Typology

About a month ago, I sat down with author and former White House staffer, Michael Wear, to talk about personality, power, and politics. And I know this is a hot-button topic, but I do think it's an important conversation to have. When we're talking about the President of United States and want to understand who he/she is, how he/she operates, and why our country is where it is, I think it's fair to begin to just think out loud what is happening here and what does it mean? So listen in as Michael and I provide some Enneagram insight into the politics of the past and present. Michael is the founder of Public Square Strategies LLC, a sought-after firm that helps religious organizations, political organizations, businesses and others effectively navigate the rapidly changing American religious and political landscape. Michael is a leading expert and strategist at the intersection of faith, politics and American public life. As one of President Obama's "ambassadors to America's believers" (Buzzfeed), Michael directed faith outreach for President Obama's historic 2012 re-election campaign. Michael was also one of the youngest White House staffers in modern American history: he served in the White House faith-based initiative during President Obama's first term, where he led evangelical outreach and helped manage The White House's engagement on religious and values issues, including adoption and anti-human trafficking efforts. And, he's got a new book out titled, "Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America in which he provides unprecedented insight into the highs and lows of working as a Christian in government. He also writes for The Atlantic, Christianity Today, USA Today, Relevant Magazine and other publications on faith, politics and culture. He serves on the national board of Bethany Christian Services, the nation's largest adoption agency, and holds an honorary position at the University of Birmingham's Cadbury Center for the Public Understanding of Religion. Michael and his wife, Melissa, are both proud natives of Buffalo, New York. They now reside in Washington, D.C. For more information on Michael, visit www.michaelwear.com.

Enneagram Twos are part of the shame triad which, for those who are just getting started with the Enneagram, means that 'shame' is the go-to emotion for Twos, Threes, and Fours. Whatever the external manifestation is of—our struggle, our compulsion, our presenting problem, anger, alcohol, buying stuff that you don't need, sex, helping—shame is always what fuels that compulsion because where there's shame, our soul can't rest, in a sense of being loved. The very thing that we're hungry and thirsty for, which is that kind of deep love for who we are, the shame actually sets us up to never be able to get that. The antidote to that shame is learning to embrace our failures and shortcomings and accept ourselves as we are. Tune in to part two of my conversation with Michael Cusick as we talk about letting go and finding the freedom to live from a place of self-acceptance. Michael Cusick is a licensed professional counselor, spiritual director, speaker and author of two books including Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle and Somebody's Daughter: An Experiential Guide. Having experienced the restoring touch of God in a deeply broken life and marriage, Michael's passion is to connect life's broken realities with the reality of the gospel. In addition to leading Restoring the Soul and equipping Christian organizations around the world, Michael currently serves as an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary. He holds an MA in Biblical Counseling from Colorado Christian University and an MA from the College of Education at the University of Denver. Michael lives with his wife Julianne and two children, in Littleton, Colorado where he enjoys the Rocky Mountains and a host of other outdoor activities with friends and family.

Known as The Helper, or as Michael Cusick prefers to call them, The Giver, Twos can be really great therapists and are maybe the most natural to move into that field, but there's also a lot of things about being a Two that work against that. Twos can care too much for the wrong reasons. Twos are so wired and attuned to the needs and the feelings of other people that they are often clueless as to what their own are. They look to other people to take care of their needs without having to acknowledge or articulate them. A large piece of the journey for Twos is to understand that you do have needs, acknowledge those needs, and actually learn how to articulate them. On today's show, Michael Cusick talks about how the Enneagram has taught him to become more conscious of when he is over-identifying with those aspects of his personality that aren't healthy and helps him make different choices. Michael Cusick is a licensed professional counselor, spiritual director, speaker and author of two books including Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle and Somebody's Daughter: An Experiential Guide. Having experienced the restoring touch of God in a deeply broken life and marriage, Michael's passion is to connect life's broken realities with the reality of the gospel. In addition to leading Restoring the Soul and equipping Christian organizations around the world, Michael currently serves as an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary. He holds an MA in Biblical Counseling from Colorado Christian University and an MA from the College of Education at the University of Denver. Michael lives with his wife Julianne and two children, in Littleton, Colorado where he enjoys the Rocky Mountains and a host of other outdoor activities with friends and family. For more information on Michael, visit www.restoringthesoul.com or www.michaeljohncusick.com.

