Typology

When growing in self-awareness, it's important to be able to recognize, or identify, what your triggers are. If you're a regular listener, you've heard me talk about how critical meditation and journaling are to strengthen your ability to respond to life rather than react. But, how we treat our bodies is also important. When I notice I feel anxious, envious, or irritable, I like to pause and notice how I'm feeling physically. I ask myself, "how did I sleep last night?", "do I need to go for a walk?" or "what have I eaten today?" At times, simply drinking some water or having a good, healthy meal helps me process what I'm truly feeling. How you eat not only fuels your body but also fuels your mind. It allows you to pause and reflect, and make intentional decisions. In today's episode, health and science journalist, Max Lugavere joins me for a conversation about the connection between food and cognitive health. Tune into this interesting discussion on how to feed your brain to live a more full life…no matter your Enneagram type. Max Lugavere is a filmmaker, health and science journalist and the author of the New York Times bestseller Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life. He's also the host of the #1 iTunes health podcast, The Genius Life and regularly appears on the Dr. Oz Show, The Rachael Ray Show, and The Doctors. For more on Max, visit https://geniuskitchenbook.com

After reading Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses, I was delighted to have the opportunity to sit down and discuss the book with author Sarah Fay. In this exploration of the ways we pathologize our human experiences, Sarah opens the door to a new conversation about mental health. In this episode, Sarah shares: How and why do we categorize ourselves to make everyday life easier How any diagnosis can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy Her recommendations for when you are handed a diagnoses Why recognizing signals in your body can help you learn how to process feelings and emotions Sarah Fay (Ph.D., Iowa MFA) is an award-winning author and mental health advocate working to improve how we think and talk about mental health by moving the conversation away from simplistic diagnoses and toward a deeper understanding of our mental and emotional lives. Her personal experience of being diagnosed with six different mental health disorders and finding no relief led her to investigate the diagnoses we receive and to write her journalistic memoir, Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses which Apple Books chose as one of the Best Books in March. Sarah has shared her story on NPR, Salon, and more. I hope you find this conversation as fascinating as I did. Be sure to share the episode with your friends and family.

This week we're continuing our series on feeding the brain. There's an ample amount of research about the importance of tapping into the mind-body connection, or tuning into our emotional and mental states, to rewire our neuropathways and relieve anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. Dr. Caroline Leaf joins me for a fascinating conversation about "cleaning up the mental mess" and taking back control over your thoughts and life. In today's episode, Dr. Leaf: explains the difference between the "mind" and the "brain" discusses how to use the conscious mind to connect with your nonconscious mind walks us through her neurocycle program to detox and rebuild the brain

Your brain is a fascinating place that makes you who you are. It is also an endless source of information about how all of humanity not only organizes information but how we make meaning in the world every day. Using the latest advances in neuroscience and the wisdom of the Enneagram, Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson join me for a deep conversation about using neuroscience to unveil our inner wholeness. They provide specific practices we can all use to awaken to our true selves. To learn more about Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson, visit https://rickhanson.net and

Today, our longtime friends, Michael and Julianne Cusick, join us as special co-hosts to interview Anne and me about how the Enneagram has strengthened our marriage of 33 years. We explore the low sides of our types and how they've negatively impacted our marriage and how we've overcome that, discuss the ways our types have helped us each grow, and highlight the important role of self-compassion. Tune in to this very special episode on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Cheers, Ian P.S. We're offering the full episode exclusively to our Typology Institute Members. So, to hear the rest of our interview, become a member today at https://typologyinstitute.com/membership.

Expressing our emotions is vulnerable, and vulnerability is the secret sauce of relationships. So how do an Enneagram Two and an Enneagram 5, who approach emotions from very different angles, maintain a strong marriage? In today's episode, I revisit my conversation with Jon and Tristen Collins, authors of Why Emotions Matter, to explore what they've learned about each other and how they meet in the middle to build a more intimate relationship.

This week we continue our focus on couples and the Enneagram by taking another look at my conversation with Abner and Amanda Ramirez (better known as Johnnyswim). I break down a few sections I found that exemplify the ways their types complement each other as well as where they might struggle. If you'd like to know more about how you and your partner can better relate to each other, get a copy of your couples report here. (Use the code COUPLES to get 10% off). P.S. Abner and Amanda have a new album out titled, Johnnsywim. Check it out.

