Beyond the Type: An Enneagram-Inspired Podcast about Being Human.

Why do we sometimes react so strongly to situations that seem small in hindsight? Strong reactions are often blamed on stress, personality, or a lack of emotional control. But research suggests something simpler and more practical is often at play:  a lack of precise language for what we’re actually feeling. In this episode, we delve into how language influences emotional experience, why vague feelings often lead to intense reactions, and how accurately naming emotions supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthier responses. Drawing on the work of Brené Brown, Susan David’s research on emotional agility, and Karla McLaren’s work on emotional literacy, this conversation examines emotions as information rather than problems to be fixed. You’ll learn: Why “I’m angry” is often just the starting point How stronger emotional vocabulary helps calm the nervous system Simple ways to begin noticing and naming what’s happening before reactions take over. This episode is for anyone who feels reactive at times, gets triggered easily, or wants more clarity and choice in how they respond, without turning emotions into a big project! ___ Stay in touch!  Sign up for my newsletter here and receive my 9 Ways to Communicate Better guide:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication ___ Beyond the Type podcast episode on the Enneagram Centers of Intelligence:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/podcasts/beyond-the-type-an-enneagram-inspired-podcast-about-being-human/episodes/2149055083 ___ Brené Brown - Strong Ground (book)https://amzn.to/4pJ4NVB Susan David - Emotional Agility (book)https://amzn.to/4pDndXC Karla McLaren - (emotional vocabulary list)https://karlamclaren.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Emotional-Vocabulary-List.pdf ___reacting strongly, emotional reactions, emotional regulation, emotional language, naming emotions, emotional vocabulary, emotional awareness, emotional agility, emotional literacy, nervous system regulation, self-awareness, managing emotional reactions, getting triggered, emotional triggers, overreacting emotionally, responding instead of reacting, stress responses, emotional overwhelm, communication skills, relational awareness, healthier communication, personal growth, emotional intelligence, self-regulation skills, workplace communication, relationship dynamics, Enneagram, centers of intelligence ___ Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a percentage of sales from that link. As always, I appreciate your support!

Manifesting isn’t magic. It’s mental training. Your brain is already rehearsing the future. The question is:  Is it rehearsing the future you want...? In this episode, we’re talking about manifesting, mindset, and vision boards, without the woo and without the magical thinking. We’re grounding this conversation in neuroscience, psychology, and real-world practice. Drawing on the work of neurosurgeon James Doty, neuroscientist Tara Swart, and insights from Jonathan Hammond, we examine how attention, emotional rehearsal, and expectation influence behavior over time. This episode isn’t about passive wishing or pretending the future is already here. It’s about training your mind and nervous system the same way athletes rehearse for performance, so action feels more natural and less forced. If you’re curious about manifesting as a mental training tool, creating vision boards that actually work, and adopting a smarter mindset for the New Year that can coexist alongside your goals (or even precede them), this conversation is for you. About your host: 🔹Hi!  I'm Sandy, and I’m a holistic communication and relationship coach; some clients call me a "people whisperer". I'm dedicated to helping you understand yourself and others better so you can communicate with confidence, clarity, and compassion.🔹I’m also a mentor coach and love helping brand-new coaches with their coaching skills. 🏳️‍🌈 Proud to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities 🏳️‍🌈 ___ 90-minute Visioning Session with Sandy: Visioning Sessionhttps://tinyurl.com/465jdpfz ___ Beyond the Type podcast episode on realistic goal setting:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/podcasts/beyond-the-type-an-enneagram-inspired-podcast-about-being-human/episodes/2149057729 Beyond the Type podcast episode on safety:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/podcasts/beyond-the-type-an-enneagram-inspired-podcast-about-being-human/episodes/2149114211 ___ Dr. James Doty - Mind Magichttps://amzn.to/49cPKOE Dr. Tara Swart - The Sourcehttps://amzn.to/44tVSiY Jonathan Hammond - The Shaman's Mindhttps://amzn.to/48DvMwm ___ Stay in touch!  Sign up for my newsletter here and receive my 9 Ways to Communicate Better guide:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication   ___manifesting, New Year's mindset, vision boards, action boards, mental rehearsal, neuroscience of manifesting, James Doty, Mind Magic, Tara Swart, The Source, Jonathan Hammond, The Shaman’s Mind, manifesting science, intention setting, alternatives to resolutions, mindset training, nervous system, personal growth, practical manifesting, mental training, mindset shift, manifestation techniques, goal alternatives, brain training, emotional rehearsal, focus and attention, positive habit formation, new year practices, manifestation without woo, subconscious training, aligned action, Enneagram   Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a percentage of sales from that link. As always, I appreciate your support!

