The Real Enneagram, a Podcast by the Institute for Conscious Being

Dr. Joseph Howell
  • 4.5 (65)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Real Enneagram is not just about personality- it's a spiritual quest.A podcast delving into the spirituality of the Enneagram and its applications for growing in consciousness.  Produced by the Institute for Conscious Being.Hosted by Nanette Mudiam, ICB faculty member, Scott Smith, and Dr. Joe Howell, ICB founder and author of Becoming Conscious: The Enneagram's Forgotten Passageway, and Know Your Soul: Journeying With The Enneagram.Music provided by Drexel Rayford, ICB faculty member.Learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, and the spirituality of the Enneagram:  theicb.infoDiscover more of Drexel's music at:  vagrantschapel.com

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 207 The Head Center and the Return to Soul

    Send a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, I, we explore the fascinating topic of the head center of intelligence and look into how our thoughts shape our identity and experience. We discuss the profound question of who we are beyond our thoughts, emphasizing that our true essence lies in our soul, which transcends the ego-driven narratives we often find ourselves caught in. Dr. Joe shares insights from his paper on the head center, explaining that many people mistakenly identify with their thoughts, while in reality, we are much more than that. He introduces the concept of "soul language," which communicates through impressions rather than words, allowing for a deeper knowing that guides our actions. Scott adds to the conversation by highlighting how our culture often prioritizes doing over being, leading us to become overly attached to our thoughts. We reflect on the importance of reconnecting with our soul child—the innocent part of ourselves that remains connected to the divine—and how this connection can help us navigate life with more grace and presence. Throughout the episode, we share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for tapping into our soul child, such as dedicating time for reflection and using tangible reminders from our past. We also address the challenges faced by those with difficult childhoods, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help for trauma before embarking on the journey of self-discovery. As we conclude, we invite our listeners to engage in a reflective inquiry about where they rely on thought for safety and meaning, and what might be possible if they allowed a deeper intelligence to emerge. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you find inspiration in this exploration of the head center of intelligence. To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    32 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Episode 206 Ego Love, Soul Love, and the Journey Home

    Send a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the heart center of intelligence within the Enneagram framework. We explore the significance of emotional intelligence, particularly how it relates to our experiences and interactions in the world. Scott, a type five, shares his journey of reconnecting with his emotions, emphasizing the importance of feeling and accepting our feelings rather than analyzing them solely from the head. He discusses how this process began with grounding himself in his body and learning to embrace his heart's intelligence. We also touch on the societal conditioning that often discourages us from expressing, or even feeling, our emotions, leading to a disconnect from our true feelings. Joe adds depth to our conversation by distinguishing between egoic emotional intelligence and the deeper, soul-level emotional intelligence that fosters genuine healing and connection. As we reflect on the nature of relationships, we highlight the difference between seeking someone to complete us versus finding a partner who complements our wholeness. We emphasize the importance of nurturing love at a soul level, which allows for vulnerability and support in our relationships. In closing, I offer a prayer for our listeners, encouraging them to remember their holy origin and to let go of the need to earn love through ego-driven strategies. We invite you to engage in self-inquiry, pondering where in your life you may still be seeking validation and what it would look like to embrace love simply as you are. Thank you for joining us today! To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    28 min

  3. JAN 18

    Episode 205 The Spiritual Practice of Telling the Truth

    Send us a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we kick off the new year by discussing aims, how telling the truth can be an essential spiritual practice, and the importance of honoring the humanity of others even when we disagree with them.  We hope you find some useful insights in today's episode, and Happy New Year! To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    31 min

  4. 11/27/2025

    Episode 204 Healing the Heart

    Send us a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our heart series, diving deeper into the theme of healing the heart. We explore the complexities of the heart's emotional landscape, including its capacity for both tenderness and turmoil. We also discuss the concept of emotional self-regulation and how the heart can be affected by negative passions such as envy, pride, and shame, particularly in the context of Enneagram types two, three, and four. Joe shares insights on the Enneagram's understanding of passions, which correlate with the seven deadly sins, and how these passions can dominate our emotional experiences. We emphasize the importance of recognizing these patterns as the first step toward healing. Scott reflects on his personal journey of navigating anxiety and the walls he built around his heart for self-protection, highlighting the necessity of extending grace and love to ourselves and others. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the significance of equanimity and groundedness in achieving emotional balance. We encourage our listeners to consider how they can let the divine regulate their emotions and restore balance within, especially during challenging times. As we wrap up this episode, we remind our audience that healing the heart is a divine work that requires community support and self-compassion. As we take a break for the holiday season, we express our gratitude for our listeners and invite them to stay connected through our website and social media. We look forward to returning in the new year with more enriching discussions. Thank you for joining us! To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    27 min

