Best Upbuild Podcasts (2025)

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The Directional Movements (the Lines on the Enneagram Symbol) 48:43

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11h ago48:43

48:43

“What are those lines on the symbol?” is one of the questions we get most frequently during our Enneagram workshops. In this episode, Hari, Rasanath, and Michael explore the critical dimension of the Enneagram: the Directional Movements. They describe how each Type experiences stress and growth, clarifying why we sometimes resemble other Types. The…

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Our New Podcast: The Upbuild Enneagram Library 3:04

7d ago3:04

3:04

We are excited to share that we just launched a new podcast called The Upbuild Enneagram Library. It offers a deep and practical exploration of the Enneagram and how it supports the journey from ego to the true self. If you have enjoyed Upbuilding the Self, you will love what you hear on this new podcast. You will hear from the same Upbuild team, R…

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The Instincts: Self-Preservation, Sexual, and Social 1:19:00

18d ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Each of us is wired with a specific hierarchy of three core instinctual drives, shaping how we move through the world. The Instincts (sometimes referred to as Instinctual Variants) is part of the Enneagram framework and plays a powerful role in how our personalities form. One Instinct tends to dominate and demands most of our attention, a second su…

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The Head Center 59:12

1M ago59:12

59:12

There might be a lot going on in your head, but that does not mean that you are making good use of it. In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada discuss the Head Center’s essential role in managing the complexity of life and the flood of information we face each day. They explore how awareness of thought, not thinking itself, is the hall…

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The Heart Center 40:01

2M ago40:01

40:01

Just because you feel a lot does not mean you are present in the Heart Center. In this episode, Hari, Michael, and Rasanath explore what it really means to live from the heart. They look into the realm of emotion, identity, and our longing to be seen. They reflect on how emotions shape our humanity, why we often mistake validation for value, and ho…

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The Body Center 48:34

2M ago48:34

48:34

In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Rasanath turn their attention to the Body Center of the Enneagram. They explore how presence is experienced as groundedness, sensation, and gut-level knowing, as well as how energy can move from intuition into action when we are rooted in the body. The conversation brings out the distinct gifts of Types 8, 9, and…

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The Three Centers of Intelligence: Body, Heart, and Head 20:14

3M ago20:14

20:14

Do you really want to settle for being one third of a human? In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Rasanath build off this very provocative question from Russ Hudson to explore the three Centers of Intelligence: the Body, the Heart, and the Head. These Centers help us live with intuition, emotional depth, and clarity of thought. Yet most of us lean h…

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Summing up the first 14 episodes, how to use the Enneagram in our everyday lives, the need for spiritual practice 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

In this episode, we explore how to use the Enneagram in our everyday lives in order to make sure that it has the profound impact on us that it is capable of having. We also discuss how the Enneagram can only take us so far and how a spiritual practice is needed to help us go beyond the limits of our personality. Links Enneagram Library Live: Join o…

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Why Mistypings Happen and the Most Common Mistypings 25:18

3M ago25:18

25:18

Typing is one of the most critical aspects of the Enneagram, and yet, mistyping is rampant. In this episode, we explain why this is case and what we can do about it. We also explore the one Type that is more likely to mistype than any other Type, and give you a Type by Type run through of how each Type approaches the Enneagram. What we find is that…

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Type 9 The Peace-Seeker 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

Enneagram Type 9s, nicknamed The Peace-Seeker, pride themselves in being calm, easygoing, and unassuming people who can flow with whatever comes and don’t need recognition or attention. They often don’t admit to themselves their problems or work to resolve conflicts because that’s really difficult and makes them feel not peaceful. Famous examples i…

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Type 8 The Challenger 27:18

4M ago27:18

27:18

Enneagram Type 8s, nicknamed The Challenger, are all about strength and showing who’s in charge to reassure themselves that they don’t have a weak bone in their body. They often can’t admit to themselves how scared they really are of their buried weakness, and so they show up larger than life in nearly all situations hoping to leverage their power …

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Type 7 The Enthusiast 25:55

4M ago25:55

25:55

Enneagram Type 7s, nicknamed The Enthusiast, are care-free and fun-loving with a moment-to-moment appetite for adventure and zero tolerance for boredom. They often run from their problems in life which pursue them relentlessly in spite of their intelligence and joyfulness. Famous examples include Robin Williams, the Dalai Lama, Amy Winehouse, and R…

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Type 6 The Loyalist 24:30

4M ago24:30

24:30

Enneagram Type 6s, nicknamed The Loyalist, live in a zone of constant questioning as they strive to be dependable for those they care about. They often wish that they had a cause to dedicate their life to which they could completely trust and that they had the support of others whom they could completely trust. Famous examples include Woody Allen, …

