Spirit of EQ

I’m joined once again by Dr. Ken Yeager for an honest and insightful conversation about healing from trauma. And why it’s so much more than just “moving on.” As a journalist and trauma survivor myself, I know firsthand how deeply these experiences can affect both our bodies and our minds. In this episode, Dr. Yeager and I dig into the science behind trauma and stress, exploring how unresolved pain...

Triggers and Activators Are More Than Buzzwords: We clarify that “triggers” (or “activators”) are events that alter our nervous system, often deeply rooted in past traumas, not just everyday disappointments. In this conversation, Jeff shares a personal story about how traumatic events from our past, big or small, can leave lasting marks on our nervous system and influence our emotions well into th...

We’re talking about a topic that touches so many lives but is still so misunderstood. Trauma and its profound impact on our minds and bodies. I’m joined once again by Dr. Ken Yeager, a leading expert whose career has been dedicated to understanding trauma, neuroscience, and the power of nervous system regulation. In this conversation, we unpack what trauma really does to us. Not just emotionally,...

Welcome back to Spirit of EQ! In this episode, Eric here. In this episode, I look into the powerful connection between emotional intelligence and curiosity. I’ve been thinking a lot about how curiosity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a vital tool that can open the doors to learning, enrich our relationships, and help us truly understand ourselves and others. Drawing from my own experiences and...

I’m Hattie Hawks, and in this very special episode, I’m opening up about my personal journey with complex PTSD—how I discovered it, how it’s shown up in my life, and how it continues to shape my healing process. I’m joined by Dr. Ken Yeager, the founder of the STAR (Stress, Trauma And Resilience) program at The Ohio State University and an expert in trauma research and recovery. In this conversati...

DEI is Broader Than Just Race - Dyann McDowell emphasizes that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t only about race—it includes disability, body type, age, religion, and more. Creating inclusive workplaces means considering everyone’s needs. Eric here. I sit down with Dyann McDowell , a seasoned HR professional and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expert with over 25 years of experie...

Welcome to Spirit of EQ! I’m Eric Pennington, and today I want to talk about one of the worst investments we can make—worry. If you’re like me, you know how easy it is to pour your time, energy, and even your heart and soul into worrying, even though it rarely brings anything positive in return. In this episode, I’ll share some personal experiences from my time in the corporate world, and how worr...

Life-Changing Assessments: "The work that you're doing through these assessments is life-changing for people. It is difficult, but you are a lifeguard in this scenario." - Hattie Hawks Hattie Hawk steps into the hot seat, openly sharing her own EQ report—and together, she and Eric explore not only what her results reveal, but also how self-awareness, honesty, and the courage to confront personal c...

Managing our emotional state—by finding calm and focus—is essential before we can effectively plan or take action. If we're emotionally overwhelmed, our minds "swirl" and we lose clarity. Eric here. I welcome back Jim and Lynette Vaive for an insightful discussion about how SEQ can help us navigate uncertainty, disruption, and the complexities of modern times. From the looming impact of AI on the...

We often think of caregiving as helping those with physical or medical issues. But there's another form – providing care to those facing emotional challenges. We explore the nuanced role of emotional caregiving in our personal and professional lives. We discuss the concept of an "EQ caregiver," focusing on the importance of providing emotional support to someone going through a trauma or emotional...

Understanding PTSD Diagnosis: "The psychiatrist was just like, well, I really don't know for sure if you have ADHD, but you definitely have PTSD. And when she said that, she said it in a way that was it made it more serious to me, like the gravity of it because she had so much compassion in her face that I wasn't expecting." - Hattie Hawks I'm joined by Hattie Hawks , a TV journalist, trauma survi...

Have you ever wondered why certain thoughts or beliefs are so hard to shake? It’s all about neural pathways—connections in our brain that are formed by repeating patterns of thought and behavior. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Understanding Core Beliefs: Discover how core beliefs, often formed early in life, can influence our neural pathways. Adapting to New Realizations: Learn the importance...

When you hear "cultivate," you might think of plants or farming. But it's more than that! Merriam-Webster defines it as improving through labor, care, or study. Imagine applying this to yourself—endless potential for self-improvement! Jeff and Eric discuss the idea of self-cultivation. They start by examining the term "cultivate," which is usually linked to farming. According to Merriam-Webster, t...

Does your workplace prioritize humanity? My guest, Moe Carrick, highlights the need for empathy and genuine human connection in leadership. Do leaders truly see and hear their employees? The core message in this episode revolves around transforming workplaces to be fit for human life, focusing on emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership. Moe stresses the importance of companies prioritizin...

Wisdom Through Failure: "A lot of my wisdom that I have is not from succeeding. It's from when I fail, you know." Old vs. Getting Older Jeff poses an important question: Is there a difference between being old and getting older? Eric agrees, noting that while getting older is an inevitable part of life, being old is more about one's mindset. The discussion touches on societal pressures, particular...

The Hidden Power of Jazz: "Jazz music, I think it's important to say, (Jazz) has a significant number of benefits, neurologically, physiologically, even passive listening." A Tribe For Jazz is a nonprofit organization founded with a mission to preserve and advance jazz through visual storytelling, performances, education, and community engagement. Founded three years ago, with an anniversary appro...

What interests or passions would you pursue if you incorporated frequent sabbaticals into your lifestyle? We talk about the transformative power of sabbaticals and self-discovery with our special guest, Lyndall Farley, a sabbatical coach who has taken an impressive 11 sabbaticals herself. This episode explores strategic approaches to taking time off work, the importance of planning ahead, and the...

How can individuals cultivate a sense of contentment and focus on personal financial goals without falling into the trap of comparing themselves to others? Eric Pennington talks with financial planning expert Mike Perez, CFP, CKA, CAP, to discuss the critical connection between our emotions and money decisions. Throughout the conversation, they tackle the challenges of financial planning, includin...

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 loneline...

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 l...

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 em...

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, an...

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 un...

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 chang...

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 Takeaw...