What does the essence of an Enneagram 9 sound like? How can music—as a creative, nonverbal, soul-driven art form—bypass personality defenses and speak directly from who we truly are?

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Andrew J. Lynch, a drummer and music producer, to explore how music can reflect the essential qualities of an Enneagram 9: peace, depth, open-mindedness, groundedness 

Together, we discuss:

• The difference between essence and personality in the Enneagram

• Timing, flow, and losing yourself in the music

• How Enneagram type influences how we play and listen to music

• Perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the creative process

• Sacred Geometry, Love, Fear, and Mystery 

Whether you’re a Nine, love a Nine, or are curious about how music can serve as a mirror of the soul, this episode is a rich, inspiring exploration of how the Enneagram shows up beyond words.

🎶 Andrew’s music is available at: andrewjlynch.com 

 “Pyramid” Album out 6/21/25: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/andrewjlynch/p-y-r-a-m-i-d 

Follow Elliot Killian:All links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillianhttps://www.elliotkillian.org/https://www.instagram.com/elliotkillian/🎙 Podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkin-truth-e-killianTimestamps00:00:00 Coming Up00:00:58 Episode Introduction00:02:52 Drew's familiarity with the Enneagram00:03:53 Enneagram 9 and the Spirit of Mr. Rogers00:06:35 Music as an expression of Essence00:09:02 Good Timing, Flow, and Becoming One with the Song00:14:55 How Do Enneagram Types Listen to Music Differently?00:17:13 Does Type Influence Instrument Choice?00:22:19 Types You Wouldn’t Want in a Band?00:26:10 Perfectionism and Why It Can Ruin Music00:28:57 Do Some Types Keep Better Time?00:34:49 Imposter Syndrome and Avoiding Social Media00:40:58 Unifying musicians as a producer, Bob Ross "happy accidents"00:45:41 Behind the Songs: Stories and Creative Process00:54:50 How the 9 Essence shows up in Drew’s song themes and titles00:58:45 Drew’s Favorite Definition of Love01:01:07 Sacred Geometry, Triangles, Mystery01:03:01 How Fear Creates Separation01:06:30 Interconnectedness, Synchronicity, Life Purpose, Flow

Elliot Killian and Nancy Markow discuss parenting approaches, using the Enneagram in relationships (hint: it’s not about type-based compatibility), how Type 2s can grow by utilizing all of their lines of connection, synthesizing the Enneagram with yoga and eastern spirituality, and the hidden connection between point 2 and 5. 

Nancy is passionate about the Enneagram, Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality, and Metaphysics, with nearly 30 years of study and practice. In 2006, she founded Connecting You with YourSelf (CYWY), a now free online community offering a place to learn, share, and participate. Learn more about CYWY, all that is available to you, and how you can be part of the community at www.connectingyouwithyourself.com

On 11/12/24, Elliot will be giving a talk on the CYWY platform titled “I-Fear/Desire: Connecting the Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions of the Enneagram.” The talk will draw upon a well-developed Indian philosophy on the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality, with the aim of creating a cohesive philosophical framework to maximize the transformative potential of the Enneagram.

Video podcast available on YouTube (@talkintruthelliotkillian) and Spotify 

Show notes and Timestamps: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep7-enneagram-2-nancy-markow/

All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

One of the core struggles for an Enneagram 1 is acceptance. As a type propelled by values and morals, driven to better conditions or promote justice and fairness; accepting situations, others, or themselves can pose a challenge. Interestingly, this overarching life struggle with acceptance often manifests in the initial stages of Enneagram typing as well—in my experience, Enneagram Ones are the type most prone to identify with another type and resist their typing.

In this episode of Talkin’ Truth, I interview a friend, bandmate, and behavioral health therapist Holly, aiming to resolve a long-standing, playful disagreement we've had over whether she is a 2w1 or a 1w2.

While recounting humorous stories, this podcast goes over some of the similarities and defining differences between 1s and 2s and covers:

- The shared connection that types 1 and 2 have to point 4, but how they use and experience 4 in different ways

- Sensitivity to criticism and feedback

- Childhood messages and pivotal shaping experiences

- How their core values manifest differently in social dynamics and relationships

- The importance of comparing levels of health when typing

A conversation about addiction, therapy, restrictive eating, and pleasure highlights some of the thematic tensions between points 1 and 7, and shows how 4,  commonly thought of as 1’s disintegration point, can help resolve that.

