Why We Do What We Do: A Gentle Introduction to the Enneagram

The Pearls of Season 1: What We Carry, What We Keep

Season 1 of 3 with Bri comes to a close with a reflection on what this space has truly been about—not just the topics, but the life lived inside all of them. In this episode, Bri revisits the “pearls” from the season—what it means to love people in real, daily ways, to carry both visible and invisible responsibilities, and to remain steady in full and demanding seasons. From marriage and motherhood to teaching, community, and personal growth, this reflection honors the depth, complexity, and beauty of a married working mom’s life. This episode is a reminder that: * loving people is sacred work * women are allowed to change and become * community matters because we were never meant to do life alone * and the work you are doing—seen and unseen—is meaningful More than content, this podcast has always been about companionship. Whether you’ve been listening while drinking coffee, doing dishes, or driving your kids around, thank you for being part of Season 1.

Grief Feels Like a Minnesota Spring

Spring can be beautiful and brutal in the same week—and grief can feel the same way. In this episode, I share a personal reflection on losing my dad and how grief has continued to move through my life in different seasons. I talk about missing not just who he was to me, but who he would have been to my husband and children. This conversation is about holding both grief and hope at the same time—without rushing either one away. If you’re navigating loss, longing, change, or simply a heavy season, I hope this episode feels like a gentle companion.

Why We Do What We Do: A Gentle Introduction to the Enneagram

Why do two people do the exact same thing for completely different reasons? In this episode, I’m sharing one of the tools that has helped me better understand myself, my relationships, and even my work as an educator and mom: the Enneagram. This isn’t just about personality. The Enneagram helps uncover the deeper motivations behind our behavior — why we respond the way we do, what drives us, and how those patterns show up in our relationships, parenting, teaching, and everyday life. In this episode, I walk through: * what the Enneagram actually is * the 3 intelligence triads (doing, feeling, and thinking) * why motivation matters more than behavior * how understanding my own type has shaped the way I support students and navigate struggle If you’ve ever wanted to understand yourself and others with a little more compassion and clarity, this episode is a great place to start. A free Enneagram Inventory to start the process linked here [https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test]. Here's a podcast [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wwf7sGdeN3QP1JNc64TH6?si=00QQ3DSPS3SrQyPOOkgKYw] overview of all 9 types to help make sense of your results and as a start point to dive into the Enneagram.

The Next Generation of Teachers is Ready

This episode is a quiet reminder of why the teaching profession still matters. In today’s conversation, I sit down with Hailey—an elementary education major in her final semester before student teaching. I’ve had the privilege of knowing her as a student, and now we get to talk as two educators at different points in the journey. We talk about: * What led her back to teaching after considering other paths * The tension between encouragement and doubt in the profession * What future teachers are actually seeing in classrooms right now * How she thinks about equity, belonging, and building community * The mindset she’s carrying into her first classroom There’s honesty here. There’s hope here. And there’s a grounded perspective on what it really means to step into teaching today. If you’re in education—or raising, supporting, or becoming one—this conversation will remind you that the heart of teaching is still very much alive.

The Energy You Bring Changes Everything

What if the energy you bring into a room is shaping everything more than your words ever could? In this episode of 3 with Bri, I’m reflecting on a full week—from bringing home a new puppy to sending my pre-service teachers into their practicum experience—and the powerful reminder that energy is always being read. Whether it’s a puppy learning your cues or students responding to your presence, the question becomes: what are you bringing with you? I share: * Why calm, confident energy changes how others respond to you * A simple “energy audit” to help you show up more intentionally * Practical ways to sustain yourself during busy seasons * My favorite quick reset (hello, legs-up-the-wall!) * The concept of “past self gifts” that set your future self up to thrive Because here’s the truth: life will take everything you give it—and still ask for more. So how do we protect our energy and stay present for what matters most? This episode is your reminder that small, intentional choices can help you show up grounded, energized, and ready—for your work, your family, and yourself.