The Challenger Podcast

In this episode, Dave Glaser explores the Enneagram type 6, highlighting their loyalty, courage, and commitment in relationships. He discusses the challenges they face, particularly when operating from fear and anxiety, and how these can sabotage their connections.

The conversation also delves into the darker aspects of type 6 behavior, including distrust and self-sabotage. Finally, practical relationship advice is offered for both Enneagram 6s and those in relationships with them, emphasizing the importance of trust and emotional safety.

Takeaways

Sixes bring unshakable loyalty and commitment. They make the world safer for their loved ones. When struggling, sixes operate from fear and anxiety. Small conflicts can escalate into larger issues for sixes. Sixes often test relationships for reassurance. They may struggle with trusting their own judgment. At their worst, sixes can become paranoid and distrustful. Fear can distort their perception of safety in relationships. Grounding techniques can help sixes manage anxiety. A regulated six is a devoted and loving partner.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Enneagram 6: Loyalty and Commitment 02:22 Challenges Faced by Enneagram 6s in Relationships 04:16 The Dark Side of the Enneagram 6: Fear and Distrust 06:37 Relationship Advice for Enneagram 6s

In this episode of the Challenger Podcast, host Dave Glaser explores the complexities of Enneagram Type 5, known as the Investigator. He discusses their strengths, challenges, and how they navigate relationships.

The conversation delves into the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of being a Type 5, emphasizing their need for space, their intellectual depth, and the importance of understanding their emotional landscape. Glaser also provides insights on how Type 5s can grow and engage more fully in their lives while maintaining their unique qualities.

Takeaways

Type 5s are known as the investigators, driven by a desire for knowledge. They bring depth of thought and problem-solving skills to any situation. Fives respect boundaries and provide space for others. In relationships, fives may withdraw when overwhelmed, not out of disinterest but to protect their energy. Fives can struggle with emotional expression, often analyzing rather than feeling. When unhealthy, fives may become isolated and paranoid, retreating into their inner world. Fives show love through actions, such as learning about their partner's interests. To connect with a five, give them space and time to process their thoughts. Encouraging fives to ask for help can foster deeper connections. Type 5s are complex and loyal, deserving patience and understanding.

In this conversation, Devon Neisen joins Dave and explores the complexities of the Enneagram Four personality type, focusing on themes of perceived brokenness and the quest for self-worth through uniqueness. The discussion delves into how these beliefs shape emotional health and relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's intrinsic value beyond societal expectations.

Takeaways

Enneagram Fours often feel inherently broken. The belief of being broken can stem from childhood experiences. Uniqueness is seen as a way to fill the void of self-worth. Parental communication plays a crucial role in shaping self-perception. Feeling unique can lead to a sense of worthiness. The journey of self-acceptance is vital for emotional health. Understanding the Enneagram can aid in personal growth. Self-worth is not contingent on external validation. Emotional health is intertwined with personality understanding. The Enneagram offers insights into relational dynamics.

If Devon's message resonated with you, please follow his podcast on Instagram and Tiktok

@theimperfectdadspodcast on TikTok and Instagram

In this episode of the Challenger Podcast, host Dave Glaser explores the Enneagram Type Three, known as the Achiever. He discusses the strengths and challenges of Type Threes in relationships, emphasizing their motivation, charm, and goal-oriented nature. However, he also highlights their struggles with vulnerability, emotional presence, and the tendency to prioritize achievement over intimacy. The conversation concludes with insights on how Type Threes can grow by embracing authenticity and redefining success in love.

Takeaways

Type 3s are driven, confident, and inspiring individuals. They bring energy and ambition into their relationships. Type 3s set goals for their relationships and work hard to achieve them. They can struggle with emotional presence and vulnerability. Type 3s may prioritize work over love, leading to emotional distance. At their worst, they can become manipulative or deceptive. Their relationships can feel transactional rather than genuine. Growth for Type 3s involves embracing authenticity and vulnerability. They need to redefine success in relationships beyond achievements. Type 3s are worthy of love just by being themselves.

