Spirit of EQ

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 l...

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,...

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 ref...

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...

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 t...

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 respon...

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 tho...

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 a...

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 c...

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...

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 tr...

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 compan...

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 c...

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 ...

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 prese...

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 journal...

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:

1. Understanding Core Beliefs: Discover how core beliefs, often formed early in life, can influence our neural pathways.
2. Adapting to New Realizations: Learn the importance of examining and questioning your ...

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 lab...

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, challengin...