Beyond the Type: An Enneagram-Inspired Podcast about Being Human.

Manifesting isn’t magic. It’s mental training. Your brain is already rehearsing the future. The question is:  Is it rehearsing the future you want ...? In this episode, we’re talking about manifesting, mindset, and vision boards, without the woo and without the magical thinking. We’re grounding this conversation in neuroscience, psychology, and real-world practice. Drawing on the work of neur...

Ever wonder why certain reactions feel automatic, even when you know better? In this episode, we explore the Enneagram passions:  Those emotional patterns beneath each type that quietly shape how we communicate, react, and relate. We'll get into where the passions came from and why they’re sometimes called the seven deadly sins plus two;  we'll also walk through each passion for eac...

Since the holidays are coming (and politics somehow always sneaks onto the table...I'm looking at you, Uncle Jim), now is the perfect moment to learn how to bring safety back when things get tense. In this episode, we dive into the thing that makes or breaks every conversation you care about:   safety . This is the foundation of healthy communication, conflict resolution, and staying gro...

How to use Nonviolent Communication for calmer, more confident holiday conversations. Tired of tiptoeing around family or coworkers during the holidays? This episode will get you ready for those holiday conversations that sometimes go sideways. I’m talking about the moments when you want to stay kind, but you also want to remain honest. We’ll dive into Nonviolent Communication, or NVC, and how it...

How stepping away from screens can open up meaning, creativity, and deeper connection.   We’ve trained ourselves to fill every quiet moment with screens, but research shows boredom isn’t the enemy - it’s a hidden superpower. In this episode, we talk about what happens in your brain when you stop scrolling, how screens fuel anxiety and distraction, and why boredom might be the secret to m...

This 20-minute guided yoga nidra meditation helps your nervous system regulate and relax, restoring a deep sense of safety and calm in your body. In this session, you’ll be guided through a short rotation of consciousness (body scan) and a series of vivid images designed to bring calm, curiosity, and balance to your whole being. You’ll explore both ease and discomfort, learning how to stay present...

Most people don’t struggle with communication because of the big moments—it’s the small, sneaky habits that trip us up. In this episode, you’ll uncover five common communication habits that quietly sabotage clarity and connection, and learn simple swaps to replace them. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations at work or at home, these tools will help you feel more confident, clear, and authe...

Because nobody likes reactive or awkward conversations. In this episode, Sandy is diving into the myths and pitfalls of communication and sharing the science and coaching tools that actually help us connect. You'll learn: Why clarity doesn’t equal agreement (and how this shows up in everyday life - including Sandy's life on LinkedIn - yikes!) The dangers of reacting vs. responding (and h...

Ever feel like you’ve got a tiny judge (or a giant gray monster) sitting on your shoulder with a megaphone? That’s your inner critic, and it has a different script for each Enneagram type. In this episode, we'll look at how the voice of judgment shows up for all 9 types, from the Type 1’s perfection police to the Type 9’s chill hippie dude. You’ll also learn 7 practical (and fun!) practices t...

Ready to dive deeper into the Enneagram? Today, we’ll explore the growth paths of all nine types using the lines and arrows of the Enneagram symbol. The arrows aren’t just cute little decorations - they point us toward both stress and transformation. Learning to go "against the current" is where real growth happens, and that's what I'll be talking about in this episode. You'll learn: What the Enne...

It’s the same scene every time with this poor kid in the "hallway incident", but when you put nine different Enneagram types in the role of the person stepping in to help, you get nine completely different reasons for doing so. In this episode, Sandy will walk you through a story that brings the Enneagram motivations to life. Because the Enneagram is all about motivation , not behavior . This...

Why You’re Still Stuck — and How to Finally Move Forward. Whether it’s work, relationships, life transitions, or decision overload, “stuckness” shows up in sneaky and stubborn ways. And most of the time, we try to solve it with more information . But what if that’s not the answer? In this episode, Sandy shares what she sees every day as a holistic communication and relationship coach: that getting...

The Deeper Layer Behind Why You React the Way You Do - Through the Lens of the Enneagram Ever wonder why you retreat when things get tough? Or why your friend always talks through everything out loud? Or why some people seem to barrel forward like a freight train? In this episode, we're diving into the three stances of the Enneagram—Withdrawing, Dependent (or Responsive), and Independent (or Asser...

Struggling to stick with your goals — or even know where to start? In this episode, certified coach Sandy Swanson shares a holistic, down-to-earth approach to goal-setting that actually works in real life . You’ll learn: The 8 most common goal-setting mistakes (and how to avoid them) How to create realistic, values-aligned goals that support your mind, body, and life How the Enneagram personality...

What’s your real superpower—your body, your heart, or your head? In this episode, we’re breaking down the Enneagram’s 3 Centers of Intelligence—and how each one shapes the way you move through the world. Certified holistic coach Sandy Swanson shares how these centers—Body, Heart, and Head—act like filters for how we take in information, respond to life, and connect with others. You’ll learn: What...

Want to feel happier but anxiety keeps crashing the party? Whether you’re dreaming of reading more books, hitting up cool events, or finally shaking those stubborn habits, anxiety can be a real buzzkill. In this episode, Sandy will share how creating a sense of emotional safety is the secret sauce to kicking anxiety to the curb and unlocking your creative, joyful self. Inspired by wisdom from Gret...

Do you ever feel like you're speaking a completely different language from the people closest to you? Understanding the 9 Enneagram personality types can change everything about how you communicate, connect, and show up in your relationships. In this episode, we're breaking down all 9 Enneagram energies — what makes each type tick, what they need to feel heard, and exactly how to meet them where t...

If you’ve ever looked at the Enneagram symbol and thought, “What is this spiky circle thing that looks like it belongs in a wizard's notebook?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, Sandy shares her take on the circle (spoiler: you already belong), the triangle (there’s always a third option!), and that funky zig-zag line (hello, personal growth spiral). Learn how it can help you stop competing,...

Can you create your own "aha" moments? In this episode, Sandy shares a simple but powerful 3-step self-coaching process inspired by psychologist Ken Sheldon’s insight that “we are self-programming organisms”—but most of us were never taught how to ask the right questions to guide our own growth. You'll learn how to shift from confusion to clarity by getting curious, tuning into your subconscious,...

Why do we keep getting stuck in the same patterns and keep making the same choices—even when we know better? In this kickoff episode of Beyond the Type, we’re diving into the Enneagram—what it really is (hint: not just another personality test), how it reveals your core motivations, and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and communication. You’ll also hear why Sandy thinks...