In this episode of Inside Story, Kristen sits down with Joe, a Type Nine whose journey through recovery, Enneagram work, marriage, parenting, and leadership offers a thoughtful look at what growth can look like for Nines.

Together they explore the relationship between the Enneagram and 12-step recovery, the challenge of recognizing and expressing anger, passive-aggression, conflict, self-forgetting, and the fear of disrupting peace. Joe reflects on how routines, courage, accountability, and trusted communities have helped him find his voice and take meaningful action.

The conversation also touches on humility, expertise, relationships, spirituality, and why growth often requires doing the thing we least want to do. For Nines—and anyone who struggles to trust themselves, speak up, or act before they feel ready—this is a rich conversation about what it means to remember that you matter.

As we close out Season One of Inside Story, Kristin Messegee and Jeff Cook reflect on what they’ve learned—and where the Enneagram needs to go next.

This conversation moves beyond theory into practice. What actually changes us? Why do we avoid our core emotions—anger, shame, and fear—and what does it take to face them? Across the triads, patterns emerge: image types struggle to access shame, body types resist seeing their impact, and head types find subtle ways to avoid anxiety altogether.

In this exchange, Kristin and Joey explore how differently the types move through the world—especially around communication, authority, affirmation, and intensity. They also examine crisis strengths, autonomy, vulnerability, and the common mistyping of bold people.

The discussion broadens into themes of parenting, growth, and self-awareness. Joey reflects on raising children with an understanding of stance and wiring, while Kristin speaks candidly about discovering her own fear and authority patterns later in life. Together, they emphasize that the Enneagram doesn’t change hardwiring—but it can transform how we relate, how we repair, and how we take responsibility for the impact we have on others.

Links

Inside Story episode (Apple): HERE

Kristin Messegee's Coaching: HERE

All Joey Schewee's work at WE Solutions: HERE

Joey's Upcoming book: "When Working Together Doesn't Work" : HERE