - Forgive the person who wronged you.

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Kevin Dwinnell, VP Product Strategy and Commercialization at Taivara

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400

How crucial is EQ is with tech founders? And how does EQ helps tech founders navigate, for the most part, uncharted waters in their person and professional lives?

We talk with Kevin Dwinnell, VP, Product Strategy and Commercialization for Taivara, about this.

Mentioned in the podcast...

Thinking Fast and Slow

ColumbusKTC

Kevin leads companies through an evidence-based process for developing new products and revenue streams. His clients improve their chances for new product success by focusing on identifying, prioritizing, analyzing and validating product ideas using experimentation, customer interactions and small investments to deliver big outcomes.

As VP, Product Strategy and Commercialization for Taivara, Kevin has actively worked with more than 100 companies at the earliest stages determining the assumptions built into their business and executing the appropriate tests to provide real-market data and clarity to the uncertain environment surrounding new products. His specialties include strategic planning, market entry tactics, customer discovery and product commercialization.

Before joining Taivara, Kevin was active in the startup community as a founding member of Brand Thunder an affinity-marketing tool and consumer-engagement platform on the web. Kevin helped build the company into one of the most used browser extensions for entertainers, publishers as well as professional and collegiate sports programs.

Kevin has a history of driving product innovation, testing early business markets and forging strategic relationships to boost top-line revenue. With more than 20 years in the startup and digital technology space performing work for leading brands like AOL, Cardinal Health, HP, InterDigital and Sony to high-growth companies like Acceptd, Sprout it and Flip Video, he helps minimize missteps and improve chances for success.

His experience in launching and growing new business in both B2B and B2C categories also include efforts for Alliance Data, Hanna-Barbera Studios, Emerson Network Power and Turner Broadcasting.

Kevin has an MBA from The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.

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Circumstances

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Circumstances are these things that alter our normal path. Or what we perceive to be normal path. And require us to take a different route.

When change comes, whether it be good or bad, there's a confrontation in our head. Because our brain has developed, or we've developed in concert with our brain, these neural pathways. They can be as complex as a freeway system, or as simple as a residential street.

To find out more about neural pathways, check out Episode 2 - Recognizing Patterns.

And during these circumstances we all had to deal with, self care has become more important than ever. Self care is how we treat our physical or mental, our spiritual and emotional person.

"What is occupying your soul," and is it making your life better again? If it is making your life better, keep doing it. If you don't know, there's time for some probing and some time for some counsel, some advice from others maybe to help you come to a conclusion. And if it is not making your life better, it's a sign to stop. It's time to remove it. It's time to get it out of there.

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The Art of Active Listening

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0400

"Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?"

Remember the old Verizon Wireless advertising campaign?

There is a big difference between hearing and listening. And then there's the art of active listening.

We cover a lot of ground about how you can become a better listener. Here are the step-by-step suggestions we mention in the podcast.

Maintain eye contact
Don't fidget too much
No interrupting
Watch the non-verbal cues
Restate and clarify
Use some encouragers
Probing
Minimal talking
Validate

Use these 9 steps to help you become a more active listener.

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Too Quick To Judgement

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0400

We and our work with clients talk a lot about the importance of curiosity versus judgment.

In today's episode, we talk a little bit about the good side of judgment and the bad side of judgment. And how we can kind of find ourselves more balanced around how we look at the subject.

As we've always stressed in our podcast, exhaust curiosity before you go to judgment.

The more curious you are about something means you're gathering more information. The more you learn about something, the better you'll be at making a decision. In this case, making a judgment.

Staying curious allows you to figure out what your motivations are. And that your motivations may be different than from the person or group you are judging.

You have to actually engage your brain a little bit and think about why you are feeling that way about that person or group. Think it through. You're navigating your own emotions first. Then, you're navigating that other person's emotions.

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Lee Ann Lander, Owner, Lee Ann Lander Art and Creative Consulting

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Can creativity and the corporate world live in harmony? We think so, and so does our guest, Lee Ann Lander.

She is the owner of Lee Ann Lander Art and Creative Consulting.

She is an artist and creative thinker and help others think, be and live more creatively.

She is also now actively working on a book called Find Beauty Right Where You Are.

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Spirit of EQ

Candice Thomas-Maddox, PhD, Professor of Communication Studies, Ohio University

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0400

How has COVID-19 affected the university setting?

We talk with Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox, Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University-Lancaster, about how educators and students are navigating through these uncharted waters.

