In this episode of Typology, we delve into the intriguing world of the Enneagram 7 with special guest Bryan Crum, author of the book "Neighbor, Love Yourself, Discover Your Value, Live Your Worth." Bryan’s unique journey as a hospice chaplain for a decade adds a fascinating layer to the conversation, showcasing the unexpected intersection of a joyful Enneagram 7 personality with the profound experiences of confronting mortality and reflecting on life. We explore the concept of forgiveness...

Driven by a need to be seen as successful and accomplished in the eyes of others, Enneagram 3s are known for constantly “doing” and striving for recognition. However, this constant drive for achievement can lead to burnout, as they push themselves to their limits in pursuit of their goals. Today, we welcome meditation teacher and spiritual coach, Ben Katt, who shares his experience with burnout and how committing to contemplative practices such as silence, solitude, and stillness, helped him...

This week, we welcome back Dr. Carol Tanksley, author of "Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships." Dr. Tanksley brings a unique perspective shaped by her extensive background as a former OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, offering a compassionate exploration of human sexuality, intimacy and relationships. Dr. Tanksley sheds light on several misconceptions surrounding sex, aiming to challenge and reshape our perspectives. Drawing...

This week on Typology, we welcome back Carlos Whittaker, author, podcaster, and global speaker…and Enneagram 3. If you remember, last time he was on the show, Carlos thought he was an Enneagram 9. We suggested he investigate the Enneagram 3, and that’s what we talk about today, as well as his brand-new book, Reconnected: how seven screen-free weeks with monks and Amish farmers helped me recover the lost art of being human. Carlos shares his journey of self-discovery and vulnerability as he...

​​How can Enneagram 7s manage their insatiable appetite for stimulation and tame their monkey mind? Today's guest, Dr. Jeff Karp, an Enneagram 7 with a brilliant mind and a passion for bio-inspired medical problem-solving shares his insights on harnessing the energy of an Enthusiast’s personality and using it to create meaningful connections and impactful work. We take a look at themes from his book, "Lit: Use Nature's Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action," and...

Award-winning columnist and commentator on politics, spirituality, and culture, Jonathan Merritt returns to Typology to explore the challenges of authenticity, fear and his journey towards self-compassion. Jonathan opens up about his personal experiences reconciling his identity with his upbringing, the role fear has played in his life, and how he’s learning to trust and let go.  We discuss his new children's book, "My Gunkle and Me," a heartwarming story that celebrates individuality and...

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth, authors of the new book, "Why Everything That Doesn't Matter Matters So Much, The Way of Love in a World of Hurt." In this episode, Charlie and Andi share their experiences discovering their types and their personal reflections on how the Enneagram has contributed to them understanding themselves better. From the complexities of being a Four to the challenges of living with chronic pain as a Seven, this...

In this captivating episode of Typology, we delve into the power of storytelling with two incredible guests, author Allison Fallon (Enneagram 4) and business educator and author Donald Miller (Enneagram 3). The episode centers around Allie's new book, "Write Your Story: A Simple Framework to Understand Yourself, Your Story, and Your Purpose in the World." Allison shares her experience as a storyteller and the driving force behind her work. She discusses the importance of finding the unique...

What leads to radical transformation? Shifting your perspective from a victim mindset to a hero mindset.  Don Miller returns to Typology to share the role the Enneagram played in his journey out of the victim hole to more empowered perspective. “It’s a story of a person who identified as a victim transforming into a person who identifies much more of a person who’s playing a more meaningful role on the planet, and also  considers victim mentality to be the enemy of self-development,...

When we’re born into this world, we’re just soaking everything up, trying to figure ourselves out and learning about other people and our place in the world.  “Those initial lessons become imprinted into our later childhood and adulthood as rules of thumb for how we should operate in the world,” explains Dr. Judy Ho. The way we develop bonds, learn to attach (or not) to people in childhood impacts impacts every aspect of our lives: friendships, careers, goal-setting, and our sense of self. ...

What does it mean to truly belong? Today’s guests, Chris and Julie Bennett, authors of the book 'Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging, join me for a heartfelt discussion about what it means to build strong relationships and find a space where you belong. They share personal insights and experiences that highlight the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and bringing your whole self to the table in order to create a space where everyone feels accepted and...

New York Times bestselling author John Mark Comer returns to Typology to share what he’s working on personally, his struggle with control and perfectionism, and the need for self-effort AND grace in spiritual formation.  He reminds us that spiritual formation isn’t just a religious thing, it’s a human thing. We are all being formed by someone or something. So how do we ensure we reach our full potential and deepest connection?  From his new book, Practicing the Way, John Mark explains the...