Healthy Eights are great friends, exceptional leaders and champions of those who cannot fight on their own behalf. They have the intelligence, courage and stamina to do what others say can't be done. And, as with most Enneagram Eights, Jo Saxton is full of Eight's life-giving energy so when she was available for our podcast, I jumped at the chance to interview her. When healthy, Eights learn to open their hearts like a healthy Two. And today, Jo shares how she peeled back the layers, let down her defenses and got in touch with their inner heart. Listen in as we discuss healing broken identities and using the Enneagram as a tool for breaking through the junk that we accumulate and that confuses us from seeing who we truly are. And at the end of the show, Jo Saxton shares some tips for Eights who are just beginning to do their work and how they can begin to grow beyond their broken identity, or their broken personality, into their best self. A few things about Jo...she's a really popular leadership trainer. She's an international speaker. She's a best-selling author. She's passionate about seeing God transform lives across the globe. I mean, she's been featured at conferences like If, Catalyst, Thrive, Propel. She also chairs the board of international discipleship organization called 3D Movements, and cohosts the Lead Stories podcast. Her latest book, The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For is set to release on January 23, 2018. For more information on Jo, visit www.josaxton.com

"Compassion is a verb." - Thich Nhat Hanh The Enneagram helps us recognize and overcome self-defeating patterns of behavior by challenging us to bravely explore who we really are. As we grow in self-awareness we pave the way for our wiser and more compassionate self. Instead of banging guardrail-to-guardrail through life hurting those in our path, the Enneagram allows us to build and sustain healthy relationships by appreciating and understanding our own motivations and behaviors as well as those of our friends and family. In today's episode, the Cron Family gathers over the holidays to discuss how the Enneagram has helped them grow closer and understand each other better. Listen as they share how their family finds balance and appreciation among each other. "The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them." - Thomas Merton

This week on Typology, we continue our conversation with 'Science Mike' McHargue. This show is bursting with wisdom about Nines. You'll learn how Nines can spiritually wake up and leverage their unleashed energy for some really cool things, what a Nine looks like in Right Action, and hear some great tips at the end for growing in your journey. Mike McHargue (better known as Science Mike) is an author, podcaster, and speaker who travels the world helping people understand the science of life's most profound experiences. His bestselling debut book, Finding God in the Waves, has helped thousands understand faith in the 21st century. Mike hosts Ask Science Mike, a weekly question and answer podcast helping hundreds of thousands explore the questions they've always been afraid to ask. He also co-hosts The Liturgists Podcast with his friend Michael Gungor. With over a million downloads per month, The Liturgists Podcast is reshaping how the spiritually homeless and frustrated relate to God. And his bestselling debut book, Finding God in the Waves, has helped thousands understand faith in the 21st century. To learn more about Science Mike, visit www.mikemchargue.com