  5. 11/08/2025

    Episode 203 The Pull of the Heart Strings

    Send us a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the profound topic of the heart's intelligence and its role in awakening compassion within us. We explore how our heartstrings serve as a moral compass, guiding us toward empathy and understanding, especially in today's challenging world. Joe shares a poignant personal story from his childhood that illustrates the moment he first became aware of his heart's guidance, emphasizing the importance of listening to our hearts. We discuss the historical origins of the term "heartstrings" and how it has evolved to represent the emotional connections we feel. Scott reflects on his journey of reconnecting with his heart after struggling with anxiety and depression, highlighting how an open heart can serve as a portal to sensitivity and connection with others. We emphasize the significance of being present and vulnerable in our relationships, as true connection requires mutual respect and empathy. Throughout our conversation, we touch on the importance of seeing and acknowledging the humanity in others, especially in a world where many feel unseen. We conclude with an inquiry for our listeners to reflect on: "When your heartstrings are pulled, what truth about love or justice is your heart trying to reveal to you?" Join us as we explore the depths of the heart's wisdom and the transformative power of compassion in our lives. Thank you for listening! To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    30 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    Episode 202 Obstacles of Ego, Law, and Relationships

    Send a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our two-part series on overcoming obstacles and challenges in life, focusing specifically on the obstacles posed by our own ego.  We delve into the teachings of George Gurdjieff and the concept of the "fourth way," which emphasizes the importance of the soul in navigating our three centers of intelligence: the head, heart, and body. We discuss how the ego seeks control, validation, and security through these centers, but ultimately, these pursuits are fleeting and illusory. Instead, we explore how love—the universal law—infuses our experiences and helps us transcend the limitations of the ego. We reflect on the idea that true security and validation come from a connection to the divine, rather than external circumstances. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and the need to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. We also touch on the role of mindfulness and spiritual practices in helping us recognize our triggers and reconnect with the divine love that sustains us. As we wrap up, we invite our listeners to reflect on the obstacles in their own lives and consider what truths they may reveal about their hearts. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you find inspiration in this exploration of love, ego, and personal growth. To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    24 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Episode 201 Obstacles of Faith, Self, and the Inner Critic

    Send us a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the theme of obstacles and how they can serve as profound teachers for our souls. We explore the idea that obstacles, while challenging, can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding. Dr. Joe shares a personal story from his journey through a PhD program in clinical psychology, highlighting a particularly daunting course in multivariate statistical analysis. He reflects on how he initially felt overwhelmed but ultimately found solace in the belief that if it was meant for him, the divine would help him overcome this obstacle. This led to a surprising outcome on his final exam, which he describes as a spiritual event that reinforced his calling to serve others. We discuss how obstacles can help us clarify our true desires and aspirations, emphasizing that they often prompt us to ask what we genuinely want in life. The conversation also touches on the collective obstacles faced by society, suggesting that these challenges can lead to greater truths and understanding. Additionally, we introduce the concept of the "trickster," an archetype that can lead us to confront our own truths, often through moments of humiliation or unexpected realizations. We also address the inner critic, a common obstacle that many face, and emphasize the importance of seeking support to overcome its harsh judgments. As we wrap up, we invite our listeners to reflect on a thought-provoking question: "When you face an obstacle, how does your heart receive love instead of shame?" We hope this episode inspires you to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and deeper connection with your true self. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to continuing this conversation in our next episode! To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    32 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Episode 200 Love at the Core of our Being: Rediscovering Our Soul's Essence

    Send us a text In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the profound topic of peace, its connection to our soul child and how our early experiences shape our understanding of peace and how our ego can often lead us away from it. Joe shares insights from his daily reflections, emphasizing that while life can be fraught with anxiety and conflict, our essence is inherently tied to peace, which is a quality of the soul. We discuss how each Enneagram type has its unique fixation that can obscure the peace that is already within us. Scott reflects on his personal journey, highlighting the importance of self-love and acceptance in overcoming self-criticism, which can block our access to peace. We also touch on the significance of spiritual practices in reconnecting with our divine origin and embodying true peace rather than merely conceptualizing it. To conclude, we invite our listeners to engage in a reflective inquiry: "What is it about love that makes you feel most alive? And how might embodying that love bring greater peace into your life and your relationships?" We hope this episode inspires you to reconnect with your inner peace and the love that flows through you. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to our next conversation! To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

    29 min
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4.5
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65 Ratings

About

The Real Enneagram is not just about personality- it's a spiritual quest.A podcast delving into the spirituality of the Enneagram and its applications for growing in consciousness.  Produced by the Institute for Conscious Being.Hosted by Nanette Mudiam, ICB faculty member, Scott Smith, and Dr. Joe Howell, ICB founder and author of Becoming Conscious: The Enneagram's Forgotten Passageway, and Know Your Soul: Journeying With The Enneagram.Music provided by Drexel Rayford, ICB faculty member.Learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, and the spirituality of the Enneagram:  theicb.infoDiscover more of Drexel's music at:  vagrantschapel.com

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