Spirit of EQ

Building Emotional Intelligence to Unlock Everyday Happiness

We hear about it all the time, right? Especially that old phrase from the Declaration of Independence: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It sounds almost like happiness is this thing at the end of a rainbow—a big quest that we’re all supposed to be on.

But here’s my take, and it’s what I spend this episode unpacking:...

After some time away from the studio, Eric Pennington and Jeff East share personal stories that reignite their appreciation for the small and large wonders around us.

Inspired by Andrew Huberman’s thoughts on awe and the importance of focusing both on the minute and the vast, the hosts discuss practices that foster a deeper connection to the world.

Jeff East shares the profound experience of holding his great-grandson for the f...

In this episode, Eric and Jeff hang out with Perry Maughmer—a returning guest and one of their all-time favorite people—for an honest, practical (and sometimes funny) discussion about what it really means to grow as a person and a leader.

What’s Inside This Episode?

• Perry’s New Book: Why He Wrote It for Himself - Perry tells us all about his newest book, The Recurrence Effect. But get this—h...

If you’ve ever wondered how AI can be used to deepen emotional intelligence, or you’re searching for practical steps to drive meaningful change in your life, this episode will spark fresh insights and inspiration.

Welcome to Spirit of EQ! I’m Eric Pennington, your host, and in this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Teresa Escrig, an expert in artificial intelligence, an entrepreneur, and a spir...

This is an authentic and thoughtful conversation about leveraging new tools and ancient wisdom to build resilience, emotional health, and deeper connections—whether you’re a longtime believer, just curious, or somewhere in between.

Welcome to Spirit of EQ! In this episode, I sit down with Preston Zeller—an inspiring technologist, artist, and committed believer—to explore the fascinating intersection of faith,...

I encourage you to consider how you come to your conclusions, and how practicing EQ can help you build better habits of thought—and even start fresh if you need to.

I dig into what it really means to think—not just react.

I talk about how our brains handle the countless events we face each day, and why choosing to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively makes all the difference. I share what I’ve learned ...

Eric Pennington takes us on a deeply personal journey through the themes of empathy and belonging.

Reflecting on his recent emotional intelligence assessment and the transformative experience of navigating his son's life-threatening auto accident, Eric Pennington explores how self-empathy and growth in emotional awareness have impacted his relationships and perspective on the world.

He also breaks down the Spirit of EQ development mo...

Whether you’re a runner, someone tackling a big goal, or just trying to figure out what it means to keep going, I think you’ll find something here to encourage you. Let’s get started.

Welcome back to Spirit of EQ! I’m your host, Eric Pennington, and I’m excited to invite you into a powerful episode that goes deep into the emotional journey behind running a marathon—and the life lessons we can pull...

Whether you’re a leader feeling isolated, someone longing for deeper community, or just looking for a fresh perspective on personal growth, this episode is all about finding meaning, creating space for change, and, as Joe DeLoss puts it, “hiking to the beginning” again and again.

Welcome to the Spirit of EQ podcast! I’m Eric Pennington, your host, and in this episode, I’m joined by Joe DeLoss—an e...

Whether you’re curious about the emotional side of healthcare, searching for ways to take more ownership of your wellbeing, or interested in holistic approaches to longevity and healing, this episode is packed with wisdom, actionable insights, and heartfelt stories.

Eric Pennington is joined by Dr. Mark Sherwood for an eye-opening conversation about the crossroads of healthcare, emotional intelligence, and the choices we make ...

If you’ve ever wondered how your brain’s inner workings play into your growth, relationships, or resilience—or if you want real, practical tips for building healthier self-talk—I think you’ll find this episode especially meaningful.

I’m joined by Dr. Hector Rodriguez, an integrative psychiatrist and founder of The White Butterfly Clinic. His work focuses on trauma-informed care, brain health, emot...

These “small” places can hold big lessons.

It’s easy to overlook the little things that truly build culture and connection in the workplace, but this episode is a great reminder that the way teams interact can have a big impact—on each other and on customers.

3 Takeaways from the Diner Experience:

• Community Over Task: The staff worked together seamlessly, jumping in wherever needed. They didn’t just s...

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...

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 Ritchey

I 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...

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 journe...

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 traini...

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&mdash...

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 corp...

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 &ldq...