What does it take to thrive in our relationships—not just survive—and how can the Enneagram help us along the way?
In this episode of The Allender Center Podcast, Rachael Clinton Chen sits down with Christa Hardin, founder of Enneagram + Marriage and author of "The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing." Christa brings years of wisdom from her own relationship, plus her expertise as a marriage coach and therapist, to offer a hopeful, honest perspective on why personality awareness matters—but why it's never the whole story.
Together, Rachael and Christa explore:
✔ Why joyful feelings (and even celebration) can feel harder than conflict—and what that reveals about us.
✔ Christa's concept of the Glow Stages in relationships—what they are, why we can't live on the mountaintop forever, and how to navigate the necessary valleys with grace.
✔ How the Enneagram helps us honor our gifts, name our shadows, and stay curious about ourselves and each other—whether in marriage, parenting, dating, or our spiritual lives.
✔ Why love, when nurtured well, not only transforms a marriage but becomes a force for calling, courage, and blessing in the world.
Whether you're single, newly married, in the trenches of parenting, or decades into a partnership, you'll find wisdom here for becoming more wholehearted—and more deeply connected. We invite you to listen to discover how your story, your marriage, and your love can grow through every stage.
Get the completely FREE extra chapter of "The Enneagram and Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing" here: https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/hiddenchapter
