
Listening With Leaders · 2026-04-28 · 43 min
In this episode of Listening with Leaders, host Doug Noll interviews Doug Johnston, a former corporate executive turned emotional researcher. Johnston shares how his daughter's struggle with depression sparked a decade-long journey documenting 272 emotional states through 8,000 quotes, culminating in a book. Together, they challenge cultural misconceptions about emotions, emphasizing that emotions are fundamental to rational decision-making. They introduce "nervous system leadership," highlighting how naming emotions regulates the brain and transforms leadership. Drawing on neuroscience and personal stories, they advocate for expanding emotional vocabulary as a practical tool for healthier lives and more effective leadership. To learn more about Doug's work, click HERE and HERE .