What is the essential self and how do we get in touch with it enough that it becomes a trusted leader for all of our parts? Today we welcome Dr. Alison Cook, therapist and host of the top-ranked podcast, The Best of You, to talk about the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and how it can help all of us do some important healing work toward integration. We also discuss her new book, I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action.

In this episode, we explore:

• What the 3 distinct parts of the personality are and the role each plays

• The 8 Cs of the Self

• The importance of learning to honor the inner tension of mixed emotions

Dr. Cook also shares her 3-step process to reconcile mixed emotions and foster self-acceptance. Tune in for practical insights that can help you integrate your parts and find harmony with your essential self.

About Dr. Alison Cook

Dr. Alison Cook is a therapist and host of the top-ranked The Best of You podcast. Originally from Wyoming, Dr. Alison studied at Dartmouth College (BA), Denver Seminary (MA), and the University of Denver (PhD), where she specialized in integrating psychology and theology. Dr. Alison’s doctoral dissertation centered on the relationship between religion and prejudice. She is certified in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and is the author of the ECPA bestselling book The Best of You and coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul, with nearly 100,000 copies sold– based on the popular IFS therapy model. Widely recognized as an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, Dr. Alison empowers individuals to heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, and forge healthy relationships. Her newest book, I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action released earlier this year.

Today we welcome the incredible Finnian Kelly, an Enneagram 7 and author of the groundbreaking book, Intentionality: A Groundbreaking Guide to Brain Consciousness and Radical Self-Transformation.

In this episode, Finnian shares his journey of discovering his Enneagram type and the insights he's gained along the way as it pertains to his work and relationships. We discuss the significance of breathwork in cultivating intentionality and emotional awareness. Finnian shares a simple yet effective breathwork exercise that you can practice anytime you feel triggered or activated. This technique can help you pause, gain clarity, and make more conscious choices in your life.

Tune in to discover valuable insights and practical tools to help you bring more intentionality into your life.

This week, we welcome back beloved author and pastor, Max Lucado for a meaningful conversation about a range of topics, including the emotional landscape of shame and guilt, the nuances of addiction and how it manifests in various forms beyond substance abuse, and Max’s new book What Happens Next: A Travelers’ Guide Through The End of This Age.

In this episode, we explore:

• the distinction between guilt and shame and how these feelings can impact our relationships with ourselves, others, and God
• the nuances of addiction and how it manifests in various forms beyond substance abuse
• how the Twelve Steps offer a transformative path for everyone, regardless of their struggles
• what eschatology is and the significance of understanding end times in a contemporary context

Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking deeper understanding of yourself, or curious about the intersection of faith and psychology, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh, the brilliant minds behind the podcast BS Free MD.

In this episode, we explore the unique dynamics of their relationship as an Enneagram 1 (May) and an Enneagram 7 (Tim), discussing how their personality types influence their lives, careers, and marriage.

Discover how they challenge traditional medical practices, share their personal journeys, and get vulnerable about their struggles and triumphs. From the challenges of perfectionism to the joys of spontaneity, this conversation is packed with insights, laughter and heartfelt moments.

What You’ll Learn:

• The impact of the Enneagram on personal relationships
• How to navigate the challenges of an Enneagram 1 and Enneagram 7
• Insights into the healthcare system and the importance of questioning traditional practices
• Tips for embracing imperfection and living a fulfilling life

Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with humor, wisdom, and practical advice.

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Resources from this episode:

Internal Family Systems by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.

Dopamine Nation by Anne Lembke, M.D.

Fentanyl, Inc. by Ben Westhoff

BS Free MD podcast with Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh

Pre-Order Ian’s new book, The Fix, available January 28th

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!