Carly Patterson was just 16 when she won Olympic gold - then suddenly had to figure out who she was without gymnastics. In our first episode of Season 3: This Is My Story, Carly shares the rarely told story after the medals: The identity crisis that followed peak success The pressure to live up to “gold” for the rest of her life Her unexpected faith journey when control slipped away A painful season of infertility—and learning to release outcomes How purpose looks different when the spotlight fades This isn’t a story about gymnastics.It’s a story about what we do when our biggest win doesn’t bring peace. If you’ve ever: Reached a milestone and still felt unfulfilled Struggled with identity after a major life transition Tried to control an outcome that wouldn’t budge Carly’s journey will meet you right where you are—and remind you that your worth was never tied to your achievement. 🎧 Listen now to hear how faith, surrender, and resilience reshaped life after Olympic gold.

In this powerful season finale of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, host Paul Basden sits in the guest chair—interviewed by creative pastor and longtime friend Allison Harrell. Together, they explore Paul’s personal journey as an Enneagram Type 1 (The Reformer) and how understanding his type has shaped his spiritual life, leadership, and relationships. With honesty, humor, and deep self-reflection, Paul shares how childhood experiences formed his worldview, why he mistyped himself as a Two for years, how spiritual direction and counseling transformed him, and how he’s learning to distinguish his inner critic from the voice of the Holy Spirit. This episode also addresses big questions Christians often ask about the Enneagram:Is the Enneagram biblical? Is it compatible with Christian faith? Does it truly help us follow Jesus? Paul offers thoughtful, pastorally grounded responses while weaving in Scripture—especially Romans 8—to show how the Enneagram can be a tool for spiritual formation when held in the right way.  

This episode takes a second, deeper look at the Enneagram Type 9—this time through the voices of two leaders on the Preston Trail staff: Ryan and Cody. With humor, vulnerability, and relatable honesty, they explore what it means to lead, parent, partner, and grow as Nines in a church setting. Ryan and Cody share openly about their experiences as Nines working closely together, leading teams, raising young families, and seeking emotional and spiritual health in a fast-paced ministry environment. Together, they unpack hallmark traits of the Type 9—harmony-seeking, calm presence, empathy, stubbornness, avoidance, and the quiet strength that emerges when a Nine steps into healthy leadership. You’ll hear real stories, vulnerable insights, and practical reflections on marriage, parenting, ministry, spiritual formation, and how the Enneagram helps them better follow Jesus. Whether you identify as an Enneagram 9, love a Nine, or lead alongside one, this conversation offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for your everyday life and relationships.

This episode explores the Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker, featuring two authentic and engaging voices—Robin Johnson and Denise Basden. Both share openly about their upbringing, personality patterns, life as pastor’s wives, and their unique journeys toward emotional and spiritual maturity. Their stories highlight why Type 9s are often called “the sweethearts of the Enneagram.” Drawing from real stories of marriage, motherhood, life, and church leadership, Robin and Denise unpack the core motivations and struggles of the Enneagram 9: the longing for peace, the fear of conflict, the tendency to avoid decisions, and the quiet strength of loyalty, empathy, and steadiness. Listeners will hear how Type Nines navigate relationships with strong personality types (like Enneagram 1s and 8s), how they manage emotional overwhelm, and how their calm, grounding presence becomes a gift to families, churches, and communities. Perfect for anyone interested in:✔ Enneagram Type 9 traits✔ Christian spiritual growth✔ Personality and emotional health✔ Marriage and family dynamics through the Enneagram lens✔ How the Peacemaker style strengthens relationships and communities