Specifically, we talk about college and emotional intelligence. We tie this into how 2020 has impacted students' decisions and choices, and how improvement in decision-making can help navigate times of fast change.

Some EQ areas we cover are Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation, Empathy, and Exercising Optimism through this education crisis.

Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox (Ed.D. - West Virginia University) is Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University-Lancaster where she currently serves as the director of the online master’s degree program in organizational communication.

Since joining the faculty at OHIO, she has taught a variety of communication courses and co-authored five textbooks: Interpersonal Communication: Building Rewarding Relationships; Communicating in Your Personal, Professional, and Public Lives; Family Communication: Relationship Foundations; Quantitative Research Methods for Communication: A Hands-On Approach; and Communicating with Diverse Students.

She has been awarded with the OHIO-Lancaster Professor of the Year, the Ohio University RHE Outstanding Professor, and the ECA Ecroyd Teaching Award and Teaching Fellows designation in recognition of her contributions in the classroom. Thomas-Maddox is the former President and Executive Director for both the Eastern Communication Association and the Ohio Communication Association.

For the past decade, she has served as co-chair for Ohio University Lancaster’s Celebrate Women conference, in addition to serving as faculty advisor for Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and Phi Theta Kappa honorary.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Spirit of EQ

Helping Others Find Value In Themselves

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0400

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month!

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Special Guest Kevin Saunders, Founder, KS4Inspiration

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Kevin Saunders is the founder of KS4Inspiration, which endeavors to provide inspiration and education to the next generation so that our young people will have the knowledge, discernment, and confidence required to achieve meaningful and impactful goals.

Kevin is committed to inspiring high school students, college students, and young professionals as a dynamic speaker, facilitator, and performance artist.

Kevin graduated with an MBA from Pace University and obtained the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designations while working for Deloitte, a reputable global accounting firm.

As a Certified EQ (Emotional Intelligence) Practitioner, Kevin challenges the youth population to achieve meaningful goals, going beyond the pursuit of material possessions, in order to propel them towards their true purpose.

Kevin's experiences allows him to cover a wide range of topics including: leadership, diversity, inclusion, purposeful living, and EQ.

Kevin has also given the world a though-provoking poem on race and equity. Check it out.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month!

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Special Guest Andy Frank

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 11:31:00 -0400

Andy Frank will be joining with us to talk about technology, instruction and managing the home life in the era of COVID-19.

We discuss some of the things that influenced his decision to move from instruction back into software engineering development.

I have to know that we're impacting and changing lives. That's what really motivates me to have the opportunity to change lots of people's lives.

How are we going to make the biggest impact in this limited amount of time that we have while we're on this earth?

Andy sees the full gamut of emotion from all of the bootcamp students at Tech Elevator. Extreme happiness and extreme sadness, sometimes Aextreme frustration. It's not just the economic impact. You have students who have children. And their children are able to see them go through that program and see them accomplish something that's a really tough 14-week program. All of this

Everyone always has their own unique perspective, their own motivation, their own intrinsic motivator. Sometimes is it's an extrinsic motivator. Sometimes it is financial.

Throughout his technical journey, Andrew Frank has had the opportunity to solve complex business problems as a Developer, Architect, Development Manager, and Technical Lead at companies ranging from startups to established enterprises.

Technologically, he has had the chance to work with many technologies and frameworks, including ASP.NET, C#, GraphQL, Ruby, PHP, JavaScript, Angular, and Vue JS.

Along the way, he has also had the privilege and joy to coach and mentor developers looking to establish and further their careers in meaningful ways.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month!

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Outside Looking In

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:30:00 -0400

What we're talking about is when you, as a person, are on the outside looking in to a group, or something that's happening that you might want to really be involved in.

And more so, the lack of connection. In this time of social distancing, we need to understand what the lack of connection can mean to each other and ourselves.

We take a look at this idea about exploring emotional literacy, being able to explore your mind as well. Why do you feel that you're on the outside?

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month!

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Under Pressure Pt 2

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:30:00 -0400

We hope you got the chance to listen to part 1 of our Under Pressure podcasts. If not, head here.

Let's talk a little bit about circumstances. 2020 has been a year of circumstances, most out of our control. But how do we approach handling this with EQ?

We need to look at the circumstances that you're experiencing right now. Maybe you can't do anything about those circumstances. We have to watch that this, and don't let it change us.

We take a look at how Intrinsic Motivation. This is what is inside of you, what's driving you, what's causing you to make the decisions or take the actions that you do.

