Spirit of EQ

Eric Pennington and Jeff East

Life is a journey. We help shape and guide the road ahead for individuals, leaders, teams, and organizations wanting to realize their full potential through emotional intelligence. https://spiritofeq.com/

  1. 2D AGO

    The Importance of Spiritual Health with Steve Goodner

    I sit down once again with Steve Goodner for a heartfelt and practical conversation about the importance of spiritual health. If you heard the first part of our discussion, you’ll remember our focus on emotional intelligence, especially in the context of sales and business. We expand that conversation to explore what spiritual health means—and why it’s essential for a truly abundant and fulfilled life. Steve shares deeply from his own spiritual journey, making it clear that when we talk about “spiritual health,” it’s not about specific religions or rituals, but about nurturing that inner core, regardless of background or beliefs. Using the analogy of a target, Steve explains how our spirit is at the very center of who we are, influencing our emotions, knowledge, behaviors, and ultimately, the outcomes of our lives. He emphasizes that many of the issues we encounter—whether personal or professional—can often only be addressed by attending to our spiritual wellbeing. We also discuss the growing prominence of AI in our lives and why building our spiritual and emotional strengths is more important than ever in an age of rapid technological change. Steve offers insights into the differences between “change” and true “transformation,” sharing practical strategies for personal growth, such as becoming aware of self-limiting habits and intentionally working to rewire our brains. Throughout the conversation, we talk about the benefits of spiritual health, including increased joy, fulfilment, and the ability to set healthy boundaries and priorities. Steve also talks about his new mastermind groups and other resources he's created to help people grow in leadership, sales, and ministry. If you’re looking for actionable advice on strengthening your spiritual health and transforming the way you live and lead, you’ll find lots of wisdom in today’s episode. All of Steve’s resources and links are in the show notes—reach out to him for a conversation, it could be your first step towards positive transformation. Moments 00:00 "Spiritual Growth and New Book" 04:36 Address Emotional Issues Spiritually 07:10 AI's Impact on Emotional Growth 11:44 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Fulfillment 14:32 Inner Beliefs and Self-Talk 17:43 "Rewiring Faith and Self-Perception" 23:52 "Developing a Growth Mindset" 26:59 Embrace Growth, Reject Limits 29:07 Self-Imposed Limits on Opportunities 33:40 "Assessing Habits: Productivity vs Counterproductivity" 35:30 Powerful Support System Investment 40:41 12-Week Mastermind Transformations 44:10 Leadership Transformation Ripple Effect 46:17 Upcoming Book Launches and Themes Here are my top 3 takeaways: Spiritual Wellbeing is Foundational: Steve likened our spiritual self to the bullseye at the center of a target, with our emotions, intellect, and actions radiating outward. True transformation starts at the core—addressing the spirit influences everything else. Growth is an Ongoing Journey: Transformation is not a one-time event. Steve stresses the importance of a growth mindset and continuous, inside-out change, emphasizing that self-improvement requires as much commitment as any work project. Practical Steps Matter: Insight is key, but so is action. Steve recommends starting with validated self-assessments and investing in your personal development, just like you would with any big decision—because the ROI on you is always worth it. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of...

