Part 1: Navigating Grief and Growth – Insights from Christina Rasmussen’s Invisible Loss (Type 8)

Join us in this enlightening episode of Typology as we dive deep into the world of the Enneagram with our special guest, Rich Villodas, an Enneagram 7 and lead pastor of New Life Fellowship. Rich is the author of bestselling books, including The Deeply Formed Life and his latest work, The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls. In this episode, we explore Rich's journey of self-discovery, the challenges of being a 7, and the importance of spiritual formation. He shares his insights on the Enneagram, the significance of contemplative prayer, and how to navigate the complexities of anger, anxiety, and grief. We also discuss the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and truth in our relationships. With a focus on the transformative power of God, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice for anyone seeking deeper understanding and connection. Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or just starting your journey, this episode is sure to inspire and challenge you. Don't miss out on the nuggets of wisdom Rich has to offer!

This week we dive deep into the transformative journey of midlife with the incredible Chip Conley, author of "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age." Chip, an Enneagram 3, shares his personal experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of identity, success, and the quest for authenticity as we age through the lens of the Enneagram.  Chip beautifully articulates the transition from the ego-driven pursuits of the first half of life to a more soulful existence in the second half and shares how this shift can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. We also explore:  the importance of editing our lives to focus on what truly matters, emphasizing the value of clarity and intentionality as we curate our second act.  the idea of awakening to wholeness as we age, integrating various aspects of ourselves and embracing the beauty of our unique journeys. Listen now to gain valuable insights that can help you embrace this stage of life with open arms and a renewed sense of purpose.    

It’s a mistake to presume your way of seeing the world is normal because that means every time you meet someone with a different way of seeing the world, if it’s different than yours, you will feel justified in judging them abnormal. But the Enneagram teaches there are actually nine normal ways of seeing the world, not just yours. Part of emotional and spiritual growth is the capacity to recognize the complexities of human personalities and to expand the aperture of our own lens. Today, Anthony and I welcome the talented artist, musician, filmmaker, actor (and Enneagram 3), Joel Smallbone, to the show. We begin our conversation with an exploration of Joel’s personal experience with the Enneagram and he shares how the Enneagram helped open the doors of understanding within his marriage. As our conversation progresses, Joel reflects on the process of creating “Unsung Hero,” and the profound impact playing the part of his father has had in his understanding of his father, and of how he relates to the world. As Joel explains, “What [it] has done for me is inverted the narrative, and it’s gone, well, hang on, yeah, you’re not quite as awesome as you maybe thought you were. And hang on, there’s other people’s stories. And hang on, there’s other people’s perspectives. […] So instead of me walking into the room simply sitting, going, who are you? Who are all you in relation to me? I’m almost arguably saying, “who am I in relation to you?” Join us as we navigate these themes and celebrate the beauty of the human personality.  

In today's episode, spiritual director, podcast host, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Emily Freeman and I dive into the topic of human relationships and decision-making through the lens of the Enneagram. We discuss Emily's new book, "How to Walk into a Room," which offers a unique perspective on discerning when to stay and when to walk away from various aspects of life. We explore the concept of denial, people-pleasing, and the importance of paying attention to one's inner knowing. Join us as we share insightful questions to help navigate complex relationships and make decisions with clarity and self-awareness. Discover how to lead yourself, care in a different way, and uncover what you truly want in life. Don't miss this engaging discussion filled with practical advice and thought-provoking insights on personal growth and self-discovery. Stay tuned for more enriching conversations on the Typology podcast!  

How does knowing a person’s personality style help you in leadership development? In today’s replay, Scott Allender, Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy & Development at Warner Music Group, explains the concept of emotional intelligence, shares how he uses the Enneagram in team building and leadership development, and highlights the importance of being more thoughtful and intentional about developing leaders' capacity and not just capabilities. Scott will be joining us as a special guest in September for our Typology Institute Town Hall to dig deeper into the topic of Emotional Intelligence and Integration. If you’re not yet an Enneagram Explorer, we’d love to have you join us in the discussion. Head over to the Typology Institute to gain acceess today.

Grief takes many forms and can be a complex and individual experience. It’s not limited to major life events. Life is full of small, invisible losses.  In part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author, Christina Rasmussen explains what she means by “invisible losses” and the impact they can have on our lives over time: “our perception of self shifts out of what we know about ourselves and it changes…when that happens, we lose what I call the original self and what the original self is.” In today’s episode, you’ll learn: what invisible losses are how to recognize our three inner narratives, and the importance of reconnecting with your original self Tune in for valuable insights on navigating grief and reconnecting with your original self.

This week we welcome the incredible Christina Rasmussen as our guest. In part one of this two-part conversation, we dig into the topics of grief, personality types, and self-discovery through the lens of the Enneagram.  In this episode, we explore:  Christina's personal journey of loss and how it led her to become a grief educator and author The multifaceted nature of grief that goes beyond traditional stereotypes Unique insights into how different personality types navigate grief and life challenges The nuances of the Enneagram 8 including the interplay between traits like strength, vulnerability, and projection How engaging in shadow work, self-reflection and continuous growth cultivates authenticity, compassion and resilience Christina's wisdom and authenticity shine through, offering a powerful perspective on navigating life's challenges with courage and compassion.  Tune in to discover more about Christina's work and insights on grief and the Enneagram. 

Today, we're joined by Liz Marie Galvin, author, blogger, and Enneagram 4. Liz shares how learning her Enneagram type has impacted her self-awareness and personal growth and the discusses some of the tools she uses to navigate the rich emotional landscape of being a Type 4.  The conversation concludes with a discussion on the subtypes of Type 4 and how they manifest in different ways.  We also dig into the challenges of being in the public space and curating an authentic persona online, exploring the Type 4's struggle with envy and the pressure to share vulnerable moments on social media.   

How do you find joy in a world riddled with anxiety? Today, we are joined by Randy Frazee, an Enneagram 3, pastor, and author of “The Joy Challenge” to explore the concept of joy and the science behind happiness. Randy shares his insights on finding joy in challenging circumstances and offers practical tips for increasing joy in our daily lives. He emphasizes that though joy and happiness are closely related, joy is characterized by inner contentment and purpose. He offers a few principles from the book of Philippians that can lead to joy, including seeking reconciliation in relationships, practicing unconditional love, and cultivating gratitude, highlighting the scientific evidence supporting the power of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and depression. Join us for this wonderful conversation and start your “joy challenge” today.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Randy Frazee is a pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. A frontrunner and innovator in spiritual formation and biblical community, Randy is the architect of The Story and Believe church engagement campaign. He is also the author of The Heart of the Story; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; His Mighty Strength; The Connecting Church 2.0; and The Christian Life Profile Assessment. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Rozanne, for more than forty years. They have four children and five grandchildren, with more on the way! To learn more about his work and ministry go to randyfrazee.com.

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 and the role it plays in recovering one's self-worth, drawing parallels between personal growth and spiritual development. Bryan emphasizes the powerful process of re-storying, countering past regrets and doubts, and embracing forgiveness as important components for healing. The episode is sure to leave a lasting impression. Tune in from your favorite platform.