313: You Have an Addiction and What to Do About It (with Ian Cron)

I am so excited to be sharing my incredibly insightful conversation with author Ian Morgan Cron with all of you! Ian Morgan Cron is the author of The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone in Between! Listen in as he discusses the book and vulnerably shares his own personal journey with addiction and the power of the twelve-step program in transforming his life.

Ian explains how addictions, whether they be to substances, behaviors, or relationships, are a common human experience stemming from an underlying "uneasiness" or "feeling of not-at-homeness." He highlights the fact that everyone struggles with some form of addiction that provides temporary relief but ultimately diminishes us.

Ian touches upon the twelve steps and opens up about his battles with approval-seeking and workaholism, revealing how the twelve steps helped him let go of the need for external validation. He encourages listeners, however, to approach the journey of transformation with patience, as it is a slow process of rewiring deep-seated beliefs and habits.

Our conversation also digs into Ian's expertise in the Enneagram personality typing system, and he talks about his new Enneagram assessment tool that provides accurate, in-depth insights into one's personality type and subtypes. He shares how understanding the Enneagram has profoundly impacted his own relationships and self-awareness.

Throughout our conversation, Ian's vulnerability, humor, and wisdom truly shine through, making this a must-listen episode for anyone seeking greater wholeness, authenticity, and connection in their life! I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Ian Morgan Cron!

 

In This Episode

[0:35] - Welcome to the show, Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Fix!

[2:12] - Ian admits that writing so vulnerably was hard but that he chose honesty over image to help others grow.

[5:55] - I do sometimes contort myself to get approval, seeking validation in relationships more than online.

[6:39] - Ian explains how he outgrew childhood approval-seeking and now regards his self-worth independently from others' opinions.

[9:32] - I reflect on how replacing self-critical lies with truth took me two years of intentional rewiring.

[11:28] - Addictions ultimately stem from inner discomfort; we soothe it with “fixes” that quickly become destructive cycles.

[13:50] - Ian explains how addiction comes from trauma, biology, and environment, offering temporary peace in a chaotic inner world.

[15:16] - Addiction is often a misguided solution to a deeper pain.

[17:55] - Ian further explains how addiction is any unhealthy dependency on people, behaviors, and/or substances to seek peace and self-worth.

[20:36] - Hear how Ian fully embraced the twelve steps after a relapse.

[22:46] - Relapse rewired Ian’s brain but ultimately led to humility and healing.

[25:16] - Ian shares how open twelve-step meetings can feel sacred, filled with laughter, vulnerability, and genuine human connection.

[26:41] - The twelve steps guide the healing process and eventually become second nature.

[29:59] - Ian feels that making amends can deeply impact others and keeps us emotionally cleaned up.

[32:24] - Hear how Ian co-developed a scientifically rigorous Enneagram test to replace misleading, clickbait personality quizzes.

[34:35] - Accurate personality assessments reveal deeper truths, while cheap ones often mislead and waste emotional energy.

Links & Resources

 

Crystal Paine

Ian Morgan Cron

 

Books

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