Is there anything that we have control over during "out of control" circumstances? Yes, how we react to those circumstances. Start to become aware of the emotions you are feeling. Recognize Patterns and pay attention.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Under Pressure Pt 1

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Who isn't under pressure right now, during the midst of a world pandemic? On top of our normal life pressures.

In this episode, we consider what does it mean to be under pressure.

Is there good to come from it? Can we leverage it?

We mention to check out our earlier episodes on the competencies.

Enhancing Emotional Literacy

Recognizing Patterns

Applying Consequential Thinking

Exercising Optimism

Engaging Intrinsic Motivation

Increasing Empathy

Pursuing Noble Goals

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Mondays every month!

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Working on You

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Now that we are into the second half of the year, how is it going for YOU? How is it going as you work on you?

New Year's Resolutions are now more than six months old. Many of yours may been broken in just a few short weeks. Others, a couple of months. The desire, the fire, is just gone.

But the ones that really mean something are probably still being worked on today. If you're in that place, your emotional intelligence can maybe either reignite you or may potentially just keep you going.

Hurdles you may be running up against are when we self-judge ourselves, or even judge others. Judgment decision are not only easy, but they are quick. And that's dangerous because when that happens, you're operating on very, very limited information.

And this is where we should let our curiosity take over. Ask questions, be informed, and understand why you shouldn't come to judge yourself, or others, too quickly. That opens up more choices, more options. It gives you the ability to leverage one of the competencies of empathy. As Eric likes to put it,

"It's intellectually lazy to be judgmental."

Curiosity says you care enough and you want to do the work of understanding what's going on. And that work might take you someplace uncomfortable. You might have to do some self-examination.

The power of curiosity goes hand-in-hand with self-empathy. It gives you that ability to say "I'm not a failure."

Self-examination, self exploration, can help you to start thinking of consequences and thinking through consequential thinking. So that you continue down the same path, the consequences are going to be the same. So what do you have to do to make those consequences come out the way you want?

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Future of Work with Special Guest Holly Custard, PhD

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Holly Custard is deputy director of institute partnerships and outreach at the Strada Institute for the Future of Work, where she engages with stakeholders to raise awareness and inspire action through the Institute’s research and insights. Her work focuses on fostering the development of infrastructure that supports robust, connected and purposeful learning and career outcomes.

In this episode, we talk with Holly about the future of what work might look like for us post pandemic. She covers a variety of areas that, as we exit the pandemic, should be incorporated into our workplace.

A system should be designed that helps us transition into new jobs or careers. She outlines 5 areas that should be focused on.

The big question is, will corporate embrace this change? Education vs skills is at the core of this conversation. Unpack what are the jobs, and what are the skills needed. Communicate what is needed from both the educational experience and skills needed, and how this can be a better result for both the employer and employee.

How does EQ work into this, the hiring process, especially skills?

Are we now entering a unique opportunity, to shape the future? What have what we need to implement these concepts, but it will take all of us to recognize them, and work together.

Remember the term "working learner." How do we put that person at the center of all we do. We have to start to understand what is going on with employees in a structural, systematic way (EMPATHY!).

And as the employee, without self-awareness of your personal history, it is difficult to move forward with a new career or job path.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Problem and Opportunity of Bias

Tue, 26 May 2020 11:30:00 -0400

How can bias be a problem, and an opportunity, rolled into one?

What causes our bias(es)? How do we recognize, and use biases, to our advantage?

Jeff brings some great insight on how we can recognize our bias(es), and how they can become opportunities for us to become better.

Three Ways Mindfulness Can Make You Less Biased

All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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D-1 College Athlete, Life Lessons and EQ with Special Guest Dan DeLucia

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 11:30:00 -0400

We had the opportunity to speak with Dan DeLucia, Pitching Coach for The Ohio State University Buckeyes Baseball team.

How do 18 or 19-year old young men, just out of high school, handle the pressures of playing sports and college life?

How does EQ come into play when coaches help them adjust?

Coach DeLucia gives us his insight on how difficult this time can be, and how he and fellow coaches go beyond the game, and make it about the person first, then the ball player.

Dan is currently in his seventh year as an assistant for the Buckeyes, and has been a part of the Buckeye coaching staff that guided the team to three NCAA Regional appearances in the last four years as well as two Big Ten Tournament titles.

He helped guide the youngest pitching staff in the nation to a postseason title run as the OSU arms shattered the school record for strikeouts in a season (583).

He has helped develop nine Ohio State pitchers into Major League Baseball.Dan concluded his Buckeye playing career in 2008 after earning four letters, was a first team All-Big Ten selection in 2006 and was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the Major League Baseball draft.

