Spirit of EQ

Eric Pennington and Jeff East
Spirit of EQ

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. DEC 11

    Tackling the Epidemic of Loneliness

    Eric Pennington tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: loneliness. Despite being seemingly connected through technology and social media, many of us still grapple with feelings of isolation. Eric explores the underlying causes of loneliness, delving into core beliefs and the stories we tell ourselves, some of which may stem from our past. He also discusses the dual nature of loneliness, distinguishing between those requiring clinical intervention and those born from social media influence. Takeaways 1. **Loneliness as a Major Issue**: Loneliness is identified as one of the biggest problems in the United States and possibly the Western world. 2. **Connection vs. Disconnection**: Despite the advent of technology and social media creating seemingly endless connections, many people feel more disconnected than ever. 3. **Exploring Remedies**: The episode emphasizes exploring practical remedies for loneliness, acknowledging it may not be entirely solvable but can certainly be managed. 4. **Self-imposed Isolation**: The heart of loneliness often lies in isolation, which can be rooted in stories we've created based on outdated core beliefs. 5. **Historical Core Beliefs**: These core beliefs might have been developed for protection or adaptation in specific environments, but they may no longer serve their purpose. 6. **Understanding Loneliness**: Gaining a better understanding of what is driving our loneliness can aid in addressing it effectively. 7. **Psychological Factors**: Loneliness can stem from psychological issues such as depression, requiring professional help from therapists or counselors. 8. **Impact of Social Media**: Social media can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation by creating unrealistic comparisons and perceptions of others' success. 9. **Addressing Social Media Influence**: Reducing time spent on social media or changing how we engage with it can be part of the remedy for loneliness. 10. **Holistic Approach**: A holistic approach is important in tackling loneliness, identifying both psychological issues and social media impacts, and seeking appropriate remedies for each. Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted issue, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding its roots and employing practical remedies, we can navigate the path to connection and reduce feelings of isolation. As Eric Pennington aptly puts it, “addressing the things that are within our control” can significantly impact our emotional well-being. 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:...

    16 min

  2. NOV 27

    Learning from Pears

    Today’s episode is intriguingly titled "Learning from Pears," and trust us, there's a powerful message behind it. Jeff recently stumbled upon a fascinating book that inspired today's discussion. Written by Jeanne Gaffigan, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, "When Life Gives You Pears" chronicles her journey through a life-threatening health challenge, featuring a pear-shaped tumor in her brain. We look into Jeanne's story, exploring her resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence (EQ) throughout this harrowing experience. We discuss how she leaned on family, friends, and humor to navigate some of the darkest times, and what we can all learn about community, empathy, and optimism from her journey. Top Takeaways 1. **Unexpected Inspirations**: The episode highlights how unexpected sources, like a book titled "When Life Gives You Pears," can provide profound insights and serve as a foundation for meaningful discussions. 2. **The Importance of Family and Community**: The story of Jeanne Gaffigan emphasizes the vital role of family and friends in providing support during challenging times. 3. **Humor as a Coping Mechanism**: Both Jeanne and Jim Gaffigan utilized humor to navigate through difficult circumstances, showing how laughter can be a powerful tool in facing adversity. 4. **Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence**: Jeanne's journey exhibited high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, helping her recognize and manage her emotions throughout the experience. 5. **Empathy and Compassion**: Demonstrating empathy towards medical practitioners and herself, Jeanne illustrated how understanding and compassion are essential during tough times. 6. **Faith and Coincidences**: Jeanne's renewal of faith and the remarkable "coincidences" she experienced underscore the belief in and impact of a higher power or destiny during crises. 7. **The Role of Optimism**: Jeanne's optimism, despite the severity of her condition, was instrumental in her resilience and recovery, highlighting the power of a positive attitude. 8. **Intentionality in Relationships**: The episode stresses the importance of nurturing relationships intentionally so that when tough times arise, a strong support system is readily available. 9. **Transparency and Openness**: Jeanne's willingness to share her journey openly provided inspiration and lessons for others, demonstrating the value of vulnerability and openness. 10. **Investing in the Right Things**: The conversation points to the necessity of investing time and energy into meaningful relationships rather than material or peripheral pursuits, which proves invaluable during life’s challenges. Memorable Moments 05:37 Despite life-threatening challenges, she maintained optimism. 06:48 Woman humorously copes with hospital stay, recovery. 11:23 Nurture connections for support during challenging times. 15:23 Share story of strength and support through illness. 18:25 Amazing events lead to a total renewal. 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 href="https://subscribeonandroid.com/"...