Taking an Enneagram assessment is a great first step in learning about yourself and how you relate to others and the world. So, how do you use that information to explore who you are in relationship to your life partner? On Typology, we talk a lot about the role the Enneagram plays in how we relate to others. Over the next four weeks, we're going to focus on partnerships by reflecting on past interviews with couples on the show. These won't be straight replays. Instead, I'm going to stop at certain points and provide some commentary on how you can improve the quality of your important relationships through the Enneagram. For Annie and me, the Enneagram was probably the single most important revelation in our relationship. It has illuminated so much for us over the years. But we would have saved a ton of time and heartache if we had a tool that explained how our specific types work against and complement each other. That's why I'm thrilled to share the new Enneagram Couples Assessment from Integrative Enneagram Solutions. It does just that. This new report provides a window into how you and your partner's specific Enneagram types interact, highlights the strengths each of you brings to the relationship, and identifies potential pitfalls to look out for. Now, let's kick things off with a fresh look at my interview with Kim and Penn Holderness. Tune in for some valuable insights into what makes their marriage work. P.S. Get your Couple's Report now. Use discount code COUPLES to receive 10% off your assessment.

Life doesn't always go as we plan. As we grow up, we develop certain expectations about who we are and what we'll become. But sometimes those dreams don't come true. So, what do you do when the dreams die? Artist, Artist, and Enneagram 4, Scott Erickson joins me for a discussion about life beyond the death of those dreams. We explore the importance of grieving past expectations and he illustrates the freedom that comes from saying yes to new opportunities and finding your true self in the gifts of life.

Enneagram Threes tether their identity and self-worth to how others see them and strive for validation through their accomplishments. So, how does the Achiever see their own value without the esteem and approval of others? Today, we go under the hood of Enneagram 3, Pat Flynn. He shares how the insights he's gleaned from the Enneagram have deepened his relationship with his wife and opens up about his struggle to find self-worth apart from the love and praise of others, Tune in to this transparent conversation on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

As most of you know, I have long been an evangelist for a daily meditative practice if for no other reason than to help people on their journey of self-discovery. There's power in the silence. It trains us to be present, to hear our own voice, and to acknowledge who we truly are. In today's episode, Rick Hamlin joins me for a rich conversation about how meditation leads to greater compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. We explore how silence helps us develop the muscle of attention that gives us the capacity to stand back and observe ourselves so we can recognize our repeating thought patterns. We cover the benefits of meditation and then offer a few recommendations on how to begin your meditation journey.

What does it mean to be "masculine." Unfortunately, there are a lot of conflicting ideas and messages about what a "real man" is (and is not). In today's episode, author, nationally syndicated radio show host, and Enneagram Five, Brant Hansen challenges us to redefine masculinity and paints a refreshing picture of what it looks like at its absolute best. We have an insightful conversation about the: importance of expressing feelings and affection value of protecting others from a place of kindness and love, rather than control and anger core task men need to take responsibility for, and Six decisions that set men apart from others Brant's vulnerability and openness will genuinely move you. Brant Hansen is an author, radio host, and advocate for healing children with correctible disabilities through CURE International. He's won multiple awards for "Personality of the Year" for his radio show, which airs on more than 200 stations nationwide. His podcast with his friend and radio producer, The Brant and Sherri Oddcast, has been downloaded more than 10 million times. The author of The Truth About Us, Unoffendable, and Blessed Are the Misfits. Hansen has written for CNN.com, the Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Relevant, and numerous other outlets on matters as varied as public policy, culture, sports, Asperger's syndrome, and faith. He and his wife, Carolyn, live in South Florida.

When was the last time someone asked you a question that set you back on your heels? I've always been more interested in questions than answers. So, I keep a notebook of powerful questions that upend me, subvert my assumptions, and stop me in my tracks. Most of us already have the answer to life's questions; it's just that we're waiting for someone to come along with the key to open the door to answers we already have in our hearts, souls, and minds. The key to that is great questions. Probably more than any other single piece of input in my life, what has driven change in me has been great questions. And today, I'm giving you a peek into my notebook of outstanding questions that force you to go inside and wrestle with ideas and feelings that can change the direction of your life. I'll also be posting a question on social media every day for the next week, and I'd love for you to engage with me. Perhaps you'll resonate with a few of mine or share your gems I can add to my notebook. I'm always jotting down new ones as I come across them. For example, I added a new one from a Typology Institute member this past Tuesday. So, listen to or watch this episode, then share your thoughts with me on Instagram or Facebook.