Outside of baseball, Dan loves spending time with his wife, Carly, and four kids, James, Gracie, Luke & Hannah.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Jeremy Jensen, Dubuque Police Department

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Jeremy Jensen is the Assistant Chief of Police of the Dubuque Police Department.

He has been in law enforcement for 28 years and has spent the last 25 years in Dubuque, where he has

worked in patrol, traffic, criminal investigations, tactical operations, community policing, training, and internal affairs.

He currently leads department operations and is involved in mental health and intercultural initiatives. Jeremy holds a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Communications. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for top 1% of law enforcement executives.

What the Dubuque Police Department has done by implementing Emotional Intelligence into their training has changed the culture inside the department, as well as how the department works with the citizen of their city. In this episode, Jeremy talks in detail on why this came about, the support from community and local government, and how the department has grown for doing so.

Highlights of our interview include:

Jeremy Jensen bio
Jeremy talks about how EQ gives the officers another tool to use in difficult situations
Jeremy talks about how EQ helps the officers to de-escalate
Jeremy talks about how EQ helps the multigenerational police officers connect to each other
Jeremy talks about how EQ is helping officers generally becoming better persons overall
Jeremy talks about the general citizen support of the implementation of EQ into the police department
Jeremy talks about how EQ helps with approaching diversity within the city, beyond but including ethnic background, religious background and economic status.
Why should police departments consider implementing EQ into their training?

If you would like to connect with Jeremy and find out more about how EQ is now standard practice in the Dubuque Police Department, send us an email at info@spiritofeq.com and we'll make that introduction.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Focus On Your EQ

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Focusing on your emotional intelligence can be a huge task. In this episode, Jeff uses the analogy of photography and a camera in helping to focus on emotional intelligence. Even if you know very little about a camera and photography, this episode will certainly help.

We have a special offer for you as well. What you need to do is email us at info@spiritofEQ.com to receive a free copy of the white paper called Success Factors and Emotional Intelligence.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Motorcycles, Neil Peart and Emotional Intelligence

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 21:30:00 -0400

This episode is the audio version of a webinar we did recently. With the passing of drummer great Neil Peart, we thought it would a nice tribute to who he was, and how he, in some respects, really lived emotional intelligence with through his work with the band Rush, and his life.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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How EQ Can Change Your Life

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:30:00 -0400

Happy New Year! And to kick off your new year, we are offering $100 off our SEI EQ Assessment, that's our full emotional intelligence assessment. That also includes a debrief to explaining the assessment.

Send us an email. info@spiritofeq.com

Put in the subject line, "podcast offer."

No matter where you call home, we will contact you and get this accomplished. We really hope you will take advantage of this offer. It's a great tool to measure your competencies, your success factors. This is our contribution to you to help you get 2020 started off in the right direction.

This $100 off offer is good through 1/31/2020.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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What’s Wrong With Leadership Development

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:30:00 -0400

True leadership development programs are just opening up a door for their participants. We talk with Perry Maughmer, Chair for Vistage International in Central Ohio, about his role in developing leaders - or how he dissuades many from taking on this role.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper

License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE

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What Women Entrepreneurs Want You To Know

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0400

We talk with Christy Farnbauch, Executive Director at NAWBO Columbus (National Association of Women Business Owners).

Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of America’s more than 10 million women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the economy.

NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; and boasts over 7,000 members and 60 chapters across the country.

With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource to propelling women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.

Established in 1997, NAWBO Columbus has a longstanding history and outstanding reputation in the greater Columbus area.

As the largest NAWBO chapter in the nation, their purpose is to empower all women business owners to overcome challenges and realize their true potential, while making their mark on the world.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Leadership and The Art of Leading a Motorcycle Group Ride

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 11:30:00 -0400

Jeff brings to life how leadership plays a key role in the art of leading a motorcycle group ride. And how the examples from that leadership role can be used in business organizations.

"As a leader, you need to have a goal of where you want to end, you need to set the expectations, like one of the expectations that you would set on a group (ride), when we get to the goal. We're going to ride back as a group or you're on your own, as an example. You want to set those expectations that everyone has. What is the desired performance that I would like to see from you? And then the good leader has to pay attention to what's going on. And I think that the last and the most important thing, the good leader needs to understand how to use the people best for everyone's benefit, not just for that person's benefit, but how is that going to affect everyone else. How is it going to make it better for everyone involved?"

