Quest for Success

Dr. Jerry Cunningham
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

**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. Mastering the Art of Discernment

    20H AGO

    Mastering the Art of Discernment

    You don't need more information—you need better filters. In this episode, you'll learn how to stop drowning in details that don't matter and start focusing on the ones that actually move your life forward. If you've ever felt mentally cluttered, overwhelmed by decisions, or busy without real progress, this conversation will give you practical tools to cut through the noise. You'll discover how your brain processes information, why decision fatigue drains your energy, and how to use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize what truly matters in your daily life. We'll also unpack the psychology behind anxiety, obsessive thinking, and overanalysis so you can recognize when your mind is reacting instead of discerning. This episode will help you protect your mental energy, sharpen your leadership, strengthen your habits, and align your daily decisions with your long-term success. Ready to train your attention instead of chasing it? Takeaways Discernment is the ability to recognize what truly deserves your attention. Your brain isn't broken, it's just outnumbered by information. Forgetting things doesn't mean something's wrong with you; it's a sign of a functioning brain. Discernment is action and requires practice. Not everything that feels urgent is important; prioritize wisely. The Eisenhower Matrix helps categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Decision fatigue affects the quality of our choices; discernment can mitigate this. Discernment reduces the number of decisions you have to make by clarifying priorities. When you stop treating every thought as urgent, your mind becomes quieter. Pay attention on purpose; not everything deserves your mental energy. Learn more and explore additional resources at: www.Quest-Success.com  Recommended Resources Miller, G. A. (1956). The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow

    28 min
  2. Mission Possible

    1D AGO

    Mission Possible

    What if the reason you feel stuck isn't a lack of motivation… but a lack of clarity? In this episode of Quest for Success, Dr. Jerry Cunningham walks you through how to create a personal mission statement, define a compelling vision for your life, and build a vision board that actually works. This isn't about motivational fluff or wishful thinking. You'll learn how clear goals reshape your focus, how identity drives behavior, and why your brain performs better when it has a target to aim at. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to stop drifting and start deciding, so your time, energy, and habits align with the future you want to build. If you're ready to move from hoping things improve to intentionally designing your next season, this episode will give you the framework to begin. Takeaways If you've ever felt busy, but strangely stuck. Most people don't realize until years down the road. A personal mission statement is not a motivational slogan. Your mission statement functions exactly like that identity pride. A clear personal mission statement reduces a lot of the internal conflict. Vision without values can become just empty ambition. Vision boards are not magic people. A well-built vision board doesn't overwhelm you. Your life doesn't need explosions to require clarity. Stop drifting and start deciding. Learn more and explore additional resources at: www.Quest-Success.com Recommended Resources: Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation. American Psychologist. Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits. Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man's Search for Meaning. Oettingen, G. (2014). Rethinking Positive Thinking.

    37 min
  3. Integrity Lessons from the Bible with Bill Garrett

    2D AGO

    Integrity Lessons from the Bible with Bill Garrett

    What does integrity really look like when no one's watching? And how do you hold onto your morals and values when cutting corners feels easier...and sometimes even rewarded? In this episode of Quest for Success, Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Baptist Pastor Bill Garrett to talk about integrity in everyday life. Not just in church. Not just on Sunday. But in the boardroom, in the living room, and in all the moments when your character is tested. You'll discover what Scripture actually says about living with integrity, how small compromises slowly erode strong values, and what to do if you realize you've drifted. This conversation is about alignment, not compromise. It's about becoming the same person in private that you claim to be in public. If you want to strengthen your moral foundation, lead with credibility, and build a life that reflects your faith, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Takeaways Integrity is the quality of being honest and having moral principles. God is always watching, and our actions reflect our integrity. Biblical integrity is rooted in God's holy nature. Cultural definitions of integrity often miss the simplicity of character. The heart must be directed to show integrity. Integrity is essential for effective leadership. Confession and accountability are crucial for restoring integrity. Doing the right thing often comes with a cost. The Ten Commandments serve as God's moral law for all people. True integrity is measured against God's standards, not societal norms. For more resources on building success across the mental, moral, physical, spiritual, and financial pillars, visit: www.Quest-Success.com Suggested References for Further Study The Holy Bible (Proverbs 10:9; Psalm 15; Titus 2:7–8) MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible Stanley, Andy. The Principle of the Path Piper, John. Desiring God Keller, Timothy. Every Good Endeavor

    48 min
  4. Taming Your Inner Dragon: Mastering Negative Emotions

    3D AGO

    Taming Your Inner Dragon: Mastering Negative Emotions

    What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn't your competition, your schedule, or your circumstances… but your unchecked emotions? In this episode of Quest for Success, Dr. Jerry Cunningham walks you through how to tame your inner dragon, those powerful negative emotions like anger, fear, resentment, anxiety, and shame that can either fuel your growth or sabotage your leadership, relationships, and goals. You'll learn how your brain actually processes emotional threats, why simply "calming down" doesn't work, and how proven psychological strategies like affect labeling, cognitive reappraisal, and physiological regulation can help you respond with strength instead of reaction. If you've ever regretted something you said in the heat of the moment, held onto resentment longer than you should, or felt hijacked by stress, this episode will give you practical tools to take control before emotions take control of you. Your dragon isn't the enemy. It just needs training. Listen now and start building emotional mastery that strengthens every pillar of your life. Takeaways Negative emotions like anger and fear have specific roles in our lives. Understanding the emotional network in our brains is crucial for emotional mastery. Affect labeling can help calm emotional responses and promote clear thinking. Suppression of emotions leads to negative outcomes, while regulation fosters well-being. Practicing emotional regulation techniques can improve relationships and reduce stress. Training our emotional responses requires consistent practice and awareness. Journaling and reflection can aid in emotional processing and understanding. Partnering with our emotions can transform them from destructive to constructive forces. Mastery of emotions is about direction, not domination. Emotional mastery is a lifelong journey that enhances personal growth. For more resources, visit: www.Quest-Success.com  References for Further Learning Gross, J. J. (1998). The emerging field of emotion regulation: An integrative review. Review of General Psychology. Lieberman, M. D. et al. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity. Psychological Science. LeDoux, J. (1996). The Emotional Brain. Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength.

    33 min
  5. Reclaiming Love in Leadership

    FEB 12

    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
  6. Understanding the Four Horsemen of Relationships

    FEB 11

    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
  7. Leadership Lessons from Retired US Army General John Hafley

    FEB 10

    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
  8. Mastering Time: The Power of Parkinson's Law

    FEB 9

    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
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3 Ratings

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
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Quest for Success

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