If you’re familiar with the Enneagram, share your opinions about some of the typing discussions that we present during the podcast and help us settle the debate about Holly’s Enneagram type and what aspects of our conversation led you to that conclusion.

Video podcast available on YouTube (@elliotkillian) and Spotify 

Subscribe on YouTube for clips and analysis of podcast content. 

Show notes and timestamps: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep6-enneagram-1w2-or-2w1/

All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

Are Enneagram tests valid and should you bother taking them? 

Enneagram tests remain popular, yet many Enneagram teachers and coaches don’t recommend them. Many tests that were once free, now charge a fee for results, so it’s time to more critically assess what, if any, role they can play in the Enneagram journey. 

In this episode Brett and I go through one of the most popular Enneagram tests, scrutinizing each question to assess the reliability and validity of the test. 

This episode also provides insights in common Enneagram mistypings as each question we disagree on sparks a dialogue about the similarities and crucial differences amongst Enneagram types that are frequently misidentified with one another. 

Regardless of a test's validity, we conclude by discussing why you shouldn’t rely on tests (or perhaps even take them at all), and outline a better approach to figuring out your type and transforming through the Enneagram.

Video podcast available on YouTube (@elliotkillian) and Spotify 

Subscribe on YouTube for clips and analysis of podcast content. 

Show notes and chapters: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep5-enneagram-test-validity/

All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

Eights can have a reputation for being assholes, but they can also be caring, thoughtful leaders who make things happen and bring out the best in everyone around them.

Video podcast available on YouTube and Spotify.

Show notes and chapters: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep4-enneagram-8-allen/

All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

Oftentimes you’ll read about the Enneagram types as a list of traits and behaviors, but what does it FEEL like to interact with each of the types? 

In this captivating episode with the “Enneagram Observers," Elliot and Brett will take you on a journey filled with humorous and insightful stories, using clever similes to capture the unique "vibe" of each Enneagram type. 

Their goal is to bridge the gap between theory and experience, bringing the Enneagram out of the book and into your everyday life.

Throughout this episode you’ll learn to recognize the Enneagram types intuitively, allowing you to build positive connections with the people you meet built upon a deeper understanding of them. You’ll also learn how to recognize unhealthy versions of the types, and develop strategies for dealing with challenges that may arise. 

Video podcast available on Spotify and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCK71ORStV0)

Website/Show Notes: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep-2-enneagram-vibes/

All Elliot Killian Links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

From love of family and community, to calculated risks, to the fear of death; it’s all here in this deep dive conversation with my friend, bandmate, and Enneagram 6 Chris.  

We delve into how the Enneagram has helped him grow, exploring  a wide variety of life domains, each revealing fascinating ways that the Enneagram manifests in Chris’s life. 

Chris talks about the give and take of co-managing a semi-professional band with an Enneagram 8, his career trajectory from successful corporate salesman to collectible entrepreneur, and overcoming fear in relationships. Chris opens up about the profound impact of his father and how he has coped with his loss.

Our discussion extends to religion and spirituality, shedding light on the deep fear of non-existence at the core of an Enneagram 6. We touch on the prevalence of 6s in religious communities and the transformative power of music and community in fostering profound spiritual connections.

Detailed Episode Summary: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep3-enneagram-6-chris/

Video Podcast on Spotify and Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZG31RN7ngk

Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and for many people, archetypal names like the Peacemaker, Challenger, and Loyalist serve as their initial introduction to the Enneagram. These names carry specific connotations and evoke preconceptions that can have long-lasting effects on how people perceive, understand, and relate to the Enneagram.

Whether you are already familiar with the type names or not, you will undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of the types and yourself as you join the Enneagram Observers, Elliot Killian and Brett Benka, in a thorough and illuminating discussion about the best archetypal names for each Enneagram point.

Video podcast available on Spotify and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ1_JJnZD3k&t=2430s)

Website/Show Notes: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep1-best-enneagram-type-names/

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