Ever wonder why certain reactions feel automatic, even when you know better? In this episode, we explore the Enneagram passions:  Those emotional patterns beneath each type that quietly shape how we communicate, react, and relate. We'll get into where the passions came from and why they’re sometimes called the seven deadly sins plus two;  we'll also walk through each passion for each type - and I'll talk about how noticing your own passion can help you type yourself more accurately and show up with a little more awareness in everyday conversations, at work, and at home. Stay in touch!  Sign up for my newsletter here and receive my 9 Ways to Communicate Better guide:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication  

Since the holidays are coming (and politics somehow always sneaks onto the table...I'm looking at you, Uncle Jim), now is the perfect moment to learn how to bring safety back when things get tense. In this episode, we dive into the thing that makes or breaks every conversation you care about: safety. This is the foundation of healthy communication, conflict resolution, and staying grounded when conversations get a little… "spicy". We'll explore: • How to notice early signs that safety is at risk• How the nervous system reacts when conversations feel unsafe• The behaviors that show up in others when safety drops• Simple communication skills that help restore safety• How each Enneagram type reacts when safety disappears If you want easier conversations, fewer emotional landmines, and more grounded communication during the holidays and beyond, this episode will give you practical tools you can use right away. My Communicate with Confidence Through the Lens of the Enneagram group coaching program opens again in spring 2026, and this episode gives you a preview of one of the key tools we use inside the program. Learn more about this program here:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication The Yoga Nidra Meditation podcast episode can be found here. Find the Crucial Conversations book here:https://amzn.to/4oLvDwz  Stay in touch!  Sign up for my newsletter here and receive my 9 Ways to Communicate Better guide:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication   __ communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional safety, difficult conversations, nervous system, healthy communication, holiday stress, family conflict, Crucial Conversations, staying grounded, Enneagram, managing tension, talking politics, communication tools, restoring safety, safer conversations, self-awareness, conflict reduction, communication coaching, relationship skills __ Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a percentage of sales from that link. As always, I appreciate your support!

How to use Nonviolent Communication for calmer, more confident holiday conversations. Tired of tiptoeing around family or coworkers during the holidays? This episode will get you ready for those holiday conversations that sometimes go sideways. I’m talking about the moments when you want to stay kind, but you also want to remain honest. We’ll dive into Nonviolent Communication, or NVC, and how it can help you speak clearly and compassionately.  You’ll learn the simple OFNR framework (Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests) and hear real examples that make this framework come alive. I’ll also share how each Enneagram type might get tripped up along the way when it comes to using the NVC framework. If you’ve ever wished for calmer, more authentic conversations—especially around the holidays—this one’s for you. My Communicate with Confidence Through the Lens of the Enneagram group coaching program opens again in spring 2026, and this episode gives you a preview of one of the key tools we use inside the program. Learn more about this program here: https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication communication skills, NVC, Nonviolent Communication, Enneagram, emotional intelligence, confidence, relationships, coaching, conflict resolution, holidays

How stepping away from screens can open up meaning, creativity, and deeper connection.  We’ve trained ourselves to fill every quiet moment with screens, but research shows boredom isn’t the enemy - it’s a hidden superpower. In this episode, we talk about what happens in your brain when you stop scrolling, how screens fuel anxiety and distraction, and why boredom might be the secret to more creativity and calm. Drawing from research by Harvard professor Arthur Brooks and Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, we explore why boredom matters and how constant screen time impacts your creativity, mood, and relationships. You’ll hear about the science behind your brain’s "default mode network," the mental health effects of phone use, and practical steps to bring more stillness—and meaning—back into your day. You’ll learn: Why boredom sparks creativity and reduces anxiety What research says about phone use and mental health How to create small "boredom breaks" in your day Easy ways to reduce screen time without a full digital detox Mindfulness practices to feel more present and connected If you’ve been craving more focus, calm, and genuine connection, this one’s for you! Download my free Communication Guide: https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication  Learn more about my group coaching program, Communicate with Confidence through the Lens of the Enneagram: https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication  Keywords: boredom, phone addiction, screen time, mindfulness, digital detox, Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation, creativity, emotional wellness, relationships, communication skills, coaching podcast, self-awareness

