Quest for Success

Dr. Jerry Cunningham
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**Quest for Success with Dr. Jerry Cunningham** Are you a leader who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly falling short of your full potential? Welcome to *Quest for Success*, the podcast that will help you break through self-doubt and step into the success you were made for. I'm **Dr. Jerry Cunningham**, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping people overcome mental roadblocks, build resilience, and unlock the life they were meant to live. This podcast is for high achievers, leaders, and everyday people who want to strengthen their **mindset, morals, body, spirit, and finances**—the five pillars of success. Here's what you can expect from *Quest for Success*: 🔹 **Mental & Social Health** – Understand the psychology behind success, master your emotions, and build unshakable confidence. 🔹 **Morality & Integrity** – Learn how strong ethics and character shape long-term success, using insights from stoicism, research, and common sense. 🔹 **Physical Health & Discipline** – Stay sharp, energized, and driven with practical strategies for optimizing your health. 🔹 **Spiritual Growth** – Find deeper meaning and guidance in your journey using biblical principles, faith, and wisdom from great leaders. 🔹 **Financial Success** – Build wealth with integrity, avoid common financial traps, and create a future that aligns with your values. Through a mix of psychology, philosophy, faith, and real-world experience, I'll provide **actionable strategies** and **thought-provoking conversations** to help you **push past your limits and live a more fulfilling, successful life**. This isn't just about motivation—it's about **real transformation**. So if you're ready to **think deeper, work smarter, and achieve more**, hit *subscribe* and join me on the *Quest for Success*! 🚀

  1. Reclaiming Love in Leadership

    1 DAY AGO

    Reclaiming Love in Leadership

    What if your success is quietly costing you the people you love most and no one has told you yet? In this Valentine's Day–themed episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham speaks directly to high-performing professionals, leaders, and driven individuals who are great at showing up for work but struggle to show up fully at home. This isn't a guilt trip. It's a wake-up call wrapped in hope. You'll discover why love doesn't fade from a lack of feeling, but from a lack of presence, how the brain slowly learns to postpone connection, and why strong relationships don't compete with success, they stabilize it. Using psychology, neuroscience, social work insights, real-life stories, and a little well-timed humor, this episode explores how to reconnect, rebuild intimacy, and put the spark back where it belongs. If you want practical insight, relatable stories, and a powerful reminder that leadership starts with love, this episode is for you. Takeaways Leadership can overshadow personal relationships if not managed. The emotional energy we give to work often leaves loved ones with less. Attachment styles impact how we connect with others. Emotional intelligence is crucial for maintaining relationships. Acknowledgment can repair trust faster than explanations. Presence matters more than perfection in relationships. Love is a verb that requires action and intention. Routine can bury the sparks of love; intentionality can revive them. Small, consistent actions can strengthen emotional bonds. Love is not a one-time event; it's a daily practice. Press play and learn how to lead well without losing what matters most. Learn more at www.Quest-Success.com Want to Go Deeper? Here are a few resources to explore this topic further: Attached – Amir Levine & Rachel Heller Emotional Intelligence – Daniel Goleman Hold Me Tight – Dr. Sue Johnson Research on Attentional Residue – Sophie Leroy Gottman Institute research on relationships and connection