Trauma impacts not just our mental state, but also our emotional and physical health. So, in a world that teaches us to just "try harder" and keep pretending "we're fine," how do we make space to process our stories and truly work through trauma? Today, therapist Aundi Kolber explains what trauma is, identifies how it operates in the body, and walks us through the importance of aligning our minds and bodies to build resilience and self-compassion. She also offers up a few tips for practicing self-compassion in deep and truly meaningful ways that will begin the process of healing. Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker in Castle Rock, Colorado. She specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Looking for more conversations on trauma? Listen to our past interviews with Chris Cook, Dan Allender, or Amy Downs. You can also watch them on YouTube: Chris Cook, Dan Allender or Amy Downs.

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object? Well, it can either be a recipe for a really great relationship…or a not-so-great one. But when a Peacemaker and a Challenger are both healthy, they bring out the best in each other. Today's guests, Christine and Steve Bailey show us how learning to balance their differences as an Enneagram 9 and an Enneagram 8 has helped their marriage and their business thrive. We explore the dynamics between their relationship and how learning to speak each other's language and tapping into the other's strengths fosters a perfect yin-yang relationship. Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player for this amazing conversation.

We have a very special guest for you today…author, editor, and Enneagram One, Jana Riess joins me for an in-depth discussion about The Improvers. As the very talented editor of both The Road Back to You and The Story of You, Jana is well-versed in the Enneagram and brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights to our conversation about lasting personal transformation. A few topics we explore today are: the Improvers fixation on anger what messages Ones internalize, and how Ones can tap into the high side of Seven to find their joy ABOUT JANA RIESS Since 2008, Jana Riess has been an editor in the publishing industry, primarily working in the areas of religion, history, popular culture, ethics, and biblical studies. From 1999 to 2008, she was the Religion Book Review Editor for Publishers Weekly, and continues to write freelance reviews for PW as well as other publications. She holds degrees in religion from Wellesley College and Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in American religious history from Columbia University. She speaks often to media about issues pertaining to religion in America, and has been interviewed by the Associated Press, Time, Newsweek, People, the Boston Globe, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, and Newsday, among other print publications, as well as "Voice of America," the "Today" show, MSNBC, and NPR's "All Things Considered," "Tell Me More," and "Talk of the Nation." She is the author or co-author of many books, including The Prayer Wheel; Flunking Sainthood; What Would Buffy Do?; Mormonism for Dummies; and The Writer's Market Guide to Getting Published. Her book The Twible: All the Chapters of the Bible in 140 Characters or Less . . . . Now with 68% More Humor! won first place in the non-fiction category in the Writer's Digest Annual Self-Published Book Awards. Her book The Next Mormons: The Rising Generation of Latter-day Saints will be released in March 2019 from Oxford University Press. She is a senior columnist for Religion News Service.

This week, attorney, author and Enneagram 7, Bob Goff shares how committing to therapy gave him a common language to better understand and communicate with others. We explore the importance of finding safe people to be authentic with and build deeper, more meaningful relationships. He offers incredible perceptions for Sevens and valuable insights that we can all apply to our lives. Bob Goff is the author of Undistracted (March 1, 2022) as well as the New York Times bestselling books Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. He's a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. You can typically find Bob writing and taking calls from his boat, welcoming people to his Southern California retreat center--The Oaks, or at an event speaking. Bob's greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with their amazing kids. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.

Every personality style has a story that includes a catalog of false beliefs about themselves and the world. But what happens when you take those false beliefs and pain from your younger years and turn them into purpose? Our guest today, award-winning personal trainer and host of the Adversity Advantage podcast, Doug Bopst, explains how he went from hopeless and emotionally bankrupt to helping others overcome adversity to achieve greatness. His inspiring story of transformation is a prime example of what happens when we learn to re-interpret our past and choose to lean into a new narrative.

If we're trying to change a million things about ourselves at once, we're only going to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. So, what do we do? Today on Typology, I'm going to walk you through the daily practice I use to help me change the false beliefs and old messages that support and perpetuate my old, broken story. I call it my "New Story Jar." My New Story Jar contains slips of paper with a new message on each that I'm trying to integrate into my life. I pull one (and only one!) of these slips out each day and work on incorporating the new message or belief written on it into my life. That's it—one new belief or practice that I work on each day that helps support my journey toward living a new and better story. And it can work for you too! What you write on the slips is entirely up to you. For example, right now I'm working through my struggle with fear, so one of my slips states, "Do not be afraid." Another asks the question, "What would I do if I wasn't afraid right now?" You get the idea, but here are a few more examples to get your New Story Jar started: Today, I will make mistakes, and that's okay. Just say no. The present moment contains everything I need to be happy. Disappointing others is a misdemeanor, not a felony. Difficult feelings won't kill me. At first, your New Story Jar doesn't need a million slips in it, but you'll be surprised how quickly your jar fills up. One new message or belief that we reflect on, and practice daily gradually will change us! As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Sow a thought, and you reap an action; sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny." Want to make your own? Click here to download a few statements you can use to start your own jar today! Cheers, Ian

