The Nine Design

In this final episode of The Nine Design, hosts Seth and Sarina reflect on their journey through five seasons of exploring the Enneagram and its impact on personal growth, mental health, and spirituality. They discuss highlights from the season, insights gained from special guests, and practical tools for wholistic wellbeing. The conversation emphasises the importance of reflection, curiosity, and kindness in understanding oneself and others, while also looking back at the overarching themes of the podcast and the transformative power of the Enneagram as a tool for growth.

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Enneagram Coaching & Spiritual Direction:

In Part 2 of our conversation with Nate McCord, we go around the full Enneagram circle exploring how ADHD uniquely shows up in each type.

From perfectionism and procrastination to emotional flooding, rumination, hyperfocus and creativity, Nate unpacks how ADHD often amplifies what’s already happening in our personality - for better and for worse.

This episode is packed with practical insight, compassion, and hope for anyone navigating ADHD, supporting someone who is, or wanting deeper self-understanding through the Enneagram.

In this episode of The Nine Design, Sarina and Seth are joined by ADHD coach, Enneagram practitioner, and neurodiversity advocate Nate McCord for a rich and compassionate conversation about the ADHD brain.

Nate shares his own journey of late diagnosis, shame, and self-understanding, and helps us unpack the difference between neurodivergence and mental health. We explore executive function, dopamine regulation, emotional resilience, and how ADHD can show up differently across the Enneagram types—especially through the lens of the Head Centre.

This episode is especially meaningful for parents, caregivers, leaders, and anyone navigating ADHD, anxiety, or a highly self-critical inner world.

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Nate McCord

Sarina and Seth sit down with leadership coach and neuro-affirming practitioner Kathryn Martens, founder of Release Leadership. Kathryn shares her own recent ADHD diagnosis, her journey supporting neurodivergent leaders, and why traditional leadership models often fail those with “spicy brains.”

We talk about the rise in global neurodivergence awareness, the difference between neurodivergence and mental health, and why psychological safety is now legally mandated for Australian workplaces. Kathryn also explores how leaders can integrate head, heart and body intelligence, avoid burnout, and create healthier, more human work cultures.

If you're a leader, neurodivergent, parenting kids with unique wiring, or simply curious about how different brains experience the world, this conversation is full of clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom.

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Kathryn Martens

In this rich and thoughtful conversation, Sarina sits down with philosopher, author, and co-host of the Around the Circle podcast, Jeff Cook, to explore one of the most overlooked layers of the Enneagram: time orientation.

Jeff unpacks how each type takes in the world and responds to it through the past, present, or future - shaping everything from our anxieties to our relational patterns. We talk about the Head Centre, mental health, meaning-making, parenting through the lens of type, and what happens when philosophy, faith, and the Enneagram collide.

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Jeff Cook

What happens when life is “betwixt and in-between”? In this episode, Seth and Sarina talk with  freelance wisdom educator, pastoral supervisor, spiritual director, and Enneagram Type Five Dr Bruce Hulme about liminal spaces, reflective practice, and the Head Centre.

Bruce shares his journey through redundancy, anxiety, and deep transition, and how images like the labyrinth and chrysalis helped him discover contemplative friendship with God.

They unpack:

• Why “talking the walk” (reflective practice) matters
• How Head Centre types move from calculation to curiosity
• Gentle invitations for each Enneagram type in liminal seasons

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Bruce Hulme's Socials

What does true self-care look like beneath the surface?

In this conversation with Professor, Author, Therapist, and Spiritual Director Chuck DeGroat, we explore what lies beyond the quick fixes and polished versions of self-care. Chuck invites us into a deeper understanding of healing - one that begins with honesty, self-compassion, and the courage to face what’s within.

Together, we talk about the journey of coming home to God, integrating faith and psychology, and why spiritual formation is as much about unlearning old patterns as it is about growth.

If you’re in a hard season, hitting a wall, or walking through a dark night of the soul, Chuck offers a gentle invitation - to move from curiosity to connection, and to discover God’s kindness in the midst of it all.