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Type 5 The Investigator 23:37

4M ago23:37

23:37

Enneagram Type 5s, nicknamed The Investigator, are exceptionally cerebral, technical, and keep to themselves in their pursuit of knowledge to understand how things work. They often have trouble relating to people. Famous examples include Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Eckhart Tolle, Tim Burton, and JRR Tolkein. In this episode, we explore the essence…

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Type 4 The Individualist 28:55

4M ago28:55

28:55

Enneagram Type 4s, nicknamed The Individualist, try to be authentic with every fiber of their being, but it’s so hard for them to know who they really are deep down. They often feel overwhelmed trying to do justice to their talents, all the while feeling misunderstood by people who move too fast, are too shallow, and act too harshly to understand t…

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Type 3 The Achiever 26:14

4M ago26:14

26:14

Enneagram Type 3s, nicknamed The Achiever, are smooth and success-driven, endeavoring to show with their life that the sky’s the limit for what can be accomplished. They are also often concerned that others can see through their image. Famous examples include Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga. In th…

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Type 2 The Helper 20:17

4M ago20:17

20:17

Enneagram Type 2s, nicknamed The Helper, are all about taking care of others and having deep intimate connections so they can feel really close and loved. They also have a hard time giving others space or seeing their own needs. Famous examples include Fred Rogers, Sally Field, and Stevie Wonder. In this episode, we explore the essence of the Type …

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Type 1 The Moralist 21:14

4M ago21:14

21:14

Enneagram Type 1s, nicknamed The Moralist, are detail-oriented visionaries driven by a set of principles personal that they feel in their gut and want others to align with. They also forever feel the guilt of not living up to these principles themselves. Famous examples include Nelson Mandela, George Harrison, Mahatma Gandhi, Osama Bin Laden, and Q…

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Typing, Mistyping, the Problem with Enneagram Tests, and the Wings 28:28

4M ago28:28

28:28

Typing is one of the most critical skills for any user of the Enneagram. In this episode, we dive deep into the factors that contribute to understanding how to type and talk about the two biggest obstacles to typing correctly. We discuss the impact of the ego, the influence of the Wing, and the problem with Enneagram tests. We close this episode by…

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The Ego Trap of Parenting 46:40

4M ago46:40

46:40

Carl Jung famously stated, "The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents." In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin explore the connection between ego and parenting, and how unresolved ambitions, unmet needs, and unconscious identities quietly influence the way we raise our children. These inner dynamics lead us to …

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Levels of Consciousness -- the most important dimension of the Enneagram 18:39

5M ago18:39

18:39

How can Donald Trump be the same type as Martin Luther King, Jr? How can Nelson Mandela be the same type as Osama bin Laden? It all comes down to the Levels of Consciousness. In this episode, we explore the most important dimension of the Enneagram, the Levels of Consciousness, which is so critical because it gives us the roadmap to be the best ver…

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Introduction to the Enneagram 23:30

5M ago23:30

23:30

Welcome to the Upbuild Enneagram Library. We’re starting this podcast with a 14-episode series that will serve as the foundations for all future episodes. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this series promises to offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights for your journey into the world of the Enneagram. In 14 episode…

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[Part 2] Book Distribution: Timeless Lessons Learned By Two Monks on the Streets and Subways of New York City 1:02:06

5M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

In Part 2, Hari Prasada and Rasanath vividly share what it was like in the heat of the moment distributing books in the streets and subways of New York City. They open up more about pivotal struggles they faced, including feeling humiliation and imposter syndrome, and how letting go in the spirit of service made room for the transformation we all c…

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Introducing: Upbuild Enneagram Library 3:44

6M ago3:44

3:44

We’re two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former investment bank executive…who met in a NYC monastery. Over the past two decades, we’ve used the Enneagram to help countless individuals and organizations see themselves more clearly and start to break free from the shackles of the ego. Drawing on years of teaching, coaching, and…

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[Part 1] Book Distribution: Timeless Lessons Learned By Two Monks on the Streets and Subways of New York City 46:51

6M ago46:51

46:51

If you’ve spent time in New York City, or many other cities around the world, you’ve likely seen monks on street corners or in subways, holding out books and trying to spark conversations. This sacred practice is known as Book Distribution. In this episode, Hari Prasada and Rasanath share what it was like to engage in this practice during their ear…

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Self-Preservation, Sexual, or Social: Which Instinct Drives You? Unlocking a Key Piece of the Personality Puzzle Through the Enneagram 1:19:38