Other episodes we would encourage you to listen to as well include Increasing Empathy and Consequential Thinking.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Generational EQ

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:30:00 -0400

We talk with Andrew Hulse, Business Development Manager from Futurety. Andrew is a big believer that his generation has the emotional intelligence ability to overcome and succeed in their career and personal choices.

He gives us some insights about what's going on inside of his generation, his community, and what he is seeing and hearing, and how that may translate to others generations.

Additionally, you may want to listen to two previous episodes that were mentioned in this episode.

Increasing Empathy

Exercising Optimism

Andrew Hulse holds an undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in business leadership and management from Capital University. He quickly gained experience with local Columbus, Ohio startup organizations both as an early stage employee and consultant, creating meaningful business relationships with clients.

When he is not meeting with partners and potential clients, Andrew enjoys being a mediocre weekend golfer, discovering new musicians on Spotify and spending time with friends around Columbus’ thriving metropolis.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Success and Emotional Intelligence

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 11:30:00 -0400

Success. It's a word that most people are immediately attracted to, because everybody wants to be successful.

But some definitions or clarifications are important here.

Success is not just you making tons of money. But it also might mean that you see that third world country get clean running water, and the organization that you volunteer for raise the money to get it done. And you're going to travel over there to help make it happen.

Each person needs to define what success is to them. In this episode we dig deeper in how emotional intelligence is a key factor in helping you define success.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life.For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Refining Your Noble Goal

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 11:30:00 -0400

Refining your purpose, or your noble goal.

Another way to look at your purpose is two words that we use in the Six Second model emotional intelligence called Noble Goal. A Noble Goal is what defines who you are. It's a goal that is not achievable. It's not a goal, like I want to be a millionaire, or own the company. It's what gets you up in the morning.

While refining this statement is important, we also caution don't rush to the final statement. We go over what we mean in this episode.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life.For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Managing Relationships

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 11:30:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric tackle the idea of managing relationships. As you continue to grow in understanding your emotions, those around you probably haven't been shown the "tools" like you have been exposed to and are using. How do you grow in your emotional intelligence while others around you are not?

Two past episodes to go back and listen to compliment this episode are Increasing Empathy and Recognizing Patterns.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life.For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Myth Of Winning

Wed, 15 May 2019 11:30:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric "reframe" the idea of winning, outside of the world of sports.

Here is a link to the article about Emotional Aikido, mentioned in the podcast.

A great past episode to go back and listen to compliment this episode is Enhancing Emotional Intelligence.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life.For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Fear

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 11:41:00 -0400

Fear is defined as an unpleasant, often strong emotion, caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.

But what if you were to look at fear as an important emotion trying to tell you something. We cover this in great detail in this episode.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

Spirit of EQ resources link.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

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Being Self-Aware

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:32:00 -0400

The way we're being bombarded with social media, we're being told what we're supposed to be and who we're supposed to be, instead of actually being who we really are.

Being self-aware is going to allow you to make choices based on who you really are. What is at the core of you.

When you're self-aware, you understand what you stand for, what you really want from life.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

Spirit of EQ resources link.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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The Myth Of Perfection

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 11:50:00 -0400

What we want to talk about in this episode is "perfection."

We're not talking about trying to be good, to try to be the best, doing the best job.

What we're talking going to talk about today is what happens when it's not perfect, when you don't make the perfect decision or complete the task perfectly. What happens, or should happen, next?

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

Spirit of EQ resources link.

You can subscribe to The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on Android, or your favorite podcast player.

Please review our podcast in iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Better Decision Making

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 11:30:00 -0400

Better decision making is a skill that should be practiced every day. In this episode, Jeff and Eric talk more about our thoughts, habits, and actions that all come into play on how you can practice better decision making through specific aspects of emotional intelligence.

Additional episodes you will want to listen to include Recognizing Patterns and Consequential Thinking

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Spiritual Emotional Intelligence

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 15:01:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric talk with Six Second's Lynette Vaive about Spiritual Emotional Intelligence, and the benefits of tapping into your spiritual connection and beyond.

The story behind the development of the Spiritual Emotional Intelligence profile
The definition of what "spiritual" means in Spiritual Emotional Intelligence
What are the benefits?
How do you address those who are skeptical?
The Spiritual Emotional Intelligence profile description
Examples of impact
Why this is a very dynamic tool of your profile
Personal experiences from Eric and Jeff
Advice from Lynette about how this can help you

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Learning Philosophies

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 11:36:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric talk more about our thoughts, habits, and actions all come into play on how we learn.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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How To Cope With Feelings Of Failure

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 03:15:00 -0400

This episode isn't so much about actions to take when you have experienced a failure, but more to do with the feelings you might be dealing with along the way.