    32 min
  2. Understanding the Four Horsemen of Relationships

    2 DAYS AGO

    Understanding the Four Horsemen of Relationships

    Why do some conversations blow up over nothing… while others lead to deeper trust and connection? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down one of the most powerful and practical relationship frameworks in psychology: The Four Horsemen. These four behaviors quietly sabotage marriages, friendships, families, and workplaces every single day and most people don't even realize they're using them. In this episode, you'll learn how to spot the early warning signs of unhealthy communication, why your brain reacts the way it does under conflict, and, most importantly, what to do in the moment to keep conversations from spiraling. This isn't theory for therapists only. These are real-world tools you can use today with your spouse, your coworkers, your kids, your friends, and anyone else you care about. If you want stronger relationships, fewer blowups, and better conversations under pressure, this episode will give you clarity, insight, and practical strategies you can immediately put into action. Takeaways The Four Horsemen of Relationship Apocalypse are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. Criticism attacks a person's character rather than addressing the behavior. Defensiveness is a self-preservation response that inflames conflict. Contempt is the most dangerous horseman, indicating a feeling of superiority. Stonewalling occurs when someone emotionally shuts down during conflict. Gentle startups can prevent criticism from escalating conversations. Taking responsibility can break the cycle of defensiveness. Building a culture of appreciation can counteract contempt. Self-soothing techniques can help manage stonewalling. Intentional connection can redirect negative conversations towards positive outcomes. Learn more about leadership, psychology, and personal growth at www.Quest-Success.com. Press play and start building healthier relationships today. Want to Go Deeper? Recommended Resources Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Gottman Institute. "The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling." Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Developing Mind. Coan, J. A., & Sbarra, D. A. (2015). Social Baseline Theory and close relationships. American Psychological Association. Stress, Communication, and Relationships.

    31 min
  3. Leadership Lessons from Retired US Army General John Hafley

    3 DAYS AGO

    Leadership Lessons from Retired US Army General John Hafley

    In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, host Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Retired Brigadier General John Hafley, a decorated Army veteran whose career spans military leadership, law enforcement, and public service as a county judge. General Hafley reflects on a lifetime of leadership under pressure, sharing how learning from mistakes and being willing to adapt has shaped him across vastly different roles. He discusses the profound influence of his father, a minister and insurance agent, and how those early lessons in values, accountability, and character carried into both his military service and civilian leadership. The conversation explores how leadership evolves from college to the battlefield to the courtroom. General Hafley offers candid insight into the responsibility of making fair decisions that directly affect people's lives, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds, earning trust, and maintaining credibility in every environment. The episode closes with hard-earned advice for emerging leaders: be persistent, be patient, and do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. It's a conversation grounded in service, integrity, and leadership that lasts well beyond the title. Takeaways "Mistakes in life are very important. You gotta make them, you gotta adjust them." "Leadership is not always about rank. It's about following someone that you want to follow." "You have to build trust by doing the right thing, even when no one's watching." "Learn from your mistakes. You're not perfect. Don't repeat them. And that's okay." "The military is the greatest leadership training organization in the world." Additional Resources Leadership and Self-Deception — The Arbinger Institute Extreme Ownership — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin The Speed of Trust — Stephen M. R. Covey Man's Search for Meaning — Viktor E. Frankl Start with Why — Simon Sinek

    55 min
  4. Mastering Time: The Power of Parkinson's Law

    4 DAYS AGO

    Mastering Time: The Power of Parkinson's Law

    Ever notice how a task magically takes exactly as long as the time you give it no matter how simple it is? That's not bad luck or poor discipline. It's Parkinson's Law, and in this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, you'll learn how it's shaping your workdays, your goals, and even your personal life. This episode is all about helping you reclaim control of your time without turning life into a nonstop sprint. You'll discover why deadlines actually improve focus, how your brain responds to urgency, and why being "busy" often feels productive while delivering very little progress. More importantly, you'll hear practical ways to flip Parkinson's Law so time starts working for you at work, at home, and in your personal growth. If you've ever felt exhausted but oddly unsatisfied at the end of the day, this conversation will hit close to home. Expect insight, relatable examples, and strategies you can use immediately to sharpen focus, build momentum, and create real progress instead of endless motion. Takeaways Parkinson's Law explains why tasks take longer than expected. Busy work does not equate to effective work. Setting limits on time can enhance productivity. Attention is a limited resource influenced by urgency. Temporal discounting affects our motivation for future tasks. Breaking goals into smaller tasks increases motivation. Artificial scarcity can improve focus and completion rates. Emotional regulation is crucial for effective time management. Building habits reinforces our identity and leads to success. Intentional time management creates freedom and reduces stress. Learn more about leadership, psychology, and intentional living at www.Quest-Success.com. Recommended Resources Parkinson, C. N. (1955). Parkinson's Law Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower Ariely, D. (2008). Predictably Irrational