    25 min

  3. NOV 13

    Lessons From a Mountain Hike

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Spirit of EQ podcast! I'm your host, Eric Pennington, and in today's episode, we're diving into a personal and transformative experience I recently had hiking near Mount Rainier in Washington State. Despite my fear of heights, I pushed through a challenging 6-mile trek, rising from 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, I encountered a myriad of emotions and found valuable lessons in vulnerability, the importance of naming emotions, and the power of taking life one step at a time. Join me as I share my journey, the strategies that helped me overcome my fears, and the insights gained from this unforgettable adventure. Life Lessons from the HikeEric wraps up the episode by summarizing the life lessons he gathered from this hike: Life as a Hike: He emphasizes that life is a series of moments or "chapters," and recognizing each moment as part of a larger story can help us navigate difficulties. This perspective prevents us from being overwhelmed by challenges, as they are just a part of the larger narrative of our lives.Authenticity and Ego: Eric discusses the importance of showing up as your true self. When ego becomes too dominant, we risk becoming inauthentic. Vulnerability can indeed be risky, but if people abandon you for being vulnerable, it says more about them than it does about you.Emotional Intelligence: Naming and understanding emotions can transform them from an internal enemy to an ally. Eric credits EQ (Emotional Intelligence) skills for helping him manage his fear during the hike. These skills are essential tools that can be learned and honed over time.Success One Step at a Time: True success doesn’t come from skipping to the end goal but from the journey itself. Each step holds its own value and lessons. This approach applies not just to hiking but to all aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal 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 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Spirit of EQ 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 to you as a listener. Secondly, our content is for educational purposes only. It's not intended by any stretch to diagnose or treat anything that may be occurring in your life or anyone else's life that you may be connected to through the podcast....

    22 min

  4. OCT 23

    Exploring Creativity and Community: Stacie Boord’s Vision for Shadowbox Live

    How does embracing discomfort and resilience play a role in effective leadership, especially in creative environments? We have an amazing conversation with the incredibly talented Stacie Boord from Shadowbox Live. Stacie Boord is the CEO and creative powerhouse behind Shadowbox Live, the nation’s largest resident theater ensemble. Stacie brings her passion for the arts, her leadership insights, and personal reflections to this enriching discussion. **5 Keys You'll Learn:** 1. **Pandemic Lessons**: Stacie shares her hopes on the important lessons we can take from the pandemic and how they shape our future. 2. **Creative Leadership**: Discover how Stacie’s role as CEO hasn’t stifled her creativity but enriched it, providing invaluable experiences she transfers to her art. 3. **Quality of Life for Artists**: Stacie compares the lifestyles of artists in Columbus versus other cities and emphasizes the supportive community in Columbus. 4. **Curiosity and STEM in the Arts**: Learn how a STEM mindset and a curious nature benefit both artists and business leaders. 5. **The Artistic Journey**: Stacie deep dives into the significance of the journey, challenges, and the resilience required in the life of an artist. **Fun Fact from the Episode** Did you know? Shadowbox Live has revamped its performance schedule to run single shows over 6-7 weeks instead of 4 months with two simultaneous shows, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for both artists and audiences! Memorable Moments 00:00 Nation's largest theater ensemble with diverse performances. 05:07 Imitating idols helps develop your unique voice. 07:29 Artists use STEM approach for creative experimentation. 11:11 Embrace feedback, adapt, improve, don't get behind. 13:33 Adaptation led to unexpected life lessons. 15:43 Showmanship in singing conveys emotional storytelling. 20:09 Artists must be present; audience notices disengagement. 22:13 Process involves sending video, then interview, guidance. 26:46 Don't add undue pressure; you're where you are needed. 31:32 Shift mindset to accept and navigate challenges. 35:06 Grateful for amazing father, shaped life's perspective. 38:25 Balancing CEO role enhances my creative work. 40:25 Long-term artistry enabled by supportive community funding. 45:40 Improving but inspired by colleagues, still artists. 48:39 Embrace adaptability and support personal and professional growth. 51:25 Reviving creative assets and expanding reach collaboratively. 54:15 Young musician wants to create artist retreat. 56:42 Providing opportunities and nurturing skills is exciting. 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...

