Typology

German-born spiritual teacher and self-help author Eckhart Tolle once wrote, "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance."  I found this to be true in my life as well, and as it turns out, expressing gratitude isn't just a sound spiritual practice. It's essential to our emotional and physical well-being.  According to a recent study performed at Harvard Medical School, "Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships."    How can you reap the benefits? While there are many beneficial exercises that can help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude, such as journaling, morning or evening reflections, and performing acts of kindness, many people focus their thoughts outward (Ex: I’m grateful for my children, a roof over my head, my job, etc.).It’s easy to lose sight of the good in ourselves. Instead, let’s focus inward. Tune in as Anthony and I share what we’re grateful for about each Enneagram type and why you should be too.       To hear the latest episodes, follow Typology Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your favorite player. 

Welcome back to the Typology Podcast! In this episode, I'm joined by special guest William Vanderbloemen, an Enneagram 7, and author of the new book Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest. Join us as we explore how self-awareness can transform not only our professional lives but also our personal relationships. William shares his journey with the Enneagram, the importance of understanding our wiring, and how it can lead to better communication and teamwork. We discuss the 12 habits that distinguish top performers and how these habits can be learned and applied in various aspects of life. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or simply someone looking to improve your self-awareness, this episode is packed with insights that can help you thrive.

This week we welcome back special guest and Enneagram 3, AJ Sherrill.  This time, we explore AJ's journey of spiritual direction, his insights on the Enneagram, and his new book, Rediscovering Christmas: Surprising Insights into the Story You Thought You Knew. We discuss the importance of slowing down during the busy holiday season, the emotional homes we all have, and how the Christmas story can be re-examined through a fresh lens. We explore the fascinating characters from the Nativity, including the often-overlooked roles of the Innkeeper, Zechariah, and Herod, and how their stories resonate with our own lives today. Join us as we reflect on the deeper meanings beneath the story and what it truly means to encounter the divine. Plus, we speculate on the Enneagram types of various biblical figures and how their stories can guide us in our spiritual growth. This episode is packed with insights and humor that you won't want to miss!  

Join us for a heartfelt episode of the Typology as we welcome author Stephanie Duncan Smith, an Enneagram Four, to discuss her new book, Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway. In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of joy and sorrow, exploring the dissonance that often accompanies our life experiences. Stephanie shares her personal journey through pregnancy loss and the profound lessons she learned about resilience, empathy, and the importance of embracing both beauty and pain. Discover how the liturgical calendar can provide a framework for understanding our own stories and the significance of naming our darkest nights. This conversation is a rich exploration of what it means to love deeply, take risks, and find meaning in the midst of life's challenges.     Connect with Stephanie at https://slantetter.com or on Instagram at @StephDuncanSmith  

Have you ever wondered how to you use the Enneagram with teens? In this episode of the Typology Podcast, we welcome Ainsley Britain, author of the new book The Enneagram for Teens: A Complete Guide to Self-Discovery and Spiritual Growth. Together, we explore how the Enneagram can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal growth for teenagers. Ainsley shares her journey of discovering the Enneagram and how it helped her navigate the challenges of adolescence. She discusses the importance of understanding personality types in fostering empathy and connection, particularly in the parent-teen dynamic. Join us as we discuss: The significance of the Enneagram for teens and its potential to aid in self-discovery. The challenges and joys of being an Enneagram Type 2. Practical advice for parents on introducing the Enneagram to their children without forcing it. The role of mental health awareness in today’s youth and how the Enneagram can facilitate important conversations. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the Enneagram, this episode is packed with insights and laughter that you won't want to miss! Links: Order Ainsley's book: The Enneagram for Teens Follow Ainsley on Instagram: @AinsleyB Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes exploring the mystery of human personality through the lens of the Enneagram!

What is the essential self and how do we get in touch with it enough that it becomes a trusted leader for all of our parts? Today we welcome Dr. Alison Cook, therapist and host of the top-ranked podcast, The Best of You, to talk about the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and how it can help all of us do some important healing work toward integration. We also discuss her new book, I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action. In this episode, we explore: What the 3 distinct parts of the personality are and the role each plays The 8 Cs of the Self  The importance of learning to honor the inner tension of mixed emotions Dr. Cook also shares her 3-step process to reconcile mixed emotions and foster self-acceptance. Tune in for practical insights that can help you integrate your parts and find harmony with your essential self.     About Dr. Alison Cook Dr. Alison Cook is a therapist and host of the top-ranked The Best of You podcast. Originally from Wyoming, Dr. Alison studied at Dartmouth College (BA), Denver Seminary (MA), and the University of Denver (PhD), where she specialized in integrating psychology and theology. Dr. Alison’s doctoral dissertation centered on the relationship between religion and prejudice. She is certified in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and is the author of the ECPA bestselling book The Best of You and coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul, with nearly 100,000 copies sold– based on the popular IFS therapy model. Widely recognized as an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, Dr. Alison empowers individuals to heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, and forge healthy relationships. Her newest book, I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action released earlier this year.  

