
Emotional Intelligence with Former Spy | Dave Fielding
07/08/24 • 59 min
1 Listener
In today’s episode, we explore the complex intersections of military service, intelligence work, and mental health with Dave Fielding, a decorated US Army Green Beret turned intelligence officer and mental health advocate. David's distinguished career includes service in high-stakes operations such as Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning him a Bronze Star. As the author of Into the Darkness: A Journey of Love, War, and Emotional Freedom, David brings a unique perspective on emotional intelligence, the struggles of returning to civilian life, and the silent battles faced by veterans.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dave Fielding, where he unveils powerful strategies for navigating the challenges of military life and transitioning to civilian life. How can emotional intelligence transform your relationships and leadership skills? What are the secrets to building rapid rapport across diverse cultures? David shares his personal battle with suicidal thoughts and how he overcame them, offering invaluable insights for those struggling with similar issues. Discover the significance of understanding motivations and learn practical advice that can help you foster stronger connections. Don't miss this episode, filled with heartfelt stories and actionable tips.
What to Listen For
- Introduction – 0:00
- How does David Fielding's unique background shape his perspective on emotional intelligence and mental health?
- What pivotal moments in David's career as a Green Beret and intelligence officer define his journey?
- The Green Beret Secret to Building Rapid Rapport – 12:40
- How can understanding motivations help you build instant connections with others?
- What techniques does David use to create deep connections across diverse cultures?
- How to Overcome Your Darkest Struggles – 17:40
- Why did Dave go from Special Forces to mental health advocacy and what was that shift like?
- What strategies did David employ to overcome his suicidal thoughts?
- How can others facing similar struggles find their way out of the darkness?
- How to Reframe Challenges into Life Changing Opportunities – 33:13
- How can reframing your perspective help you tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges?
- What practical steps can you take to reframe and find meaning in difficult situations?
- The Power of Understanding Motivations – 43:16
- How can understanding the motivations of others improve your leadership and relationships?
- David discusses the significance of asking “why” in conversations.
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In today’s episode, we explore the complex intersections of military service, intelligence work, and mental health with Dave Fielding, a decorated US Army Green Beret turned intelligence officer and mental health advocate. David's distinguished career includes service in high-stakes operations such as Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning him a Bronze Star. As the author of Into the Darkness: A Journey of Love, War, and Emotional Freedom, David brings a unique perspective on emotional intelligence, the struggles of returning to civilian life, and the silent battles faced by veterans.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dave Fielding, where he unveils powerful strategies for navigating the challenges of military life and transitioning to civilian life. How can emotional intelligence transform your relationships and leadership skills? What are the secrets to building rapid rapport across diverse cultures? David shares his personal battle with suicidal thoughts and how he overcame them, offering invaluable insights for those struggling with similar issues. Discover the significance of understanding motivations and learn practical advice that can help you foster stronger connections. Don't miss this episode, filled with heartfelt stories and actionable tips.
What to Listen For
- Introduction – 0:00
- How does David Fielding's unique background shape his perspective on emotional intelligence and mental health?
- What pivotal moments in David's career as a Green Beret and intelligence officer define his journey?
- The Green Beret Secret to Building Rapid Rapport – 12:40
- How can understanding motivations help you build instant connections with others?
- What techniques does David use to create deep connections across diverse cultures?
- How to Overcome Your Darkest Struggles – 17:40
- Why did Dave go from Special Forces to mental health advocacy and what was that shift like?
- What strategies did David employ to overcome his suicidal thoughts?
- How can others facing similar struggles find their way out of the darkness?
- How to Reframe Challenges into Life Changing Opportunities – 33:13
- How can reframing your perspective help you tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges?
- What practical steps can you take to reframe and find meaning in difficult situations?
- The Power of Understanding Motivations – 43:16
- How can understanding the motivations of others improve your leadership and relationships?
- David discusses the significance of asking “why” in conversations.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode

Secrets to Building Habits That Stick | BJ Fogg
In today’s episode, we delve into the fascinating world of behavior design with BJ Fogg, a renowned behavior scientist and founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University. BJ’s pioneering work focuses on understanding and influencing human behavior through innovative models and methods. His groundbreaking research, including the widely acclaimed Fogg Behavior Model and the Tiny Habits method, has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times and Forbes. BJ shares his insights on how tiny changes can lead to significant transformations, debunks common myths about habit formation, and offers practical strategies for creating lasting positive behaviors.
