HOWARD STERN

Enneagram Type 8 (The Challenger) with a 7 Wing


Bill Norton, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why we think Howard Stern is a Type 8

  • Dominating on-air persona. On and off the radio, Stern is strong, opinionated, and assertive. He dominates conversations and lets you know who is in charge.

  • “Shock jock.” Stern got this nickname because he is not afraid to ask provocative or controversial questions, pushing boundaries and engaging in discussions that others might shy away from. 

  • No-holds-barred interviews. Stern's communication style is intense, and he often addresses sensitive subjects head-on. For example, in a 1995 interview with Pamela Anderson, he directly asked about her breast implants. In 1997, he asked Arnold Schwarzenegger about his father's Nazi ties.

  • Protecting the innocent. Despite a very tough external demeanor, Stern is committed to animal rights and rescue efforts. He and his wife Beth are strong supporters of North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. They have used their platform to raise awareness and funds for the organization. The Sterns provide foster homes for cats. Over the years, they have fostered hundreds of cats and kittens, nursing them back to health before helping them find permanent homes. 

  • Challenging the FCC in pursuit of independence and control. Throughout his career, Stern has had numerous run-ins with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the content of his radio show. Instead of backing down, Stern consistently challenged the FCC's fines and censorship, asserting his right to free speech and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on air. In 2004, he signed a contract with Sirius Satellite Radio (now SiriusXM) in a bold move to escape the restrictions imposed by the FCC on traditional radio.

Howard Stern quotes that show he is a Type 8

  • "I don't like to be told what to do, and I don't like people who want to control me."

  • "I still feel like I gotta prove something. There are a lot of people hoping I fail. But I like that. I need to be hated."

  • "I believe that when I leave this earth, my resume will be that I was an honest man who fought for the little guy."

  • "I am the last of a dying breed, and I will stand up and say what I believe."

  • "This country's political correctness is going to be its downfall."

  • "I'm not a big believer in compromise."

  • "I'm about being funny. If I can make a joke using profanity, I will." (this quote also shows his 7 Wing).

  • "I am very honest, and I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in."

  • "When you tell someone not to do something, it makes them want to do it even more."