6M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

Each of us is wired with a specific hierarchy of three core instinctual drives, shaping how we move through the world. The Instincts (sometimes referred to as Instinctual Variants) is part of the Enneagram framework and plays a powerful role in how our personalities form. One Instinct tends to dominate and demands most of our attention, a second su…

1
Is Compartmentalization Really a Good Thing? 48:19

7M ago48:19

48:19

Many of us pride ourselves on our ability to compartmentalize. We like to keep our personal and professional lives separate, push aside difficult emotions, and stay productive in the face of whatever comes our way. But what if this “skill” we value so highly is quietly cutting us off from our own hearts? In this episode, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and…

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Why Feedback Fails…and How to Make It Work 1:08:45

8M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Most of us are terrible at feedback. It’s awkward, forced, or worse, completely ineffective. In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Vipin break down why that is and how to fix it. They draw from their own journeys at places like McKinsey, MTV, Goldman Sachs, and Upbuild to show how feedback can be an act of ego…or a gateway to growth, trust, and real …

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Blame: Our Addiction To It and What To Do Instead 57:46

8M ago57:46

57:46

Why do we blame even when we know it’s harmful? It’s a behavior so woven into our daily experience that most of us hardly notice it, let alone question it. In this episode, Michael and Hari Prasada unpack the inner workings of blame, exploring how it arises from the ego's desire to control and enjoy. They examine its seductive emotional appeal, the…

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What If I’m Not Fulfilled At Work? 53:38

9M ago53:38

53:38

Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours at work, yet so many people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. In this episode, Michael, Vipin, and Hari Prasada explore why work so often feels disconnected from meaning and how the ego plays a central role in this struggle. They break down the financial insecurities, self-limiting beliefs, and soc…

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Coaching vs. Therapy, The Tension Between Ego and Success, and Spirituality in Coaching—Michael Sloyer on the Lovelink Podcast 39:03

10M ago39:03

39:03

Today, we’re sharing something a little different. Michael was recently a guest on the Lovelink podcast, hosted by Brooklyn-based therapists Dr. Signe Simon and Dr. Simone Humphrey. Their show has featured many prominent guests, and in this episode, they sit down with Michael to explore the differences between coaching and therapy, Michael’s journe…

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How to Take a Compliment 46:54

11M ago46:54

46:54

Compliments are the currency of love and something we all crave. Yet, paradoxically, somehow receiving a compliment is so hard for most of us. In this episode, Vipin and Hari dive into the dynamics of compliments and our ego's complex response to them. They explore how our longing for validation often leads us to reject the very recognition we seek…

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What To Do With Guilt 50:08

1y ago50:08

50:08

Michael, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada dive into guilt—an emotion we all encounter but often misunderstand. Through engaging examples—from battling inner critics to avoiding plastic bottles—they reveal how guilt is a reflection of our conscience, the interplay between guilt and shame, and why it’s essential to understand what guilt is truly pointing t…

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Moral Superiority: The Cost of Needing to Be “Better” Than Others 49:13

1y ago49:13

49:13

Moral superiority is a trap that almost everyone falls into, often without realizing it. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath unpack the ways in which the ego drives us to feel “better” than others—even in the name of values and virtue. They share personal anecdotes and insights to explore how moral superiority can mask unresolved e…

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Effective One-On-One Meetings: From Transactional to Transformative 41:47

1y ago41:47

41:47

One-on-one meetings are an unavoidable cornerstone of work life, yet many of us find it challenging to lead or engage in them effectively. In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin share insights on transforming these meetings from transactional encounters into opportunities for authentic connection and enhanced productivity. They examine the t…

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Can I Be Successful If I Give Up My Ego? 47:40

1y ago47:40

47:40

My ego drives me to achieve, and if I were to give up my ego, wouldn't I also be giving up that drive and all my future successes? With this prompt as the starting point, Vipin, Rasanath, and Michael dive into the nuanced relationship between the ego and ambition, exploring whether our quest for success is truly driven by the ego – or if there's a …

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Time Management Is Chaos Management, and Upbuild's Tips and Tricks for Productivity 56:38

1+ y ago56:38

56:38

Time is the most valuable resource in the world. And yet, most of us are not so great at managing it. In this episode, Michael, Hari and Vipin delve into the relationship between time management and the ego. They share the principles on which they base their philosophies for time management, along with tips and tricks for productivity. They emphasi…

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Trading Derivatives and the Shame-Based Fear of Being Ordinary 44:58

1+ y ago44:58

44:58

It’s November 2010 on the Goldman Sachs trading floor in New York City. Just two years removed from the depths of the Global Financial Crisis, but you would never know it. The stock market has nearly doubled in the last 18 months, the Federal Reserve has freshly announced its second round of Quantitative Easing, and it feels like one big party on W…