    1h 2m

  5. OCT 9

    Don't Borrow Trouble: Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times

    What are some strategies you use to stay present when you’re feeling overwhelmed or distracted? In a world that constantly bombards us with information and stress, learning how to navigate uncertainty and stay grounded is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. We expand on their conversation, offering practical strategies to help you focus on the present and avoid wasting energy on future uncertainties. While political and socioeconomic challenges are ever-present, it's essential to remember that everyone faces unique personal hurdles. Whether financial stress, health concerns, or emotional isolation, these challenges can overwhelm our ability to manage daily life. The core message is clear: worrying excessively about future events depletes your mental and emotional resources. **Understanding "Don't Borrow Trouble"** Jeff introduced a phrase that carries timeless wisdom: "Don't borrow trouble." It's a reminder not to waste energy worrying about future events that you cannot control. "If you’re always looking at the next thing, you’re never going to be in the moment now," Jeff says. This divided mind and presence hinders your ability to make correct decisions today. Eric echoes this sentiment, quoting the biblical wisdom, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble of its own." **Navigating Personal and Global Stressors** The hosts discussed the mental toll of overconsumption of media, particularly news outlets that thrive on sensationalism. When outlets constantly encourage us to worry, it’s vital to take a step back and evaluate the necessity and healthiness of the information being ingested. Here’s a helpful practice: make use of a "lockbox" strategy. As Jeff mentioned, mentally place worries you can't address immediately into a lockbox in the back of your mind. Save your emotional and mental energy for the present moment when you can effectively and meaningfully use it. **Developing Emotional Intelligence** Eric and Jeff bring in concepts from emotional intelligence to help avoid borrowing trouble: 1. **Emotional Literacy**: Recognize and name the emotions you are experiencing. Are you feeling fear, anger, or anxiety? Understanding these emotions sets the stage for dealing with them effectively. 2. **Consequential Thinking**: Reflect on the consequences of your thoughts and actions. If worrying about the future doesn't benefit you or others, why continue? 3. **Empathy**: Exercise empathy towards others and yourself. Understand that everyone is struggling with their own challenges. Remember, as Eric notes, giving empathy aligns with being fully present and supportive to those who rely on us. 4. **Noble Goal Alignment**: Assess whether your thoughts and actions align with your noble goal. Jeff’s goal, for instance, is to help people find the art in themselves. Borrowing trouble detracts from his ability to live out this noble purpose and be present with others. **Practical Steps to Avoid Borrowing Trouble** 1. **Limit Media Consumption**: Choose reliable, balanced news sources, and allocate specific times to catch up on news. Constant news notifications can serve as unnecessary stress triggers. 2. **Practice Mindfulness**: Meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga can help you stay grounded and focus on the present moment. 3. **Seek Professional Help**: If you find it exceptionally hard to let go of worries, consult a therapist or a coach who can provide strategies tailored to your unique circumstances. 4. **Set Realistic Priorities**: Concentrate on what you can control today. Utilize to-do lists and prioritize tasks that have immediate impacts over hypothetical future problems. 5. **Engage in Healthy Distractions**: Hobbies, exercise, and social activities can help shift your focus from worrying about future uncertainties to enjoying the...

