The Shadows Podcast | Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth

The Shadows Podcast | Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth

The Shadows Podcast blends powerful guest stories with deep dives into emotional intelligence. Hosted by a United States Air Force veteran, we explore the emotional triggers, challenges, and breakthroughs that shape our lives. From raw, real-life experiences to pop culture breakdowns, each episode helps you grow through what you go through—shining light on the shadows we all face.

Episodes

August 4, 2025 63 mins

🎙️ Episode 180: Rocky Bleier – You Couldn’t Script This

What happens when life calls an audible you never saw coming?

In this powerful kickoff to our Audible series, we’re joined by one of the NFL’s most inspirational figures—Rocky Bleier. A 4x Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and a national champion at Notre Dame, Rocky’s story goes far beyond the field.

📍 From being drafte...

Mark as Played

Why does being left on read trigger you?
Why do you feel drained after “just five minutes” of scrolling?
And why do you compare your real life to someone else’s filtered highlight reel?

This isn’t just another episode about social media—it’s an emotional intelligence wake-up call.

In this episode, we break down:

  • The emotional impact of being unfollowed

  • The grip of comparison culture

  • The cycle of doomscrolling

  • The silent weight ...

Mark as Played

This isn’t a wrestling story.
It’s a story about you.
About the expectations others place on us.
The roles we’re told to play.
And the emotions we bury just to keep going.

In this episode of The Shadows Podcast, we take a powerful, emotionally intelligent look at the legacy of the Von Erich family—not through the lens of tragedy, but through the pressure of persona.

We explore:

  • The danger of conditional love and perfor...

Mark as Played

This week on The Shadows Podcast, we rewind to one of the most controversial acts in music history — Milli Vanilli — but through a very different lens: Emotional Intelligence.

They were global superstars… until they weren’t.
Vilified for lip-syncing, stripped of awards, and mocked by the same public that once praised them.
But here’s the twist:
Everything they were crucified for in the early ‘90s — carefully curated image, polished per...

Mark as Played
July 7, 2025 22 mins

🎙️ Iron Man and Emotional Intelligence
📅 Episode 175 | The Shadows Podcast
🧠 PERSONa Month Series

Who has higher emotional intelligence: Tony Stark or Iron Man? 🤔 Suit up for an in-depth emotional intelligence breakdown of one of the most complex heroes in the Marvel Universe.

In this episode, host Tripp Bodenheimer takes you on a journey from the cave to the gauntlet—exploring how Tony Stark transforms from a narcissistic billiona...

Mark as Played

🎙️ EP175 - Emotional Intelligence in Labyrinth: Lessons from the Goblin King’s Maze

This week on The Shadows Podcast, we step into the glittery, twisted, and emotionally rich world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. What looks like an ‘80s fantasy cult classic with goblins, puppets, and David Bowie’s glam-rock charisma is actually packed with timeless emotional intelligence lessons.

Through Sarah’s surreal journey to rescue her baby brother...

Mark as Played

Is Donnie Darko just a cult classic—or a psychological case study in emotional intelligence?

In this episode of The Shadows Podcast, we explore the emotional layers of Richard Kelly’s 2001 mind-bender, Donnie Darko. We break down how emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a critical role in the film’s characters and choices—highlighting Donnie’s rage, Frank the Rabbit’s symbolism, and Jim Cunningham’s manipulative fear-based philosophy. ...

Mark as Played

“Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you're gonna get.” 🍫

But what if that unpredictability is the point?
In our latest episode of The Shadows Podcast, we break down Forrest Gump through the lens of emotional intelligence—from grief and loyalty to presence and empathy.

Forrest may not claim to be a smart man, but emotionally? He teaches us more than most leadership books ever could.

🎧 Stream it now on Spotify, Apple...

Mark as Played

🎙️ Episode 172 – "Remember Who You Are: Emotional Intelligence Lessons of The Lion King"

In this episode of The Shadows Podcast, we explore the powerful emotional intelligence (EQ) lessons hidden within Disney’s The Lion King.

From grief and guilt to identity and leadership, Simba’s story is more than a classic movie—it’s a masterclass in emotional growth.

🎧 You’ll learn:

  • The 5 components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness...

