One More Thing Before I Go

This week we tackle the hard problem of wanting to figure out our types but not having the time or capacity for reading giant textbook-sized journals about all 9 types. You know I don't like Enneagram Tests, but in this episode, we talk through not one set of Triads, but four of them. You've already been introduced to the Core Intelligences (Gut, Heart, Head), but tune in to hear about Stances, Harmonic Types, and something called Object Relations. Each of these three new triads have only one number in the Core, meaning that if you're paying close attention and are honest about yourself (and with yourself), you should find just enough overlap to narrow down your search immensely.

This week's Enneagram Episode tackles the idea of whether a model has to be perfectly accurate in order to be helpful. We also try to address why there are specifically 9 types and whether this is just a way of putting ourselves into yet another stereotypical box. An especially useful episode if you have reservations about the veracity of the information obtained from this tool. Keep your questions coming!

Today we begin our Q&A series on the Enneagram! For those who don't know, the Enneagram is a tool used to help people identify with particular personality traits based on motivations. It's a good introduction for those who haven't heard of it before, and probably approaches things from a slightly different perspective even if you have. We spend some time talking about the three Triads or Centers- the Body, the Heart, and the Mind. We introduce our struggles with Anger, Shame, and Fear. Then we briefly unpack the processes that lead each of the 9 types toward their deadly sins. There's so much more to come in the series and I can't wait to hear from you all in the comments and on social media with your questions.

This week you get to hear a short conversation with... well, myself. I didn't want to get too far into the life of this podcast without giving you all my One More Thing. It's really the driving force behind why I started the podcast in the first place and though I'm a little wary of this getting out there, I think it's time.

The exciting second part to Michelle's story has arrived! Listen as we talk through what it means to find family, find hope, and find a purpose in life. Even if none of those things are what we expected them to be. We hear about the interesting pronouncement over her life, the birth of her other children, the wonderful relationship with her husband, and the amazing direction their lives are headed together now. We also get to meet a surprise guest!

A quick breakdown of one of the tastiest, greasiest foods you can imagine- and why the flavor profiles (at least for me!) work so incredibly well together. It takes the best of two different foods and blends them together. I cobbled together my version of this particular burger from a hole in the wall joint called The Texas Inn, in Lynchburg, VA. Locals call it "The T Room". It's claim, since the depression, is that they serve "1500 people, 15 at a time". And every time I went, the place was packed.

I've been looking forward to this interview since I first got the idea for the podcast. Michelle is adopted family to me and I've been privileged to be able to walk with her through many of the ups and downs she's experienced in life. She is truly an inspiration to me and my family and I'm eager for you all to hear her story. 

No special guest this week. Just me on my own with my thoughts. Many of you know that I really enjoy various personality typing systems. This episode is my attempt to give you a rough outline on four of the many options out there. The Four Temperaments (Four Humors), StrengthsFinder (CliftonStrengths), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and the Enneagram.

If you're new to any of these, or perhaps new to the idea of personality tests and assessments, this episode is a great place to start! If you're more familiar with various tools out there, this may help you understand some of the more important nuances to each, including why I favor the ones that I do.

Take a listen and then leave me a message if you want to hear episodes on personality types! If you like the show, share it with a friend! It's the best way to guarantee we continue to make great content like this. Also, rate and leave a review. We want to know how we're doing!

Tom Vogt leverages the free time he has away from his cybersecurity jobs to combine his knowledge of coding with his love of developing new worlds and game systems. I've been privileged to have participated in a few and I'm excited to have had this extended conversation with him. (Note: This was our first attempt at recording digitally across the interwebs, as Tom lives in Europe! We're still working out a few audio bugs for future recordings.) 

Some of Tom's past and current projects that we discuss in this podcast include: 

I don't really like the holidays. Any of them. But I took some time a few years ago to really investigate what this Advent thing was all about. Listen in to hear the first chapter of my journey. 

Ross and I have a chat about the state of the music industry and just what to do when inspiration strikes. Find his music here: https://www.instagram.com/bigfish_music/

Ross and I spend some time talking about the long, hard road to surrender and what a freeing experience that actually is.

Joe and I discuss the subject of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs), the idea of two Game Masters (GMs), and how little moments of playing pretend contribute to our ability to empathize with others.

Here's a quick tip on how to make your chicken sandwiches pop like everyone's favorite place with the cows!

This week I sat down with Joe Kann and talked about his understanding of what it means to accept ourselves and others.