Join us for an insightful conversation with BJ Fogg, where he reveals the secrets to designing behaviors that lead to lasting change. Discover how tiny habits can transform your life, why common myths about habit formation are misleading, and how to create positive habits effortlessly. Plus, explore the importance of celebration and positive emotions in reinforcing new behaviors. Don't miss this episode packed with practical tips and strategies to help you build habits that stick and achieve your goals!
What to Listen For
- Introduction – 0:00
- What are the most common myths about habit formation and why they are misleading?
- What are tiny habits and how can they lead to significant changes?
- Practical examples of tiny habits you can implement in your daily life.
- How can you leverage your emotions to rapidly create great habits – 10:57
- Why are positive emotions crucial for habit formation?
- The concept of celebration and how it accelerates habit development.
- Practical Application of Tiny Habits – 16:01
- How do you design tiny habits into your existing routines?
- Real-life examples of how tiny habits can transform your behavior.
- The Secret to Breaking Bad Habits – 32:30
- Strategies for untangling bad habits and creating lasting change.
- The three phases of the Behavior Change Master Plan.
- Technology and Behavior Change – 43:01
- How does technology positively and negatively impact your habits?
- Practical tips for managing screen time and fostering positive behaviors.
- Tiny Habits for Kids – 49:20
- How parents can use tiny habits to instill good behaviors in children.
- The importance of creating an environment that celebrates and reinforces positive change.
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Next Episode

Accelerate Your Career & Grow Your Network | Dr. Tessa West
In today's episode, we dive into the intricacies of workplace dynamics, career satisfaction, and professional growth with Tessa West, a leading expert in the science of interpersonal communication. Tessa is a professor of psychology at New York University and one of the world's top researchers on social perception. Her acclaimed work includes the books "Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them" and her latest release, "Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You" available July 23, 2024.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Tessa West, where she unpacks the complexities of workplace dynamics and career satisfaction. How can you turn a difficult coworker into an ally? What are the exact questions to ask when networking to ensure you land the best job offers? Tessa shares her top strategies for identifying the top 5 career frustrations and navigating them effectively, drawing from her extensive research and personal experiences. Discover how to leverage your network in salary negotiations and the critical steps to finding work that truly fulfills you.
What to Listen For
- Introduction – 0:00
- How does Tessa West's background in social perception and psychology inform her insights on workplace dynamics?
- What are the psychological tensions people experience at work that Tessa identifies in her book?
- How can fear of uncertainty and status loss impact career decisions?
- The Five Key Drivers of Career Frustration – [00:11:59]
- What are the top sources of career frustration that Tessa outlines in "Job Therapy"?
- How can understanding these drivers help in navigating career satisfaction?
- Balancing Fulfillment and Compensation – [00:17:14]
- What are the common trade-offs between career fulfillment and financial security?
- How does being embedded at work complicate career changes and personal fulfillment?
- How can strong team cohesion negatively impact individual recognition and promotion prospects?
- Strategic Networking for Career Growth – [00:26:45]
- What specific questions should you ask when networking to explore career fit?
- How can you create a coherent and compelling narrative of your career journey?
- What are the risks of taking on non-promotion-relevant roles in search of fulfillment?
- Articulating Your Contribution to Company Outcomes – [00:38:02]
- Why is it crucial to understand and articulate how your work contributes to broader company goals?
- How can you effectively communicate your role in achieving company outcomes?
- What is the importance of having a broad network beyond your immediate workplace?
- How can networking outside your organization enhance your career prospects?
- Asking Tough Questions During Networking – [00:45:15]
- Why should you ask tough questions about status and promotion prospects when networking?
- How can feedback from former colleagues provide insights into your career advancement?
- Effective Networking Strategies – [00:51:27]
- What practical advice does Tessa give for effective networking?
- How can you approach potential contacts and ask the right questions to build meaningful connections?
- Insightful Questions During Job Interviews – [00:56:07]
- Why insightful questions should you ask during a job interview?
- What specific questions can help you ensure a good fit with a potential employer?
- How can embracing awkwardness and having tough conversations lead to finding fulfilling work?
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