Enneagram Nines, or The Peacemakers, are open and receptive in every way. They can see both sides to everything and they have a profound awareness of the interconnectedness of all things in creation. Their unconscious motivation is to avoid conflict at all costs, to maintain a relational connection, maintain the status quo, and preserve inner peace and harmony. To preserve this inner peace and harmony, Nines create internal and external boundaries. The inner boundary is to tamp down any feelings or desires that might disturb their calm inner sea. The external boundary exists to protect them from anything external that might cause inner tumult. This desire for inner and outer peace is so innate that Nines unconsciously absorb other people's emotional energy. Today on Typology, our guest 'Science Mike' McHargue shares his journey through the inner sanctum of a Nine and his process of building a healthy connection to anger. Mike provides so much insight into the life of the Peacemaker we had to make it a two-part show. Mike McHargue (better known as Science Mike) is an author, podcaster, and speaker who travels the world helping people understand the science of life's most profound experiences. His bestselling debut book, Finding God in the Waves, has helped thousands understand faith in the 21st century. Mike hosts Ask Science Mike, a weekly question and answer podcast helping hundreds of thousands explore the questions they've always been afraid to ask. He also co-hosts The Liturgists Podcast with his friend Michael Gungor. With over a million downloads per month, The Liturgists Podcast is reshaping how the spiritually homeless and frustrated relate to God. And his bestselling debut book, Finding God in the Waves, has helped thousands understand faith in the 21st century. To learn more about Science Mike, visit www.mikemchargue.com

A lot of listeners have reached out asking "how do I figure out my type?" And though I would love to give the answer, the truth is it can be very difficult to figure out one's Enneagram number. You are the only one who can truly determine your own Enneagram number because only you can identify the underlying motivation that drives the way you view the world. The real determining factor is not what you do, but rather why you do it. And, frankly, sometimes that can take a lot of internal work. In fact, I can't tell you how many people have told me they thought they were one number, but after really doing their work, figured out they had misidentified themselves. With so many variables it's easy to do. So, I often tell people that the best way to learn the Enneagram or to figure out your number is through the narrative. Read about the Enneagram, attend an Enneagram conference, and listen to others share their stories. It's truly the best way to distinguish between the nuances of each type. And this week on Typology, our guest Claire Diaz-Ortiz shares her story. Listen as Claire tells us about her life as it relates to the Enneagram. For years she's been seeing her life through the lens of an Enneagram One. But, is she truly an Enneagram One? Stay tuned through the end of the show as we leave her with some food for thought. Claire Diaz-Ortiz (@claire) is an author, speaker and Silicon Valley innovator who was an early employee at Twitter. Named one of the100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, she holds an MBA and other degrees from Stanford and Oxford and has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. She writes a popular business blog at ClaireDiazOrtiz.com and is the award-winning author of eight books that have been published in more than a dozen countries.

Fours are the most complex of all the types on the Enneagram. They spend their lives feeling different and separate from others and long to be understood and appreciated for their authentic self. Fours experience themselves as people who are missing something essential at their core that they just can't put their finger on. As Tim Burton describes it, "if you've ever had that feeling of loneliness, of being an outsider, it never quite leaves you." Fours also have a considerable emotional range. They don't have feelings, they are their feelings and those feelings form the basis of their identity. This unique gift of being so connected to their emotions allows them to experience a truly rich interior life. It heightens their creativity and acute sensibility to aesthetics, to beauty and meaning. In this episode, we invited singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones to share his experiences growing up as an Enneagram Four. Not only does he describe that feeling of being unique but he also shares his song, "Oh Theo," which truly captures the world view of a Four. Originally from Pennsylvania, Matthew grew up in Georgia and cut his artistic teeth in the Atlanta music scene before heading north to Nashville. His debut release, Nowhere Else But Here, dropped in 2000, followed by three subsequent albums — Throwing Punches in the Dark (2006), Swallow the Sea (2008), and Land of the Living (2012) — three additional EPs and a handful of singles. Songs from across his catalog have been featured in dozens of film and TV placements, and tours have taken him across the U.S. and abroad to share stages with legends like Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin, as well as the Ten Out of Tenn songwriter collective of which he is a part. Now, Matthew is embarking on what might be the ultimate test of his inner compass: making his fifth album with only himself, a guitar, some basic recording gear, and genius loci — the spirit of place. As he chases the ever-retreating horizon, Jones will stop, listen, and capture when and what the spirit of each place calls out to him. To learn more about Matthew, visit www.mpjmusic.com.

Enneagram Threes focus on outstanding performance, being perceived as successful and avoiding failure at all costs. They believe that love comes from achievement, image, and status and have the tendency to neglect or ignore the personal needs of self and others. But when Threes move toward health they move to the high side of Six. When that happens they no longer need to "drive the bus" or flaunt success. They are so good at helping others live into their full potential and be successful in their own right, and not have it be all about their own success. In this episode, Lisa Whelchel discusses her journey toward being a healthy Three. Listen in as she touches on her subtypes, how she identifies her True Self, and how the Enneagram has impacted her life as an introverted Type 3 with a 2 wing. Lisa is an actress, author, international speaker, and life coach. Perhaps best known for her starring role as Blair Warner on NBC's "The Facts of Life" for nine years, she's also the author of "Creative Correction" which has sold over 200,000 copies and has written more than a dozen books. Currently, Lisa is a certified CoActive Life Coach and focuses most of her time these days coming alongside others on their transformational journey to remembering their True Self. For more information please visit www.LisaWhelchel.com and www.ContigoLifeCoach.com.

Enneagram Fives are known as the Investigators, or the Observers. They see the world as intrusive, overwhelming and draining. They prefer to observe life from the sidelines rather than jumping in and participating in it. They value their privacy and freedom and can feel consumed, or drained, by prolonged involvement with other people or by having too many expectations placed on them. They monitor the amount of time they spend with others and hightail it back to the realm of the mind whenever possible to refuel. But, Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. When it comes to doing their 'work', Fives have an advantage over the rest of us. Their love for solitude makes them natural contemplatives and their deep need to collect knowledge and information can lead to true self-awareness. These healthy Fives are likely to have depth in knowledge in several areas of their lives and they willingly share their findings with others. And you'll hear that in action on today's episode. My guest Dr. Andrew Root proves he has done his work. Listen in as he opens up and shares how he navigates life through the lens of an Enneagram Five. Andrew Root (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Associate Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. A former Young Life staff worker, he has served in churches and social service agencies as a youth outreach associate and a gang prevention counselor. He writes and researches in areas of theology and youth ministry. His most recent books are Christopraxis (Fortress Press, 2014) and Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker (Baker, 2014) and The Grace of Dogs: A Boy, A Black Lab, and a Father's Search for the Canine Soul, released June 7, 2017.

I've received lots of emails and messages from folks on social media who are struggling to nail down their Enneagram number. Well, let me tell you, if that's the case for you, this show is spot on. While only you can determine your own type, there are some things you can do to help get clarity. For those out there who are trying to figure out their type it's often helpful to read up on wings. Wings are the number on either side of your number. Each of these wings will have a different influence on your type. I would also encourage folks to go to Beatrice Chestnut's book, The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge and go through the section where she describes the different subtypes. This will really provide some insight and help you nail down that number. But, what does it look like when that process comes to life? On today's show we break it down with Enneagram skeptic, Matt Carter. Matt Carter is a musician, podcaster, and entrepreneur based in Seattle, WA. His career in the music industry began as lead guitarist of the post-punk/hardcore band Emery. His background as a touring musician laid a foundation for various collaborative ventures, including the founding of BadChristian Media and Jabberjaw Media. Matt hosts the wildly popular The BadChristian Podcast and Break it Down Podcast. He continues to tour and perform in Emery and Matt & Toby. When we started the show, we had no idea where the interview would take us. And, let me warn you in advance, this show is unlike any I've done in the past. In fact, it was so cool that when we wrapped up, Anthony and I were so psyched we laughed out loud. So, strap yourselves in, put on your crash helmets, and let's get to it.

On this week's show we invited a panel of Enneagram Fives into the studio to describe how they see and experience the world. Called the Investigators, or the Observers, Fives are kind, perceptive, sensitive, calm in a crisis and often possess a sly, slightly cynical sense of humor that's endlessly entertaining. But, they can also come across as detached from their feelings, or aloof, unless they feel safe to share their emotions. Fives are often the most misunderstood number on the Enneagram. So, we asked our guests, singer-songwriter Lori Chaffer, Sr. Associate Pastor Kenny Benge, and writer/editor Joel Miller to share their wealth of knowledge and insights about being a Five.

