Trust and Let Go: Confronting Fear with Jonathan Merritt (Enneagram 3)

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 inclusivity. As Jonathan explains, “the ways in which you are different from the majority of people in this world. Those differences are not liabilities. They're your gifts to the world. They're the things that make you, you.”  Join us for this enlightening but deeply moving conversation, offering a powerful reminder of the transformative power of self-compassion and acceptance.  

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 conversation is rich with insights, vulnerability, and wisdom as we explore themes of empathy, creativity, grief, and the pursuit of meaning in life. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Enneagram, explore the complexities of the human personality, and discover how to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, this episode is a must-listen. Join us on this enlightening and heartfelt conversation with Charlie and Andi. 

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 angle in every person's story and the deep connection between storytelling and self-discovery. She explains, "every person has something interesting to say," and sharing our stories through the process of writing and examining our own lives is what leads to healing and transformation. As the episode unfolds, Don adds his insights into the power of narrative and the asks some great life questions about the human experience. Tune in as we highlight the importance of self-reflection, authenticity, and the healing power of sharing your story.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Allie Fallon on Instagram at https://instagram.com/allyfallon and explore her new book, "Write Your Story," to embark on your own journey of understanding yourself, your story, and your purpose in the world. Connect with Donald Miller on Instagram at https://instagram.com/donaldmiller, https://instagram.com/storybrand, or https://instagram.com/businessmadesimple.    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Thrive Market and BetterHelp.

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, progress, and happiness,” Don explains.    Today, we explore the: Three subtypes of an Enneagram 4 and how they manifest in unique ways Importance of self-exploration and introspection for personal growth Role of readiness, desire and surrender for lasting change   Join us for this great conversation about transformation and shifting perspectives on life.     Find Don Miller on:  YouTube: youtube.com/coachbuilder Instagram: @donaldmiller and @storybrand Website: coachbuilder.com   -------------------------------------------- MORE EPISODES? Follow typologypodcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform to get new episodes each week.  ENNEAGRAM RESOURCES: https://typologyinstitute.com ENNEAGRAM TEST: https://typologyinstitute.com/assessment    

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.  But what if you could learn to become securely attached, even as an adult? How can you reclaim your ability to feel safe, loved, and capable of thriving? In today’s rich conversation with Dr. Judy Ho, we explore: The four attachment styles The relationship between attachment style and Enneagram type How to reparent your inner child and start the journey toward secure attachment ABOUT DR. JUDY HO Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and author of Stop Self-Sabotage. An avid researcher and a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award, Dr. Judy maintains a private practice where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and expert witness work. You can learn more about Dr. Judy Ho and her work on her website or in her new book, The New Rules of Attachment, How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child and Secure Your Life Vision.      

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 valued.   In this episode, we also explore:  The importance of getting in touch with anger for the personal growth of Enneagram 9s Fighting for the things that truly matter Facing the good and bad truths about yourself as a pathway for healing  Tune in as we reflect on the power of embracing vulnerability, honoring our differences, and extending forgiveness to cultivate communities of belonging.      Connect with Chris and Julie:  https://fightingforfamily.org https://facebook.com/chrisandjuliebennett https://instagram.com/chrisbennett143 https://instagram.com/juliebennett  

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 importance of crafting a rule of life to support spiritual growth and deep transformation.  Join us as we discuss obstacles to growth and the path to renewal through the lens of an Enneagram One.  ------------------------------------------------------------------- John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of multiple books including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (more than half a million sold) and Live No Lies. His new book is the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. He’s a founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and a teacher and writer with Practicing the Way. After serving as the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in Los Angeles, where he serves as a teacher in residence on discipleship and spiritual formation at Vintage Church LA. His podcasts, “John Mark Comer Teachings” & “Rule of Life,” have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the US and UK.  

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 and compassion over material success. From the stories of legendary figures to the principles outlined in his new book, "Think This, Not That," Dr. Axe invites you to reshape your desires and refocus on what truly matters. Join us for an episode that promises to challenge and inspire your personal development. ----------- About Dr. Josh Axe Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist with a passion to help people use food, lifestyle and mindset medicine to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University earning his Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership. Josh is the cofounder and CVO of Ancient Nutrition and founder of DrAxe.com, one of the top natural health websites in the world today. His company ranked on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies two years in a row. In 2008, he started a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. He is the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies. His fast-growing show and podcast, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, covers the topics of health, mindset, personal growth and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe is an expert in topics including nutrition, natural medicine, mental health, self-development, and leadership. Josh is married to his wife, Chelsea, and they have two daughters. They live between Nashville, TN and Dorado, PR and enjoy cooking, staying active swimming and cycling, and prioritize time for their faith and family.  

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 and the intentional effort required to find wholeness from the inside out.   Learn the power of securing your thoughts, examining motivating factors, exposing lies and focusing on the truth and how they lead to lasting change.  Listen to Typology   ----------------------------------------------------------------- About Chris Cook Christopher Cook is a pastor, leadership coach, and podcast host focused on transformation and wholeness, and the author of Healing What You Can’t Erase: Transform Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health from the Inside Out. With an aptitude for strategy and execution, he is able to unearth clarity out of complexity, which drives his mission to help individuals and organizations thrive in their true identity. His weekly podcast, Win Today with Christopher Cook, equips wellness-minded listeners to move beyond the limitations of self-help and instead toward an integrated life of wholeness from the inside out. Christopher resides in suburban Detroit, Michigan. Connect with him online at wintoday.tv and on social media @WINTODAYChris.  

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 shares his experience with asserting himself on set, dealing with conflict, and writing scripts from the voice of each character. As Gary states, “My strengths as a writer tend to be in dialogue […] and here’s why…because I’m a nine, I can see all perspectives. […] it’s easy for me to hear their voices.” With almost 30 years of experience in the film industry, Gary has made more than 40 motion picture and TV productions seen by millions of viewers on platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Redbox, Fox Nation, INSP and many more. His works include #1 box office hit War Room, Emmy-nominated The Heart of Christmas, 20th Century’s The Trial, and the award-winning western Far Haven.  His new television series Blue Ridge starring Johnathon Schaech, Sarah Lancaster and A Martinez released on April 7, 2024.