Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast

Leslie Flood Hershberger joins the Fathoms podcast to discuss the Enneagram and its profound implications on personal development, particularly in the context of navigating the second half of life. The conversation begins with Leslie reflecting on her own journey with the Enneagram, a tool she originally approached to better understand those around her—her family, students, and colleagues. As she delved deeper into the Enneagram, Leslie discovered that the true work lies not merely in categorizing personalities but in fostering a genuine presence and awareness of oneself. This shift from a superficial understanding of the Enneagram to a more intimate exploration of personal growth marks a significant evolution in her practice. Throughout the episode, Leslie emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexities of life transitions, particularly as one ages. She discusses how the second half of life often invites individuals to confront their shadows—the parts of themselves they have repressed or neglected. This process is not just about facing discomfort but also about embracing regrets and recognizing their role as teachers. Leslie draws on her extensive experience, highlighting that the journey is unique for everyone; some may begin their second half of life work in their 30s, while others may not engage with it until much later. The deep emotional and spiritual insights shared by Leslie provide listeners with a framework for understanding their own experiences of growth, loss, and transformation.The episode culminates in a rich discussion about the three centers of intelligence: the head, heart, and body. Leslie proposes a re-evaluation of how these centers are perceived in relation to the Enneagram, suggesting that the body center, often overlooked, is crucial for understanding our instinctual responses. She argues that true emotional connection can only occur when we ground ourselves in our physical sensations and feelings. This perspective not only deepens the understanding of the Enneagram but also serves as a call to action for listeners to integrate these centers into their personal development practices, highlighting the importance of somatic awareness as a gateway to authenticity and presence.Takeaways: Leslie Flood Hershberger emphasizes that the Enneagram serves as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth throughout various life stages. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating emotional awareness into the practice of the Enneagram, especially as one ages. Understanding the distinction between emotional experiences and somatic feelings can enhance personal transformation work. In the second half of life, individuals are often asked to let go of attachments that no longer serve them, leading to deeper self-awareness. Leslie shares insights on how grief and loss profoundly shape one's journey into the second half of life. The podcast underscores that shadow work can be a powerful portal for personal growth and healing, revealing hidden aspects of ourselves. Links referenced in this episode:lesliehershberger.comenneagramshop.comSupport our podcast: • fathomspodcast.com/supportFollow us on Instagram:@fathoms.enneagramFollow Abram: @integratedenneagramFollow Creek: @_creekmoreFollow Lindsey: @lindseyfaithdmThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, we talk to Sandra C. Smith, an Enneagram teacher, about her new book, The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type.[2:44] Getting to know Sandra through summer-themed questions[8:26] Sandra’s personal journey with the Enneagram[12:19] Sandra’s teachers, their influences on her and how they show up in her book[17:16] Defining type and why is understanding that you’re more than and not just your type is important for your growth[25:37] How Sandra’s strengths show up as she wrote her book[29:19] The dualities of the types[41:39] This yearning to open ourselves to more of what we are[47:21] Prompt for each type to help them reframe and move beyond their own limited perspective[52:24] Why we should buy Sandra’s book and where they can buy itFollow Sandra’s work: Alchemy Works // @sandrasmithalchemyworks // Heart of the Enneagram Podcast // “The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type”—Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast: “Serious Work for Unserious Humans.”—Co-hosts: Seth Abram, Seth Creekmore, Lindsey MarksProduction/Editing: Seth CreekmoreSupport our podcast: https://fathomspodcast.com/supportFollow us on Instagram: @fathoms.enneagramFollow Abram: @integratedenneagramFollow Creek: @_creekmoreFollow Lindsey: @lindseyfaithdmThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Here’s Part 2 of our Season Finale: Revisiting Ego & Essence. To end our season, we have a deep and meaningful conversation with enneagram legends Russ Hudson and Mario Sikora on these often used, often misunderstood concepts. Lee Fields joins the Fathoms crew for this conversation, which always makes us better. [2:00] How can we move forward with these terms despite the issues? [13:05] Ego & Essence as bypassing[19:05] It’s about the process, not a destination[24:00] Individuality, Mutuality, & Unity in relation to ego and essence[31:35] Russ’ and Mario’s closing remarks for people using the enneagram[35:40] The Fathoms Cohosts provide their initial reactions to the conversation[45:05] How we’ll use the terms “ego” & “essence” moving forward[60:00] Abram shares a story[1:01:00] Linz hands out podcast awards to the guys[1:05:30] Why we do this podcast—Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast: “Discovering our inner depths, one fathom at a time.”—Co-hosts: Seth Abram, Seth Creekmore, Lindsey Marks, Drew MoserProduction/Editing: Seth CreekmoreFollow us on Instagram: @fathoms.enneagramFollow Abram: @integratedenneagramFollow Creek: @_creekmoreFollow Drew: @typetrailenneagramFollow Lindsey: @lindseyfaithdmThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

It’s here! Part 1 of our season finale: Revisiting Ego & Essence. To end our season, we have a deep and meaningful conversation with enneagram legends Russ Hudson and Mario Sikora on these often used, often misunderstood concepts. Lee Fields joins the Fathoms crew for this conversation, which always makes us better. [1:00] A quick recap of this season[5:30] We talk about (and cringe a bit) our Season 1 episode on Ego & Essence[12:30] Lindsey’s thoughts about the first episode as a listener[14:15] Our thoughts behind ending the season with the topic of Ego & Essence[18:50] Some tips listening to this conversation with Russ & Mario[23:00] Our conversation with Russ & Mario begins[25:15] What’s the conversation we need to have today about ego & essence? [27:45] Having beginner’s mind with ego & essence?[28:50] Russ & Mario’s first meeting…and first impressions![30:45] Their common fascination with zombies[32:50] What Russ and Mario admire about each other’s enneagram work[35:45] Russ and Mario’s definition of “ego” and “essence”[45:00] Examples of how they’ve changed their minds on ego and essence[55:30] How Mario interprets Russ’ view of ego and essence[1:00:00] Russ on “essence”[1:08:00] Mario’s problems with the term “essence”[1:11:45] Why are still using these words in these ways?[1:18:45] Lindsey pushes back a bitStay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Russ & Mario next week! —Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast: “Discovering our inner depths, one fathom at a time.”—Co-hosts: Seth Abram, Seth Creekmore, Lindsey Marks, Drew MoserProduction/Editing: Seth CreekmoreFollow us on Instagram: @fathoms.enneagramFollow Abram: @integratedenneagramFollow Creek: @_creekmoreFollow Drew: @typetrailenneagramFollow Lindsey: @lindseyfaithdmThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy