The Real Enneagram, a Podcast by the Institute for Conscious Being

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our exploration of the three major levels of soul development as outlined in Dr. Joseph Howell's book, Know Your Soul, and we dive deeper into the concepts of the obscured soul and the emerging soul.

We begin by summarizing the obscured soul, which represents the starting point of many individuals on their spiritual journey. This stage is likened to a moon hidden by clouds, whe...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the concept of soul development, a central theme from the book Know Your Soul. We explore the three major levels of soul development, starting with the first level, which we refer to as the "obscured soul."

Dr. Howell shares insights on how this level represents an unawakened state, where distractions, ego, and various fears obscure our true essence. He emphasizes that m...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming our friend and local sound healer, Danielle Hall, the founder of Sound Embrace. Danielle shared her inspiring journey from a career in commercial photography to discovering the transformative power of sound healing after facing significant health challenges.

She opened up about her skepticism towards alternative therapies and how a health crisis at the age of 28...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Jennifer Joss, a psychologist and leadership coach who has been using the Enneagram in her work for many years. Dr. Joss shared her journey with the Enneagram, which began in 1993, and her recent deep dive into understanding the Enneagram symbol itself.

She discussed how her exploration was sparked by a transformative experience during a workshop led by Uran...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue to delve into the theme of "Know Your Soul," exploring the profound benefits of understanding our deeper selves, beyond the confines of our surface personalities. Joined by my co-hosts Scott Smith and Dr. Joseph Howell, we discuss the pervasive divisiveness in today's world, particularly in the realms of politics and personal relationships.

We reflect on how...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Finlayson, actor, and creator of Dancing the Enneagram and UnDance. Kate shared her transformative journey, which began in Hollywood as an actor and evolved through her experiences with the Enneagram, Nia, dance, and various healing practices.

Kate recounted her introduction to the Enneagram in 1996 and how it profoundly impacted her relationships. She ...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we welcomed back our own Reverend Dr. Drexel Rayford, a senior faculty member at the Institute for Conscious Being. Our conversation centered around the discipline of silence and its profound role in contemplation, as well as the tenacity of the ego and its resistance to what it perceives as its diminishment.

Drexel shared a poignant story from his graduate school days that highlighted the esse...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the theme of meditation, specifically focusing on a "know-your-soul" meditation. Joe shares his insights on the importance of understanding our essence and soul, emphasizing that our true identity goes beyond the mind.

We discuss Joe's personal journey with meditation, recalling his first experience at a study group during his time as a graduate student at Yale. He ...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the profound ways the Enneagram can help us understand our souls during moments of daily struggle. Co-hosts Dr. Joe Howell, Nanette Mudiam, and Scott Smith discuss how, while many people are drawn to the Enneagram through a critical mass of suffering, the Enneagram is also brilliant at helping us navigate the smaller, day to day challenges that life throws at us.

We explore these ...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. David Gruder, a self described "recovering psychologist and professional troublemaker." Dr. Gruder shared his unique perspective on the Enneagram and how he integrates it into his work with leaders across various industries, including government and business.

We explored his five-step Enneagram Strategy, which helps individuals identify their p...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming special guests Theresa Hubbard and Walker Bird, who shared their unique journey into the realm of self-discovery and inner knowing. We engaged in a deep conversation about the transformative power of firewalking, a practice that Theresa initially explored as a means to connect with her body and emotions.

Theresa recounted her personal journey, highlighting how f...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our exploration of Dr. Joe Howell's new book, Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram and delve into the practical applications of the Enneagram, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to deepen our understanding of our souls rather than merely improving our egos.

Joe shares his insights on how each person is a, "living document," with unique experiences that sha...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, co-hosts Nanette Mudiam, Dr. Joe Howell, and Scott Smith dive deep into the theme of the year for the Institute for Conscious Being: "Know Your Soul." We explore Dr. Joe's new book, Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram, which emphasizes the Enneagram as a journey toward understanding our true essence beyond mere personality traits.

We discuss the origins of the Enneagram...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we wrap up our series on the Holy Ideas and Virtues, reflecting on the profound insights shared by our guests over the past nine episodes. Joined by Dr. Joe Howell and Scott Smith, we delve into the concept of amnesia surrounding our holy ideas and explore why we often forget these integral aspects of our true selves.

Dr. Joe explains that the holy ideas represent the way we perceived the world...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the privilege of hosting Gladys Schaefer, a dear friend and dedicated student from the Institute for Conscious Being (ICB). As a fellow type nine, Gladys shared her insightful journey of discovering her Enneagram type and the profound impact it has had on her life.

Gladys began by recounting how she found ICB through a Google search while seeking a name for her dyslexia tutoring business...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming our dear friend Valerie Wheat, an instructor at the College of Education at Jacksonville State University. Valerie shared her journey with the Enneagram, which began about ten years ago when a friend introduced her to the concept. Initially, she approached it superficially, but as her friendship with Dr. Joe Howell deepened, she began to explore the Enneagram m...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming Art Wimberly, an adjunct faculty member of the Institute for Conscious Being and a vibrant Type 7. Art shared his journey of self-discovery, which began during a silent retreat where he stumbled upon the Enneagram through a book by Father Richard Rohr. He discussed how his initial understanding of the Enneagram was more theoretical, lacking the depth of inner w...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we are thrilled to welcome Leigh Anne Taylor, a recent graduate of the Institute for Conscious Being. Leigh Anne shares her journey as a Type 6, highlighting her experiences with fear, anxiety, and the importance of self-understanding. She reflects on her initial struggles to identify her Enneagram type, revealing how reading Joe Howell's book, Becoming Conscious, helped her feel seen and...

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of turning the tables and welcoming our own Scott Smith as a guest. Scott, who is typically behind the scenes as our producer and editor, shared his personal journey with the Enneagram, particularly as a Type 5.

Scott recounted how he initially dismissed Dr. Joe Howell's book due to his narrow understanding of spirituality and his rationalistic worldview. However, after...