Around the Circle | An Enneagram Channel

For the full interview go : HEREJeff and TJ sit down with Enneagram author Steph Barron Hall to rethink everything we’ve been told about arrows. Instead of simple “disintegration and growth” lines, Steph walks us into high side/low side movement in both directions, the role of Soul Child / recovery points, and how arrows actually support transformation when paired with balance in the three centers. Along the way we talk stress versus security as motive-based experiences, “unintentional drift” versus intentional movement, and why some stress is the resistance we need to grow.

This week, Katie talks to Sara, a local friend she met at one of her weekly Enneagram classes. We discuss medical school, DOING vs BEING, and what it feels like to subject yourself to constant comparison against other people (and maybe how to get out of it).There is some scratchy audio in the first five minutes of this podcast, but I promise that it quickly gets fixed!

To become a member and see our best work: GO HEREIf you want to order Joey's book: GO HEREAnd our first book is HERE___Jeff and TJ sit down with Enneagram teacher and Enneagram theorist Joey Schewee, author of the upcoming When Working Together Doesn’t Work: An Enneagram Guide to Productive Relationships with Coworkers. Together they dig into mistyping: what it really means to know your type, why some numbers mistype more than others, and how gut, heart, and head play into landing on the right story about yourself. Joey makes the case for paying far more attention to stress moves, stance, and reference point (and far less to tests, memes, and subtype hype), and the three explore why narrative teaching and “aha” moments matter more than any online quiz for finding your true type and using it for real growth.

Subscribe to the Inside Story : HEREBecome a Member of ATC : HEREIn this episode, Kristin Messegee sits down with ATC host Jeff Cook to learn Type One from the inside out. They start with the inner critic—“like being tumbled by a six-foot wave”—and why Ones wish for an edit button in real life. Jeff shares how verbal processing helps his intuition lock in, what agency feels like in the body (“gliding on glassy water”), and how anger becomes usable energy instead of something to hide. They also explore autonomy, black-and-white thinking, resentment and “memorizing sins,” the pull to problem-solve over connect, avoiding grief, and the grounding question: What’s mine to do? If you want concrete tells for spotting One dynamics—in stress, in security, and in relationships—this conversation delivers.

Katie sits down with Veronica, a 32-year-old Enneagram One and R&D scientist in Chicago, to trace how Ones learn to trust their gut, make room for gray, and respond to what’s needed. Veronica shares her path into the Enneagram, the “responsive stance” in a family with no assertive types, and why Ones often look “negative” when they’re actually reaching for what could be better. They compare One and Six problem-solving, One and Three achievement, and talk anger as “what happens when things don’t go your way”—and what to do with it. Veronica names how therapy helped her drop performative goodness, navigate work mistakes without collapse, and show up for people over perfection. Money Quote : “I don’t want to be right—I want to know what is right.”

Subscribe to the Inside Story : HEREBecome a Member of ATC : HEREIn this episode, Kristin Messegee sits down with ATC host Jeff Cook to learn Type One from the inside out. They start with the inner critic—“like being tumbled by a six-foot wave”—and why Ones wish for an edit button in real life. Jeff shares how verbal processing helps his intuition lock in, what agency feels like in the body (“gliding on glassy water”), and how anger becomes usable energy instead of something to hide. They also explore autonomy, black-and-white thinking, resentment and “memorizing sins,” the pull to problem-solve over connect, avoiding grief, and the grounding question: What’s mine to do? If you want concrete tells for spotting One dynamics—in stress, in security, and in relationships—this conversation delivers.

Link to our Workshop on Excess | HEREBecome a Member of ATC | HEREIn this episode, Jeff sits down with author and Enneagram Seven Christa Harden ("Enneagram in Marriage") to unpack how the three instincts—self-preserving, one-to-one, and social—shape relationships. They trace why self-care isn’t selfish but foundational, how biology meets typology, and why balance across instincts matters more than “being a subtype.” GuestKrista Harden is a writer and podcaster (Enneagram in Marriage) with two decades of couples work. She’s currently writing a book on instincts and relationships. You can connect with her HERE.