How do you find your "perfect match" during a pandemic? Over the past two years, dating etiquette has changed and transparent and to-the-point conversations out of the gate are now welcome. More singles are making time for self-reflection, therapy, and finally figuring out what they want in a relationship. So, what role does the Enneagram play in helping people develop deeper, more meaningful connections? Today's guest, Global Chief Marketing Officer of OkCupid, Melissa Hobley, joins me to explore different Enneagram types in relationships and how she sees the Enneagram being used in dating. Melissa shares a few basic tips for dating and gives two important insider tips, before asking Ian a few questions of her own. Melissa Hobley is the Global Chief Marketing Officer of OkCupid, one of the largest dating apps in the world. Under her direction, OkCupid has become famous for its message of inclusion and affirmation, winning numerous awards for its breakthrough social campaign. In this role, she is responsible for global brand advertising, marketing, social media, and partnerships. Melissa was the first CMO at OkCupid and brought the brand from decline to being one of the foremost leaders in a competitive space. She regularly appears as an expert on tech and relationships in media like The New York Times and NPR. Currently, she is a regular guest on NBC's "Today Show" discussing relationships in a digital era. She's on the list of "Forbes Most Influential CMOs in the World," is on AdAge's "Women to Watch" list, and was recently featured on AMA's "40 Under 40." (AMA= Americian Marketing Association).

How do you repair that which is broken? You must first be willing to see the truth. We all have broken stories that directly impact the choices we make today. But, when we take the time to reflect on and see the whole truth of who we are, only then can we choose to do things differently. Only then can we craft a new narrative…one that is fueled by forgiveness, kindness, and love. Activist, author, and founder of Freedom Project, Lisa Sharon Harper shines light on the connection between the choices we make and the stories we tell ourselves, reminding us that truth-telling, repentance, and forgiveness are just a few basic things that can begin the process of healing a nation. Leading activist, author and founder of the consulting group Freedom Road, Lisa Sharon Harper has spent three decades researching ten generations of her family history through DNA research, oral histories, interviews and genealogy. In her new book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World—and How to Repair It All (Brazos Press, February 8, 2022), Harper draws on her lifelong journey to know her family's history to recover the beauty of her heritage, expose the brokenness that race has wrought in America, and cast a vision for collective repair. Her work has been featured in the New Yorker, Relevant, Essence, HuffPost, The National Civic Review, and CNN, and she has appeared on PBS's Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, TV One, Fox News, NPR, and Al Jazeera America.

How does the Enneagram help you grow spiritually? We've indirectly touched on this on Typology but I've always wanted to specifically explore the Enneagram as a useful tool for profound spiritual formation. Today, pastor, Enneagram teacher, and author AJ Sherrill joins me to talk about the Enneagram and Spiritualty. With two Master's in Theology and a Doctorate in the area of Spiritual Formation, AJ shares spiritual practices each type can adopt to gain clarity and access to a more virtuous life. AJ teaches courses on preaching and also the Enneagram at Fuller Theological Seminary, offers workshops on spiritual formation around the world.

Each Enneagram Type occupies a story about who they are and how they think the world works. The Enneagram Nine's story is built around the mistaken belief that they're not really as important as other people, or sometimes it's just that other people just seem to have more energy and investment in their own opinions, preferences, desires, and viewpoints than Nines do. Coupled with their desire to preserve connections with other people and preserve inner and outer peace, Nines adopt a strategy of avoiding conflict and merging with others. The risk of this story is that they can become self-less…without a self. The healing journey for the Peacemaker is to decouple themselves from that story to rewrite a new one. So, today, one of my favorite singer-songwriters on the planet and long-time student of the Enneagram, Andy Gullahorn joins me in the studio for a conversation about how the Enneagram has helped guide his healing and growth. In this episode we talk about: Character defects or defenses Doing Enneagram work in community Finding a different relationship with anger, and Learning to feel things and form opinions in real-time He also shares a special Enneagram song during the interview. You're going to love it! Cheers, Ian