In this episode of the Challenger podcast, we will explore the complexities of Enneagram Type 2, known as the Helper. We discuss the positive traits of Type 2s, such as their warmth, generosity, and ability to empathize with others. However, he also delves into the challenges they face, including over-giving, hidden expectations, and the potential for manipulation when their needs are neglected. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries for Type 2s to foster healthier relationships and personal growth.

Takeaways

Type 2s are known for their generosity, empathy, and big hearts. They bring warmth and care into every relationship. Type 2s can be over-giving and neglect their own needs. They may have unspoken expectations for appreciation in return. A partner who is a Type 2 may keep score of their giving. At their worst, Type 2s can become manipulative or controlling. Their need to feel indispensable can lead to clinginess or jealousy. Self-care is crucial for Type 2s to avoid emotional burnout. Healthy boundaries help Type 2s express their needs directly. A healthy Type 2 shows up as generous and loving without needing anything in return

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Enneagram Type 2 00:14 The Good: Generosity and Empathy of Type 2s 01:23 The Bad: Hidden Strings and Over-Giving 02:49 The Ugly: Manipulation and Emotional Burnout 04:35 Conflict in Relationships: Type 2 and Type 8 Dynamics 06:01 Path to Growth: Self-Love and Healthy Boundaries

In this episode of The Challenger Podcast, Dave dives deep into the Enneagram Type 1 — also known as The Reformer or The Perfectionist.

We explore how Type 1s show up in life and especially in relationships through the lens of the good, the bad, and the ugly.

✨ The Good: Integrity, responsibility, and being a dependable partner. 😬 The Bad: High standards, self-criticism, and nitpicking tendencies. 😈 The Ugly: Harsh judgment, control, and emotional rigidity that can damage connection.

You'll also hear practical insights on what helps Type 1s move toward growth: self-compassion, flexibility, and celebrating progress instead of chasing perfection.

Whether you're a Type 1 yourself, in a relationship with one, or just curious about how this personality type shapes connection, this episode offers powerful takeaways.

• How Type 1s bring integrity and stability into relationships

• Why their inner critic can create tension with partners

• The shadow side of perfectionism in love and intimacy

• How grace and play can transform their relationships

• Subscribe to The Challenger Podcast for more Enneagram insights.

• Share this episode with someone who loves personality growth.

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps us reach more listeners!

Follow Dave Glaser:

• Instagram: @coachdaveglaser

• TikTok: @dave.glaser

The Enneagram 9, often called The Peacemaker, is known for their calm, grounded, and accepting nature. But what does this really look like in a relationship — when it's healthy, when it's struggling, and when it turns downright messy?

In this episode, we dive deep into the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the Enneagram 9 in relationships. You'll discover:

The gifts a 9 brings into love — peace, empathy, and loyalty The struggles they face — indecision, conflict avoidance, and complacency The ugly shadow — passive-aggression, emotional withdrawal, and explosive anger when pushed too far

If you or your partner identify as an Enneagram 9, this episode will help you understand how to nurture connection, navigate challenges, and avoid the traps that lead to disconnection.

Whether you're an Enneagram enthusiast, in a relationship with a 9, or exploring your own patterns, this conversation will give you practical insight into building healthier, more intentional love.

• Why Enneagram 9s bring calm and harmony into relationships

• The hidden dangers of conflict avoidance and self-erasure

• How numbing and passive-aggression can damage intimacy

• Practical growth paths for Peacemakers in love

• Subscribe to The Challenger Podcast for more Enneagram and relationship insights

• Share this episode with someone who loves the Enneagram as much as you do

• Follow along on social media for daily reflections and updates

This episode explores how the Enneagram 8 shows up in relationships; the good, the bad and the ugly with real life examples from remodeling a bathroom to fostering a dog... all in the same week!

