155: How The Enneagram and Mindful Awareness Strengthen Connection
Podcast Guest: Amanda Ford
November 17th, 2025
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
Therapist and educator Amanda Ford explains the Enneagram personality test and how head/heart/body types shape self-awareness, compatibility, and communication in couple relationships. We explore mindfulness, values (à la Brené Brown), nonviolent communication, yoga for regulation, and three practical dimensions of compatibility—daily routines, shared “wavelength” values, and intimacy—so partners build empathy, resilience, and a deeper connection.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:03 — Why Enneagram for couples
01:27 — Meet Amanda Ford
02:36 — What the Enneagram is
03:26 — Using types in dating
05:00 — Mindfulness and inner wisdom
06:49 — Do personalities change?
08:38 — Chad Ford shout-out
09:01 — Applying types in partnership
12:02 — Head, heart, body triads
12:37 — Liz shares Type Three
13:39 — Three–Nine dynamics example
16:18 — Values beneath achievement
18:28 — Balancing drive and peace
20:25 — Brené Brown values exercise
21:20 — Yoga for regulation
24:42 — Mindfulness in relationships
26:48 — Attunement to self, other
27:33 — Re-warming disconnection
29:08 — Kind curiosity, love maps
30:34 — Nonviolent communication basics
31:30 — Naming emotions: How We Feel
33:43 — Three compatibility dimensions
37:27 — Acceptance isn’t sameness
39:29 — Where to find Amanda
40:56 — Key to stronger connection
43:52 — Wrap-up and resources**
Insights
Amanda's
A strong marriage takes consistent effort, and one of the most powerful tools is staying curious about your partner’s inner world. Ask questions with kindness and compassion, trust they’re doing their best, and keep an open heart as you stay connected.
Liz’s
Amanda and Chad’s connection is so clear—both open-hearted, open-minded, and deeply generous in what they offer. Hearing about their shared adventures, like Waymaker, is inspiring. I’m also grateful to have finally explored the Enneagram; the self-insight it provides helps us make peace with ourselves, which in turn prepares us to better understand and connect with our partners.
Dave’s
Some may wonder what personality, mindfulness, yoga, and values have to do with relationships—but they’re foundational. A healthy “we” begins with a healthy “me.” When we cultivate self-awareness, grounding, attunement, and compassion within ourselves, we’re better able to show up as our best selves for our partners, children, and others. That’s why this topic matters so deeply to relationships—because strong connections start from the inside out.
About Amanda
Amanda Ford, LCSW, is a therapist, educator, and yoga teacher dedicated to helping individuals and couples build resilience, strengthen connection, and navigate life’s meaningful transitions. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University and her MSW from the University of Utah. Clinically, Amanda specializes in working with couples and families on conflict, communication, blended family dynamics, faith transitions, and grief. She is especially passionate about equipping couples with practical tools for repair, empathy, and mindful connection.
Amanda has been teaching at the university level since 2013. She began at BYU–Hawaii in the Social Work and Intercultural Peacebuilding programs and, after relocating to Logan, Utah in 2024, now teaches Social Work and Peace Studies at Utah State University. Her teaching highlights human behavior, spirituality, mindfulness, and conflict transformation. She also serves as faculty advisor for the Heravi Peace Institute Student Board, where she mentors students in leadership and peacebuilding.
Currently, Amanda is leading workshops on parenting teens and cultivating inner peace at Repair, an event hosted by the Faith Matters Foundation. These workshops integrate clinical approaches, yoga, mindfulness, and creative expression. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, exploring world cultures and religions, and spending time outdoors with her partner and children.
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