Link to our Workshop on Excess | HEREUp next, 2s! Rebecca Dollard, founder of The Motherhood Mentor, is a somatic healing practitioner that helps high-achieving women and mothers who “have it all together” but feel disconnected inside. Through somatic healing, nervous-system-based coaching, and enneagram she guides them to expand their capacity, soften their edges, and lead with power and presence.Links: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-motherhood-mentor/id1735994095P.S. for anyone who may have noticed, we've skipped 1s. We will release the episode on 1s later on in this series, we promise!

LINKS TO THE NEW FEED:Inside Story on Spotify: HEREInside Story on iTunes: HERE__On this Episode, We’re kicking off Our New Podcast "Inside Story" by turning the mic toward ATC co-host T.J. Wilson (Type Nine). This is a spacious, honest conversation about Nine life from inside —how “gut knowing” actually shows up, why autonomy matters so much to body types, and what conflict feels like when it lands in the body. T.J. names the costs of keeping the peace, the sideways ways anger can surface, and the mantra that’s changing his relationship to procrastination (“later is not a point in time”).Along the way we get practical: decision-making when everything feels equally important, how merging can be a superpower and a trap, why stable presence draws Sixes, and what Nines need most from the people who love them (space, time, permission—and an endpoint). Also, check out Kristin's excellent work here: Life Uninhibited – The Enneagram 6 Podcast (Kristin’s flagship show): kristinmessegee.com/podcasts/life-uninhibited-the-enneagram-6-podcast Kristin MessegeeKristin’s website (coaching for Sixes): kristinmessegee.com Kristin MessegeeZero to Sixy (Kristin’s community/program): kristinmessegee.com/zero-to-sixy-2 Kristin MessegeeInstagram: @enneagram_6_coach instagram.com

FOR THE REST OF THE EPISODE : GO HEREOr simply search for "Early Access" on you podcast platform of choice.___Up next: 9s!In this week’s episode, Katie talks to Rev. Andrew Bowles (he/him), a Certified Narrative Enneagram Teacher, professional member of the International Enneagram Association, ordained minister, and experienced healthcare chaplain. We talk about why 5s and 9s look so similar, what it really feels like to feel like your presence doesn’t matter, and we also get into the worldview of each type (which means that there’s a nugget of gold to be found in this episode for every number!)Link to Hunter’s book: HERELink to Life in the Trinity ministry's website:  https://www.lifeinthetrinityministry.com/Link to Andrew’s website: https://www.pathstopresence.com/aboutAndrew's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathstopresence9/

Many of you know we have a handful of things going on both personally and here at ATC; this is all the fun stuff and hard stuff. In this podcast we’ll be talking about everything from the end of one chapter to the opening of another. You can see all our new Podcast feeds at Our Enneagram Channel : HEREQuick Links:Saturday Online Workshops Free membership at AroundTheCircle.orgEarly Access podcast – Coming soon for the next-gen transitionsInside Story podcast – Kristin Messegee's interview seriesScientific Enneagram – Danielle Fuller’s science + Enneagram seriesStart Here podcast (re-launching foundational series)

Jeff and TJ sit down with Kristin Messegee—an Enneagram Six coach and the host of Life Uninhibited—to announce her new narrative-style show, "Inside Story" joining the ATC family of podcasts.We talk why real growth needs empathy, why stories teach better than diagrams, and how narrative Enneagram work helps us become emotional adults.• Subscribe to Kristin's new Podcast : HERE• Follow Kristin’s work: Coaching + Life Uninhibited – The Enneagram 6 Podcast. kristinmessegee.com+2kristinmessegee.com+2• And if you want to get connected our best work, do sign up for a membership on Patreon .

Early Access on iTunes: HEREEarly Access on Spotify: HEREEnneagram and Gender Discussion : HEREMusic is by GIANTS AND PILGRIMSKatie's Work : HEREContinuing her journey around the Enneagram, Katie talks to Meaghan, a freelance American Sign Language interpreter who loves traveling, new restaurants, and advocating for the deaf community. We talk about the difference between anger and rage, how your childhood environment sticks with you, and get into some differences between 6 and 8.