As a follow up to last week's episode, host Dave Glaser invites The Challenger to look inward for answers and growth to enrich the relationships in your life.

Don't know your type?

Click 9types.com and take the Rheti version, screenshot your results and email them to me at [email protected]

If you're like me, you've been overwhelmed with all the choices available to you on dating apps and the mixed signals that you receive over text that are hard to understand.

A few years ago, I was in the same place so I sought out relationship experts and real life daters to help our audience understand how to navigate modern dating where texting, social media and dating apps are ways that people connect and communicate in the modern world.

Join me each week in one of our small group classes to understand better how you can show up more authentically in your relationships and life.

Click linktr.ee/fitlifechampions to sign up now!

The Challenger Podcast takes a look at modern masculinity through the lens of The Enneagram, attachment theory and self-awareness.

As an Enneagram 8 father, you're wired for strength, protection, and relentless loyalty to your family. But what happens when that loyalty causes you to neglect your own needs? In this episode, we explore the powerful—but often invisible—pattern of the self-sacrificing 8 dad.

You'll discover why putting yourself last can actually make you less present and connected—and how shifting toward self-care, boundaries, health, and discipline can completely change the way you show up as a father.

We'll cover:

• The myth that strength means pushing through

• Why routines and exercise ground the 8's intensity

• How healthy boundaries model emotional safety for your kids

• Practical self-care tools that sharpen your leadership at home

This is your reminder: caring for yourself is not weakness—it's the foundation of sustainable fatherhood.

👉 Take action: Pick one self-care habit to commit to this week. Your family will feel the difference.

Don't know your type?

Click 9types.com and take the Rheti version, screenshot your results and email them to me at [email protected]

If you're like me, you've been overwhelmed with all the choices available to you on dating apps and the mixed signals that you receive over text that are hard to understand.

A few years ago, I was in the same place so I sought out relationship experts and real life daters to help our audience understand how to navigate modern dating where texting, social media and dating apps are ways that people connect and communicate in the modern world.

Join me each week in one of our small group classes to understand better how you can show up more authentically in your relationships and life.

Click linktr.ee/fitlifechampions to sign up now!

The Challenger Podcast takes a look at modern masculinity through the lens of The Enneagram, attachment theory and self-awareness.

As an Enneagram 8 father, your strength and protectiveness are incredible gifts—but not every child experiences that big energy the same way.

In this episode of The Protective Leader, we explore how children of all nine Enneagram types perceive a Type 8 parent—and what they need to truly thrive.

From sensitive Type 4s to enthusiastic Type 7s, discover practical strategies to adapt your parenting style while staying true to who you are. Learn how to turn your power into presence—and help each of your children feel safe, valued, and deeply understood.

✅ Why Enneagram 8 fathers sometimes clash with children who have different core fears and desires.

✅ The core motivations of each of the 9 Enneagram types in kids—and how they might react to a Type 8's leadership style.

✅ Specific ways to help your children feel seen, heard, and safe, no matter their personality type.

✅ How to adjust your tone, communication, and emotional presence for each child without sacrificing your authentic self.

✅ Real-life tips for handling conflict, big feelings, and creating deeper connection across all types.

✨ Type 1 kids need gentle correction and praise for their efforts, not just results.

✨ Type 2 kids flourish with heartfelt appreciation and consistent emotional connection.

✨ Type 3 kids want to be valued for who they are—not just what they achieve.

✨ Type 4 kids thrive when their emotions are validated rather than dismissed.

✨ Type 5 kids need space and respect for their privacy, even in close families.

✨ Type 6 kids seek reassurance and consistency to soothe their anxieties.

✨ Type 7 kids crave adventure and freedom alongside loving boundaries.

✨ Type 8 kids need honesty, mutual respect, and freedom to be strong.

✨ Type 9 kids benefit from soft, patient energy that invites them to share their opinions.

"Your strength is a gift—but your willingness to see and honor your child's true self is the greater gift."