    53 min

  2. NOV 26

    Exploring Core Beliefs and Emotional Health with Anita Ritchey, MA, LPCC

    Unlocking the Subconscious with EMDR: "It's not just eye movement that we now know allows us to get into that subconscious in that way. It's any bilateral stimulation, both sides of the body." - Anita RitcheyI sit down with returning guest Anita Ritchey, MA, LPCC, for a powerful conversation about how our core beliefs shape our emotional health and daily lives. Anita shares her expertise on how core beliefs are formed—starting from infancy and early childhood through experiences, observations, and what we’re taught. We explore how these often subconscious beliefs impact behavior, relationships, and self-worth well into adulthood. We talk about the importance of examining and challenging longstanding beliefs, especially when they no longer serve us. Anita explains how therapy, including approaches like EMDR, can help us uncover, process, and even rewire these deep-seated patterns—offering hope and practical insight for anyone looking to grow, heal, and understand themselves better. Whether you’re just starting to think about your own core beliefs or you’re well along that journey, this episode is full of relatable stories, clinical wisdom, and a reminder of the power of self-awareness. If you’re curious about why you react the way you do—or if you’ve ever wondered where certain feelings come from—this conversation will resonate. Moments 00:00 Early Childhood Memory Formation 04:15 "Perceived Beliefs About Dog Danger" 07:47 Childhood Observations Shape Beliefs 13:01 Challenging Core Beliefs 14:58 Core Beliefs in Relationships 18:33 Therapy: Growth and Self-Discovery 22:27 Rewiring the Brain Takes Effort 26:00 EMDR and Subconscious Clarity 27:48 "EMDR: Enhanced REM for Stress Processing" 32:24 Positive EMDR Outcomes Discussed 34:15 Rising Demand for EMDR Therapy 37:42 Exploring EMDR for Emotional Distress 43:20 Unresolved Childhood Trauma's Adult Impact 44:50 Emotional Intelligence and Retirement Concerns 49:28 Pros and Cons of AI Therapy 51:50 "Music's Emotional Impact Explored" Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation: Core beliefs start young and run deep. Most of our core beliefs are formed in childhood—often before the age of 7—through what we’re taught, what we observe, and how we interpret our experiences. These beliefs get “written into” our subconscious and influence adult relationships, work, and self-worth.Awareness leads to growth. Re-examining those early beliefs isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about ongoing self-discovery. Whether things are going “fine” or you’re feeling stuck, proactively reflecting on core beliefs (with a counselor or through journaling) helps you identify outdated narratives and sparks personal growth.There are effective tools for change. Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help address distress from past traumas and beliefs that hold us back. Anita shared how EMDR facilitates healing by unlocking and reprocessing those deeply stored memories—something an AI chatbot just can’t replicate. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts,a...

    59 min

  3. NOV 12

    Why Knowing Yourself Changes Everything: Insights on Self-Reflection and Emotional Intelligence

    We kick things off with an honest, down-to-earth conversation about really getting to know yourself. We chat about how spending time in silence (yes, even those long, quiet car rides) can actually help you figure out what’s going on inside your head—not as scary as it sounds, promise! Jeff shares some personal stories about his travels and what he learned by turning off the radio, while Eric opens up about his own journey of self-reflection and why talking to yourself doesn’t mean you’re losing it. There’s even a fun little experiment they try out on air to show just how tricky—and important—self-knowledge can be. Plus, we look at making mistakes, letting go of perfection, and how emotional intelligence tools can make navigating life’s ups and downs a whole lot easier. Memorable Moments 00:00 Unintentional Radio Silence 04:54 Starting Small: Building Self-Reflection 06:58 "Talking to Ourselves Helps" 12:41 Baseball: Hitting into Bad Luck 15:04 Imagined Acquaintance Reflection 16:30 Musician's Disney Connection Revealed 22:12 Self-Validation Over External Approval 26:31 Optimism and Empathy as Growth Tools 30:40 "Curiosity Over Judgment: Parental Challenges" 31:39 Reconsidering "Toxic" Relationships Advice 36:05 "Prioritize Curiosity Over Judgment" Here are three key takeaways for anyone looking to strengthen their emotional intelligence: Embrace Silence as Self-Discovery Sometimes the best way to get to know yourself isn’t through books or podcasts, but by simply sitting in silence and observing your own thoughts. Jeff shares how driving in silence helped him become comfortable with himself and do some important self-inventory. Curiosity Over Judgment When reflecting on our actions or beliefs, approach with curiosity—not criticism. As we discussed, being curious about your reactions and beliefs (instead of immediately judging yourself) leads to growth and healthier self-understanding. Strong Relationships Start Within The better we know ourselves, the better equipped we are to nurture and sustain healthy relationships with others. Self-knowledge makes us less reactive and more responsive, which is vital for personal and professional growth. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial. Music from Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE We hope you enjoy the podcast. Hopefully, you're tuning in on a regular basis. We'd love it if you would give us a great review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It's so appreciative and helps us as we try to get more exposure for the work we do and the episodes that we publish. We're grateful