This 20-minute guided yoga nidra meditation helps your nervous system regulate and relax, restoring a deep sense of safety and calm in your body. In this session, you’ll be guided through a short rotation of consciousness (body scan) and a series of vivid images designed to bring calm, curiosity, and balance to your whole being. You’ll explore both ease and discomfort, learning how to stay present and grounded - instead of reactive. This meditation is perfect for anyone seeking to practice being non-reactive in conversations, stress relief, or a few moments of deep rest and reconnection with the body. Use it: Before sleep or rest After a tough day or challenging conversation Anytime during your day to build emotional resilience and embodied safety. This meditation was created for the students in my course, Communicate with Confidence through the Lens of the Enneagram.  We took a deep dive into safety, feeling safe in conversations, triggers, and how to regulate the nervous system.  Because when safety is missing, communication suffers.  Safety first, people!To learn more and to get notified when I will next offer this program, visit:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication ___ About your host: 🔹Hi!  I'm Sandy, and I’m a holistic communication and relationship coach; some clients call me a "people whisperer". I'm dedicated to helping you understand yourself and others better so you can communicate with confidence, clarity, and compassion.🔹I’m also a mentor coach and love helping brand-new coaches with their coaching skills. 🏳️‍🌈 Proud to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities 🏳️‍🌈🔹Download my free Communication Guide here:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication  Yoga Nidra, Nervous system regulation, Guided meditation, Stress relief, Somatic awareness, Deep rest, Mindfulness, Emotional regulation, Safety, Holistic coaching    

Most people don’t struggle with communication because of the big moments—it’s the small, sneaky habits that trip us up. In this episode, you’ll uncover five common communication habits that quietly sabotage clarity and connection, and learn simple swaps to replace them.  Whether you’re navigating tough conversations at work or at home, these tools will help you feel more confident, clear, and authentic. I’ll even touch on how certain Enneagram types can fall into these traps in unique ways, because we gotta bring the Big E into the conversation!GROUP COACHING PROGRAM Whether you're navigating work dynamics, deepening a relationship, or simply trying to express yourself without spiraling into overthinking or overreacting, this program will provide you with tools, insights, and guided support to communicate in a way that actually works. Learn more here:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication

Because nobody likes reactive or awkward conversations. In this episode, I’m diving into the myths and pitfalls of communication and sharing the science and coaching tools that actually help us connect.You’ll hear why words aren’t the whole story, how body awareness can stop reactive conversations in their tracks, and why presence is the most underrated communication superpower. You'll learn: Why clarity doesn’t equal agreement (and how this shows up in everyday life - including my life on LinkedIn - yikes!) The dangers of reacting vs. responding (and how to pause in the body) Simple coaching tools like looping back, reflecting, and naming the point of the conversation How nonviolent communication transforms accusation into real connection Why presence makes conversations magical I'll also offer 4 simple tools that you can use in your conversations today.  These are communication techniques I teach in my group coaching programs and with my private coaching clients.  All yours for the taking! And… a teaser! As you know, one of my favorite tools for self-growth and communication is the Enneagram. Each of the nine types or "energies" has unique communication strengths and blind spots, and I’ll cover all of them in my upcoming free live training. Save your spot for this free training here: https://www.swansoncoaching.com/training Thanks for listening, and please share this with a friend, coworker, or family member who may benefit from hearing this episode!

Ever feel like you’ve got a tiny judge (or a giant gray monster) sitting on your shoulder with a megaphone? That’s your inner critic, and it has a different script for each Enneagram type. In this episode, we'll look at how the voice of judgment shows up for all 9 types, from the Type 1’s perfection police to the Type 9’s chill hippie dude. You’ll also learn 7 practical (and fun!) practices to loosen the critic’s grip, like personifying it, reassigning its job, forgiving yourself through the body, and even giving your critic a silly operatic voice (yes, there may be bad singing in this episode. You have been warned). This episode is equal parts funny and real, because let’s face it, living with an inner critic is exhausting! If you’re ready to stop letting that voice run your life, this one’s for you.FREE TRAININGWant to be less reactive? Want to understand your partner or your manager better? I’m offering a free training on the Enneagram, relationships, and communication styles. In this training, I'll be talking about the 3 pathways to more effective communication as well as the 9 distinct energies of the Enneagram.  I'll also be offering lots of tips and ideas for communicating with each type. Learn more at https://www.swansoncoaching.com/training.

Ready to dive deeper into the Enneagram? Today, we’ll explore the growth paths of all nine types using the lines and arrows of the Enneagram symbol. The arrows aren’t just cute little decorations—they point us toward both stress and transformation. Learning to go "against the current" is where real growth happens, and that's what I'll be talking about in this episode. You'll learn: What the Enneagram lines and arrows actually mean Why growth means going against the arrows (and why it’s hard but worth it) The unique growth path for each of the nine types Simple practices for your type that you can try today What to watch out for as you stretch and expand beyond your comfort zone. I'll also speak to how these shifts show up in your body and in your relationships, and why self-observation is the first step any lasting change. So tune in, grab your journal, and get ready to move upstream—toward more balance, wholeness, and the truest version of you.FREE TRAININGIf you're curious to go deeper, I’m offering a free training on the Enneagram, relationships, and communication styles. You can register at https://www.swansoncoaching.com/training.