I think there are truths which reveal the limitations of human language. And when this happens we have to rely on artists to express these great spiritual insights through an alternative language--like music or film or the visual arts or dance--to say clearly what the rest of us only feel vaguely. So, when I heard Ryan O'Neal, otherwise known as Sleeping At Last, was writing songs from the perspective of each of the Nine Enneagram Types, well as you can imagine, I was pretty intrigued. On today's show, Sleeping At Last joins us to talk about this intriguing and wonderful series of new music and shares his song titled, "ONE" from the project, ATLAS: Year Two. You'll love hearing not only his music but also hearing his heart which I think is, well, evidently magnificent. Sleeping At Last is the moniker of Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer and composer, Ryan O'Neal. In 2013, Sleeping At Last began the long-form concept project, Atlas, which is an ongoing series of new music (EPs, Singles, etc) to be released over the course of several years. Atlas: Year One (30 songs) was completed in early 2014. Sleeping At Last is currently working on Atlas: Year Two. Sleeping At Last can be heard frequently on popular TV Shows and Films such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, The Fault In Our Stars – Trailer, Grey's Anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, Criminal Minds, Bones, The Vampire Diaries, J.J. Abrams & Alfonso Cuaron's Believe and many more. (Click here for complete list)

On last week's episode of Typology, I had an amazing conversation with my friend, Fr. Richard Rohr, renowned Enneagram expert and Franciscan Priest, and Executive Director for the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We discussed the difference between the true-self and the false-self and explained how the Enneagram can guide us on our journey toward identifying our own true-self. This week on Typology, Richard and I continue that conversation. Today, we talk about how to use the Enneagram on a daily basis as a framework, or a blueprint, for spiritual formation. Richard also offers words of encouragement and caution for each Enneagram type. For more enriching wisdom from Richard visit the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) and sign up for Richard's daily email that goes out with all kinds of wonderful wisdom and thoughts from him. You can also buy a few of Richard's books. A few of my favorites are The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, and Immortal Diamond.

I first encountered the Enneagram when I was a graduate student at a conservative seminary. While on a weekend retreat I came across a copy of Fr. Richard Rohr's book, Discovering The Enneagram: An Ancient Tool for a New Spiritual Journey. In that book Richard describes the traits and the underlying compulsions of each of the nine basic Enneagram types. Based on my life experience and what I'd learned in my training to become a counselor, Rohr's description of the types blew my mind. They were uncannily accurate. I felt sure I had stumbled on an amazing resource, not only for Christians but for all people. Little did I know, that 25 years later, Richard and I would be friends and the Enneagram would become the central focus of my work. In this episode, you will learn: How Richard discovered the Enneagram How to break the shackles of self-doubt with self-compassion What exactly is the true self vs. false self Why the Enneagram can help to identify the true-self Richard is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and he is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is the author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam's Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, and Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi.

Recently I came across an intriguing article in the Huffington Post about a group of Harvard researchers who undertook a longitudinal study to answer the questions, "͞What are the secrets to a happy and purposeful life?" and "How do we grow and change, what do we value as time goes on, and what is likely to make us happy and fulfilled?" What do you think the researchers said was their most important finding? It was that love and relationships are really all that matters. A person could have a successful career, money and good health, but without supportive, loving relationships, they wouldn't be happy. If it's true that relationships are all that really matter in life, then how do we create ones that are healthy and life giving? And for the sake of our conversation, how can the Enneagram help support our us? To explore these questions, I asked my longtime friends Shauna and Aaron Niequist to join me on today's show to talk about how they've used the Enneagram to support and nurture their relationship. For those of you who don't know them, Shauna is the New York Times bestselling author of the book "͞Present Over Perfect," and Aaron is a worship leader and the author of a new book to be released next August. As you'll soon discover these two people are veteran Enneagram students and incredibly funny to boot! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation. Suggested Reading ͞The Enneagram in Love and Work, by Helen Palmer ͞The Everyday Enneagram, Lynette Shephard ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

A few weeks ago, renowned Enneagram teacher and author Dr. Beatrice Chestnut joined me on our show to discuss how Enneagram Twos see and relate to the world. Beatrice was so great that we were flooded with requests to have her on again, and thankfully she agreed or we would've had a mutiny on our hands! On this episode Beatrice and I tackle the question "How do I use the Enneagram as a tool for personal and spiritual transformation?" It's a great question. Information isn't transformation. If you want to use the Enneagram as a blueprint for change then knowing your number is only the first step. So today Beatrice and I discuss a few of the many next steps we can take to bring about positive change in our lives through using the Enneagram. A student of the Enneagram system of personality since 1990 and a past president of the International Enneagram Association, Beatrice is the author of my all-time favorite Enneagram book, The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge. So, take a seat, put your napkin on your lap, and get ready for a feast of Enneagram wisdom! ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

The more I know about life and people, the more I love Enneagram Sixes. Called Loyalists, Sixes are the most faithful and dependable people on the Enneagram. They keep a watchful eye over us. They safeguard our values. In my opinion, they're the glue that holds our world together. And, by the time this episode is over, you're going to understand why Enneagram Sixes have a reputation for being some of the funniest people on the planet. But wait! There's another reason why you need to listen to this show! A few weeks ago, I hosted a panel of four Enneagram Nines, all of whom happened to be guys. At the end of that episode, I promised I would soon host a show with four women. Well, today's the day! For this week's Typology, I brought together Jill Phillips, Leslie Jordan, Francie Likis, and Katie Williams to describe what it's like to be Enneagram Sixes. You're going to love and admire this remarkable group of women. So sit back, hit play, and listen to this wonderful group of women talk about how they see and experience the world. You'll enjoy every minute of it. ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

Enneagram Twos are some of the most caring, kind, supportive, upbeat, and tenderhearted people on God's good green earth. Three of my closest friends are Twos, and together they radiate enough love and generosity of spirit to heat a metroplex. In Enneagram-speak they're called The Helpers. On today's episode, I'm joined by renowned Enneagram teacher, author, consultant, and Enneagram Two, Dr. Beatrice Chestnut Ph.D. A student of the Enneagram system of personality since 1990, she is the author of my all-time favorite Enneagram book, The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge. Enneagram Twos are far more complicated than they appear at first glance. Who better to describe what it's like to be a Helper than a Black-belt Enneagram expert and teacher. Beatrice was so good we decided to record two shows with her! Whether you're a Two or not, this show contains so much insight into the Enneagram it will blow your mind! Beatrice has taught at Northwestern University and was trained in group facilitation at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. She served as President of the International Enneagram Association from 2006-2007 and teaches workshops on the Enneagram internationally, focusing on using it as a tool for leadership development and personal transformation. Books and Resources for Enneagram Twos Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No-To Take Control of Your Life, Dr. Henry Cloud How to Love (Mindful Essentials), Thich Nhat Hanh

In 1991, tennis superstar Andre Agassi appeared in a television ad for a camera called the Canon Rebel. On the set, the fashionably dressed Agassi steps out of a white Lamborghini sports car, lowers his ray bans halfway down the bridge of his nose, gazes cockily into the camera, and says, "Image is everything." I watched that old commercial on YouTube the other day and thought to myself, "Wow, that guy's a poster child for all the not very self-aware Enneagram Threes in the world." Enneagram Threes are called The Performers. These folks are success-oriented, image conscious, and wired for productivity. They are motivated by a compulsive need to succeed or to appear successful, and to avoid failure at all costs. Performers see a world that values people more for their accomplishments, for what they do, not for who they are. Driven by the need for approval and admiration, Threes focus all their energies on winning and looking good doing it. As you listen to today's show, you'll realize that there's a lot to love about Threes when they're healthy, and my guest Jeff Goins proves my case. He's doing all the necessary work (or dare I say 'successfully' doing the work) to become his most authentic self. Jeff is an award-winning blogger, sought after speaker, and best-selling author of five books. He teaches online courses and is pretty sure he makes the world's best guacamole. He lives with his family here in Nashville, and more importantly, he's my friend. SUGGESTED READINGS: Becoming Who you Are, by James Martin, SJ Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self, by Richard Rohr Abba's Child: The Cry of the Human Heart for Belonging, by Brennan Manning Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular Age, by Henri J.M. Nouwen ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

