Unlock Your Next Level - My Top 5 EQ Podcasts

Emotional intelligence (EQ) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the skill that helps us navigate relationships, manage stress, and make clear decisions when it matters most. For leaders especially, building this skill can mean more effective communication, stronger connections, and more confidence in your next career move.

One of the simplest ways to start strengthening your EQ? Listening to podcasts. They’re accessible, real, and full of practical insights you can apply right away.

In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite podcasts for emotional growth—shows that help you sharpen your skills, connect with your vision, and stay grounded while making big moves.

Why EQ Podcasts Are Essential for TEch leaders

Podcasts are such a powerful tool because you can absorb expert insights and real-life stories while you’re commuting, working out, or even winding down at the end of the day.

You’ll hear interviews with leaders, researchers, and experts who break down EQ and leadership into practical, usable steps.

Here’s why I love them:

• Convenient: You can listen anywhere, anytime.

• Diverse Perspectives: Get inspired by experts and real-life experiences.

• Practical Tools: Pick up strategies for empathy, self-awareness, and resilience.

• Motivation: Hearing others’ stories reminds you—you’re not alone in this.

The more consistently you listen, the more these ideas become second nature in how you lead and live, and viola!

I so love recording the pausecast

My Top Picks for EQ Podcasts

1. Pause with Rachael O'Meara

Ok, you knew this one was coming...the Pausecast podcast offers a calm and reflective space to explore emotional awareness and mindfulness when it comes to your career and making your next move. I share tools that help you pause, reflect, and respond more thoughtfully—plus conversations with leaders who’ve navigated their own growth journeys.

Why listen?

• Short, focused episodes for busy schedules

• Real-life examples and practices you can try today

• Guests who share how EQ has shaped their career growth

  
  

2. The Science of Happiness

From the Greater Good Science Center, this SoH podcast digs into the research behind happiness and emotional well-being—and translates it into actionable tips.

• Why listen?

  • Evidence-based, but easy to understand

  • Inspiring stories and expert insights

  • Practical strategies for resilience and empathy

  
  

3. The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

This podcast from Dr. Daniel Goleman is designed for professionals who want to enhance their leadership skills through emotional intelligence. It covers topics such as emotional self-awareness, social skills, and managing workplace relationships effectively.

Why listen?

• Leadership-focused EQ skills

• Actionable advice for managing teams and relationships

• Interviews with leaders who’ve been there from the "father" of EQ

  
  

4. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

Brené Brown, a renowned researcher on vulnerability and empathy, hosts her podcast that brings her signature research and heart-centered approach to conversations on vulnerability, courage, and empathy.

Why listen?

• Inspiring, deep conversations

• Stories that normalize vulnerability as strength

• Practical encouragement for showing up authentically

  
  

5. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Based on a popular Yale course, Laurie explores the science of happiness with a focus on rewiring our habits and mindset on her podcast.

Why listen?

• Research-driven and engaging

• Practical tools for boosting well-being

• Relatable stories you can connect with

  
  

The Four Pillars of Emotional Intelligence

Quick refresher—emotional intelligence breaks down into four areas:

1. Self-Awareness: Recognizing your emotions and how they shape your behavior.

2. Self-Management: Staying calm under pressure and responding thoughtfully.

3. Social Awareness: Picking up on others’ emotions and reading the room.

4. Relationship Management: Using all of the above to build stronger, healthier connections.

When you strengthen even one of these areas, everything else in your work and life feels more aligned.

How to Get the Most Out of These EQ Podcasts

• Take Notes: Capture key takeaways that resonate.

• Apply What You Hear: Try the practices—don’t just listen.

• Talk About It: Share an insight with a friend or colleague.

• Set Small Goals: Choose one skill you want to practice.

• Revisit Favorites: Some episodes get richer the second or third time.

  
  

The key is turning passive listening into active growth.

IN SUM

Here’s the truth: emotional intelligence is a skill you can build, no matter where you’re starting from (yay!). These podcasts give you a steady stream of tools, encouragement, and perspective to support that growth.

If you’re ready to feel more confident in your leadership, navigate stress with more ease, and step into your next career move with clarity—start here. Each listen is a small step toward a bigger shift.

Happy listening and growing,

Rachael