It’s the same scene every time with this poor kid in the "hallway incident", but when you put nine different Enneagram types in the role of the person stepping in to help, you get nine completely different reasons for doing so. In this episode, I walk you through a story that brings the Enneagram motivations to life. Because the Enneagram is all about motivation, not behavior. This is why it can be challenging to land on your type - and why we do NOT ever want to type others! You’ll see how the same action can be fueled by very different motivations, and why: Type 1 helps to restore what is right Type 2 helps to care for others Type 3 helps to be seen as capable Type 4 helps to connect authentically Type 5 helps to be competent Type 6 helps to provide safety Type 7 helps to lighten the mood Type 8 helps to protect Type 9 helps to keep the peace. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or you’ve been studying it for years, this episode will give you a practical way to understand why people (including yourself) do what they do. FREE TRAININGIf you're curious to go deeper into this story, I’m offering a free training on the Enneagram, relationships, and communication styles. You can register at https://www.swansoncoaching.com/training.

Why You’re Still Stuck — and How to Finally Move Forward. Whether it’s work, relationships, life transitions, or decision overload, “stuckness” shows up in sneaky and stubborn ways. And most of the time, we try to solve it with more information. But what if that’s not the answer? In this episode, I share what I see every day as a holistic communication and relationship coach: that getting unstuck isn’t about doing more — it’s about listening to your inner experience. We’ll explore: Why your body might be holding the clue to your next step How trusting your gut can short-circuit analysis paralysis The surprising power of naps (yes, naps!) Why internal motivation always wins over external pressure How your heart might have something to say, if you’re brave enough to ask And what your Enneagram type might say about your “why” I also share some personal stories, client reflections, and a few practical ways to pause, check in, and make meaningful shifts, with or without a coach. FREE TRAINING And if you're curious to go deeper, I’m offering a free training on the Enneagram, relationships, and communication styles. You can register at https://www.swansoncoaching.com/training.

The Deeper Layer Behind Why You React the Way You Do - Through the Lens of the Enneagram Ever wonder why you retreat when things get tough? Or why your friend always talks through everything out loud? Or why some people seem to barrel forward like a freight train? In this episode, we're diving into the three stances of the Enneagram—Withdrawing, Dependent (or Responsive), and Independent (or Assertive). These stances shape how each type moves through the world, handles stress, and interacts with others. You’ll learn: Why some types retreat into their inner world, while others think out loud or steamroll ahead What might be behind your default stress response How understanding these patterns can improve your relationships, parenting, coaching, and self-compassion What to say (and not say) when interacting with each of these energetic styles Why knowing someone’s stance can be even more helpful than knowing their exact Enneagram type If you're stuck trying to figure out your type, or you're a coach or leader who wants to communicate more effectively, this episode will help you recognize core energetic patterns that run underneath the surface. _______________________About your host: 🔹Hi!  I'm Sandy, and I’m a holistic communication and relationship coach; some clients call me a "people whisperer". I'm dedicated to helping you understand yourself and others better so you can communicate with confidence, clarity, and compassion.🔹I’m also a mentor coach and love helping brand-new coaches with their coaching skills. 🏳️‍🌈 Proud to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities 🏳️‍🌈🔹Download my free Communication Guide here:https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication  _______________________ Learn more about my group coaching program, Communicate with Confidence through the Lens of the Enneagram: https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication

Struggling to stick with your goals — or even know where to start? In this episode, certified coach Sandy Swanson shares a holistic, down-to-earth approach to goal-setting that actually works in real life. You’ll learn: The 8 most common goal-setting mistakes (and how to avoid them) How to create realistic, values-aligned goals that support your mind, body, and life How the Enneagram personality framework can reveal the hidden challenges each type faces when trying to make change Why goal overwhelm, perfectionism, and emotional roadblocks keep so many people stuck — and what to do instead Practical tips to build confidence, clarity, and accountability (without burnout or hustle) This episode is for you if you’ve ever set a goal with the best intentions… only to lose momentum, get stuck, or beat yourself up in the process. Sandy blends coaching wisdom with deep self-awareness tools to help you build goals that feel good — and stick. Ready to set aligned, achievable goals? Schedule your free discovery call at SwansonCoaching.com