THE Enneagram Narrative Tradition - PODCAST
Join us as we dive deep into the world of the Enneagram in the approach of the Narrative Tradition hosted by Peter O’Hanrahan and Jeanette van Stijn.


Keeping the Narrative Tradition Alive!
In honour of the founding mother and father of the Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition, Helen Palmer and Dr. David Daniels.
Learn more about their inspiring legacy at:
helenpalmer.com
drdaviddaniels.com
With this podcast initiative we aim to:
- Keep their transformative teachings alive, which have impacted thousands worldwide over more than four decades.
- Provide a platform for connection within the international Narrative community, honoring the spirit in which they began.
- Share stories and teachings – including through guest speakers – to inspire a new generation to explore this valuable work.
Feature episode for this week

08. Spotlights on dr. David Daniels – Part II
Each week, Jeanette & Peter host The Narrative Podcast. They regularly welcome special guests. Watch, listen, and enjoy their stories, experiences, and insights.

“The Enneagram can change people very rapidly.” “The Enneagram is a method of human growth.” “We hit the parenting jackpot with David.” Summary This conversation with our first guest of honor, Denise Daniels, PhD, continues in Part II, where we further explore the profound impact of Dr. David Daniels on the Enneagram. The discussion delves […]

“The Enneagram can change people very rapidly.”
“The Enneagram is a method of human growth.”
“We hit the parenting jackpot with David.”
Summary
This conversation with our first guest of honor, Denise Daniels, PhD, continues in Part II, where we further explore the profound impact of Dr. David Daniels on the Enneagram. The discussion delves into the origins of the Enneagram, its relevance for personal growth and relationships, and ongoing efforts to bridge it with scientific research. Personal anecdotes highlight David’s character and the transformative power of the Enneagram in fostering self-awareness and understanding others. The speakers reflect on the importance of passing this knowledge to future generations and the evolving recognition of the Enneagram within academic circles.
Takeaways
- The Enneagram is about self-discovery and understanding one’s core motivations.
- David Daniels played a crucial role in bringing the Enneagram to a wider audience.
- The Enneagram can facilitate rapid personal change and emotional growth.
- There is a growing body of scientific research supporting the Enneagram’s validity.
- David’s Basic Propositions provide a clear path for personal development.
- The Enneagram fosters empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships.
- The legacy of the Enneagram is being carried forward by new generations of teachers.
- David’s courage in facing skepticism helped legitimize the Enneagram in psychology.
- The Enneagram is increasingly recognized in academic and scientific communities.
- Personal anecdotes reveal the human side of David and his impact on others.

Keywords
Dr. David Daniels, Legacy, Narrative Tradition, personal growth, relationships, inclusivity, emotional intelligence, spiritual psychology, family impact.
Summary
In this special episode of the Narrative Tradition podcast, hosts Jeanette and Peter are incredibly proud and thrilled to welcome their very first guest in this new podcast series: Denise Daniels, the daughter of Dr. David Daniels.
In this episode, they honor the legacy of Dr. David Daniels, a pioneer of the Enneagram. They discuss his profound impact on personal growth, relationships, and the importance of inclusivity. Denise Daniels shares her reflections on her father’s work as a bridge builder and the ongoing influence of the Enneagram community, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding oneself and others through this system.
Takeaways
- The Enneagram has transformed countless lives since its inception.
- Denise Daniels reflects on the journey of carrying on her father’s legacy.
- David Daniels was instrumental in creating the Enneagram Professional Training Program, a testament to his persistence and dedication.
- David was the initiator of the International Enneagram Association, driven by his commitment to fostering connection and community.
- The Enneagram provides a framework for personal growth and understanding relationships.
- Inclusivity was a core value for David in his work with the Enneagram.
- The Enneagram helps individuals understand their own minds and the minds of others.
- David’s humor and goodwill made the Enneagram accessible to all.
- David deeply valued integrating science with the Enneagram, bridging empirical research with ancient wisdom.
- The Enneagram bridges the gap between spirituality and psychology.
- Denise’s family experienced the Enneagram as a language of connection.
- David’s upcoming book on relationships integrates the Enneagram with neuroscience.