As you can imagine, when you're in the middle of a book launch, you talk to your publisher quite frequently. One of the things that kept coming up in our conversations was a desire to serve our Typology listeners with some great content from my new book. After batting some ideas back and forth, we finally decided on what I think is a great 'thank you' to our loyal listeners…. and that is to do a bonus episode of Typology where we actually include an entire chapter of the audiobook version of The Story of You. In this episode, you'll hear the entire first chapter of The Story of You, recorded by yours truly from a beautiful studio here in Nashville. Recording an audiobook is really one of the coolest parts of writing a book, so I'm very excited to be able to share a sneak peek of that with you all! We'll have another great episode coming your way on Thursday with my friend Andy Gullahorn. Stay tuned for that episode and if you like what you hear of the audiobook, please consider heading over to Audible and picking up an audiobook copy of The Story of You.

In today's episode, Becca Stevens joins me for a conversation about embracing the divine in our everyday ordinary and extraordinary experiences. She recounts her observations of sacredness when she opens her heart and truly listens to the stories of others and shares how redefining and rewriting our own stories leads to lasting transformational healing. Becca Stevens is a speaker, social entrepreneur, author, priest, founder of 10 justice initiatives, and President of Thistle Farms. She has been featured on PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, CNN, ABC World News, named a CNN Hero, and White House Champion of Change. Drawn from 25 years of leadership in mission-driven work, Becca leads important conversations across the country with an inspiring message that love is the strongest force for change in the world.

Do you long to enjoy your spouse over a lifetime but you don't know how to get there? How do you identify where you want to be in your relationship and what practices can you implement to help you get there? In today's episode, Chris and Jenni join me for a conversation about the habits and rhythms that shape a strong relationship with your spouse. We explore how understanding the Enneagram can set your marriage up for success and help you awaken to the things we each can do differently to improve our relationships. Chris and Jenni also explain: The 5 core rhythms to help a marriage thrive Important ways to support each other through different seasons of growth, and How different orientations to time can impact your relationships

This is a first! In five seasons of Typology, we finally have our first pair of siblings….who share the same type! What better way to explore the inner workings of The Enthusiast than from two siblings who share the same Enneagram number? Raised in a home where creativity and deep thinking were celebrated, Nathan and Joy Clarkson join me for a conversation about all things Seven. In this episode, we share: Tips for raising an Enthusiast from two Sevens The communication style of Sevens The role orientation to time plays in all our relationships We also discuss their new, aptly named book, The Clubhouse: Open the Door to Limitless Adventure, where they draw on their own childhood experiences and show that imagination is the best way to play and learn. Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player then share your feedback on Instagram. We'd love to hear your insights.

The Enneagram provides nine consistent, fairly predictable ways for us to understand and tell our narrative of how we operate in the world and make sense of our lives. It's a tool that helps us enter into a conversation about the recurring themes and patterns of behaviors that are self-defeating or hurtful to others. One theme that operates as a thread in each of our lives is shame. Next to love, I believe shame is the most powerful force in the universe, but in the wrong direction. In today's profoundly moving, heart-changing replay, author and psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson joins me for a deep conversation about shame and how it plays out as a human experience for all nine types. In this episode you'll learn: What shame does as opposed to what it is How shame manifests in each Enneagram type How we can begin to heal shame through community

We're taking a break to be with family over the holiday so we wanted to replay two topic-based episodes that have gone over extremely well with our listeners. This week, take another listen to my killer conversation with psychologist, author, and spiritual director Chuck Degroat, about the nine faces of narcissism. We're not talking about people with full-blown narcissistic personality disorder per se. We're talking about narcissism on a continuum and what it looks like when each Enneagram type is manifesting a narcissistic style or type. Each of us is somewhere on that narcissistic spectrum. In this episode you'll learn: What narcissism actually is How narcissism shows up in all nine types, and What the healing path is for all nines types to keep narcissism in check. Chuck is the Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary Holland MI, and Co-Founder and a Senior Fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. His latest book is, When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. He is a licensed therapist, author, retreat leader, and spiritual director. Chuck has been married to Sara for 25 years and has two daughters.

After spending 10 years as a successful nightclub promoter in New York, Scott Harrison made a huge pivot to volunteer as a photojournalist on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia, West Africa. That experience changed his life. Founder of Charity: Water, Scott Harrison returns to Typology to reflect on stories from his childhood and how they've shaped who he is today. We explore his journey of transformation, what he's learned since leaving New York, and get a peek into what's next for him. Scott has been recognized in Fortune Magazine's list of 40 Under 40, the Forbes' Impact 30 list, and Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business where he earned the #10 spot. He is currently a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and author of the New York Times Bestselling book, Thirst. Scott recently moved to Franklin, TN with his wife Viktoria, son Jackson and daughter Emma.