    43 min
  5. Unlocking the Secrets of Body Language

    5 FEB

    Unlocking the Secrets of Body Language

    What if people are making decisions about you before you ever say a word? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, we dive into the silent language that's shaping your leadership, relationships, and influence every single day body language and nonverbal communication. You'll discover how quickly people size you up, why your posture, facial expressions, and personal space matter more than you think, and how your body can either support your confidence or quietly sabotage it. We break down the psychology behind first impressions, microexpressions, personal space, and even the "tells" you might be giving away under pressure, often without realizing it. This episode isn't about becoming fake or overthinking every movement. It's about awareness, alignment, and using science-backed insights to show up more confidently at work, at home, and in the moments that matter most. If you want to communicate more clearly, lead more effectively, and stop sending the wrong message without meaning to, this episode is for you. Takeaways By the time someone hears your name, they've already decided what they think about you. Your body language can sabotage your intentions. Nonverbal communication begins before a single word is spoken. The brain prioritizes speed over accuracy in social judgments. Thin slice judgments can predict leadership effectiveness and trustworthiness. Embodied cognition shows that posture affects how we feel. Micro-expressions reveal genuine emotions in fractions of a second. Eye contact regulates connections and perceptions of trust. Proxemics influences how we interpret social situations. Awareness of your body language can enhance your communication effectiveness. Learn more, explore resources, and continue your journey at www.Quest-Success.com. Recommended Resources: Ekman, P. Emotions Revealed Hall, E. T. The Hidden Dimension Ambady, N. & Rosenthal, R. (1993). Thin-Slice Judgments Research Burgoon, J. K. et al. Nonverbal Communication Damasio, A. Descartes' Error

    37 min
  6. Dual Decision Making Systems

    4 FEB

    Dual Decision Making Systems

    Why do smart people make decisions they later regret—even when they know better? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, you'll discover how your brain actually makes decisions and why willpower alone is rarely enough to create lasting change. We break down the two systems running your choices every day, the fast, automatic system that keeps life moving, and the slower, deliberate system that plans, reflects, and sets goals. You'll learn why knowing the right thing doesn't always lead to doing the right thing, how mental fatigue quietly sabotages discipline, and why environment matters more than motivation. More importantly, you'll walk away with practical ways to design your life so better decisions become easier and bad ones become less tempting. This episode is for leaders, high achievers, and everyday people who are tired of fighting themselves and want their habits, values, and goals to finally align. If you've ever said, "I don't know why I did that," this conversation might change how you see yourself and how you lead your life. Takeaways Understanding decision-making involves recognizing two systems: implicit and explicit. The implicit system is fast, automatic, and emotional, while the explicit system is slow and logical. Awareness of these systems can lead to better decision-making in life and leadership. The implicit system often overrides the explicit system, especially when mental energy is low. Designing your environment can significantly influence your decision-making processes. Success is not about willpower but about creating systems that support good choices. Habits form through consistency and clear messaging, not just intensity. Self-control is a limited resource; design smarter environments to support goals. The explicit system should set rules, while the implicit system executes them. Making small environmental changes can lead to significant improvements in decision-making. Learn more about building success across every area of life at www.Quest-Success.com. Want to Go Deeper? Recommended Resources Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman Atomic Habits – James Clear Willpower – Roy Baumeister & John Tierney Nudge – Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg

    37 min
  7. Learning Courage, Conviction, and Control from Tex Holiday

    3 FEB

    Learning Courage, Conviction, and Control from Tex Holiday

    What do a rodeo arena and a therapy office have in common? More than you think. In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Tex Holiday, a man who lives in two high-stakes worlds as both a mental health professional and a rodeo bullfighting clown. One role helps people manage fear, trauma, and pressure from the inside out. The other requires stepping directly into chaos to protect others, using timing, awareness, and even humor as tools for safety. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay calm under pressure, build trust when the stakes are high, and read people and situations before things go sideways. You'll hear how courage is built, why authenticity matters more than image, and how facing fear, rather than avoiding it, can unlock growth in leadership, work, and life. If you want practical insight on managing stress, making better decisions under pressure, and pursuing meaningful work without burning out, this episode is for you. Takeaways Healing occurs in both therapy and rodeo performances. Trust is essential in high-stakes environments. Rodeo clowns must balance humor with responsibility. Mental health stigma in law enforcement is a significant barrier. Adrenaline rushes are a part of both rodeo and therapy work. Reading people and situations is crucial in both roles. Bucket lists can inspire personal growth and adventure. Authenticity is key in connecting with others. Community support is vital for rodeo events. Life is too short not to pursue your passions. Learn more about leadership, mindset, and success at www.Quest-Success.com. Want to Go Deeper? Here are a few resources related to this episode's themes: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Research on stress and performance (Yerkes–Dodson Law) Literature on crisis intervention and situational awareness

    1h 13m
  8. Navigating the Dunning-Kruger Effect

    2 FEB

    Navigating the Dunning-Kruger Effect

    Ever notice how the most confident people in the room are often the least accurate… while the people who actually know what they're doing tend to hesitate? That's psychology. In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, we break down the Dunning-Kruger Effect and show you how to use it to your advantage instead of letting it quietly sabotage your growth. You'll learn why confidence often spikes early, why it drops when learning gets real, and how to rebuild it the right way through competence, clarity, and consistency. This isn't about tearing yourself down or doubting everything you know. It's about recognizing where overconfidence can slow you down, where humility can speed you up, and how real confidence is built across mental, moral, physical, spiritual, and financial areas of life. If you've ever felt stuck between "I've got this" and "Maybe I don't," this episode will help you understand why and what to do next. Takeaways Confidence can often be misleading, especially in complex fields. The Dunning-Kruger Effect illustrates the gap between confidence and competence. Early confidence can lead to poor decision-making, particularly in finance. As knowledge increases, confidence may initially decrease due to awareness of complexity. Ego plays a significant role in how we perceive our abilities and decisions. Leaders tend to navigate uncertainty better than managers, who may rely on authority. Real confidence is built through competence, not just feelings of certainty. Feedback is more valuable than affirmation in personal growth. Humility allows for growth and adaptation without damaging self-esteem. The journey of learning often involves discomfort and confusion before clarity. Learn more about leadership, growth, and the Quest for Success at 👉 www.Quest-Success.com Hit play—and start turning confidence into capability. Want to Go Deeper? References & Resources David Dunning & Justin Kruger – Unskilled and Unaware of It (1999) Daniel Kahneman – Thinking, Fast and Slow Albert Bandura – Research on self-efficacy and confidence development Carol Dweck – Mindset

    43 min
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About

**Quest for Success with Dr. Jerry Cunningham** Are you a leader who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly falling short of your full potential? Welcome to *Quest for Success*, the podcast that will help you break through self-doubt and step into the success you were made for. I'm **Dr. Jerry Cunningham**, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping people overcome mental roadblocks, build resilience, and unlock the life they were meant to live. This podcast is for high achievers, leaders, and everyday people who want to strengthen their **mindset, morals, body, spirit, and finances**—the five pillars of success. Here's what you can expect from *Quest for Success*: 🔹 **Mental & Social Health** – Understand the psychology behind success, master your emotions, and build unshakable confidence. 🔹 **Morality & Integrity** – Learn how strong ethics and character shape long-term success, using insights from stoicism, research, and common sense. 🔹 **Physical Health & Discipline** – Stay sharp, energized, and driven with practical strategies for optimizing your health. 🔹 **Spiritual Growth** – Find deeper meaning and guidance in your journey using biblical principles, faith, and wisdom from great leaders. 🔹 **Financial Success** – Build wealth with integrity, avoid common financial traps, and create a future that aligns with your values. Through a mix of psychology, philosophy, faith, and real-world experience, I'll provide **actionable strategies** and **thought-provoking conversations** to help you **push past your limits and live a more fulfilling, successful life**. This isn't just about motivation—it's about **real transformation**. So if you're ready to **think deeper, work smarter, and achieve more**, hit *subscribe* and join me on the *Quest for Success*! 🚀

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jerry Cunningham
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Quest for Success

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