    30 min

  6. SEP 25

    Progress to Vigilance

    Eric Pennington and Jeff East get into the journey of personal growth and the challenges we all face along the way. They explore the importance of self-reflection, community support, and the persistence needed to overcome struggles. Eric shares his personal experiences, touching on societal pressures and the balance between striving for more and finding contentment. How do our brains process change? Jeff and Eric discuss the resistance we face, and the pivotal role curiosity and practice play in avoiding stagnation. From understanding the emotional toll of past traumas to celebrating small daily progress, Eric and Jeff provide valuable insights and encouragement to help you navigate your own path to growth. Plus, hear about the inspiring journeys of individuals who defy the norm, and discover why empathy and consequential thinking are key to transforming your mindset. Top Takeaways 1. **Self-Reflection and Community Support**: Integral components for personal growth, providing the foundation for understanding oneself and receiving the encouragement needed for development. 2. **Embracing Challenges**: Essential for growth, acknowledging that struggling is a normal part of the journey and a catalyst for progress. 3. **Persistence Is Key**: Continuous effort and persistence are crucial in achieving meaningful change and developing new behaviors and habits. 4. **Curiosity Prevents Stagnation**: Staying curious and maintaining regular practice are necessary to avoid stagnating and to facilitate breakthroughs. 5. **Societal Pressure and Personal Growth**: Understanding the impact of societal messages on personal decisions and behavior, and the pressure to constantly strive for more. 6. **Understanding Resistance to Change**: Exploring why people resist change, the role of the brain in this process, and how the brain can become an ally in overcoming this resistance. 7. **Consequential Thinking and Empathy**: Approaching setbacks and disappointments with empathy towards oneself and viewing consequential thinking from a positive perspective. 8. **Transformation Through Empathy**: The importance of empathy in transforming how one views the people who have caused past trauma and abandonment, facilitating healing and growth. 9. **Daily Progress and Small Improvements**: Focusing on daily progress and small, compounded improvements over time, rather than immediate large-scale changes. 10. **Updating Mental "Software"**: The necessity of updating outdated mental patterns formed from childhood traumas and fears, allowing new, healthier ways of thinking to guide growth and development. Key Moments 00:00 People fear change, friend struggles with commitment. 03:47 Brain signaling and self-doubt in experience. 18:41 Neuroscience experts say brain works on best guesses. 20:55 Fear: brain's protective response, personal experience. 23:26 Belief in overcoming abandonment trauma through therapy. 30:09 Seek help for deep trauma, don't isolate. 36:44 Impressions hinder understanding of personal 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...

    43 min

  7. SEP 11

    Finding Your Authentic Self: Lessons in Creativity and Belonging with Lee Ann Lander