“It’s all about relationships.”
Summary
In this conversation, Jeanette and Peter explore various aspects of the Narrative Tradition and its application in personal growth and communication. They discuss the importance of self-remembering, body-centered practices, and the Via Negativa in meditation. The conversation also delves into the significance of understanding subtypes in relationships and the challenges that arise from different subtype dynamics. They emphasize the value of in-person learning and community building, as well as the empowerment that comes from teaching and supporting others in their journeys.
Takeaways
- The Narrative Tradition focuses on communication and connection.
- Practicing self-remembering enhances interpersonal interactions.
- Body-centered practices provide grounding during challenging moments.
- The Via Negativa offers practical insights into meditation.
- Resistance to meditation is common and also rooted in personal history.
- Understanding subtypes is crucial for navigating relationships.
- Different subtypes can create unique challenges in partnerships.
- In-person learning fosters community and deeper understanding.
- Teaching empowers both the teacher and the students.
- Maintaining the practices for future generations is essential.
A Community to Keep the Narrative Tradition Alive Together
You’re invited to join this community for free – here’s what you’ll gain:
Live Meetings
Be the first to receive exclusive invitations to live events such as webinars, Q&A sessions, and group discussions, all hosted by Peter and Jeanette.
Meaningful Connections
Engage with like-minded individuals who share your passion for growth and learning with the Enneagram.
Stay Updated
Get the latest news about Peter’s initiatives with The Enneagram at Work, Jeanette’s programs with Enneagram Europe, and the transformative Summer School.
“
Everyone interested in the Enneagram is welcome—whether you are trained in the Narrative Tradition or not, and whether you live in Europe or beyond. Our vision for this community is a work in progress and will be shaped by the input and wishes of its participants.
“
Your Hosts
About Jeanette
Jeanette van Stijn is a leading Enneagram teacher, author, and coach with over 25 years of expertise in personal and professional growth, as well as team and organisational development, using the Enneagram.
She was among the first in Europe to become a Licensed Affiliate of the Palmer/Daniels school for the Enneagram Professional Training Program (EPTP). As the founder of Enneagram Europe (2004), an IEA-accredited school, she established IEA-accredited training programs with local teaching teams in both the Netherlands and the UK/Ireland.
Her programs are distinguished by their focus on center practices, somatic work, therapeutic music integration and the EnneaFlow Transformative Process Model®.
As an author, Jeanette has written several books, including Enneagram voor Dummies (Dutch, 2008 & 2020), Typisch Coachen, Typisch Counsellen (Dutch, 2013), Coaching and Counseling to the Point (English, 2020), and I AM THE WORK (2024), a transformative journey supported by her music album, The Magic Wheel (available on Spotify).
Learn more about Jeanette’s Dutch-spoken trainings, retreats, and IEA-accredited certification programs at: https://www.enneagram-nederland.nl


About Peter
Peter O’Hanrahan is a renowned Enneagram teacher, coach, body therapist and mentor with over 40 years of experience. As core faculty of the Narrative Enneagram School since 1981, he has brought the Enneagram to a global audience.
Since the 1970s, Peter has explored the Enneagram’s ability to reveal personality patterns and foster meaningful change. His work integrates psychological insight, somatic practices, and relational intelligence, offering a holistic path to transformation.
Peter has taught Enneagram workshops and certification programs in over 20 countries, specializing in emotional intelligence, relationship dynamics, and leadership. Rooted in the Narrative Tradition, his teaching emphasizes storytelling and lived experience, making the Enneagram accessible and impactful.
With compassion and expertise, Peter inspires individuals and professionals to grow with authenticity and connection, leaving a lasting impact on the Enneagram community worldwide.
Be part of the Enneagram Europe Community in the Narrative Tradition
Simply sign up to join this new movement for free, stay updated, and stay connected. Whether you’re a professional, practitioner, or enthusiast of any kind, you’re welcome from anywhere in the world.