This week we have a real treat for you as we invite renowned health and wellness expert, Dr. Josh Axe, to the table for a riveting conversation on the Enneagram 8 and mindset. We explore the balance of strength and empathy, delve into the complexities of shifting your mindset, and the impact of balancing virtues on the path to lasting transformation. Dr. Axe opens up about the life-altering wisdom he gained from his grandfather—where character trumps achievement—an ethos that values presence...

True transformation occurs when we reach a point of defeat and surrender to a higher power. When we open ourselves up in a posture of receptivity and allow forgiveness, mercy and power to enter our lives, true healing from the heart can begin.  Today, pastor, leadership coach, and podcast host Christopher Cook returns to discuss the process of transformation through the lens of the Enneagram. We explore the limitations of willpower, self-help books, and life hacks on the spiritual journey...

Have you ever wondered how the Enneagram intersects with the entertainment industry? Do casting directors and writers use the Enneagram in developing your favorite show or movie? Whether it’s Parks and Recreation, Modern Family or Les Misérables, sometimes you can see the archetypes play themselves out on screen. This week, we sit down with multi-award-winning producer, writer and director Gary Wheeler for an illuminating conversation about film and the Enneagram. As an Enneagram 9, Gary...

Get ready for a fun interview with HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous stars, Jenny and Dave Marrs! We started the show thinking Dave and Jenny were both Enthusiasts, but when Jenny radiates a different energy than Dave, the conversation takes a turn.  We kick off with an exploration of Type 7 characteristics, including their enthusiasm, future orientation, and tendency to avoid pain and discomfort.  Then, we get into a pseudo typing interview to figure out what personality traits resonate with Jenny,...

Dr. Carol Tanksley joins Typology to discuss her journey of self-discovery and the powerful impact learning to see her emotions as knowledge has had on her life. As Dr. Tanksley explains, “When I finally started to understand that it was not knowledge that I needed to quote ‘fix me,’ then I started to make progress. […] Things started to change in my life. I started to come to terms with the emotional and feeling part of me, hence the wing four. I had all kinds of feelings. They were there...

In this week’s episode, Molly Stillman, the author of the book "If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For," opens up about her struggles with grief and learning to face hard truths and tough emotions head-on. We explore the complexities of being an Enneagram Two, the importance of genuine vulnerability, and learning to share her story as a powerful tool for healing, connecting with others, and sharing...

The statistics for loneliness are startling, not just for children but for the human population in general. According to recent research, 61% of Americans report often feeling lonely. The fact of the matter is that loneliness is a universally felt emotion that doesn’t discriminate. It starts young…and it’s growing.  Today, we welcome esteemed bestselling author Max Lucado for a timely discussion about the epidemic of loneliness in today’s connected age and the impact on human connection. We...

Today, we had the pleasure of exploring the intricacies of personality and attachment styles with our esteemed guest, Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley, a mastermind in counselor education and supervision, and the author behind the transformative works, "The Mr. Rogers Effect" and "The Four Relationship Styles." Dr. Kuhnley enlightens us on the four relationship styles – the firefighter, the investigator, the security guard, and the networker. Each style, rooted in attachment theory, offers a unique...

This week we welcome Enneagram 3, Dr. Joel Muddamalle Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries and Theologian in Residence with Haven Place Ministries.  Author of the new book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility, Dr. Muddamalle shares the route to inner peace – through humility.  Tune in as we explore:  The three Ps of humility How the Enneagram became a huge part of Dr. Muddamalle’s journey into a place of humility,...

This week we continue our conversation with best friend duo Amy Weatherly (9w8) and Jess Johnston (7w8), co-founders of the viral page all about friendship, Sister, I Am with You. In Part 2, we explore: what each Enneagram type looks for and needs in a friendship how to deal with conflict in relationships and friendships when it's time to end a friendship and how to do it well In an age where everything is about division, this conversation is a breath of fresh air about people...

Best friend duo Amy Weatherly (9w8) and Jess Johnston (7w8), co-founders of the viral page all about friendship, Sister, I Am with You, join us for an inspirational look into the hows and whys of doing life together in a culture that constantly tries to keep us separate.  In Part 1 of this two-part episode, co-authors of the Wall Street Journal bestseller I’ll Be There (But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants), and Here For It (the GOOD, the BAD, and the QUESO), Amy and Jess share the impact of the...

This week we revisit our conversation with accomplished actor and screenwriter John Schaech, known for his roles in "That Thing You Do" and the upcoming series "Blue Ridge," and his wife, Julie Solomon, a top branding coach, best-selling author, and podcast host. Together, they share their insights into how the Enneagram has shaped their personal and professional lives. In this episode, we explore: How John and Julie navigate their relationship dynamics as an Enneagram Four with a Five...