the goop podcast — Forecasting 2026: Astrology, The Enneagram, and Embracing Disruption Episode: Jen Freed + Courtney Smith | Date: December 30, 2025 Host: Gwyneth Paltrow | Guest: Courtney Smith

Episode Overview

In this New Year's special, Gwyneth Paltrow and prominent Enneagram coach Courtney Smith collaborate for a deep, insightful conversation about the energies coming into play in 2026. They blend Gwyneth’s expertise in astrology with Courtney’s mastery of the Enneagram to forecast the spiritual, psychological, and cultural opportunities of the year ahead. Centering on the power and necessity of disruption—both personal and collective—the episode provides listeners with empowering frameworks for transformation, self-inquiry, and resilience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 2026: The “Fire Horse” Year

• Astrological Landscape (05:03, 07:37)

  • 2026 is, in Chinese astrology, the Year of the Horse (symbolizing power, action, and fire) and, in Western astrology, heavily marked by fire and air elements.
  • Notable transits:
    • Saturn and Neptune conjoin in Aries (fire, action, bold moves)
    • Uranus enters Gemini (innovation through air, change, disruption)
    • Jupiter moves into Leo (expression, further fire energy)
  • Gwyneth: “We basically have a tremendous year of action, passion and wind and fire, air and fire.” (06:57)

• Personal Application

  • The “fire” archetype means it’s a year to move, act, manifest, and courageously disrupt stagnation or patterns that hold us back.
  • All signs will feel invited (or challenged) to “walk their talk” and step up.

2. Fire, the Elements, and You: Astrology’s Guidance

• Understanding Fire’s Promise and Shadow (07:21, 09:51)

  • Overview of Aries (boldness), Leo (creativity, expression), Sagittarius (quest for embodied wisdom).
  • “How can you step into... Because this is an action year. We’ve been in a place... now, what have you built? ...Will your voice be in your walk, not just your talk?” — Gwyneth (10:00)

• Navigating Risks of Fire

  • Don't send impulsive messages or make rash decisions; consider the impact before taking fiery action. Courage, not reactivity, is the watchword. (12:14)
  • “If you don’t lie, there’s nothing you have to remember.” — Gwyneth Paltrow (13:00)

• Impact on Other Signs (14:13)

  • Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Expect upheaval; choose change instead of resisting it.
  • Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Harness big ideas; “wind plus fire” can be powerful or destructive—mental discipline is key.
  • Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Emotional reactivity will be challenged; quick releases and emotional hygiene are recommended.

• Owning Multiplicity

  • Leave self-limiting identities behind. 2026 demands we access all our inner parts, meeting moments with our full, integrated selves. (18:43)

3. The Enneagram: Growth Paths for Each Type

• Why the Enneagram? (19:31)

  • Nine basic types; each type holds a unique superpower and a shadow—personal growth arises from understanding, balancing, and flexing these energies.

• 2026 as a “7-8” Year

  • Energetically aligns with the Enneagram 7 (enthusiast) and 8 (challenger). This means an emphasis on “disruption,” “big moves,” bold experimentation—a “flamethrower” year. (22:59)
  • "This is a year of disruption. And the question is, what are you going to disrupt in your own life?" — Courtney (25:52)

• Disruption Can Be Small or Life-Changing

  • Not all disruptions are dramatic; shifting small patterns can have transformative ripple effects. (27:38)
  • "The size of the disruption required is proportionate to how much we are willing to listen." — Courtney (28:23)

4. Individual Enneagram Insights for 2026 (32:04 onward)

1. The Reformer

• Integrate inner passion and fire into decision-making.
• Warns against wanton action; embodies principled courage.

2. The Helper

• Reclaim wants and desires, not just serving others.
• Use activation energy for heart-led fulfillment.

3. The Achiever

• Move towards authenticity over image curation (“anti-image” year).
• Embrace disruption as a path to genuine self-worth.

4. The Individualist

• Engage with the world—depth through action, not just introspection.
• Learn to “move fast,” balancing poetry with participation.

5. The Investigator

• Accept experiential learning; you can’t figure out everything in advance.
• "You can read about riding a bicycle, but really to learn how to ride... you have to ride a bicycle." — Courtney (43:36)

6. The Loyal Skeptic

• Find internal stability amid global uncertainty.
• The big opportunity: cultivate faith in the unknown as a creative force.

7. The Enthusiast

• Don’t act out of boredom—align novelty with true values and rhythm.
• Beware of “addiction to disruption”; ground in deeper meaning.

8. The Challenger

• Use strength for collective action; recognize others have equal fire.
• Avoid controlling tendencies—invite plural perspectives.

9. The Peacemaker

• Activate dormant desires through irritation or discomfort—let these catalyze positive change.
• Understand “true peace” may require necessary disruption.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you don’t lie, there’s nothing you have to remember.” — Gwyneth Paltrow (13:00)
• “This is a year of disruption. And the question is, what are you going to disrupt in your own life?” — Courtney Smith (25:52)
• “All of that mild disassociation and suppressing has left... an atrophied muscle for what lights me up inside myself.” — Courtney Smith on type 9 Peacemakers (55:43)
• Gwyneth (reflecting on mistakes): “I would love for... this to be the year of our best mistakes. Make the mistakes, say they were mistakes, learn from the mistakes and move on.” (44:58)
• On belonging and relationships: “Use this next period... to invest in your sacred crew... This is like going on a big ride and you want your people by your side.” — Gwyneth (58:54)

Actionable Takeaways & Closing Inspiration

• Prepare for Action & Disruption: Let go of rigid identities, embrace all parts of yourself, and be ready for both internal and external waves of change.
• Cultivate Support: Invest in relationships—no one should “ride alone” in 2026. “Herd energy” is essential for resilience (60:06).
• Resource Yourself: If you feel unsupported, seek help—coaches, therapy, community, or spiritual resources are vital (61:48).
• Nourish Yourself Amid Discomfort: Change brings discomfort; tending to yourself is essential for sustained growth (61:48).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:03] Astrological setup for 2026 (“Fire Horse” year)
• [07:37] Fire element breakdown and personal application
• [14:13] Implications of fire for each element (Earth, Air, Water)
• [19:31] Introduction to the Enneagram and why it matters
• [22:59] 2026 as a 7/8 “flamethrower” year
• [26:23] Types of disruption and the value of small changes
• [32:04] Individual Enneagram insights (types 1–9)
• [44:58] Accountability and embracing mistakes
• [58:54] The importance of community and support in a year of change

Tone and Style

The conversation is intimate, insightful, passionate, and supportive. Both Gwyneth and Courtney blend candor, curiosity, and warmth—the listener is invited into both practical self-inquiry and deep reflection about growth, relationships, and one’s place in the collective.

This episode is essential listening for anyone ready to catalyze personal and collective transformation in 2026. It offers not just a forecast but a toolkit for living bravely, consciously, and collaboratively in a year when disruption shapes us all.