Mark as Played

🎙️ Greed is Good? Why Positional Power Triggers Us

Ever felt like just a number to a boss or authority figure? In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most frustrating emotional triggers—positional power misuse. From the micro-managers to the mini-monarchs who let their title define them, we dive into why these dynamics drive us crazy and how they impact our emotions and productivity.

Joined by my co-host, Miguel, we explore...

Mark as Played

The Fast & the Frustrated
Why does driving bring out the worst in us? In this episode of The Shadows Podcast, Tripp Bodenheimer, Noble Gibbens, and Miguel Estrella break down the psychology and emotional triggers that turn everyday drivers into road rage warriors. From misplaced anger to a lack of emotional control, the crew shares insights, personal stories, and tools like emotional jiu-jitsu and mindfulness to help you sta...

Mark as Played
May 20, 2025 39 mins

🎙️Ginger Snaps
🟠 What My Dog Taught Me About Perspective and Emotional Intelligence

In this deeply personal episode of The Shadows Podcast, host Tripp Bodenheimer shares the emotional story of his family's final day with Ginger, his beloved 17-year-old dog. What should have been a peaceful goodbye turned into a traumatic moment—one that left physical scars, but also revealed powerful lessons about empathy, emotional control...

Mark as Played

🎙️ As we start filling out our brackets for the 2024 NCAA Tournament, get ready for an electrifying episode of the Shadows Podcast: Rebound Series! 🎉 We’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Sidney Moncrief to our annual Rebound Series! 🏀

Join hosts Tripp and five-time NBA All-Star and the first ever NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Sidney Moncrief as they dive deep into the journey of one of the NCAA and NBA's all-time grea...

Mark as Played

Join us this week on the Shadows Podcast for an exhilarating episode featuring an ACC Basketball legend, Len Elmore! As the sole player in Maryland basketball history to achieve 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, Len brings a wealth of experience to our Rebound Series.


Joined by special cohost Ricky Price, Tripp Bodenheimer delves into Len's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings to his unforgettable tenure at Marylan...

Mark as Played

In this week's episode of the Shadows Podcast, we delve into the captivating story of Jeff Ruland, a true basketball legend. Join us for another thrilling installment of our March Madness inspired series, the Rebound series season four!


We're honored to have Jeff Ruland, a member of the original McDonald's All-American team, two-time NBA All-Star, and former head coach at Iona, sharing his remarkable journey with u...

Mark as Played

In this special episode of the Rebound Series, prepare to be captivated as we sit down with former NBA assistant coach, Dean Cooper, for an unforgettable journey through basketball history and coaching brilliance! 🏀 With nearly two decades of experience coaching at the highest level, Coach Cooper brings a unique perspective shaped by encounters with legends of the game.


Join us as Coach Cooper shares riveting anecdotes from h...

Mark as Played

🎙️ This week on the Shadows Podcast, prepare for an inspiring journey as we sit down with Garrett Jenkins, Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor at Buckley Airman Leadership School and a true survivor! 🌟 #TheShadowsPodcast #GarrettJenkins #Survivor

Join us as Garrett shares his remarkable story of resilience and determination. Despite being diagnosed as color blind, he defied the odds and pursued his dream of joinin...

Mark as Played
February 11, 2024 71 mins

Join us for a special Super Bowl Sunday edition of the Shadows Podcast! This week, we're bringing you the best of the Shadows Bowl series, featuring exclusive interviews with football legends. From Chad Hennings, a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys, to Gerome Sapp, who made his mark with the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts, and Tim Worley, the #7 overall draft pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. Plus, we...

Mark as Played

As the Shadows Podcast embarks on a new chapter delving into the realm of Emotional Intelligence, we're kicking off our final stretch featuring one of our most requested guests: a twenty-seven-year retired Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force, Hope Skibitsky!

In this captivating episode, Hope candidly shares her tumultuous journey from a challenging adolescence, including running away from home, to her remarka...

Mark as Played

We are honored to host Jordan Biasotti, an officer in the United States Army and the Intelligence Section Director for the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) this week on the Shadows Podcast!

Join us as Jordan unfolds his remarkable journey, having roots on both coasts and relocating from California to Massachusetts. In addition to sharing his spiritual and military experiences, Jordan bravely opens up about overcoming medical cha...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.