In this special episode, Anthony and I drop by the studio to talk about my new book, The Story of You, and what motivated me to write it. We all craft a story about who we are and how the world works as little people. Then, as we grow older, we think of our lives as a movie we're in that's unfolding in real-time. But the narrative we crafted as children no longer works for us as adults. But how do we change that story? The Enneagram teaches that there are nine archetypal stories that people tend to inhabit. However, the true gift of the Enneagram is its ability to help us challenge those self-limiting stories and move into a new narrative. In this episode, I identify the self-limiting story of each type and explain the 4 stage process for transformation so you can become your authentic self.

We all have stories that we tell ourselves and others about who we are and how we think the world works. Our daily behaviors and habits follow suit. Part of changing our automatic behaviors is by interrogating and changing the stories that no longer serve us. Today's guest, writer James Clear, joins me to talk about how he became the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits, and delves into the relationship between personality styles and habits. In this episode we: Explore what sparked his interest in the topic of habits Identify the 4 actionable steps to breaking bad habits and building new ones Take a practical look into the four laws of behavior change James is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in places like Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning. His popular "3-2-1" email newsletter is sent out each week to more than 1 million subscribers.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "What if the story I tell myself and others about who I am and who I'm becoming isn't true?" As children, we all construct stories, or narratives, to help make sense of our environment. These childhood interpretations set in motion the patterns of behavior that shape our personality…or how we show up for life. But, when you can understand the false story around which you have organized your life, then you can begin to play with that story a bit to find your true story. And, though you can't change the facts of what has happened in your life, you can change the way you interpret them. The truth is, that if you want to experience enduring transformation, you have to discover your false story, decouple yourself from it and begin to live the truth of your new story. In today's episode, we'll walk through the false "stories" that each Enneagram type needs to let go of in order to allow your true self to emerge.

CNN senior political analyst and USA Today columnist, Kirsten Powers, is back to talk about her new book, Saving Grace: Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People who Drive You Nuts. We explore her journey of moving from an unhealthy Eight—full of judgment, shaming, and blaming—to a healthy Eight with the capacity to extend grace towards those who hold opposing views without sacrificing her values and passionate beliefs. In this episode, Kirsten walks us through the tools we can all use to become less enraged and more gracious people in the world. She shares her insights into: What grace is and what it isn't Setting boundaries to show others how to be in a relationship with you Learning how to have healthy conflict Developing humility to cultivate more empathy for others Seeing the humanity of others even when opinions clash This conversation is not just for Eights; it's for all of us. It's a master class in better relating to those we disagree with while embodying the best expression ourselves.

Alice and Bob Fryling join me for a wonderful conversation about aging together faithfully. This show is for people of all ages as we talk about better understanding and relating to our older friends, family members, and coworkers. We also explore their knowledge of the Enneagram. Both Bob and Alice provide deep insights into how they navigate their differences throughout their 50 years of marriage, ways they support each other and work with the Enneagram to uncover their blindspots, and walking through challenging spaces as they grow older together.

The Enneagram tells us that there are nine basic personality types, one of which we each gravitate towards in childhood. But if you dig a little deeper, each type actually has three instinctual variants called subtypes that help explain why people of the same type can look so different. For each type, there is the self-preservation subtype, social subtype, and the one-to-one subtype. Today's guest, former journalist Kayla Craig, joins me in a conversation about how understanding her subtype as a social Eight has illuminated different aspects of her personality and influenced her interactions with her family and others. She provides wonderful insight into her relationship with emotions and what the soul of an Eight looks like. We also explore: the distinctive characteristics of the social Eight subtype vs. the self-preservation and one-to-one subtypes why social Eights can be mistyped as Enneagram Twos, and the transformational journey for Eights This episode is chock full of wisdom. You're going to love it!

John Driver is an award-winning writer and collaborator of more than twenty-five books. In our conversation, we explore how understanding himself through the lens of the counterphobic Six has impacted his relationships with others, his work in ministry, and his writing. We also discuss his new book, Not So Black and White: An invitation to honest conversations about race and faith. He shares how being a counterphobic Six impacted the writing of his book, why it's so important to open the doors to honest and engaging conversations about race and faith, and touches on whether the Enneagram can help inform the conversation around racism. A former teacher with a history degree from the University of Tennessee, John lives near Nashville with his wife, Laura, and their daughter, Sadie. He serves as the executive and teaching pastor at The Church at Pleasant Grove and hosts the weekly podcast Talk About That.