    42 min

  4. OCT 22

    The Role of EQ and Mindset in Sales with Steve Goodner of EQFit

    If you’re looking to sell more effectively, communicate more powerfully, and grow your business without sacrificing your soul, this episode is for you. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Goodner of EQFit to explore the real game-changer in sales: emotional intelligence and mindset. Steve has 40+ years in business, consulting, and coaching. His use of the tools of psychology in the workplace, combined with his training in neuroscience and emotional intelligence, has allowed him to create assessments, methodologies, and proven practices that have been adopted and validated. After spending years in sales and sales management, earning President's Club (top 5%) with two different organizations and Sales Manager of the Year with another, he began Goodner Strategic Consulting LLC, dba EQFIT®, with a focus on emotional intelligence. The skills of emotional intelligence directly correlate with growth and success in every aspect of life and work. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just getting started, you’ll want to listen in as we explore why traditional sales tactics often miss the mark—and how approaching sales as an authentic, problem-solving partnership can completely transform your results. Steve and I talk about the emotional challenges that come with being an entrepreneur or salesperson—everything from nerves and anxiety to the dreaded impostor syndrome. We look into practical, neuroscience-backed strategies for building self-trust, creating a sense of safety for your clients, and tapping into the emotional drivers that influence over 70% of all buying decisions. You’ll pick up actionable tips for staying authentic, making deep connections, clarifying your messaging, and using tools like CRMs and AI to structure your follow-ups without losing the human touch. We also talk about why extrinsic motivation can lead you astray, and how building your business is as much about personal growth as it is about revenue. This is a heartfelt, illuminating discussion that might just change the way you see sales—and yourself! EQ Moments 00:00 Entrepreneurial Nerves and Salesmanship 10:27 Building Trust and Overcoming Bias 13:53 Authentic Connections Drive Sales 18:27 Intrinsic Motivation Beats Materialism 26:00 "Top Salespeople's Mindset Secrets" 27:56 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Adaptability 35:27 Managing Sales Opportunities Spreadsheet 42:20 Compelling Story vs. Credentials 46:24 "Empowering Life and Work" 53:22 "Emotionally Intelligent Living Series" 58:30 Raising Prices Through Fewer Clients 59:56 "Prioritize Clients for Better Focus" In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for...

    1h 9m

  5. OCT 8

    Healthcare, EQ and the EQ Zone with Dr. Mickey Liebowitz

    If you’re a healthcare provider, patient, or just interested in the role of empathy and self-awareness in medicine, you won't want to miss this episode. I'm thrilled to be joined once again by Dr. Mickey Liebowitz—an accomplished endocrinologist, author, and a true champion for bringing emotional intelligence into the world of healthcare. Dr. Liebowitz and I talk about the current state of the U.S. healthcare system—not just looking at the advancements in medicine and technology, but focusing on something that’s often overlooked: the human connection between doctors and patients. Together, we discuss how easy it is for that critical relationship to become transactional with the ongoing pressures of the business side of medicine, and why that matters for both patients and practitioners. Dr. Liebowitz shares some powerful stories from his decades of experience that really drive home just how important emotional intelligence is in creating trust, hope, and better outcomes. We also discuss his brand new book, "The EQ Prescription," and his concept of the Emotional Intelligence Zone—a tool that can help both professionals and patients foster real, meaningful connections in healthcare. We share real-life scenarios, practical advice, and the reasons why optimism and the willingness to change can make such a difference in our health journeys. Mickey Lebowitz, originally from Brooklyn, New York, is a graduate of SUNY-Oswego (magna cum laude and student athlete of the year) and Upstate Medical University and a board-certified endocrinologist/diabetologist (Fellow, American College of Endocrinology). He has worked in a physician-owned practice, as an employed physician in the VA system, and currently as an endocrine hospitalist. He spent seven years as a hospital-based senior medical quality director and is currently a chief medical officer at a healthcare transportation company. He's an educator, serving as the medical director of a physician assistant program in upstate New York, and an author whose first book, Losing My Patience, was published in 2009. Through Six Seconds, he is a certified assessor, practitioner, facilitator, and coach in emotional intelligence (EQ), coaching clinicians, nurses, and healthcare students on leadership, professionalism, and interpersonal relationships. He has given countless presentations and workshops on EQ locally and nationally, and is in the process of publishing his research on the impact of EQ on his PA program's students. He has been on the list of Best Doctors in America, is an honoree of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Breakthrough TID), and has received awards for preceptor and resident teaching, community service for educating health-care professionals on wellness and burnout, dedication and loyalty to the medical profession, and excellence in health-care education, as well as the NYSSPA Physician Advocate of the Year award. Spirit of EQ In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! a...