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Ever wonder what’s really going on in your head? In this Season 5 premier episode, hosts Seth and Sarina dive into the Enneagram’s Head Centre - home to Types 5, 6, and 7. They reflect on their journey through five seasons of the podcast and explore how the thinking centre shapes our anticipation, planning, and search for security. From underlying fears to personal growth, they discuss how head types navigate life, relationships, and mental health. Tune in for insights on the balance, self-awareness, and wisdom that emerge when we embrace the gifts of the Head Centre.

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Enneagram Coaching & Spiritual Direction:

Have you have ever wondered what Enneagram coaching is like? Sarina gives us a special window into her enneagram coaching practice as she guides Seth through exploring Type 3's pathway to personal growth. You won't want to miss this real and revealing episode. ⁠

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Sarina and Seth catch up with Spiritual Director, Lecturer, Community Organiser, Spiritual Formation Educator Dr Tim McCowan. Tim shares his personal Enneagram journey, learning from Fr. Richard Rohr and embracing being a Type 2. He candidly discusses how the enneagram played a pivotal role in developing a deeper spiritual journey. You won't want to miss this uniquely insightful episode. ⁠

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Join us in exploring the Enneagram's Heart Centre - Types 2, 3, and 4. Delve into themes of shame, approval, and acceptance to understand these dynamics for a more integrated self.⁠

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Nine Design. Please subscribe, share, and write a review.

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Welcome to Season 4 of The Nine Design podcast!

Join us as we invite Brian Holden back to The Nine Design to help us respond to your questions about the Body Centre! Such a helpful episode we know you'll be sharing with your friends.⁠ 

Get in contact with Brian at:

Join us as we bring back our Body Centre Panelists to share helpful tips for others in relationship with them, what qualities they are drawn to in others as well as insights into the value they bring and receive when in a relationship.

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Seth and Sarina talk to a panel of Type ONES about what it's like to be them. You'll hear them open up about how they overcome some of their default behaviours like turning down the volume on their inner critic in order to show up and give the gift of their true self. You'll also hear how they experience life and relationships as Type Ones as well as some funny life stories along the way.

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Seth and Sarina talk to a panel of Type NINES about what it's like to be them. You'll hear them open up about how they overcome some of their default behaviours like falling asleep to their own preferences in order to show up and give the gift of their true self. You'll also hear how they experience life and relationships as Type Nines as well as some funny life stories along the way.

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Seth and Sarina talk to a panel of type Eights about what it's like to be them. You'll hear them open up about how they overcome some of their default behaviours like exerting power and challenging others in order to practice vulnerability and show their true self. You'll also hear how they experience life and relationships as Type Eights as well as some funny life stories along the way.

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Sarina and Seth interview leadership and Enneagram coach Brian Holden, who also happens to be an Enneagram type 8! Join us as we hear a little of his story, how he discovered the Enneagram, his experience as a leadership coach, pastor and church planter and his passion to help others grow with an emphasis on spiritual formation, discipleship and leadership development. We hope you enjoy this special episode.

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In this Season 3 premier episode, hosts Seth and Sarina chat all things Enneagram Body Centre of intelligence. This is the centre that Types 8, 9 and 1 are located in and find the most connection with. It's also known as the "gut" or "instinctual" centre as it drives our action oriented responses from an intuitive or 'gut-feeling' place. Every personality accesses this centre, but types 8, 9 and 1 function from it most predominantly. This episode highlights the function this centre plays in how we process the world. 

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In this special bonus episode, Sarina and Seth have a conversation with AJ Sherrill and chat about his recent book The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation and all things enneagram, spiritual practices, discipleship and current culture as well as share a few funny stories along the way. It was a pleasure to have a conversation with this incredibly intelligent, warm and thoughtful Jesus loving guy. 

AJ is an author of several books on the Enneagram and discipleship. He’s a speaker, pastor & professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and regularly teaches Enneagram workshops across the United States. ⁠

⁠We hope you enjoy this episode of The Nine Design podcast. If you love it, please write us a review on apple podcasts, we read each and every review and can pass along any encouragements to AJ.

