Talkin’ Truth w/ an Enneagram 8: Leadership, Balancing Ambition and Empathy

The Soul of a Nine: Discovering Enneagram Essence Through Music

What does the essence of an Enneagram 9 sound like? How can music—as a creative, nonverbal, soul-driven art form—bypass personality defenses and speak directly from who we truly are? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Andrew J. Lynch, a drummer and music producer, to explore how music can reflect the essential qualities of an Enneagram 9: peace, depth, open-mindedness, groundedness  Together, we discuss: • The difference between essence and personality in the Enneagram • Timing, flow, and losing yourself in the music • How Enneagram type influences how we play and listen to music • Perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the creative process • Sacred Geometry, Love, Fear, and Mystery  Whether you’re a Nine, love a Nine, or are curious about how music can serve as a mirror of the soul, this episode is a rich, inspiring exploration of how the Enneagram shows up beyond words. 🎶 Andrew’s music is available at: andrewjlynch.com [http://andrewjlynch.com]   “Pyramid” Album out 6/21/25: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/andrewjlynch/p-y-r-a-m-i-d [https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/andrewjlynch/p-y-r-a-m-i-d]  Follow Elliot Killian:All links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillianhttps://www.elliotkillian.org/https://www.instagram.com/elliotkillian/🎙 Podcast platforms: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkin-truth-e-killianTimestamps00:00:00 Coming Up00:00:58 Episode Introduction00:02:52 Drew's familiarity with the Enneagram00:03:53 Enneagram 9 and the Spirit of Mr. Rogers00:06:35 Music as an expression of Essence00:09:02 Good Timing, Flow, and Becoming One with the Song00:14:55 How Do Enneagram Types Listen to Music Differently?00:17:13 Does Type Influence Instrument Choice?00:22:19 Types You Wouldn’t Want in a Band?00:26:10 Perfectionism and Why It Can Ruin Music00:28:57 Do Some Types Keep Better Time?00:34:49 Imposter Syndrome and Avoiding Social Media00:40:58 Unifying musicians as a producer, Bob Ross "happy accidents"00:45:41 Behind the Songs: Stories and Creative Process00:54:50 How the 9 Essence shows up in Drew’s song themes and titles00:58:45 Drew’s Favorite Definition of Love01:01:07 Sacred Geometry, Triangles, Mystery01:03:01 How Fear Creates Separation01:06:30 Interconnectedness, Synchronicity, Life Purpose, Flow

Enneagram 2: Parenting, Relationships, Yoga ft. Nancy Markow | Ep7

Elliot Killian and Nancy Markow discuss parenting approaches, using the Enneagram in relationships (hint: it’s not about type-based compatibility), how Type 2s can grow by utilizing all of their lines of connection, synthesizing the Enneagram with yoga and eastern spirituality, and the hidden connection between point 2 and 5.  Nancy is passionate about the Enneagram, Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality, and Metaphysics, with nearly 30 years of study and practice. In 2006, she founded Connecting You with YourSelf (CYWY), a now free online community offering a place to learn, share, and participate. Learn more about CYWY, all that is available to you, and how you can be part of the community at www.connectingyouwithyourself.com [http://www.connectingyouwithyourself.com/] On 11/12/24, Elliot will be giving a talk on the CYWY platform titled “I-Fear/Desire: Connecting the Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions of the Enneagram.” The talk will draw upon a well-developed Indian philosophy on the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality, with the aim of creating a cohesive philosophical framework to maximize the transformative potential of the Enneagram. Video podcast available on YouTube (@talkintruthelliotkillian) and Spotify  Show notes and Timestamps: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep7-enneagram-2-nancy-markow/ All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

Enneagram 1w2 or 2w1? "Maybe Type 1 is not so bad..."

One of the core struggles for an Enneagram 1 is acceptance. As a type propelled by values and morals, driven to better conditions or promote justice and fairness; accepting situations, others, or themselves can pose a challenge. Interestingly, this overarching life struggle with acceptance often manifests in the initial stages of Enneagram typing as well—in my experience, Enneagram Ones are the type most prone to identify with another type and resist their typing. In this episode of Talkin’ Truth, I interview a friend, bandmate, and behavioral health therapist Holly, aiming to resolve a long-standing, playful disagreement we've had over whether she is a 2w1 or a 1w2. While recounting humorous stories, this podcast goes over some of the similarities and defining differences between 1s and 2s and covers: - The shared connection that types 1 and 2 have to point 4, but how they use and experience 4 in different ways - Sensitivity to criticism and feedback - Childhood messages and pivotal shaping experiences - How their core values manifest differently in social dynamics and relationships - The importance of comparing levels of health when typing A conversation about addiction, therapy, restrictive eating, and pleasure highlights some of the thematic tensions between points 1 and 7, and shows how 4,  commonly thought of as 1’s disintegration point, can help resolve that. If you’re familiar with the Enneagram, share your opinions about some of the typing discussions that we present during the podcast and help us settle the debate about Holly’s Enneagram type and what aspects of our conversation led you to that conclusion. Video podcast available on YouTube (@elliotkillian) and Spotify  Subscribe on YouTube for clips and analysis of podcast content.  Show notes and timestamps: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep6-enneagram-1w2-or-2w1/ All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

Are Enneagram Tests Valid?

Are Enneagram tests valid and should you bother taking them?  Enneagram tests remain popular, yet many Enneagram teachers and coaches don’t recommend them. Many tests that were once free, now charge a fee for results, so it’s time to more critically assess what, if any, role they can play in the Enneagram journey.  In this episode Brett and I go through one of the most popular Enneagram tests, scrutinizing each question to assess the reliability and validity of the test.  This episode also provides insights in common Enneagram mistypings as each question we disagree on sparks a dialogue about the similarities and crucial differences amongst Enneagram types that are frequently misidentified with one another.  Regardless of a test's validity, we conclude by discussing why you shouldn’t rely on tests (or perhaps even take them at all), and outline a better approach to figuring out your type and transforming through the Enneagram. Video podcast available on YouTube (@elliotkillian) and Spotify  Subscribe on YouTube for clips and analysis of podcast content.  Show notes and chapters: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep5-enneagram-test-validity/ All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian

Talkin’ Truth w/ an Enneagram 8: Leadership, Balancing Ambition and Empathy

Eights can have a reputation for being assholes, but they can also be caring, thoughtful leaders who make things happen and bring out the best in everyone around them. Today we discuss leadership, learning, and music with a good Enneagram 8 friend and former bandmate, exploring how to find balance between ambition, drive, fun, and empathy. Topics covered: • Are Enneagram 8s really one of the rarest types? • When pranks go too far: Testing, provoking, and challenging others. • Enneagram 8, 6, and 5 work dynamics: What each type can learn from the others. • Acceptance: What things do you want to control, and what don't you want to control? • An 8 motto to live by: What it means to be "self-made” Video podcast available on YouTube and Spotify. Show notes and chapters: https://www.elliotkillian.org/ep4-enneagram-8-allen/ All Elliot Killian links: https://sleek.bio/elliotkillian