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Marriage Therapy Radio

Ep 361 The Enneagram, Marriage, and Finding Joy in the Mess with Christa and Wes Hardin

Marriage Therapy Radio

Cloud10

Mental Health, Relationships, Society & Culture, Self-improvement, Health & Fitness, Education

4.8 • 679 Ratings

🗓️ 25 February 2025

⏱️ 54 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Zach sits down with Christa and Wes Hardin, founders of the Enneagram and Marriage platform https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/. Christa, a seasoned relationship coach with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, has spent nearly two decades helping couples build stronger connections. Alongside her husband Wes, a physician assistant in family practice, they explore how the Enneagram has transformed their 24-year marriage and parenting journey. The conversation dives into the dynamics of Christa as a Type 7 (The Enthusiast) and Wes as a Type 1 (The Reformer), exploring how their differences create both challenges and opportunities for growth. They discuss how personality-driven conflicts, like bedtime routines and parenting approaches, can either drive couples apart or deepen connection when handled with understanding and flexibility. Zach, Christa, and Wes also reflect on the evolution of marriage, the value of "practicing" in relationships, and what they'd tell their younger selves about love, commitment, and personal growth. Whether you're an Enneagram enthusiast or just curious about how personality influences relationships, this episode offers practical wisdom, laughter, and honest insights. Key Takeaways Enneagram as a Relationship Tool Christa explains how the Enneagram helps couples quickly identify strengths, shadows, and growth areas. Opposites Attract—and Complement As a structured, detail-oriented Type 1, Wes values routine and precision. Christa, as a free-spirited Type 7, thrives on spontaneity and joy. They share how understanding their core motivations has helped them balance health, fun, and family life. The Reality of “Practicing” Marriage Both emphasize that marriage is ongoing practice—not perfection. They discuss how "expansiveness practices" help them navigate everyday challenges, like differing bedtime preferences, while honoring each other’s needs. What They’d Tell Their Younger Selves Christa: "Don’t put your partner on a pedestal. Love them for who they are, not who you expect them to be." Wes: "Focus on what brings you joy together, and you'll naturally avoid much of the pain couples face." Parenting with Personality Awareness They share how understanding their children’s Enneagram types (a 4, 9, and 7/6) has transformed their parenting approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

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Terms and conditions apply.

0:34.0

I'm looking for a mom friend that wants to talk about motherhood, parenting, mental health,

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marriage, friendships, and more.

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Unfiltered, of course.

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A mom friend that wants to feel less alone in all of her seasons of life.

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Come on over and listen to Mama Knows wherever you get your podcasts.

0:52.7

Hey, everybody.

0:52.9

Welcome.

0:55.3

And thank you for listening to this episode of Marriage Therapyating.

0:56.4

My name is Zach Brittle.

0:58.0

And I'm excited to be here with you.

1:04.2

I am going to be rolling out a new series here where I interview couples about how they make their relationship work.

...

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