    58 min

  6. OCT 1

    Personal Branding and Self-Reflection with Jess Jensen

    If you’re ready to rethink what your brand says about you and how it can fuel your next chapter, this is the conversation you need to hear. We welcome Jess Jensen, the founder of Co-pilot Communications, a Portland-based advisory helping bold executives and founders build digital brands that actually sound like them. After 20 years inside Fortune 100 companies (Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestlé, and Adidas), Jess stepped out of corporate to help leaders stop playing small online and start showing up with clarity and confidence. Co-pilot works with curious, values-driven leaders who are tired of generic content and ghostwritten fluff. Jess believes that building a professional brand isn’t just smart—it’s your moat. Through sharp messaging, editorial strategy, and smart use of platforms like LinkedIn and podcasting, Follow her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakjensen/ Subscribe to her monthly newsletter: https://newsletter.copilotcommunications.com/subscribe Jess offers a 25-minute consultation that can be booked directly via her website. She also mentions a free LinkedIn profile review for Spirit of EQ listeners (October/November availability — just mention the podcast when booking). Together, we explore the intersection of emotional intelligence and personal branding, why vulnerability and storytelling build trust, and how anyone—not just corporate execs—can benefit from thinking intentionally about their “brand.” Jess also offers actionable steps for getting started, insight from her time in the tech industry, and a few musical analogies that perfectly hit the right note. For those wondering about practical steps, Jess offered a high-level outline of her five-step process for brand building: Define your primary audience—who are you really trying to reach? Clarifying their needs and challenges is crucial before anything else.Craft your narrative platform—determine two to four key “story territories” (often business-related, leadership philosophy, and personal/passion areas) that form the pillars of your brand.Architect intentional content that reinforces those narratives, staying focused despite the temptation to react or go off-brand.Master one digital platform at a time, whether audio, LinkedIn, or another channel, and only expand as you gain confidence and rhythm.Build relationships in the comments and interactions—don’t just broadcast, but truly foster a two-way conversation that builds community and trust. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial. Music from...

    56 min

  7. SEP 24

    Taking Life for Granted: Cultivating Gratitude and Presence

    We look into the often-overlooked “disease” of taking things for granted. Reflecting on personal stories of loss, transformation, and the unexpected challenges life throws our way, we explore how gratitude, mindfulness, and intentional self-reflection can help us appreciate the present moment—and the people and privileges we too often overlook. Eric shares how a family crisis upended his long-standing habit of “performing” through life, forcing him to confront his limitations and embrace vulnerability. Jeff opens up about his journey through anxiety and panic attacks, and how he learned not to take life’s freedoms for granted. Together, we discuss the value of intentional gratitude, the importance of self-empathy, and offer practical advice on recognizing and appreciating what we have before it’s gone. Memorable Moments 00:00 Adapting to Anxiety's Challenges 05:07 Navigating Life Through Performance 07:45 Facing Human Limitations 13:16 Song's Origin and Inspiration 16:00 Gratitude and Perspective on Luck 20:05 Living a Transcendent Life 23:13 Intentional Parenting and Personal Growth 24:19 "Grateful Farewell and Excitement" Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out: Gratitude Requires Intentional Work: We both share that truly appreciating what (and who) we have isn’t automatic—it takes curiosity, self-reflection, and consistent practice. It’s not about waiting for a wake-up call, but about making gratitude a daily habit.Loss and Change Fuel Growth: Whether it’s health, relationships, or even our sense of freedom, losing something we once overlooked can lead to powerful learning and personal development—if we’re willing to adapt and put in the effort.Curiosity and Self-Compassion Matter: Asking honest questions about what you might be taking for granted (without judgment or self-criticism) is crucial. It’s this habit of gentle inventory that paves the way for more authentic connection, empathy, and fulfillment. Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World Ray Charles - America The Beautiful In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player. New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month! Please review our podcast on iTunes. Click on the link for an easy, step-by-step tutorial. Music from Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeper License code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUE We hope you enjoy the podcast. Hopefully, you're tuning in on a regular basis. We'd love it if you would give us a great review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It's so appreciative and helps us as we try to get more exposure for the work...

