In this episode of Enneagram in Real Life, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Sandra Smith, longtime Enneagram teacher and author of The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type. Sandra shares her personal journey of discovering her leading type as Eight, the transformative role the Enneagram has played in her personal growth, and how she now teaches the system as a map toward presence and inner freedom rather than just a typing tool. They explore how they work with clients and teams, how to utilize other points on the map, and how embodied presence can open the door to deeper truth. Sandra also offers type-specific practices from her book to help listeners move beyond their ego habits.

Find the full show notes here: https://www.ninetypes.co/blog/stranscending-type-with-enneagram-8-sandra-smith

🔗 Connect with Sandra Smith!

📷Sandra’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrasmithalchemyworks/

💻Sandra’s Website: https://alchemyworksevents.com/

🔗 Connect with Steph!

💻 Stephanie’s Website: https://ninetypes.co/

📷 Stephanie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninetypesco

🎥 Stephanie’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephbarronhall

Here are the key takeaways:

• Sandra shares her journey of encountering the Enneagram and finding her core type 
• The Enneagram is a map, not a box—your type is just the beginning of your journey
• Stephanie and Sandra talk about working with organizations
• Sandra talks about utilizing the arrows and the wings
• Presence arises when we’re grounded in the body and emotionally open
• Type patterns begin early and form limiting habits, but can be softened through awareness
• Moments of awe reveal our essence
• Sandra offers practical, embodied advice tailored to each type to help interrupt habitual defenses
• We are more than our type—transcending our personality opens us to compassion and freedom
• Spiritual wholeness comes through embodied presence, not self-fixing
• How to connect with Sandra

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Work from Sandra Maitri
•  Work from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
• Heart of the Enneagram podcast (co-hosted by Sandra Smith)
• Chatter by Ethan Kross
• The Diamond Approach
• Poetry by Hafiz, Mary Oliver, Rumi, David Whyte, John O’Donohue, Denise Levertov

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

In this episode of Enneagram in Real Life, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Colton Simmons. 

Colton Simmons is the creator and host of You've Got a Type, a podcast dedicated to self-awareness, personal growth, and all things enneagram. Colton has a B.A. & M.A. in Theology, and it was during his time in seminary when he first learned of the enneagram as a tool for spiritual discernment. Since then, Colton has had a long and winding road through many different career paths, but has always reserved time in his life to create meaningful content that improves the lives of others. ​After launching You've Got a Type just over four years ago, Colton has been wonderfully surprised to see his burgeoning channel receive more than 2.2M views, hundreds of thousands of hours of watch time, and over 37k subscribers as of April 2025.

Find the full show notes here: https://www.ninetypes.co/blog/self-improvement-and-that-pesky-inner-critic-as-an-enneagram-1-with-colton-simmons

🔗 Connect with Colton Simmons!

📷Colton’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youvegotatype/

💻Colton’s Website: https://www.youtube.com/youvegotatype

🎥Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/youvegotatype

🔗 Connect with Steph!

💻 Stephanie’s Website: https://ninetypes.co/

📷 Stephanie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninetypesco

🎥 Stephanie’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephbarronhall

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

Today’s episode is a special release from the Enneagram podcast, Around the Circle, hosted by TJ Wilson and Jeff Cook. This episode was released on their podcast in January, and I’m sharing the unabridged version here, with their permission. 

Check out Around the Circle:

Podcast: Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthecirclepodcast/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aroundthecircle

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Reverend Nhien Vuong.

Reverend Nhien Vuong, JD, MDiv, is an internationally accredited Enneagram professional with distinction, a certified somatic Enneagram facilitator, and the founder of Evolving Enneagram. She has been studying the Enneagram since 2002, teaching it since 2007, and training other Enneagram professionals since 2017. She holds a juris doctor from Stanford Law School, a master of divinity from Unity Institute and Seminary, and a bachelor of arts in philosophy from the University of California, Irvine.

An ordained interspiritual Unity minister, Nhien marries intellectual rigor with a heart for a more collaborative, compassionate world. Born in wartime Vietnam and raised in the United States, she comes from a family of refugees who built their lives from the ground up. Nhien spiritual companions individuals from diverse backgrounds from around the world. She regularly offers scholarships for Evolving Enneagram’s many transformational programs and donates her time to various nonprofits and the incarcerated. Her extensive experience in pastoral care, community building, and conflict resolution help to foster a world where everyone belongs.