In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do: Exploring the Enneagram, host Paul Basden interviews longtime friend and co–senior pastor Jim Johnson for an in-depth, engaging, and heartfelt look at the Enneagram Type 8 personality—the Challenger. Jim shares his moving family story, including the life-altering accident that shaped his parents’ faith and filled his childhood with unconditional love. From leadership in the church to marriage and parenting, Jim offers real-life examples of how Type 8 traits show up in daily life. Listeners will learn: What drives an Enneagram 8 How Type 8s lead, love, work, and relate Why Eights value independence, justice, and honesty The common fears and anxieties of Type 8s What healthy vs. unhealthy Type 8 behavior looks like How the Eight’s passion for strength and protection can mirror the heart of Jesus This conversation is rich with wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways for anyone who is a Type 8, loves a Type 8, or leads with a Type 8. If you're exploring personal growth, spiritual formation, or Enneagram wisdom, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a deeper appreciation for the powerful, justice-oriented Enneagram Eight.

In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do?, we explore the vibrant, possibility-driven world of the Enneagram Type 7—The Enthusiast. Host Paul Basden interviews Natalie Wells, Parent Communications Director at Preston Trail Community Church, who shares how the Seven’s love of fun, spontaneity, and freedom shapes her family life, marriage to an Enneagram One, and her spiritual walk. Natalie opens up about her upbeat “YOLO” mindset, her legendary costume carpool line, and the challenge Sevens face in sitting with sadness—especially through the loss of her father. She also shares practical ways she’s learned to pause, savor, and stay present. If you're an Enneagram 7 (or love one), this episode offers relatable stories, faith-based insight, and a deeper look at the unique gifts and struggles of The Enthusiast. Show Notes What defines an Enneagram 7 Strengths and shadow sides of The Enthusiast How Sevens navigate marriage with an Enneagram One The role of spontaneity, FOMO, and planning the next adventure How Sevens avoid sadness—and how Natalie learned to face it The spiritual journey of an Enneagram 7: joy, gratitude, and open-handed living Natalie’s famous “costume carpool line” tradition Scripture that resonates with Type 7s: John 10:10, Ecclesiastes 8:15

In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, Paul Basden sits down with two longtime Preston Trail pastors—Warren Jacobs (Worship Pastor) and Josh Manuel (Men’s Pastor)—to explore the steady, loyal, and thoughtful nature of the Enneagram Type Six: The Loyalist.   Known as the “guardian” of the Enneagram, Sixes are faithful, reliable, and protective—always planning ahead to make sure others feel safe and supported. But beneath that loyalty lies a constant battle with fear, self-doubt, and the need for security. Together, Warren and Josh share how these traits show up in their lives, marriages, parenting, and ministry—and how faith helps them turn anxiety into trust.   Listeners will hear: How Sixes bring stability and reliability to relationships and teams. Why fear and overthinking can lead to “paralysis by analysis”—and how to break that cycle. How loyalty and problem-solving make Sixes natural leaders and teammates. What Scripture says about overcoming fear and resting in God’s security (Philippians 4:6–8, Jeremiah 29:11, and Romans 12:1). The humor, humility, and practical wisdom that help Sixes thrive at home, at work, and in faith.   Whether you’re a Six yourself or love someone who is, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: peace doesn’t come from control—it comes from trust.

In this insightful episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, Paul Basden sits down with Sonya Jacobs, Marriage and Support Pastor at Preston Trail Community Church, to explore the thoughtful and deeply introspective world of the Enneagram Type Five: The Investigator.   As a biblical counselor, ministry leader, and wife of 31 years, Sonya offers a unique window into the mind of a Type Five—known for their curiosity, independence, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Together, Paul and Sonya unpack what it looks like to live as a Five in marriage, parenting, and ministry, and how this personality type’s strength of insight can also become a struggle with emotional detachment or over-independence.   Listeners will hear:   How Enneagram Fives process life through learning, observation, and reflection.   The challenge of balancing self-sufficiency with vulnerability in relationships.   The spiritual transformation that happens when Fives surrender control and allow others in.   Why healthy rhythms of rest, solitude, and study are essential to thriving as a Five.   How understanding her Enneagram type helps Sonya counsel others, nurture her family, and grow closer to Christ.   Sonya’s story is both deeply practical and spiritually rich—offering encouragement for anyone who’s ever wrestled with needing to “know enough” before taking a step of faith.   Mentioned in this episode:   The Enneagram Made Easy by Renee Baron and Elizabeth Wagele   The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner

In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, Paul Basden sits down with Tara Wedemeyer — licensed professional counselor, artist, wife, mom of two boys, and Enneagram Type Four — for a raw, honest, and beautifully nuanced look at what it means to live as The Individualist. Enneagram Fours are known for their creativity, emotional depth, and desire to live with authenticity. Tara shares how this plays out in real life: in her marriage, parenting two teenage boys, co-owning a counseling practice, and navigating her own inner world with compassion and curiosity. She opens up about the gifts of being a Four — empathy, creativity, intuition — as well as the challenges, like the pull toward melancholy, the longing to feel “unique,” and the inner critic that sometimes gets too loud. In this conversation you’ll hear Tara discuss: The tension between creativity and vulnerability Why emotional depth is not the same as depression How she navigates the “inner critic” and practices self-compassion The power of boundaries and emotional safety in relationships How knowing her Enneagram type shapes her faith, counseling, and motherhood Paul also unpacks what makes Fours distinct: a desire to be authentic and unique, comfort with the full range of emotions, and the belief that something significant is missing — both in them and in life. Tara responds with honesty, reflection, and humor, offering listeners a look inside the emotional landscape of a Four and demonstrating how this type brings beauty and depth to the world.  Whether you are a Four, love a Four, or struggle to understand a Four, this episode offers validation, clarity, and a reminder that our deepest emotions can be invitations to connection — not isolation.

In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, Paul sits down with two dynamic leaders from Preston Trail Community Church—Angel Hadley (Engagement Pastor) and Rick Wisner (Discipleship Pastor)—to explore the drive, discipline, and heart of the Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever. Known for their energy, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Threes are natural leaders who inspire others to reach new goals—but they also face unique challenges beneath the surface. Together, Angel and Rick offer an honest, faith-centered look at how the Achiever’s desire for success, validation, and admiration can both fuel impact and create exhaustion. You’ll hear: How Threes balance ambition and authenticity in ministry, family, and daily life. The shadow side of achievement—perfectionism, image management, and burnout. How self-awareness and faith can transform performance into purpose. Practical ways to slow down, celebrate small wins, and lead with grace instead of striving. With humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, Angel and Rick share how they’ve learned to root their identity not in performance, but in Christ. This episode offers a refreshing reminder that true success isn’t about achieving more—it’s about becoming more like Jesus.

05: In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, Paul sits down with his daughter, Kari Dobbs, to unpack life as an Enneagram Two—the Helper and Encourager. Known for their deep compassion, loyalty, and desire to be needed, Twos are often described as the most relational type on the Enneagram. But as Kari shares, those same strengths can sometimes become struggles when pride, people-pleasing, or perfectionism creep in.   Together, Paul and Kari explore:   What it means to live with a “Helper’s heart” in marriage, parenting four boys, teaching, ministry, and friendships.   The strengths of a Two: empathy, loyalty, encouragement, and the ability to connect deeply with others.   The shadow side of a Two: pride, over-functioning, and the exhaustion that comes from giving until there’s nothing left.   How Kari has learned to balance caring for others with setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-care.   Why faith and encouragement are central to her identity, and how following Jesus has reshaped her understanding of serving and loving others.   Kari’s story is filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom about relationships, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re a Two yourself or love someone who is, this episode shines a light on both the beauty and the challenges of the Helper’s journey.