Knowing that we have failed spectacularly can leave us feeling devastated. In this episode, Jeff and Eric cover some ways to come to grips with our thoughts on failure.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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How Well Do You Know Yourself

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 11:42:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric help you to explore how well do you know yourself, and how it pertains to emotional intelligence.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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The Noble Goal

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:26:00 -0400

In this episode of The Spirit of EQ, Jeff and Eric explore the Noble Goal.

What is a Noble Goal? How do you identify it? How does it drive your personal and professional life?

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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A Business Case Study in EQ

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:30:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric welcome a very special guest today, Matt Vaive. Matt talks about his experiences using Spirit of EQ with his employees. The results supplied him with ideas of what his employees' strengths and weaknesses are, and some ideas of things that he can do to try to help them to become more balanced.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Pursuing Noble Goals

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:35:00 -0400

What is a noble goal? "Connecting your daily choices with your overarching sense of purpose."

Your sense of purpose becomes your noble goal. Your true sense of purpose is your noble goal. And learn why it's something that you'll never achieve in your lifetime.

In this episode of The Spirit of EQ, Jeff and Eric discuss pursuing noble goals. This is the most important competency of all the other seven that they've talked about in previous podcasts.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Increasing Empathy

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 11:35:00 -0400

What does empathy mean? And how do we increase it?

In contrast to sympathy, empathy is a lot deeper. Empathy is when you actually put yourself, as best you can, into that person's shoes. You're connecting with their emotions. It's something that's shared, and non-judgmental.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Engaging Intrinsic Motivation

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:30:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric discuss engaging intrinsic motivation, the motivation that comes from within you, within who you are.

Most people are driven by extrinsic motivation. It's more powerful, but it's not the most important. Jeff talks about two high-profile examples, NBA star LeBron James and Neil Peart, from the band Rush.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Exercising Optimism

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 06:04:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric discuss exercising optimism, taking a proactive perspective of hope and possibilities. Being proactive. And your perspective includes hope and possibilities.

Being an optimist is not really complicated. You just need to be honest with yourself in each situation. When you learn how to be optimistic, you have a little bit more ownership, or even control, of the outcomes that you're looking for.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Navigating Emotions

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 06:05:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric discuss navigating your emotions, and how you can use this as a strategic resource in recognizing what your emotions do, and what other's emotions do as well.

When you can assess the strength of an emotion, you can then use it as a strategic resource to work toward a better outcome to a situation.

It's important that we do use our emotions, manage them, and use them for insight.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Applying Consequential Thinking

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 06:00:00 -0400

Jeff and Eric discuss consequential thinking, and how this helps you focus on the outcome you are striving for.

You'll learn more about applying consequential thinking as a skill to think through a process, and how it allows you to understand the emotions of the situation.

You'll learn more about "responding" versus "reacting" to a situation and understanding the factors of analyzing and reflecting those important moments.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Recognizing Patterns

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 06:33:00 -0400

What does “recognizing patterns” mean?

Understanding “if this happens...I do that." In other words, how you respond to situations.

Neural pathways are created when you react the same way, time after time. These pathways can be re-written – but don't get erased.

“Pushing a person's buttons” can be positive as well as negative.

The danger of patterns – they become an easy path – and can lead to negative reactions.

“Respond” and “React” - don't both terms mean the same thing?

Jeff's homework assignment – pay attention to the reactions you have, and did you get the outcome you wanted?

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

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Enhancing Emotional Literacy

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 06:30:00 -0400

What is emotional literacy?

Our emotions are chemical. When you are confronted, your body dumps chemicals into your brain. These chemicals get you ready for fight, flight, freeze or flock. The job of the emotion is to give you information.

But our emotions are neutral – it's what you do with those emotions that causes a reaction.

There are 8 basic emotions:

1) anger

2) anticipation

3) disgust

4) fear

5) joy

6) sadness

7) surprise

8) trust

How can we approach and control these emotions? We can use the Plutchick Model of Emotions.

This model puts emotions into categories and ranks emotions.

Jeff's homework assignment for you – write down what emotions you went through today. Why did that emotion happen?

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

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Welcome To The Spirit of EQ Podcast

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 19:49:00 -0400

Welcome to the intro episode of the Spirit of EQ Podcast, with your hosts Jeff East and Eric Pennington.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life.

For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.

New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Music from Uppbeat

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