I’m sure you’ve heard about emotional intelligence and how important it is to psychological strength.  

Today, we’re talking to an expert in the domain of emotional intelligence, and I have to say, it was such a deep, actionable conversation.  

Today, we’re talking with Rich Bracken. Rich is a motivational speaker, fellow podcast host, and an expert in the area of emotional intelligence. He travels all over the globe helping people and companies understand what EQ is, why it’s important, and most importantly, how to develop it. 

This is going to be a treat! 

Today’s conversation hit on so many incredible topics, like:  

• What EQ really is. Rich gives the most clear, concise definition I’ve ever heard. 
• How self-awareness is the first step toward developing emotional intelligence 
• What triggers are, how to identify them, and how to “flip” them 
• A word of caution about labeling emotions as “inappropriate” (I really learned something here!) 
• How expressing emotions can deepen our relationships with other people 
• The importance of reflective journaling, music, and setting good boundaries in developing healthy emotional intelligence 

 I absolutely can’t wait for you to hear this episode because EQ is something that impacts every single day of our lives. Enjoy! 

This week is a first on the podcast. This week I’m speaking with a Julliard-trained music composer. 

What does that have to do with psychological strength you ask? 

Well, in addition to being a talented musician, Cheryl B. Engelhardt suffered from monthly panic attacks that would leave her exhausted for days. After learning about the power of a morning routine including gratitude, mindfulness, and meditation, Cheryl decided to use her talents to help others. 

She created her new album “Luminary” as a way to help other people become more present and mindful. This beautiful album of piano and ambient music will help you focus and attain a state of flow. 

As a special gift, Cheryl agreed to allow us to include a full track from her album at the end of this episode. Stay until the end to hear the song “Earthshine.” 

Relevant Links:

• http://www.iamaluminary.com/
• Episode 147 – Ariel Garten - The Neuroscience of Mindfulness and Meditation 
• Episode 143– Steve Hayes – How to Liberate Your Mind 
• Episode 149 – Sarah McVanel - The Power of Recognition and Acknowledgement 
• Link to April’s favorite journal, The Self Journal 

Have you ever thought about all of the ways you show up as a leader in your life?  

Think about it.  

The most obvious is probably a leadership position at work or in your company. But, how about in your relationships outside of work? How about as a parent? How about as a romantic partner? 

All of these aspects of our lives, and even more than those I mentioned, involve elements of leadership, which is why I am so excited about this week’s episode. 

This week we are speaking with Noelle Cordeaux, CEO and founder of JRNI (pronounced “Journey”). Noelle is an expert in the ways in which Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching intersect to help people show up in a more effective way.  

She holds a Graduate Certificate in Executive & Professional Coaching, and her graduate studies include a Masters in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality. 

During our interview we talk about: 

• The history of the field of Positive Psychology. The history of the field of coaching. 
• Specifically, we have a deep discussion about the booming coaching industry and the difference between:  
  • Scientific coach practitioners 
  • Informed coach practitioners 
  • Pop Psychology practitioners  
• We talk about leadership & the important way our nervous and endocrine systems are involved in our effectiveness. 
• And Noelle highlights countless actionable steps we can take right now to be more effective in our next interactions. 

 One thing I don’t want you to miss are a set of key reflective questions Noelle urges us to ask ourselves: 

• Is that a fact or a feeling? 
• What’s the outcome that you’re looking for? 
• Is this something you want to give your time and energy to right now? 
• Will this matter in 1 year from now? 

This episode is meaty. You might want to grab a pen and a journal for it. I know I took away so much value from Noelle’s expertise, and I hope you will too! 

Relevant Links: 

• Flourish (Positive Psychology book by Martin Seligman) 

If you had to guess what the single, most important factor is in determining your psychological well-being, what would you guess? 

Turns out, it’s social connection and personal relationships. 

Our connections to other people and our social interactions with them are an incredibly protective and powerful factor in developing psychological strength, and this week, and that’s why we’re covering it on this week’s episode. 

This week, we’re talking with Peter Montoya, the CEO of ThriveUnion. ThriveUnion is an organization that is committed to helping people go from meaningless isolation to purposeful belonging. Through their in-person, weekly meet-ups to their Life School, they’re arming people with the information they need to truly thrive in their lives. 

Can you see why I’m so excited?! 

We get into such valuable, actionable information in this episode. Including:  

• The difference between high intensity & low intensity relationships and the degree to which we need each of them. This will blow your mind.
• What are symbolic substitutes, and how are they influencing our ability to form real social connection? 
• What boundaries truly are and more importantly, how to enforce them in a way that strengthens your relationships. 
• The toxicity of being passive-aggressive and what to do instead. 

 I know you’re going to get so much value out of this impactful conversation with Peter Montoya! 

Hey, parents out there, this week’s episode is one you won’t want to miss.  

During a challenging time with your child, have you ever questioned yourself and wondered whether you were doing the right thing? Wondered whether it is better to engage with my child in this moment or ignore them? Wondered whether you’re causing psychological problems or distress when your child is crying or screaming at the top of their lungs.  

This week’s episode is for you.  

This week, we’re speaking with Dr. Karen Cassiday, Clinical Psychologist, former President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and expert in the area of building psychological strength in children.  

In this episode, we get into some really valuable conversations about: 

• What is the role / responsibility of a parent versus that of the child?  
• The importance of directing yourself toward raising a kid who is a competent adult who can live without you. 
• Why “happy is not a good goal.”  
• The difference between self-esteem and self-worth 
• The science behind temper tantrums and how to handle them.  

I know you’ll get so much value from this conversation with Karen Cassiday!