Jeff sits back down with Enneagram coach Jackie Contessa to walk through mistyping between twos and threes through nines. If this helps, check the full Mistyping Chart Jackie co-authored in the back of our book Around the Circle . Or find Jackie at @tablefornineco and jackieccesa.com.

Link to the upcoming EnneaSummit : HERELink to all of our other work : HEREJeff sits down with Tyler Zach to preview his upcoming Midlife Summit (Oct 21–24). They dig into why “midlife has a branding problem,” the U-curve of happiness, and how the second half can move us from productivity to fruitfulness. Tyler shares tear-worthy moments from the panels (don’t miss the Sevens), why 60 is still “midlife,” and what happens when elders step into being elders—sages who lend hard-won wisdom across generations.In this episode:Midlife ≠ crisis: redefining the forties, fifties, and sixties as seasons of ascent“Rehiring,” not retiring: purpose, reinvention, and new risks later in lifeFrom skills to wisdom: becoming an elder instead of just getting olderIntegrating the three centers with age—and why that brings real joyGenerational cycles (spring/summer/fall/winter) and what Gen Z can build nextStories of resilience through illness, loss, and the long cocoonAbout the Summit:The Midlife Summit runs Oct 21–24 and streams free for four days (with optional lifetime access at an early-bird price). Panels feature respected voices from the Narrative tradition, the Enneagram Institute, Personality Hacker, and more. Grab the link in the show notes to register and see the full lineup.

Early Access on iTunes: HEREEarly Access on Spotify: HEREMusic is by GIANTS AND PILGRIMSOur inaugural Episode! In this discussion on Early Access, host Katie Whitlock sits down with her close friend Michael —an Ironman-in-training, soon-to-be husband, and a reluctant but curious student of the Enneagram.

Enneagram Two gets a fresh look. Jeff sits down with coach and creator Jackie Contessa to unpack why “the Helper” label misses the mark and how that shortcut fuels mistyping. They trace the real motives at play—pride, flattery, intrusion, hidden grief, and the drive to “etch a role” in others’ lives—and name how gendered expectations distort typing (why many women lean Two and many men avoid it). Jeff and Jackie contrast Twos with Ones: duty and betterment vs. relational payoff, resentment from suppressed anger vs. resentment from unmet exchanges. They also hit possessiveness, boundaries as relationship-keepers, external energy vs. inner world, and the Two-to-Eight stress move. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I a Two—or just helpful?” this one gives you a sharper lens.

Like the Enneagram, our Generation--its technologies and events--shape how we see the world. In this conversation with Katie Whitlock, we will be exploring the values and cultural markers of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, weaving together films, music, shared culture, and the defining experiences that mark each era. Connect with us at www.aroundthecircle.org

Get connect to all our work at www.aroundthecircle.org In this episode, Jeff sits down with counselor Ben from Los Angeles for a live Enneagram mistyping session—could he be a principled One, a justice-driven Eight, or an analytical Five? From his early years in LA to a career in corrections and counseling, Ben shares stories of resilience, accountability, and the ongoing work of channeling anger into growth. Along the way, we highlight how Ones and Eights approach clarity, control, and problem-solving differently, giving listeners a front-row seat to the art of discerning type through real conversation.

Like the Enneagram, our Generation--its technologies and events--shape how we see the world. In this conversation with Katie Whitlock, we will be exploring the values and cultural markers of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, weaving together films, music, shared culture, and the defining experiences that mark each era. Connect with us at www.aroundthecircle.org

See all of our best material at: aroundthecircle.org !In this Mistyping session, Sandy from Chicago—a leadership and development coach—traces how infertility,and a bruising conservatory experience pushed her from “just tell me what to do” health coaching into deeper inner work. We talk holding space for grief without “positivity bullying,” growing up Midwestern “everything’s fine,” motorcycles as moving meditation, the love–hate of French horn performance, and learning to listen to her body. Then we press into typing: the pull between Five and Nine (with Four in the wings), what it means to prefer clarity over calm, intrusion over conflict, conserving energy, and hearing the heart-message that “your needs aren’t a problem.” Along the way: birding, butterflies, boundaries, and finding a voice that can move to Eight when needed. Connect with Sandy: swansoncoaching.com.