Today we welcome the incredible Finnian Kelly, an Enneagram 7 and author of the groundbreaking book, Intentionality: A Groundbreaking Guide to Brain Consciousness and Radical Self-Transformation. In this episode, Finnian shares his journey of discovering his Enneagram type and the insights he's gained along the way as it pertains to his work and relationships. We discuss the significance of breathwork in cultivating intentionality and emotional awareness. Finnian shares a simple yet effective breathwork exercise that you can practice anytime you feel triggered or activated. This technique can help you pause, gain clarity, and make more conscious choices in your life. Tune in to discover valuable insights and practical tools to help you bring more intentionality into your life.

This week, we welcome back beloved author and pastor, Max Lucado for a meaningful conversation about a range of topics, including the emotional landscape of shame and guilt, the nuances of addiction and how it manifests in various forms beyond substance abuse, and Max’s new book What Happens Next: A Travelers’ Guide Through The End of This Age. In this episode, we explore: the distinction between guilt and shame and how these feelings can impact our relationships with ourselves, others, and God the nuances of addiction and how it manifests in various forms beyond substance abuse how the Twelve Steps offer a transformative path for everyone, regardless of their struggles what eschatology is and the significance of understanding end times in a contemporary context Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking deeper understanding of yourself, or curious about the intersection of faith and psychology, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh, the brilliant minds behind the podcast BS Free MD. In this episode, we explore the unique dynamics of their relationship as an Enneagram 1 (May) and an Enneagram 7 (Tim), discussing how their personality types influence their lives, careers, and marriage. Discover how they challenge traditional medical practices, share their personal journeys, and get vulnerable about their struggles and triumphs. From the challenges of perfectionism to the joys of spontaneity, this conversation is packed with insights, laughter and heartfelt moments. What You’ll Learn: The impact of the Enneagram on personal relationships How to navigate the challenges of an Enneagram 1 and Enneagram 7 Insights into the healthcare system and the importance of questioning traditional practices Tips for embracing imperfection and living a fulfilling life Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with humor, wisdom, and practical advice.     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resources from this episode: Internal Family Systems by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. Dopamine Nation by Anne Lembke, M.D. Fentanyl, Inc. by Ben Westhoff BS Free MD podcast with Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh Pre-Order Ian’s new book, The Fix, available January 28th

Join us in this enlightening episode of Typology as we dive deep into the world of the Enneagram with our special guest, Rich Villodas, an Enneagram 7 and lead pastor of New Life Fellowship. Rich is the author of bestselling books, including The Deeply Formed Life and his latest work, The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls. In this episode, we explore Rich's journey of self-discovery, the challenges of being a 7, and the importance of spiritual formation. He shares his insights on the Enneagram, the significance of contemplative prayer, and how to navigate the complexities of anger, anxiety, and grief. We also discuss the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and truth in our relationships. With a focus on the transformative power of God, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice for anyone seeking deeper understanding and connection. Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or just starting your journey, this episode is sure to inspire and challenge you. Don't miss out on the nuggets of wisdom Rich has to offer!

This week we dive deep into the transformative journey of midlife with the incredible Chip Conley, author of "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age." Chip, an Enneagram 3, shares his personal experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of identity, success, and the quest for authenticity as we age through the lens of the Enneagram.  Chip beautifully articulates the transition from the ego-driven pursuits of the first half of life to a more soulful existence in the second half and shares how this shift can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. We also explore:  the importance of editing our lives to focus on what truly matters, emphasizing the value of clarity and intentionality as we curate our second act.  the idea of awakening to wholeness as we age, integrating various aspects of ourselves and embracing the beauty of our unique journeys. Listen now to gain valuable insights that can help you embrace this stage of life with open arms and a renewed sense of purpose.    

It’s a mistake to presume your way of seeing the world is normal because that means every time you meet someone with a different way of seeing the world, if it’s different than yours, you will feel justified in judging them abnormal. But the Enneagram teaches there are actually nine normal ways of seeing the world, not just yours. Part of emotional and spiritual growth is the capacity to recognize the complexities of human personalities and to expand the aperture of our own lens. Today, Anthony and I welcome the talented artist, musician, filmmaker, actor (and Enneagram 3), Joel Smallbone, to the show. We begin our conversation with an exploration of Joel’s personal experience with the Enneagram and he shares how the Enneagram helped open the doors of understanding within his marriage. As our conversation progresses, Joel reflects on the process of creating “Unsung Hero,” and the profound impact playing the part of his father has had in his understanding of his father, and of how he relates to the world. As Joel explains, “What [it] has done for me is inverted the narrative, and it’s gone, well, hang on, yeah, you’re not quite as awesome as you maybe thought you were. And hang on, there’s other people’s stories. And hang on, there’s other people’s perspectives. […] So instead of me walking into the room simply sitting, going, who are you? Who are all you in relation to me? I’m almost arguably saying, “who am I in relation to you?” Join us as we navigate these themes and celebrate the beauty of the human personality.  

