Cover of The Formation Practice

The Formation Practice

The Formation Practice

By: Ella R. Thompson PhD
Listen for free

Season's Savings | 0.99 €/month for 3 months

5.99 €/month thereafter - terms apply. Cancel monthly.
Summary

A podcast for people navigating leadership responsibilities, work, relationships, and everyday life. Each episode offers thoughtful, practical conversations on personal growth, self-awareness, decision-making, and the experiences that shape who we become and how we lead. Grounded in scholarship and real-world experience, The Formation Practice explores what it means to lead with clarity, character, and responsibility.

© 2026 The Formation Practice Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Why You React So Strongly (and How to Manage Your Emotions)

    Why You React So Strongly (and How to Manage Your Emotions)
    11 Nov 2026
    Have you ever reacted emotionally to something small and later wondered, “Why did that bother me so much?” What if your emotional reaction wasn't just about what happened in that moment—but everything you've been carrying into it?In this episode of The Formation Practice, Why You React So Strongly (and How to Manage Your Emotions), Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores the connection between emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, stress, and self-awareness. Discover why everyday situations can trigger unexpected emotional reactions and how to manage your feelings without suppressing them.Whether you're navigating workplace stress, difficult relationships, leadership responsibilities, or the pressures of everyday life, understanding your emotional triggers can help you respond more thoughtfully, communicate more effectively, and make better decisions.In this episode, you'll discover:Why you react so strongly: How accumulated stress, unmet expectations, and emotional pressure can influence your reactions.Emotional regulation vs. emotional suppression: Why managing your emotions doesn't mean ignoring, hiding, or denying what you feel.How to identify emotional triggers: Recognize what's happening beneath your frustration, anger, anxiety, or defensiveness.Three steps to manage emotional reactions: Practice Notice. Understand. Choose. to develop greater self-awareness and respond instead of react.How emotional intelligence strengthens relationships: Navigate difficult conversations, communicate boundaries, and manage conflict with greater confidence.When emotional maturity requires change: Understand why managing your emotions doesn't mean accepting every situation that produces them.Here's the important distinction: Emotional maturity isn't about feeling less. It's about understanding more.You don't have to suppress your feelings to make thoughtful decisions. And you don't have to tolerate unreasonable expectations to demonstrate emotional intelligence.Sometimes the wisest response isn't greater endurance. It's recognizing what needs to change.Your Formation PracticeThe next time you experience a strong emotional reaction, ask yourself three questions:What am I feeling?What may be contributing to this feeling?What response would reflect the person I want to become?Notice. Understand. Choose.These simple practices can help you develop emotional self-awareness, improve your communication skills, and navigate pressure with greater intention.Continue the ConversationThe Formation Practice is a podcast about leadership formation, personal development, self-awareness, and the everyday decisions that shape who we become.Hosted by Dr. Ella R. Thompson, leadership scholar, higher education professor, author, and executive coach, the podcast explores the deeper reasons behind how we think, respond, lead, and live.Season 2: Leading Under Pressure examines how to navigate expectations, manage stress, build emotional resilience, communicate effectively, and exercise responsibility without losing yourself in the process.🎧 Follow The Formation Practice on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.If this episode helped you better understand yourself, share it with someone who may be navigating emotional pressure, difficult decisions, or challenging relationships.Keep growing. Keep becoming. This is The Formation Practice. I will meet you there.If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me!Support the showConnect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD:Message: Ella ThompsonWebsite: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.eduInstagram: @ellarthompsonphdThreads: @ellarthompsonphdLinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhDYouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhDSubscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode.Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone.The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.
    Show more Show less
    33 min
  • Before We Begin

    Before We Begin
    6 Nov 2026

    Who are you becoming, and how much of that process are you choosing for yourself?

    Personal growth begins with understanding who you are, what has shaped you, and how your experiences influence the decisions you make every day.

    Welcome to The Formation Practice, a podcast about self-awareness, personal development, purpose, leadership, and the ongoing journey of becoming.

    In this introductory episode, Dr. Ella R. Thompson explores what it means to grow intentionally, recognize the patterns shaping your life, and begin examining the relationship between who you are, what you value, and how you live.

    Whether you're navigating a life transition, developing as a leader, reconsidering your priorities, or simply seeking greater clarity about yourself, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations and practical insights to support your personal growth.

    You don't have to have everything figured out to begin. You simply have to be willing to look more closely at the person you're becoming.

    Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing!

    If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide.

    ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter

    Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming.

    If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me!

    Support the show

    Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD:

    Message: Ella Thompson

    Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu
    Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd
    Threads: @ellarthompsonphd
    LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD

    YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD

    Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode.
    Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone.

    The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.
    Show more Show less
    9 min
  • How to Manage Your Emotions Under Pressure | Emotional Intelligence for Leaders

    How to Manage Your Emotions Under Pressure | Emotional Intelligence for Leaders
    3 Nov 2026

    Pressure doesn't just test your leadership. It reveals how you manage yourself when things get difficult.

    Have you ever reacted to a situation and later wished you'd handled it differently? Whether you're leading a team, managing competing responsibilities, or navigating everyday challenges, learning to manage your emotions is essential to personal growth and effective leadership.

    In Season 2, Episode 2 of The Formation Practice, we explore emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and emotional regulation under pressure.

    You'll discover:

    • Why pressure can make us more reactive, defensive, or emotionally overwhelmed.
    • The difference between managing your emotions and suppressing them.
    • How to recognize emotional triggers without allowing them to control your decisions.
    • Three practical steps—Recognize, Regulate, Respond—to navigate difficult situations with greater confidence and clarity.
    • How emotional maturity strengthens relationships, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness.

    You can feel deeply and still lead wisely.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, executive, emerging leader, or someone committed to personal development, this conversation offers practical insights for leading yourself and others with greater intention.

    🎙️ The Formation Practice | Season 2: Leading Under Pressure

    Listen, follow, and share this episode with someone who's learning to grow through life's pressures.

    Keep growing. Keep becoming.

    Enjoying The Formation Practice? Help Us Keep Growing!

    If these conversations are helping you lead better, think differently, and grow with intention, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your support helps us reach and equip more listeners worldwide.

    ❤️ Become a Monthly Supporter

    Your support is appreciated. Keep growing. Keep becoming.

    If an episode resonates with you, please feel free to connect with me!

    Support the show

    Connect with Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD:

    Message: Ella Thompson

    Website: ellarthompson.com | www.ilfr.org | www.vcc.edu
    Instagram: @ellarthompsonphd
    Threads: @ellarthompsonphd
    LinkedIn: Dr. Ella R. Thompson, PhD

    YouTube: Ella R. Thompson, PhD

    Subscribe to The Formation Practice so you never miss an episode.
    Share this episode with a leader in your life who is carrying weight they were never meant to carry alone.

    The Formation Practice with Dr. Ella Thompson, PhD is a production of Coherence Richardson Press. All rights reserved.
    Show more Show less
    28 min
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet