Spirit of EQ

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...

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 the...

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 A...

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.

W...

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...

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 re...

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...

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 i...

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 enric...

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 soci...

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 resista...

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:

1. The Cost of Inauthe...

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 provi...

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 you...

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 deci...