Uncover Your Hidden Genius: Exploring the Intersection of Aptitudes and the Enneagram with Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison
Release Date: 02/20/2025
The Art of Listening: An Eight Step Approach to Connection with Emily Kasriel
Typology
This week, we explore the art of listening and the complexities of human personality through the lens of the Enneagram with Emily Kasriel, an award-winning journalist, executive coach, and author of the new book, Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends, and Foes. Emily shares her journey of self-awareness and the importance of deep listening in our everyday interactions. She discusses her experiences at the BBC, the challenges of listening in high-stakes situations, and the powerful eight-step approach to deep listening outlined in her book. Discover how to...
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How to Lead with Courage and Vulnerability, feat. Dr. Terence Lester (Enneagram 8)
Typology
In this week’s episode of Typology, I sit down with Dr. Terence Lester—an Enneagram Eight, author of From Dropout to Doctorate, and the visionary founder of Love Beyond Walls. Terence’s story is as powerful as it is inspiring. From his early years in Atlanta to leading a movement that uplifts those experiencing poverty and homelessness, his journey embodies both courage and compassion. Together, we explore what it means to be an Enneagram Eight in the trenches of community work—wrestling with control, burnout, and the temptation to over-function. Terence opens up about a devastating...
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1,000 Hours Outside: Rediscovering the Freedom of Play with Ginny Yurich
Typology
This week on Typology, I sit down with Ginny Yurich—author of Until the Streetlights Come On and Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It. Together, we revisit the freedom of childhood play, explore how modern parenting has shifted, and talk about why kids today desperately need more time outdoors. Ginny, an Enneagram Two, shares candidly about her own parenting journey—what she’s learned about boundaries, mutuality, and the deep desire to feel appreciated. She also introduces her initiative, 1,000 Hours Outside, which is inspiring families around the world to reclaim the...
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The ADD Method for Emotional Freedom with Enneagram One, Alicia Michelle
Typology
In this episode of Typology, I sit down with Alicia Michelle—an Enneagram One and host of The Christian Mindset Coach podcast—for a meaningful conversation about emotions, perfectionism, and the journey toward self-compassion. Alicia shares her story of discovering her true type, the freedom that comes from quieting the inner critic, and her practical ADD method (Acknowledge, Discern, Decide) for processing emotions. Together, we explore the importance of emotional literacy, how different types experience emotions, and why learning to govern our inner world is key to growth. Whether...
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Building an Emotionally Healthy Family in a Culture That Won’t Stop Shouting, with Sarah Boyd, M.Ed. in Psych
Typology
Ever feel like the world’s volume knob is stuck on “too loud”? In this week’s episode of Typology, I’m joined by my friend Sarah Boyd—an insightful Enneagram Four and author of the brand-new book, . Sarah has walked through seasons of deep beauty and deep challenge—including her own cancer journey—and she’s here to share how those experiences have shaped her understanding of creativity, meaning, and the role our emotions play in living a full, authentic life. We talk about how overstimulation impacts both adults and kids, why recognizing our limitations matters, and how...
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From VeggieTales to the Enneagram: Mike Nawrocki on Peace, Presence, and Purpose
Typology
What happens when a peace-seeking Enneagram Nine becomes the voice of one of the most beloved animated characters in children’s television? Find out as we dive into the world of the Enneagram with special guest Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and the voice of Larry the Cucumber. In this engaging conversation, we explore the unique traits of Enneagram Nines, known as the Peacemakers. Mike shares insights from his journey in creating beloved children's content, including his latest project, The Dead Sea Squirrels, which is now a growing book series and animated show. We discuss the...
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Understanding Enneagram Twos: Desire, Boundaries, and Connection with Emily Zeller, LMFT
Typology
What happens when your deep longing to love and be loved gets tangled up with your need to be needed? In this week’s episode of Typology, Anthony and I sit down with the wonderful Emily Zeller—a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified Enneagram practitioner, and a one-to-one Enneagram Two. Emily brings such honesty and heart as we talk about desire, boundaries, and the tender places in all of us that crave connection. As we explore the unique energy of the Enneagram Two and unpack the three subtypes—self-preservation, social, and one-to-one—we ask questions we can all sit...
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A Change of Habit: Sister Monica Clare's Journey from Advertising to Nunhood
Typology
Welcome to this enlightening episode of Typology! Join us as we explore the life and journey of Sister Monica Clare, an Enneagram 6 and author of the memoir A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun. In this episode, we explore: Sister Monica's experiences growing up in a chaotic environment and how it shaped her Enneagram type. The unique challenges and joys of being an Enneagram 6 in a religious community. The intersection of spirituality and personality, and how the Enneagram informs her spiritual practices. Insights from her...
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Desire, Longing and the Enneagram, feat. Tracey Gee
Typology
In this episode of Typology, we welcome Tracey Gee, an Enneagram 3w2 and author of the new book, The Magic of Knowing What You Want: A Practical Guide to Unearthing the Wisdom of Your Desires. Tracey shares her journey of discovering the Enneagram in her late 20s while navigating the challenges of vocational ministry and familial expectations. She reflects on how understanding her Enneagram type has transformed her approach to life, particularly in recognizing the difference between societal scripts and her authentic desires. We dive into the nuances of desire, want, and longing,...
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Taming Your Money Monster: Understanding Finances Through the Lens of the Enneagram, feat. Doug Lynam
Typology
In this episode of Typology, we welcome Doug Lynam, an Enneagram 3w4 and author of the new book "Taming Your Money Monster: Nine Paths to Money Mastery with the Enneagram." Doug shares his fascinating journey from Marine Corps officer to Benedictine monk and now money manager, exploring how the Enneagram can provide insights into our relationship with money. Join us as we dive into the unique "money monsters" associated with each Enneagram type, discussing how childhood narratives shape our financial behaviors and the importance of authenticity in achieving a healthier relationship with...
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How do your aptitudes intersect with your Enneagram type? Aptitudes are about your innate abilities. Understanding your personal aptitudes can enhance your personal and professional relationships as it allows you to "pinpoint really specific things you can celebrate, lean into, and have confidence about," explains Betsy Wills.
Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison, co-authors of the insightful new book, Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents, join me to share their unique experiences with the Enneagram, their journey in writing their new book, and how they've made a once-expensive aptitude assessment accessible to everyone.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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The strengths and challenges of a One-Three working relationship
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How aptitudes and personality types intersect
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Practical advice for career wellness and personal fulfillment
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The significance of uncovering your innate talents
Don't miss out on this engaging conversation! Tune in now and take the first step towards uncovering your hidden genius.
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ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Alex Ellison is the founder of Throughline Guidance, a college and career counseling practice. Her work as a consultant has allowed her to work with individuals and organizations around the world. She writes and lectures extensively on the subject of careers and college readiness and has been a featured speaker at SXSWedu, NYU’s Stern School of Business, Northwestern University’s Alumni Association, the Kuala Lumpur International Youth Discourse, and TedX. Alex holds a degree in German and business from Northwestern University and a master’s in public policy from the University of Nevada. She lives in Santa Cruz, California.
LinkedIn and Substack | www.yourhiddengenius.com
Betsy Wills is the co-founder of YouScience, a national online psychometric-assessment service. She is a regular guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University and at New York University Stern School of Business and has been a featured speaker for TedX Women. She is also the Director of Marketing and Branding at Diversified Trust, a wealth management firm. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice and the Music City Center Authority in Nashville. Betsy is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a Master’s of Education in Human Resource Development from Peabody College. She lives in Nashville.
LinkedIn and Instagram | www.yourhiddengenius.com
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