04: In this episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, Paul sits down with Sarah Davidson, Executive Pastor of Ministries at Preston Trail Community Church, to unpack the gifts and challenges of being an Enneagram One. Known as the Perfectionist or the Improver, Ones are motivated by a deep desire to do what’s right, live with integrity, and make the world a better place.   Sarah shares candidly about how her Enneagram type shapes her marriage, parenting three boys, and leadership of a large church staff. From the high standards and reliability that make her a trusted leader, to the inner critic and critical eye that can sometimes create tension, Sarah opens up about the real-life experience of being a One at work and at home.   Together, Paul and Sarah explore:   The strengths of a One: integrity, clarity, reliability, and consistency.   The shadow side of a One: perfectionism, criticism, and the struggle to rest.   How Sarah has learned to pursue excellence over perfection and lean into grace.   Practical wisdom for Ones learning to silence the inner critic, embrace rest, and lead with encouragement instead of judgment.   Whether you’re an Enneagram One yourself or love someone who is, this conversation offers rich insight into how Ones can move from criticism to compassion, and from perfectionism to peace.

03: Knowing your Enneagram number is just the beginning. In this episode, host Paul Basden dives deeper into the Enneagram to uncover the layers that reveal not only your type, but also your habits, motivations, and path toward transformation.   You’ll unpack:   Virtues and Vices: How your greatest strengths can also become your biggest struggles, and why choosing virtue over vice leads to growth.   Centers of Intelligence (Triads): The Heart (2-3-4), Head (5-6-7), and Gut (8-9-1) triads that shape how we feel, think, and act.   Paul shares how Christian faith intersects with the Enneagram, showing how prayer, confession, and the Holy Spirit help us move from vice to virtue—becoming more of who God created us to be.   Whether you’re just beginning with the Enneagram or you’ve studied it for years, this episode will give you practical tools and spiritual insights to deepen your journey of self-awareness and discipleship.   Additional Resources:  The Enneagram Made Easy by Elizabeth Wagele & Renee Baron The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence by Scott Allender

02: In this episode, Paul takes a deep dive into all nine Enneagram types—revealing how each type’s core motivations, strengths, and struggles can shape the way we live, love, and follow God. From the Perfectionist’s drive to do things right, to the Peacemaker’s longing for harmony, each number offers both unique gifts and unique challenges.   Paul unpacks:   The defining traits, mottos, and anxieties of each type (1–9).   Why people with the same Enneagram number can look very different depending on wings, social preferences, spiritual gifts, and emotional health.   How the Enneagram can help you name your gifts, confront your struggles, and surrender your vices to God.   Whether you identify as a Perfectionist, Helper, Achiever, Artist, Thinker, Loyalist, Enthusiast, Challenger, or Peacemaker, this conversation shows how the Enneagram is not a magic formula but a trusted framework for self-knowledge, discipleship, and transformation.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the Enneagram more deeply and apply it as a tool for spiritual growth.   Additional Resources:  The Enneagram Made Easy by Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr & Andreas Ebbert The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher Heuertz Personality Types by Don Richard Riso & Russ Hudson The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence by Scott Allender

01: In this opening episode of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, host Paul Basden unpacks one of today’s most popular tools for self-discovery and spiritual growth: the Enneagram. If you’ve ever asked, “Who am I?” or wondered why you keep repeating certain patterns, this conversation will help you understand the Enneagram as more than a personality test—it’s a map of motivations, fears, and desires that can lead to both transformation and healing.   Paul tackles five big questions: Who am I? What is the Enneagram? How does it work? How do I use it? And where can I learn more? Along the way, he draws from Christian wisdom, Scripture, and his own counseling journey to explain how the Enneagram connects our worldview, our childhood wounds, and the vows we make that shape our behavior. He also highlights how this tool can deepen discipleship, helping us die to self and live more fully in the way of Jesus.   Whether you’re brand new to the Enneagram or a longtime learner, this episode offers a clear, practical introduction that blends psychology, theology, and spiritual practice. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey of asking, “Why do I do what I do?”   Books mentioned in this episode: The Enneagram Made Easy by Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr & Andreas Ebbert The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher Heuertz Personality Types by Don Richard Riso & Russ Hudson The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence by Scott Allender

What is the Enneagram, and why does it matter for your faith and personal growth? In this teaser episode, Paul introduces his new podcast season, Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram. After months of conversations on faith, culture, and tough topics, Paul shifts the focus inward—showing how the Enneagram can be a powerful tool for self-awareness, spiritual formation, and transformation. Drawing from ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and Scripture, Paul shares how knowing yourself is the first step toward living with integrity and experiencing God’s love more deeply. This episode sets the stage for what’s ahead: an introduction to the Enneagram system, in-depth interviews with all nine Enneagram types, and reflections on how self-knowledge leads to lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered “Why do I do what I do?”—this season is for you.