I receive so many questions from our listeners via email and social media that I don't get to respond to them all. But I want you to know I'm paying attention! So, this week, Anthony pulls a few more audience questions for me to answer. This time I share a few tips for parenting an Enneagram 4, introduce the concept of Enneagram harmonic groups, and explore the similarities and distinctions between Types 1 and 3. Tune in to hear our discussion on these topics, plus a few more. And for a chance to have your questions answered on-air, leave us a comment on social or email us at [email protected].

How has your past uniquely prepared you to experience more joy? Dr. Dan Allender and I explore this question today in an insightful conversation about healing the heart from trauma, rewriting the broken stories we adopt as children and the overlap with the Enneagram. Professor of counseling psychology at The Seattle School and founder of The Allender Center, Dr. Dan Allender has pioneered a unique therapy centered around his innovative theory and training in transforming betrayal, ambivalence, and powerlessness into faith, hope, and love. He's a popular podcaster on The Allender Center Podcast and the author of Healing the Wondered Heart, The Wounded Heart, The Healing Path, To Be Told and God Loves Sex, and Redeeming Heartache: How Past Suffering Reveals Our True Calling. Learn more about Dr. Allender at https://theallendercenter.org or follow him @allendercenter on Facebook and Instagram.

We've got another great guest for you today. Amy Porterfield, host of the top-ranked podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy, joins me for an insightful conversation about using the Enneagram to illuminate certain aspects of her personality, the benefits of using the Enneagram in the workplace, and how understanding your blindspots fosters empathy and compassion for others. In this episode, we also cover: The subtypes of an Enneagram Two, The gifts of self-awareness, and How she performs under stress Amy is known for teaching business owners, educators, and entrepreneurs the profitable strategies and action steps for building a highly engaged email list, creating online training courses, and using online marketing strategies to sell with ease. Learn more about Amy by visiting https://www.amyporterfield.com or following her on Instagram.

New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff joins me for an in-depth conversation about the power of our thoughts, the harmful effects of overthinking, and the importance of changing our negative, repetitive thoughts into positive soundtracks. In this episode, Jon: Shares valuable insights into the mind of an Enneagram 7 Identifies the top 3 negative thoughts he's still working on Lists the top 10 hits for popular broken soundtracks, and Outlines 3 questions to ask yourself to change your thinking ABOUT JON ACUFF Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books, including his most recent Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller, Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. He's an INC Magazine Top 100 Leadership speaker and has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia and Comedy Central. His large and highly engaged social media following includes nearly 300,000 Twitter followers, more than 187,000 Facebook followers, more than 125,000 Instagram followers, and more than 90,000 email subscribers who look to him for his unique blend of humor, honesty, and hope. He lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and two teenage daughters. His latest book, Soundtracks, was released in April 2021 and is already a bestseller.

This week pastor, speaker, and bestselling author, Max Lucado and his wife Denalyn join me to talk about Max's new book, You Were Made for This Moment: Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow. We discuss how each of us is created specifically for this moment in time and dig into the nuances of the Enneagram. In this episode, we explore: How the Enneagram has had helped them better understand each other and their children The differences between an Enneagram 3 and an Enneagram 9 What it means to live into what we are made for Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and bestselling author who, in his own words, "writes books for people who don't read books." His newest book, You Were Made for This Moment: Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow is a relevant and timely release for a society still reeling from racial divides, political strife, and a global pandemic. He encourages others to live fully in the grace and love of God, to step out in bold courage and faith, and to trust God for victory over all injustices. As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor.

Overworked? Overwhelmed? Overcommitted? How do you balance your time, energy, and priorities to build the life you want? Today's guest, Carey Nieuwhof returns to Typology to share the strategy that works for him (and countless others) to set a new, sustainable pace for thriving tomorrow. Carey explains what the Stress Cycle and Thrive Cycle look like, and how to use the Energy Clock as a roadmap for escaping burnout. Not only do we discuss Carey's new book, At Your Best, but we kick off our conversation with a brief typing interview to help distinguish between the overlap of types 3 and 8. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. P.S. Love Typology? Leave us a review on Apple to help others find our show!