I'm not kidding when I say Enneagram Nines (The Peacemakers) are well represented in my universe of relationships. My wife Anne is a Nine. My daughter Maddie is a Nine, and as you'll soon learn, a disproportionate number of my friends are Nines as well. On this week's show we decided to try something new. We invited not one but a panel of FOUR Enneagram Nines into the studio to describe what it's like to be members of the Peacemaker tribe. Why host a panel? In my experience, people learn more about different Enneagram types when they hear people who self-identify as that type talk about their lives. Why listen to me talk about a type when you can hear from folks who live it everyday? This week you'll meet four of my closest friends—Singer-songwriter Andy Gullahorn, guitarist, businessman, (and five time Grammy nominee) Randy Williams, Sobriety Coach and counselor David Hampton, and Chris Gonzalez, PhD, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and Director of the MFT program at Lipscomb University. We honestly didn't know what would happen when we stuffed me, my guest co-host Rabbi Evan Moffic, my producer Chad Michael Snavely, and four others guys into our tiny recording studio with a six pack of beer but as you'll soon hear -- it was magic. This is one of the most entertaining and enlightening shows I've ever been a part of. My panel today happens to be all men, but we've already scheduled a panel of four women to be on the show in the next few weeks and a mixed gender panel as well, so keep your eyes and ears open for those shows! ​​Suggested Readings for Enneagram Nines: - Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want, by Michael Hyatt - The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life with Everyday Courage, by Mel Robbins Be sure to listen to Episode 24 of The Road Back to You Podcast with Enneagram Nine Chris Gonzalez. My wife, Anne, is a Nine and she's listening to it! ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

Enneagram Eights (The Challengers) are hard driving, tough, decisive, innovative, and resourceful people who make things happen. They're larger than life presence and boundless energy instills confidence in others, and people follow them. As long as they're a man, that is. Our culture reveres male Eights. People admire men who "kick ass and take names." Sadly, we all know the word folks use to describe a woman who takes charge, stands up for what she believes, refuses to take crap from people and gets the job done. I don't need to spell it out for you, right? All to say, emale Eights are arguably the most misunderstood and unfairly treated number on the Enneagram. On today's episode of Typology, I talk with pastor, activist, musical artist, and Enneagram Eight, Melissa Greene. Affectionately called the 'The Velvet Hammer' by her friends and fans, Melissa is true to her type. In our conversation, Melissa shares her challenging but often humorous journey as a female ight who grew up and still lives in the American South--a culture in which women are expected to be sweet and gentee...ot made of steel. You can find more of Melissa's current work through Hope Curator for Timothy's Gift (http://timothysgift.com/) hich curates concert tours with other artists designed to entertain and uplift those in maximum security prisons. Melissa is also the Cofounder of Imaginarium (www.imaginarium.life)—a fresh expression of a spiritual community in Nashville. ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

"Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people," writes author Anne Lamott in her beautiful book, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Whether you struggle with perfectionism in general, or in just one or two areas of your life, you know how draining and torturous it can be. Are there ways to overcome the tyranny of perfectionism? Is it possible to quiet or tame the negative self-commentary of our inner critic? How can we stop harshly judging ourselves and others, awaken self-compassion, and find peace in our "perfectly imperfect world?" No one's more qualified to discuss the perils and perks of being a perfectionist quite like a mature Enneagram One, a.k.a. The Perfectionist. On today's episode, my dear friend and wise Enneagram One Dr. Lee Camp shares how everything changes for the better when we live by the wise motto "progress, not perfection." If you're looking for a book to go along with the theme of today's episode, start here: The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are—Brené Brown Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life—Byron Katie And then don't forget to check out our guest Lee Camp's book, Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World. Be sure and check out what Lee's doing with the Token Show at TokensShow.com. ---- To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

Most Enneagram teachers I know say Enneagram Nines are the least complicated of all numbers on the Enneagram, while Fours are the most complicated number on the Enneagram. With Fours, what you see is never what you get. There's always layers and layers of stuff going on beneath their surface. On today's episode of Typology, I talk with popular blogger, podcaster, author, and fellow Enneagram Four, Tsh Oxenreider. This conversation is a blast and I think you're going to love it. And you're going to learn some really helpful things about Fours in the process. Connect with Tsh at her website, TheArtOfSimple.com, and be sure to check out her new book, At Home in the World. Oh and after you've finished listening to our conversation, be sure and check out Tsh's wonderful podcast, The Simple Show. To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

Can you pursue a life of success and enjoy a growing sense of 'shalom'--the Hebrew word for a sense of inner harmony, wholeness, and ultimate well-being we all long to experience? Listen into my conversation with Rabbi Evan Moffic, a renowned author, Jewish scholar, and Enneagram Three (AKA The Performer). A high honors graduate of Stanford University and the youngest rabbi of a major Jewish congregation in the United States, Rabbi Moffic loves and uses the Enneagram to support his own journey toward personal transformation and as a tool in his work with others as well. From beginning to end, this is one of the richest conversations I've ever had about the Enneagram and spiritual transformation. This episode is for everybody, regardless of spiritual background or worldview. If for some reason you're short on time this week please, please, please skip forward to 24:58 and listen through to the end of the show. You won't be disappointed! Rabbi Moffic's book, What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Jewishness of Jesus was a 2015 best-seller, and his upcoming book—The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today reveals an ancient Jewish prayer whose teachings open the door to happiness and meaning for people of all faiths. Download a PDF of his Happiness Tracker here. You can connect with Rabbi Evan Moffic at rabbimoffic.com. To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

Bob Goff is a 7. His wife, Maria, is a 9. This is an episode about how two very different types can love and compliment each other. We learned a lot about 7's on last week's episode with Rob Bell, and while we'll dig more into the 7 as we talk to Bob, we're going to get a great understanding of the 9 as Maria joins today's conversation. Be sure and check out Bob's book, Love Does, and Maria's new book, Love Lives Here. Also, check out Dream Big Framework to learn about Bob's upcoming workshop. To download a PDF of a chapter from Ian's book called Finding Your Type, visit TypologyPodcast.com. You can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And if you like the show, we'd love for you to go over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. It helps us know what you think, and it helps others find out about the show.

When I launched this podcast, I knew Rob Bell had to be my first guest. Discovering the Enneagram was a game-changer for Rob. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the Enneagram runs deep, and as you'll discover while listening to this episode, Rob is an Enneagram "7 with a 7 wing." Check out Rob's latest book, What Is the Bible?, and visit RobBell.com for speaking dates and other events. To keep up with what we're doing at Typology, visit TypologyPodcast.com, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review!

Who are we? Why do we act, think and feel the way we do? How does the lens through which we see the world shape the way we live our lives? Welcome to Typology, a podcast that explores the mystery of the human personality and how we can use the Enneagram typing system as a tool to become our most authentic selves. Hosted by author, speaker, and counselor, Ian Morgan Cron, Typology features interviews with recognized Enneagram teachers, bestselling authors, psychologists, theologians, artists, business leaders, neuroscientists, and others who are using the Enneagram as a path for personal transformation. Subscribe now - our first episode launches Thursday, July 6th.