Like the Enneagram, our Generation--its technologies and events--shape how we see the world. In this conversation with Katie Whitlock, we will be exploring the values and cultural markers of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, weaving together films, music, shared culture, and the defining experiences that mark each era. In this episode we tackle Gen X: from latchkey kids and divorce to the rise of the internet and shifting individualism, we ask what makes each generation unique, how those shifts impact personality and relationships, and why the Enneagram found fertile ground in Gen X’s world. Connect with us at www.aroundthecircle.org

Jeff sits down with Elliot, a Kiwi in London. They trace Elliot’s deconstruction and church life, his work building inclusive spaces, and how the Enneagram has helped him sort clarity from certainty.

Sexuality isn’t just behavior—it’s an internal experience. We sit down with researcher-coach Dr. Sam Greenberg to map how Enneagram type and instincts shape desire, cues, assertiveness, and intimacy. Sam outlines the gifts and challenges of each instinct, why instincts often predict sexual patterns more than type, how repressed instincts show up in the bedroom, and what happens in common pairings (like self-pres x sexual). We also hit evolutionary frames, honeymoon-phase myths, “service sex,” stress/context loads, and practical ways couples can reduce friction and increase connection—without shame.What you’ll learnA working definition of sexual desire vs. sexual behaviorWhy instincts set the framework and type adds nuanceGifts/challenges of self-pres, social, and sexual dominanceHow repressed instincts derail empathy, safety, or passionCommon pairing dynamics (self-pres × sexual, etc.) and best practicesWhy stress, sleep, money, and context change desire—and what to do about itConnect with our guestIG: @enneagasm (Sexy First Fridays with therapist Lindsay Frazier)Web: EnneagramSexpert.comAS always : all our best material is at : www.aroundthecircle.org

Tammy joins Jeff for a live mistyping session that moves from opera halls to IT dashboards—and into the deep stuff beneath type. A lifelong Michigander with three degrees, a choir section-leader, and a self-described “walking contradiction,” Tammy is blunt and kind, fiercely independent, and devoted to care (for people…and five cats). Together we explore comparison, authenticity, and the tension between being known and staying buttoned-up. 

Jeff had a stellar conversation with Enneagram Coach, Spiritual Director and Founder @reflecttheoriginal , Sarina Sherring.You can connect to her work here: www.reflecttheoriginal.auFor the full interview go to: aroundthecircle.org

This week we are joined by Amanda from Michigan. This was an excellent conversation!If you are interested in our mistyping guide : GO HEREThe guide is only in the print version.

This is a wonderful interview with the fantastic TJ Teems. Tj is a professional Enneagram Counselor in California. You can connect with her : HERESign up for a membership to all of our stuff : HERE

This one felt more difficult and we spent a lot of time looking not only at 1347, but you will hear a lot of questions for 2 and 6 as well. Jump in, tell us your thoughts on Spotify comments or on our website.__The mistyping guide is **EXCLUSIVELY** in the print version of the book. And can be found here: https://a.co/d/g7jBNnj

We continue our deep dive into Heroes in film, this time choosing to elevate a singular actor.If you are interested in seeing info about the Weld County Food Bank : GO HEREYou can connect with us and see all our best stuff at : aroundthecircle.org And check out Movie Typing : HERE

If you are interested in doing a mistyping recording with Jeff, become a Member at www.aroudthecircle.org and send us a message on our website. We would love to talk with you!

Do check out our book as a resource, especially the last 100 pages which are dedicated to mistyping. FIND IT HERE

We continue our deep dive into Heroes in film, this time choosing to elevate a singular actor.If you are interested in seeing info about the Weld County Food Bank : GO HEREYou can connect with us and see all our best stuff at : aroundthecircle.org And check out Movie Typing : HERE

We continue our series of conversations with our friends looking to find their enneagram type._____Our Start Here Podcast and our Basics series is : HEREAll our Best material is at aroundthecircle.org

We continue our deep dive into Heroes in film, this time choosing to elevate a singular actor.If you are interested in seeing info about the Weld County Food Bank : GO HEREYou can connect with us and see all our best stuff at : aroundthecircle.org