    How do you think the fast pace and constant connectivity of modern life affect one's ability to live authentically? What strategies could help maintain authenticity in a fast-paced society? We're back with another soul-stirring episode that's all about finding your true self amidst the chaos of modern life. We sit down with our beloved and frequent guest, the inspiring Lee Ann Lander. 5 Key Takeaways:The Cost of Inauthenticity: Eric explores the downsides of living an inauthentic life. The conversation explores how suppressing your true self not only eats away at your happiness but can have spiritual and emotional costs.The Power of Creativity: Creativity isn't just for artists! Lee Ann breaks down how everyone has an intrinsic creative trait, whether you're a fast-food manager radiating joy or a logistician bringing new ideas to the table.Belonging vs. Authenticity: The delicate balance of wanting to belong and staying true to who you are. Lee Ann and Eric discuss how societal pressures and the fear of judgment can lead to self-censorship.Curiosity and Self-Improvement: Jeff suggests looking at past mistakes through the lens of curiosity for emotional growth. Eric and Lee Ann discuss how understanding your emotions can turn moments of anger or regret into growth opportunities.Support Systems Matter: Discover the vital role a supportive network plays in your journey to authenticity. Even one like-minded person can make a world of difference. Fun Fact from the Episode:Lee Ann gives a heartwarming example of a fast-food manager whose joy and enthusiasm left a lasting impression, showing that authenticity and positivity can shine through in any job. Memorable Moments 00:00 Chose education and natural resources over writing. 05:56 Fear of judgment fosters inauthenticity for belonging. 11:43 Fearful management stifles team creativity and participation. 20:39 Creativity fosters growth by reframing past mistakes. 23:57 Embrace moments, correct them, and move forward. 29:25 Episode highlights dad's unintended influence on playing. 33:54 Respect others' values while sharing unconventional ideas. 39:19 Recognizing authenticity requires seeking external perspectives. 44:07 Progress takes time; it won't happen overnight. 50:23 World needs authentic people like Lianne's journey. 54:04 World loses much to time-consuming distractions. 01:01:52 Are you helping people move forward or backward? 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:...

    1h 9m

  8. AUG 28

    Emotional Taxation

    The hidden costs of our emotional expenditures. Jeff and Eric navigate the taxing effects of emotions in our everyday lives. We often think of taxes solely in monetary terms, but how burdensome charges can also apply to our emotional well-being. They explore how concerns like worry, envy, workplace unease, and relationship strains can deplete our emotional reserves, leaving us drained and overburdened. Jeff and Eric will also provide insightful strategies for identifying what’s within our control to change and what isn’t, offering paths to reclaim our emotional energy. It's all about gaining the courage to make changes where we can and the wisdom to accept what we cannot. Top Takeaways 1. **Emotional Taxation** - The idea that just as there are financial taxes, there are emotional taxes that can burden individuals, such as worry, envy, and the stress of relationships and work. 2. **The Power of Expectations** - Setting appropriate expectations can mitigate emotional taxation. Just as you wouldn't expect a team with a poor track record to win a championship, managing expectations in life can reduce emotional burden. 3. **Address vs. Worry** - There's a distinction between addressing an issue proactively and worrying about it. Proactive approaches can alleviate emotional taxes, whereas worry can exacerbate them. 4. **Reevaluating Relationships** - It's crucial to assess personal relationships and consider if they're beneficial. Staying in unhealthy relationships can be an unnecessary emotional tax. 5. **Workplace Challenges** - Changes at work can be perceived either as a tax or an opportunity. Embracing challenges can lessen the emotional taxation. 6. **Reflection and Control** - Reflecting on what elements of a situation are within one's control can help in making effective decisions to reduce emotional taxation. 7. **Actionable Changes** - Identifying and focusing on things one can change, rather than those one cannot, is key to decreasing emotional taxes and improving quality of life. 8. **Serene Acceptance** - The serenity prayer or a similar sentiment helps highlight the importance of accepting what can't be changed and finding the courage to change what can, thereby reducing emotional taxation. 9. **Curiosity and Reflection** - Employing curiosity and reflection helps to break out of negative emotional loops like continuous worry, thereby reducing emotional taxation. 10. **Think, Feel, Act** - This process involves thinking about a situation, identifying one's feelings about it, and then taking appropriate action. This cognitive approach can help manage and reduce emotional taxation. Memorable Moments 00:00 "Worry as a form of tax imagery." 03:29 Worrying about job loss and financial insecurity. 09:00 Inability to take responsibility in relationships acknowledged. 11:15 Control worry, envy, and mindset in work. 13:48 Reflection on self-awareness and decision-making process. 18:54 Differentiate between what can and cannot change. 19:32 Explore new job opportunities for better fit. 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,...

    24 min
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Trailer

5
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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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Spirit of EQ
  • Show Website
    Spirit of EQ

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