In today's episode, spiritual director, podcast host, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Emily Freeman and I dive into the topic of human relationships and decision-making through the lens of the Enneagram. We discuss Emily's new book, "How to Walk into a Room," which offers a unique perspective on discerning when to stay and when to walk away from various aspects of life. We explore the concept of denial, people-pleasing, and the importance of paying attention to one's inner knowing. Join us as we share insightful questions to help navigate complex relationships and make decisions with clarity and self-awareness. Discover how to lead yourself, care in a different way, and uncover what you truly want in life. Don't miss this engaging discussion filled with practical advice and thought-provoking insights on personal growth and self-discovery. Stay tuned for more enriching conversations on the Typology podcast!  

How does knowing a person’s personality style help you in leadership development? In today’s replay, Scott Allender, Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy & Development at Warner Music Group, explains the concept of emotional intelligence, shares how he uses the Enneagram in team building and leadership development, and highlights the importance of being more thoughtful and intentional about developing leaders' capacity and not just capabilities. Scott will be joining us as a special guest in September for our Typology Institute Town Hall to dig deeper into the topic of Emotional Intelligence and Integration. If you’re not yet an Enneagram Explorer, we’d love to have you join us in the discussion. Head over to the Typology Institute to gain acceess today.

Grief takes many forms and can be a complex and individual experience. It’s not limited to major life events. Life is full of small, invisible losses.  In part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author, Christina Rasmussen explains what she means by “invisible losses” and the impact they can have on our lives over time: “our perception of self shifts out of what we know about ourselves and it changes…when that happens, we lose what I call the original self and what the original self is.” In today’s episode, you’ll learn: what invisible losses are how to recognize our three inner narratives, and the importance of reconnecting with your original self Tune in for valuable insights on navigating grief and reconnecting with your original self.

This week we welcome the incredible Christina Rasmussen as our guest. In part one of this two-part conversation, we dig into the topics of grief, personality types, and self-discovery through the lens of the Enneagram.  In this episode, we explore:  Christina's personal journey of loss and how it led her to become a grief educator and author The multifaceted nature of grief that goes beyond traditional stereotypes Unique insights into how different personality types navigate grief and life challenges The nuances of the Enneagram 8 including the interplay between traits like strength, vulnerability, and projection How engaging in shadow work, self-reflection and continuous growth cultivates authenticity, compassion and resilience Christina's wisdom and authenticity shine through, offering a powerful perspective on navigating life's challenges with courage and compassion.  Tune in to discover more about Christina's work and insights on grief and the Enneagram. 

Today, we're joined by Liz Marie Galvin, author, blogger, and Enneagram 4. Liz shares how learning her Enneagram type has impacted her self-awareness and personal growth and the discusses some of the tools she uses to navigate the rich emotional landscape of being a Type 4.  The conversation concludes with a discussion on the subtypes of Type 4 and how they manifest in different ways.  We also dig into the challenges of being in the public space and curating an authentic persona online, exploring the Type 4's struggle with envy and the pressure to share vulnerable moments on social media.   

How do you find joy in a world riddled with anxiety? Today, we are joined by Randy Frazee, an Enneagram 3, pastor, and author of “The Joy Challenge” to explore the concept of joy and the science behind happiness. Randy shares his insights on finding joy in challenging circumstances and offers practical tips for increasing joy in our daily lives. He emphasizes that though joy and happiness are closely related, joy is characterized by inner contentment and purpose. He offers a few principles from the book of Philippians that can lead to joy, including seeking reconciliation in relationships, practicing unconditional love, and cultivating gratitude, highlighting the scientific evidence supporting the power of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and depression. Join us for this wonderful conversation and start your “joy challenge” today.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Randy Frazee is a pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. A frontrunner and innovator in spiritual formation and biblical community, Randy is the architect of The Story and Believe church engagement campaign. He is also the author of The Heart of the Story; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; His Mighty Strength; The Connecting Church 2.0; and The Christian Life Profile Assessment. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Rozanne, for more than forty years. They have four children and five grandchildren, with more on the way! To learn more about his work and ministry go to randyfrazee.com.

In this episode of Typology, we delve into the intriguing world of the Enneagram 7 with special guest Bryan Crum, author of the book "Neighbor, Love Yourself, Discover Your Value, Live Your Worth." Bryan’s unique journey as a hospice chaplain for a decade adds a fascinating layer to the conversation, showcasing the unexpected intersection of a joyful Enneagram 7 personality with the profound experiences of confronting mortality and reflecting on life. We explore the concept of forgiveness and the role it plays in recovering one's self-worth, drawing parallels between personal growth and spiritual development. Bryan emphasizes the powerful process of re-storying, countering past regrets and doubts, and embracing forgiveness as important components for healing. The episode is sure to leave a lasting impression. Tune in from your favorite platform.

Driven by a need to be seen as successful and accomplished in the eyes of others, Enneagram 3s are known for constantly “doing” and striving for recognition. However, this constant drive for achievement can lead to burnout, as they push themselves to their limits in pursuit of their goals. Today, we welcome meditation teacher and spiritual coach, Ben Katt, who shares his experience with burnout and how committing to contemplative practices such as silence, solitude, and stillness, helped him heal. These practices, which may seem counterintuitive to a Three’s productivity-oriented mindset, are essential for well-being and personal growth.  Join us as we discuss the concept of midlife as a pivotal moment for reflection and explore the ritual practices that can awaken us.