Let's face it...people are complicated. Our personalities are shaped by multiple factors, including temperament, character, environment, and life experiences. But when we dig in and really learn to understand ourselves better, we not only connect with others with more kindness and empathy, but we begin to see the beauty that arises when we live as our true selves. Today's guest, Taylor Tippett is a great example of how this plays out. Taylor is a flight attendant nationally known for leaving random notes of kindness on airplanes to make people's day. She joins me in an open conversation about how the Enneagram has helped her love herself better and the impact it has had on her personal journey of growth. In this conversation, you'll discover: how codependency can show up for an Enneagram 7 ways anxiety and control can influence our personalities, and the importance of showing up just as we are We also make a special announcement today you won't want to miss! Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast player. P.S. Love Typology? Leave us a review on Apple to help others find our show!

Joy and sorrow can coexist. But how do you live within the intersection of the two? KJ Ramsey, Enneagram 4w5 and Author of This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers, joins me for a vulnerable conversation about suffering and faith, the tension between joy and sorrow, and finding redemption when we learn to truly live in the middle. K.J. Ramsey is a licensed therapist, writer, and recovering idealist who believes sorrow and joy coexist. Her writing has been published in The Huffington Post, Health Central, Catalyst, and Fathom Magazine on the integration of theology, psychology, and spiritual formation. She and her husband live in Denver, Colorado. Follow K.J.'s writing at kjramsey.com and across social media at @kjramseywrites.

To surrender is to accept what is...and until you surrender, you can't find healing. In today's episode, author Rebekah Lyons joins me to talk about the power of acceptance, using your time and energy to live a life of intention, and cultivating a space that allows you to embrace what is. Throughout our conversation we cover: What it truly means to surrender Daily practices to open yourself to acceptance Tools for managing anxiety and fostering joy Rebekah Lyons is the author of A Surrendered Yes, Rhythms of Renewal and Freefall to Fly. She is a mother of four, wife of one, and dog walker of two living in Nashville. An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety, depression, and consumer impulses. Finding joy in raising two special needs children—she invites everyone to embrace the unique calling God has for each of us. Rebekah wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike. Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah serves as co-founder of Q Ideas, an organization that equips Christians on how to winsomely engage culture. Her favorite hours are spent with her nose in a book and a discriminating cup of coffee in hand.

How do you stop meeting the expectations and pressures of others and start living your life the way you want? In this empowering conversation, author Allie Casazza shares the importance of challenging the beliefs you grew up with and aligning your environment with your new story. In today's episode we talk about: Why she stopped cleaning up after her life and instead began living it. The toxic nature of self-suppression and self-betrayal. How the Enneagram helped her reclaim her true self. Allie Casazza is an author and businesswoman who empowers other women to take control of their own lives and start living lighter. She's been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Scary Mommy, and The New York Times. She hosts the popular podcast The Purpose Show and her new book Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free, No Stress Way to Transform Your Home and Life drops on September 7.

Loneliness. Brokenness. The desire to belong. These are feelings we all share. But how do these emotions inhibit you from living as your most authentic self? So often we forget that true belonging can only arise when we "accept that brokenness is beautiful" and embrace our own story. That's where the true treasure lies. This week, Bonnie Gray and I talk about finding identity in a culture of loneliness, making peace with her difficult past, and the transformation she's experienced by embracing the narrative she ran away from for so long. We explore her journey of self-discovery and end up challenging Bonnie to be curious about whether or not she's truly an Enneagram 7.

In the studio today, we welcome Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists. They've been featured in New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and of course, they have their own podcast. Their popular documentaries Minimalism and Less is Now are featured on Netflix and now they've got a brand new book that you have got to read. We have a great conversation about clearing the clutter to make room for what's actually important and how understanding your Enneagram type ties into their philosophy on minimalism. You're going to love this show.

Wouldn't it be great if you had an arsenal of conversation starters for the young adults in your life? Today's guest, Dr. Kara E. Powell joins me for an important conversation on how to best communicate with teenagers and young adults. We explore the 3 pivotal questions to ask young adults and share strategies for developing better, more life-giving answers to those questions. In their new book, Dr. Kara Powell and Brad Griffin offer 300 conversation starters and connection ideas that are crucial not only for young people to be able to answer but also for our own development and personal growth as adults. Listen as we weave the role of the Enneagram throughout the conversation then share this episode with your friends and family. And as a special offer, visit https://3bigquestionsbook.com/typology to get 40 additional conversation starters PLUS a free chapter of 3 Big Questions to help better connect with teenagers and young adults.