To find out more about AJ Sherrill, follow him on: 

• Instagram @aj_sherrill 
• Facebook @ajsherrill
• Twitter ajsherrill

In this episode, Seth, Sarina & Ryan respond to questions our listeners have sent in.  Topics covered include, 

• Silence, Fasting & Stillness
• What do I do now I know my Enneagram type?
• Trauma & the Enneagram
• Enneagram origins, should Christians use it?
• Helpful Enneagram resources

Enneagram Resources mentioned in this episode:
Books

In this episode, Seth & Sarina sit down with Jim Zartman from the Art of Growth to discuss Spiritual Practices and the Enneagram, why he created a podcast specifically with panels and how coaching  greatly increases your chances for personal growth and transformation. It's truly a pleasure to welcome Jim to The Nine Design as our Season 2 special guest.
Jim is a certified enneagram coach and the co-founder of Art of Growth - a team of coaches and consultants who work with individuals and organisations to help them achieve the transformation in themselves, in work and in relationships. Jim also co-hosts The Art of Growth podcast along with Joel Hubbard.

In this episode Seth & Sarina chat with Vanessa (enneagram type 6) and Kez (enneagram type 2) about their experiences of practising Hospitality. They share what's been helpful and what's been hard, plus give practical tips on how to get started on implementing Hospitality in your own life. They also share some funny stories of how their personalities are expressed in Aussie culture.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina explore why it's important for all personality types to practice Hospitality and offer some practical tips on how to get started. Ryan Clift shares how he intentionally makes space for the other in his own life.

Books mentioned in this episode:

In this episode Seth & Sarina chat with Cathie (enneagram type 7) and Tim (enneagram type 5) about their experiences of practising Prayer & Meditation. They share what's been helpful and what's been hard, plus give practical tips on how to get started on implementing Prayer & Meditation in your own life. They also share some funny stories of how their personalities are expressed in Aussie culture.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina chat with Akhil (enneagram type 8) and Jason (enneagram type 1) about their experiences of practising Stillness. They share what's been helpful and what's been hard, plus give practical tips on how to get started on implementing Stillness in your own life. They also share some funny stories of how their personalities are expressed in Aussie culture.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina explore the practice behind the beloved Bible verse 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10). They discuss why Enneagram types in the body/gut triad find Stillness more of an upstream practice for their personality, and Ryan Clift shares some tips on how to get started practicing Stillness.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina explore Jesus' example of practicing Simplicity & Fasting, why it's important, how it helps us and offer some practical tips on how to get started. They also discuss the importance for all enneagram types to be practicing Simplicity & Fasting. Ryan Clift joins the conversation & shares some things he's learned from living out these practices.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina explore Jesus' example of practicing Silence & Solitude, why it's important, how it helps us and offer some practical tips on how to get started. They also discuss how Enneagram types in the head triad can find Silence more of an upstream practice and heart types can find Solitude more upstream for their personality type.
Ryan Clift shares some insights from his experience of practising Silence & Solitude.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina chat with Casey (enneagram type 9) and Ryan (enneagram type 7) about their experiences of practising Sabbath. They share what's been helpful and what's been hard, plus give practical tips on how to get started on implementing Sabbath practices in your own life. They also share some funny stories of how their personalities are expressed in Aussie culture.
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In this episode Seth & Sarina explore why it's important for all personality types to practice Sabbath and offer some practical tips on how to get started. Ryan Clift shares some of the things he’s learnt from practising Sabbath. ⁠
Books mentioned in this episode:

In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this special mini-series, Seth and Sarina discuss how each of the nine Enneagram types behave in times of crisis, digging deeper into the role the stress and growth Arrows play in affecting our behaviour for better or worse. They also share some Spiritual Practices each type can immediately put into practice to help them grow through times of stress and crisis.
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In this episode, Sarina sits down with Sue Whiteley to discuss how the Enneagram impacts our spirituality, informs our self-awareness and shows us the face of God we get to shine to the world. It's truly a joy and delight to welcome Sue to The Nine Design as our Season 1 special guest.
Sue is a Spiritual Director, Mentor and Pastoral Supervisor and former Associate Dean of Formation at Australian College of Ministries (ACOM). Sue has a rich history in cultivating Spiritual Disciplines and helping others do the same as part of the Spiritual Mentoring course run by Fresh Hope Churches of Christ NSW. 

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