We continue our series of conversations with our friends looking to find their enneagram type._____Our Start Here Podcast and our Basics series is : HEREAll our Best material is at aroundthecircle.orgOur conversation with Joel Stabile is HEREOur Conversation with Jackie Brewster is HERE

We continue our deep dive into Heroes in film, this time choosing to elevate a singular actor.If you are interested in seeing info about the Weld County Food Bank : GO HEREYou can connect with us and see all our best stuff at : aroundthecircle.org

This is our interview with Trauma Therapist, Adam Young. I apologize for the audio quality, but we thought the content here worth posting and discussing. You can find Adam's new book : HEREGrace and peace, Jeff

Another wonderful conversation with Brenden from Ohio who is looking to verify his type.If you would like to purchase our book with the mistyping guide, it is HERE.To connect with us or to get your own mistyping interview, connect with us at: aroundthecircle.org

This is the first in our series on mistyping.We speak with Rachel from Minnesota as she reconsiders what she has always been told about her Enneagram Type.If you would like to purchase our book with the mistyping guide, it is HERE.If you are interested in doing a typing session with us, you can connect with us on Instagram: HERE. For all our other content go to : www.aroundthecircle.org

Co-Host of the Fathoms Podcast, Lindsey joins us to talk about her movement from thinking she was a Two to a Seven.Full version at www.aroundthecircle.org

Tickets to the Colorado Event : HERESign up to be a member and listen to the full version : HEREBuy the Print or Kindle version of "Around the Circle" : HERE

Sign up to be a member and listen to the full version : HEREBuy the Print or Kindle version of "Around the Circle" : HERE

We brought together Melissa Kircher, Mandy Capehart, Jackie Contessa for a panel discussion on the intersection of Enneagram and coaching. Together, they explore how type-awareness shapes coaching work, from trauma-informed healing and grief integration to identity formation and shadow work. Whether you're a coach or simply Enneagram-curious, this conversation is rich with wisdom, humor, and grounded strategies.Follow and the guests on InstagramMelissa is at : @enneagrampaths,Mandy is at : @mandycapehart,Jackie is at :  @tablefor9co And if you are interested in doing coaching work with TJ, do direct message us at aroundthecircle.org or on Instagram @aroundthecirclepodcast .

We speak with Lindsay Taylor (1), Michael Shahan (6), and Heidi the Therapist (4) about the art of using the Enneagram in Therapy, and how their own understanding of their own type effects how they seek to help others. Click HERE for the full discussion.

For the Full Episode go to | www.aroundthecircle.orgWhat happens when engineers, psychologists, and Enneagram coaches meet in one person? You get Danielle Fuller—founder of Scientific Enneagram, expert in data, and a compelling voice at the intersection of systems theory and personality work.In this episode, we dive deep with Danielle into the scientific validity of the Enneagram: What counts as science? Can the Enneagram ever be falsifiable? How does it overlap with models like Big Five, attachment theory, and ego development? And what kind of research might meaningfully elevate Enneagram discourse?We also explore why the Enneagram may resist quantification—because it’s aimed at motives, not behaviors—and why that doesn’t disqualify it as a tool for serious study. Danielle brings a unique blend of logic and curiosity, and we’re thrilled to share this rich, thoughtful conversation.Find Danielle at @scientificenneagram and at scientificenneagram.com.

Friends,Tomorrow our good friend Tyler Zach is beginning his much anticipated Enneasummit online on the Enneagram Instincts.Click here for FREE Access : https://www.tylerzach.com/a/2148111985/gTjkbNt4

For Ashton's 7 Week Training Experience go : HEREFor the full interview with Ashton go : HERE

We are joined again by our friend Hunter Mobley.Hunter' new book releases on May 22 and can be found HERE.Hunter Mobley is an Enneagram teacher who leads a yearlong Contemplative Cohort program at Suzanne and Joe Stabile's teaching center, The Micah Center, in Dallas, Texas.

We are joined again by our friend Hunter Mobley.Hunter' new book releases on May 22 and can be found HERE.Hunter Mobley is an Enneagram teacher who leads a yearlong Contemplative Cohort program at Suzanne and Joe Stabile's teaching center, The Micah Center, in Dallas, Texas.