Nhien is the author of the new book, The Enneagram of the Soul: A 40-Day Spiritual Companion for the 9 Types. 

Find the full show notes here: https://www.ninetypes.co/blog/tag/podcast+episode

🔗 Connect with Reverend Nhien Vuong!

📷Nhien’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvingenneagram/

💻Nhien’s website: https://evolvingenneagram.com/

💻Facilitator Training: https://evolvingenneagram.com/upcoming-events

🎥Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzOVSVloAGQNX-AJG8Niow

🔗 Connect with Steph!

💻 Stephanie’s Website: https://ninetypes.co/

📷 Stephanie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninetypesco

🎥 Stephanie’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephbarronhall

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Reagan Pugh about his journey of self-discovery through the Enneagram, his new book Too Emotional: Overcome the Thunderstorm of Feelings, Shame, and Self-Doubt, and his personal and professional experiences. Reagan reflects on his early interest in introspection and writing, his professional career as an educator and consultant, and how the Enneagram has deepened his understanding of himself as the one-to-one subtype of Type Four. They discuss themes like shame, emotionality, and the value of taking actionable steps to move beyond internal struggles. Reagan shares practical advice for people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions and emphasizes the importance of participating fully in life. Find the full show notes here: https://www.ninetypes.co/blog/tag/podcast+episode

🔗 Connect with Reagan!

💻 https://www.reaganpugh.com/

📷 Instagram: @reaganpugh

🔗 Connect with Stephanie!

💻 https://ninetypes.co/

📷 Instagram: @ninetypesco

🎥Youtube: @stephbarronhall

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Dr. Sam E. Greenberg, a sexuality researcher and therapeutic coach, and Lyndsey Fraser, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist. The conversation explores the intersection of the Enneagram and sexuality, particularly through the lens of dominant instincts—self-preservation, social, and sexual. The sexperts share insights from their professional and personal experiences on how these instincts influence sexual desire, relational dynamics, and communication in intimate relationships. They also discuss common misconceptions about sexuality, the impact of cultural conditioning, and offer practical advice for navigating conversations about sex with partners.

Join Dr. Sam and Lyndsey for their upcoming workshops:

• A virtual Enneagram Type & Sexuality workshop on March 13th. Pre-sale available now through Feb 7 at this link HERE.
• A full-day in-person workshop Enneagram & Sexuality for Transformed Relationships workshop on July 28th in Minnesota the day after the IEA International Conference. Pre- sale available now through March 31 at this link HERE.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Sam and Lyndsey!

📷Dr. Sam’s Instagram: @Ennea_gasm

💻Dr. Sam’s website: https://enneagramsexpert.com/

📷Lyndsey’s Instagram: @lyndseyfraserlmft

💻Lyndsey’s website: https://lyndseyfraser.com/

🎥Youtube: @lyndseyfraser

🔗 Connect with Steph!

💻 https://ninetypes.co/

📷 Instagram: @ninetypesco

🎥Youtube: @stephbarronhall

Here are the key takeaways:

• How Lyndsey learned about the Enneagram and her type
• How Sam discovered the Enneagram and her type
• The three instincts and their influence on sexuality
• Each instinct's approach to sex
• The challenges each instinct might face 
• Common myths about sexuality and the Enneagram
• Practical advice for enhancing sexual understanding for each dominant instinct
• All individuals can benefit from understanding their own sexual scripts and normalizing conversations about sex
• How to approach conversations about sex
• Using a book as a discussion starter can create a structured and neutral space for these conversations
• Recognizing that all forms of consensual sexuality are normal can help reduce shame and anxiety around sex

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Hot and Unbothered: How to Talk About the Sex You Really Want to Have by Jessa Zimmerman
• Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

In this episode, we're breaking down how the arrows work, beyond "Stress" and "Growth." I was first introduced to this theory a number of years ago, and it has revolutionized the way I teach the Enneagram AND the way I apply the arrows in my daily life.

This episode features one example of movement to the high side, and one example of movement to the low side, but I've written all about this perspective in Enneagram in Real Life, featuring more examples of each movement and strategies to build more of the high side of each arrow.

Enneagram in Real Life is out TODAY! Be sure to grab your copy wherever books are sold.

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison, co-authors of Your Hidden Genius. The discussion revolves around the role of aptitude testing in career exploration and personal growth. Betsy and Alex share insights into how understanding aptitudes can guide individuals to find career satisfaction, overcome burnout, and navigate workplace dynamics. They explain the science behind aptitudes, the practical tools available in their book, and how these assessments complement personality frameworks like the Enneagram. The conversation highlights actionable steps to foster career wellness and equity in professional settings.