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Learning to Carry Our Shame and What’s At Stake If We Don’t 43:26

1+ y ago43:26

43:26

As Rasanath shares in this episode, “Walking through our shame is the deepest experience of authenticity.” But what does it really mean to “walk through our shame” and how does one actually do that? In this episode, Michael and Rasanath do a deep dive into the emotion of shame and how it is impacting all of our lives in both big and subtle ways. Th…

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Our Complicated Relationship with Accountability 1:03:32

1+ y ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Do you like being held accountable? Do you like holding others accountable? In this episode, Vipin, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath delve into different aspects of accountability. They explore the often anxiety-inducing way that accountability is viewed, how it can be misapplied, what makes for a more empowering approach, and the need for partnership in…

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Saying the "Right" Thing vs. What We Actually Feel 37:58

1+ y ago37:58

37:58

Whether we are writing birthday cards, telling somebody how we feel about them, or giving a speech at a funeral, most of us find ourselves trying to say the “right” thing,” rather than what we actually feel. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath discuss the importance of genuinely connecting with our emotions, the cost of saying the …

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The Maha-Mantra: The Transformative Power of the Practice at the Heart of Our Spiritual Work 1:06:36

1+ y ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Meditation on sacred sound has been practiced across traditions as a way to quiet the mind, open the heart, and reconnect with the divine. In this episode, Vipin, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath focus on the maha-mantra, exploring the philosophy behind it and the lived experience of making it a daily practice. They discuss how sacred sound penetrates th…

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Meditation #2: Mantra Meditation 12:47

1+ y ago12:47

12:47

At Upbuild, mantra meditation is the centerpiece of our meditation practice. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a mantra meditation using a very simple and sacred syllable: Ram. This syllable is very absorbing, has a strong resonance in the body, and brings a deep connection to ourselves and to our source. As yogis and sages have been doing for ag…

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Meditation: Transforming The Mind From Worst Enemy To Best Friend 1:01:17

1+ y ago1:01:17

1:01:17

With 50 years and more than 35,000 hours of meditation experience among them, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin, dive into the topic of meditation. They discuss the definition of meditation, why it’s so important to control the mind, why it’s becoming more popular these days, and the numerous non-spiritual benefits of meditation, including calmness…

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Meditation #1: Guided Meditation To Become Present and Grounded 25:15

1+ y ago25:15

25:15

At Upbuild, meditation is our core practice to help us move away from the ego and toward the self. In this episode, Hari Prasada leads a 20-minute guided meditation to help you become present with your breath and the three centers of intelligence: the head, the heart, and the body. Links The Call to Awaken. Our flagship program on spirituality. Sta…

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The Misunderstanding of Love 59:21

1+ y ago59:21

59:21

Most of us think we have a pretty good idea about what love is. After all, we have all been seeking it our entire lives. And yet, the reality is that most of us don’t really understand it at all. Inspired by recent insights from the Upbuild weekly program Remembering Who We Are, Vipin, Rasanath, and Hari Prasada delve into the concept of love as th…

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Contemplating Death To Live a Good Life 42:12

1+ y ago42:12

42:12

Most of us keep death at arm's length. We might discuss it in a casual way or we might even joke about it, but how many of us are really introspective about death and all of the implications that come with it? In this episode, Michael, Rasanath and Hari Prasada delve into the importance of contemplating death in order to have a good life. They exam…

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Designing Relationships Intentionally 37:32

1+ y ago37:32

37:32

Relationships often operate on unspoken assumptions and implicit agreements. And this is one of the reasons our relationships are so dysfunctional. In this episode, Mary, Michael, and Vipin introduce the skill of “Creating Conscious Relationship” to help you turn the implicit into the explicit, and in the process, to increase the trust in your rela…

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Pinch Moments: A Tool to Restore Communication (and Relationships!) 43:40

2y ago43:40

43:40

Conversations can be triggering. How we deal with those triggers determines everything about how effective and meaningful those conversations (and by extension, our relationships) end up being. In this episode, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin explore the tool of “Pinch Moments” as a way to be able to recognize, call out, and address conversations that…

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Comfort, Stretch, and Panic Zones: Where Do You Reside? 44:31

2y ago44:31

44:31

Are you growing or are you contracting? In this episode, Vipin and Michael introduce the framework of the comfort, stretch, and panic zones. They discuss what differentiates each zone from the others and how having awareness of these zones can help us grow towards the best version of ourselves. They share how they have used this framework on themse…