Over the past 10 months, we’ve tackled some of the most polarizing topics in culture—faith, politics, sexuality, justice, and more—not to divide, but to unite. In this heartfelt finale of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden revisits the core question: How can we have hard conversations that actually bring healing? Join us as we explore:🔹 The power of words to divide or unite (Proverbs 12:18, Ephesians 4:29)🔹 How to be known for love—even in disagreement (John 13:34-35)🔹 Practical wisdom for families, churches, and public discourse🔹 Why unity, not uniformity, is the goal of gospel conversations Whether you’ve felt misunderstood, wrestled with opposing beliefs, or simply long for a better way to talk across divides, this episode offers both challenge and hope. May our conversations be honest, humble, and healing. And may they always begin—and end—in love. 🎧 Listen now to the season finale, and stay tuned next week for a brand-new season: Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram.

In Part 2 of our series on gun control, host Paul Basden is joined by Greg, a long-time gun owner, and Mike, an active-duty police officer. Together, they tackle one of the most polarizing topics in America—firearms—through the lens of faith, public safety, and personal responsibility. Join us as we explore:Why Christians feel conflicted about gun ownershipHow personal experience shapes beliefs about gun lawsThe tension between the right to bear arms and the call to peacemakingWhat it means to prioritize both safety and compassion in a divided culture Whether you're a Second Amendment supporter, an advocate for reform, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a grounded and thoughtful dialogue on one of today's most pressing issues.

The gun control debate is more than political—it's personal, moral, and spiritual. In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Paul Basden takes us to the epicenter of the controversy: the right to bear arms. Before diving into interviews and expert opinions next week, this Part 1 episode explores the spiritual tension many Christians feel when trying to balance personal freedom with public safety. Join us as we explore: Four foundational beliefs that shape American attitudes on guns—sacredness of life, human sinfulness, the instinct to defend, and the constitutional right to bear arms What Scripture says about valuing life and community How churches can step into the gap with radical acceptance and relational rescue This episode challenges both extremes of the debate and asks deeper questions: What kind of person are you becoming? What kind of society are we building? Whether you’re a gun owner, an advocate for reform, or somewhere in between, this conversation invites reflection, not reaction.  Listen now and prepare to be both convicted and comforted.Subscribe wherever you stream podcasts.Tune in next week for Part 2 featuring expert interviews.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Paul Basden sits down with longtime Preston Trail Creative Pastor Allison Harrell and couples group coordinator D’Anthony Forte to talk about a subject too many know firsthand: church hurt. Allison opens up about growing up in a high-control religious group she now recognizes as a cult—where authority went unchecked, manipulation was normalized, and eventually, her family was excommunicated. D’Anthony shares how fear-based faith, legalism, and judgment shaped his earliest experiences with church, leading to decades of anxiety and a 14-year absence from Christian community. Together, they discuss: What spiritual abuse and toxic church cultures can look like Why walking away is sometimes a survival response—and why coming back is possible The role of therapy, vulnerability, and real community in healing How God’s love can meet us in our rawest, most wounded places The surprising truth: church can still be the place where healing happens Whether you’ve been burned by spiritual authority, are afraid to trust again, or are simply walking alongside someone who’s been hurt, this episode offers honesty, grace, and hope. 🔔 Subscribe to hear more honest, unfiltered conversations about faith, pain, and the messy beauty of following Jesus.