    28 min

  8. SEP 10

    On Our Minds - Social Media, Humor, and Empathy: The Emotional Cost of Chasing Attention

    Here's what's been on our minds lately. We explore the importance of knowing your strengths—or your "wheelhouse"—and the courage it takes to stay true to what you do best, even when outside pressure tempts you otherwise. They dive deep into lessons learned both as musicians and emotional intelligence practitioners, offering real-world stories about confidence, alignment, and growth. We examine the darker side of social media trends, where humor and pranks sometimes cross the line into harm and disrespect. You'll hear our perspectives on self-awareness, the value of true comedy, and the difference between humor that lifts people up versus that which tears others down. Finally, we tackle the timely topic of AI’s rapid evolution and its impact on the skills that will matter most in the future—curiosity, emotional intelligence, and our spiritual connections. Whether you’re a leader, creative, or just someone curious about living more authentically, this episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways on how to flourish in a changing world by truly knowing yourself. Moments 00:00 "Mastering Music Through Confidence" 05:12 Passion vs. Obligation in Work 09:09 "Emotional Intelligence and Self-Discovery" 10:59 Standing Up to Misplaced Expectations 15:28 Embrace Your Expertise Authentically 19:14 Sentinel Island Contact Prohibition 20:36 Controversial Stunt Backfires in Korea 25:22 Online Video "Clowning" Critique 27:45 Winnie the Pooh Moment 33:34 Humor's Personal Boundaries 35:40 Automated Strike Zone Tested in Baseball 37:54 "Reflecting on Self-Seriousness" 42:41 AI Enhancing Motorbike Choices 45:35 AI's Impact on Knowledge and Emotion 50:02 "Building Emotional & Spiritual Muscles" 51:19 "Leaders Ignore Emotional Growth" Here are our top 3 takeaways for anyone seeking growth, personally and professionally: Know Your Wheelhouse (and have the courage to honor it): Understanding what you do best—and more importantly, WHY—allows you to confidently step up for the right opportunities and graciously step aside from those that aren’t a fit. This self-knowledge not only fuels better performance but helps conserve your energy for work that truly resonates. EQ in Action: Humor, Connection, and Consequences: From the pitfalls of “prank culture” to the fine line in comedy, Eric and Jeff emphasize the importance of self-awareness and consequential thinking. Is your humor uplifting or potentially harmful? EQ isn’t just a professional asset; it’s essential for authentic human connection and personal responsibility. EQ as a Competitive Advantage in the Age of AI: While AI can provide us with instant answers and automate analytical tasks, it can’t replace genuine curiosity, the drive to discover how, or the capacity to connect in meaningful ways. The future belongs to those who cultivate emotional and spiritual intelligence alongside technical savvy. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ. You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast...

    57 min
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About

Life is a journey. We help shape and guide the road ahead for individuals, leaders, teams, and organizations wanting to realize their full potential through emotional intelligence. https://spiritofeq.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Pennington and Jeff East
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Spirit of EQ
  • Show Website
    Spirit of EQ