105:Emotional Intelligence and Healing: Turn Negative Emotions into Inner Strength and Purpose

Sometimes the feelings we avoid the most are the very ones guiding us back to who we are meant to become.

In this powerful conversation, John Merkus sits down with telehealth counsellor, executive coach, and author Dr Greg Stewart, whose work explores emotional intelligence, leadership, and discovering the strength inside our hardest emotions.

From the first moment, John’s thoughtful, energising presence brings out Greg’s wisdom, humour and raw honesty. Together they unpack how anger, fear and sadness can become powerful tools for personal clarity, deeper connection, and stronger leadership.

This is a soul-shifting conversation that stays with you.

🎧 Hit play and rise into your greatness.

💡 Episode Highlights Here’s what you’ll discover:

✨ Why negative emotions are not the enemy ✨ What actually causes emotional triggers ✨ How the iCubed method helps reframe your reactions ✨ Why our emotional intensity is often inflated ✨ The difference between the microscope and the mirror ✨ How past experiences shape current behaviours ✨ Why purpose often comes from the deepest parts of our story ✨ How leaders can use emotional intelligence to influence with heart

👤 Meet Today’s Guest: Dr Greg Stewart

Telehealth Counsellor | Executive Coach | Author of iCubed 🔗 Connect with Greg: https://linktr.ee/drgregstewart

Greg’s journey spans leadership, counselling, ministry, behavioural health and executive coaching. His work helps people unlock the strength behind their hardest emotions and become who they’re truly called to be.

🌱 Why This Conversation Matters

John’s style of interviewing makes this episode soar. His warmth, curiosity and emotional intelligence invite Greg to open up about his story, his missteps, his breakthroughs and the tools he teaches clients around the world.

This episode is filled with the kind of wisdom that helps you: • feel seen • feel understood • feel empowered to grow

John’s gift is helping every guest shine. This episode is a beautiful example of that.

🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired

Whether you’re walking, driving or needing a lift, this conversation is for you. Hit play and rise into your greatness today.

💬 Loved it? Here’s What You Can Do Next:

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📲 Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content 💌 Join the mailing list for exclusive inspiration and free resources

🙏 About Your Host: John Merkus

John is a passionate speaker and transformation coach on a mission to help people become their best selves. As host of Rise and Thrive, he is known for his heartfelt interviews, energising presence and ability to draw out the golden insights that spark real change.

Every conversation he leads is filled with purpose, warmth and genuine human connection.

This episode is no exception.

💬 Join the Conversation!

What’s one insight that resonated with you? Share your reflections using: #RiseAndThrive #GreatnessUnlocked #LeadWithHeart

✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving ✨

📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com 🔗 Connect and share your favourite moments: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnmerkus Website: https://www.johnmerkus.com

🎵 Merko Motivation Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd

📜 Legal Stuff

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