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOPl_6Ud48M

Betsy Wills, cofounder of YouScience and a pioneer in aptitude awareness, and expert career coach Alex Ellison have joined forces to write an essential life and career guide, YOUR HIDDEN GENIUS: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents. Their research provides a custom-made road map to what makes you special, revealing your distinct combination of natural talents, interests, and personality traits—a mix as unique to you as your fingerprint. 

🔗 Connect with Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison!

💻 https://www.yourhiddengenius.com/

📖 Your Hidden Genius Book + Included Code

🔗 Connect with Steph!

💻 https://ninetypes.co/

📷 Instagram: @ninetypesco

🎥Youtube: @stephbarronhall

Here are the key takeaways:

• Leverage Aptitudes for Career Wellness
• Understand and harness innate abilities to align with career paths or hobbies.
• Use aptitudes as a lifelong "compass" to navigate inflection points in professional life.
• Tools for Self-Discovery
• The book Your Hidden Genius includes resources and a free aptitude test for deeper self-awareness.
• Personalized reports guide individuals in exploring their unique skills and strengths.
• Foster Empathy Through Aptitudes
• Understanding diverse aptitudes among colleagues and loved ones improves communication and collaboration.
• Reevaluate Burnout Sources
• Burnout often stems from unmet or overtaxed aptitudes; realigning roles or avocations can mitigate exhaustion.
• Permission to Pivot
• Aptitude insights empower individuals to explore new roles confidently, reducing fear of failure or inadequacy.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Your Hidden Genius by Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison
• O*NET OnLine
• YouScience Resources

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.

In this episode, you'll find a quick tour of my upcoming book, Enneagram in Real Life. Listen in for short descriptions of each section in the type chapters and tips on how to read and use the book. Each type chapter begins with a short story, revealing what it's like to be inside the life of that type. Today, you'll hear what it's like to be inside a type Six's brain as she's dealing with an emergency situation.


There's still time to preorder! If you are at all interested in the book, I would love it. If you would preorder. This is the single most helpful thing you can do to support authors like me because it lets publishers and retailers know that people are interested in the book. So if you want to support my work, OR you're just curious about the Enneagram, this is a fantastic way to delve into it.

PREORDER HERE: https://www.ninetypes.co/enneagram-in-real-life

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, Stephanie meets with Christina S. Wilcox.  They discuss Christina’s journey to identifying her Enneagram type and her evolution from mistyping herself as a Four and a Three before ultimately identifying as a Type Six with a Five wing. Christina reflects on how her experiences with OCD, mental health, and personal motivations have intertwined with her understanding of her Enneagram type.

Christina is an author, mental health advocate, enneagram expert, and creative. You may recognize her from her first book Take Care of Your Type: An Enneagram Guide to Self-Care, or from one of her Instagram graphics. As her second book, Take Care of your Friends is released, Christina continues to pursue her passion for writing and analysis of behavior as she works a 9-5 in Content Strategy. She hopes to continue to advance her understanding of the Enneagram while expanding her written work and online content into other mental health topics outside of personality typing systems. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband Noah, and their puppy, Moose! When she’s not writing or creating, you can find Christina indulging in cozy video games, books across every genre, and quality time with friends and family. 

🔗 Connect with Christina!
💻 https://www.christinaswilcox.com/
📷 Instagram: @christinaswilcox
🎥Youtube: @genuinelycareaboutyoupodcast
📖 https://www.christinaswilcox.com/books

🔗 Connect with Steph!
💻 https://ninetypes.co/
📷 Instagram: @ninetypesco
🎥Youtube: @stephbarronhall

Here are the key takeaways:

• Christina’s background and how she discovered the Enneagram
• Typing as a Six and searching for certainty
• Differentiating diagnosable OCD, Anxiety, and type Six patterns
• The compulsion of rumination of OCD
• Not being truly seen because of masking
• Talking about how stereotypes can be hurtful
• Intellectualizing emotions as a head type
• Getting information about emotions through the body
• Touching on how heart types show up in Typing Interviews
• How does Christina see Type Six and 5 wing in daily life?
• Needing to feel certain to feel safe
• The importance of facing the fear and feeling the pain 
• How to connect with Christina

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Beatrice Chestnut 
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.