First Person Plural: EI & Beyond

Daniel Goleman put emotional intelligence on the map in 1995 with his bestselling book, and this podcast is the closest thing to sitting in on a conversation with the man himself. Co-hosted by Goleman alongside his son Hanuman Goleman and producer Elizabeth Solomon, the show is produced through Key Step Media and goes well beyond rehashing theory. Each episode brings in researchers, authors, and practitioners to discuss how emotional intelligence actually plays out in schools, workplaces, relationships, and public policy. Guests have included Richard Davidson talking about what meditation does to the brain at a neurological level and Amy Gallo breaking down how to handle genuinely difficult coworkers. The podcast was originally funded through a Kickstarter campaign, which gives it a grassroots feel despite having one of the most recognizable names in psychology attached. With around 41 episodes, the catalog is manageable enough to work through without feeling overwhelmed. Episodes typically run 30 to 45 minutes and lean toward the analytical side, with real data and cited research rather than motivational platitudes. The production is clean and professional without being overproduced. If you want to understand emotional intelligence from the person who popularized the concept, and see how the field has evolved since that original book came out three decades ago, this is the primary source.