Being "Too Emotional" as an Enneagram 4 with Reagan Pugh
On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, Stephanie Barron Hall interviews Reagan Pugh about his journey of self-discovery through the Enneagram, his new book Too Emotional: Overcome the Thunderstorm of Feelings, Shame, and Self-Doubt, and his personal and professional experiences. Reagan reflects on his early interest in introspection and writing, his professional career as an educator and consultant, and how the Enneagram has deepened his understanding of himself as the one-to-one subtype of Type Four. They discuss themes like shame, emotionality, and the value of taking actionable steps to move beyond internal struggles. Reagan shares practical advice for people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions and emphasizes the importance of participating fully in life.
Reagan Pugh is a writer, speaker and facilitator. His focus: helping regular folks understand themselves so they can improve relationships, find meaning in work, and live more intentional lives.
Reagan speaks to thousands of people each year at organizations across sectors - from corporate clients like Facebook, Pepsi and Whirlpool - to nonprofits like Meals on Wheels and the American Red Cross - to associations and professional organizations.
Prior to writing and speaking full time, Pugh guided programs on storytelling, culture, and leadership at companies like Nike, Western Digital, and Kimberly Clark with a global management consulting firm.
Reagan started his career as a high school teacher; he's since designed and taught leadership courses on multiple university campuses and enjoys speaking to college audiences around the country, having visited over 50 universities to date.
He is a TEDx speaker, longtime blogger, and frequent podcast guest. "Too Emotional: Overcome the Thunderstorm of Feelings, Shame and Self-Doubt" is his first book.
You can read more of Reagan's writing by subscribing to his semi-regular blog on his website; there you can also find details about booking Reagan to speak at your event or work with your team.
🔗 Connect with Reagan Pugh!
📷 Instagram: @reaganpugh
🔗 Connect with Stephanie!
📷 Instagram: @ninetypesco
🎥Youtube: @stephbarronhall
Here are the key takeaways:
Reagan resonates as a Type Four (one-to-one subtype), emphasizing the challenges of balancing deep emotionality, anger, and feelings of inferiority or superiority.
The Enneagram is a tool for finding freedom from ego-driven narratives, not just a means of self-identification.
Shame is a persistent feeling that something is inherently wrong with oneself, often stemming from childhood experiences.
Healing requires acknowledging one’s worth and participating in life, despite feelings of defectiveness.
It can be helpful for Fours to engage in "unsexy work" and focus on participation over perfection or existential meaning.
Relationships thrive when Fours shift focus outward and take proactive steps to connect with others.
Reagan’s Book, Too Emotional, aims to help people manage overwhelming feelings and find freedom from shame and self-doubt by focusing on participation and external action.
Fours often struggle with motivation and productivity at work, but embracing action and collaboration can unlock their unique contributions.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Too Emotional: Overcome the Thunderstorm of Feelings, Shame, and Self-Doubt by Reagan Pugh.
Author, Brené Brown (notably referenced for her work on shame).
Author, David Bedrick and his work on toxic shame.
This Week’s Guest Pick:
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Enneagram Resources for you!
Want to keep learning about the Enneagram? Grab Steph’s new book, Enneagram in Real Life! Find the book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join me on Instagram @ninetypesco to keep learning and chatting about how our types show up in REAL LIFE! Connect with me here: https://www.instagram.com/ninetypesco/?hl=en
Learn more about subtypes! Download my free subtypes guide here.
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