Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram
In Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, host Paul Basden invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery through one of the most transformative tools he’s ever encountered: the Enneagram. Rooted in timeless wisdom like “Know thyself” and “The unexamined life is not worth living,” this season explores how true integrity begins when our inner life and outer life align. Paul shares how the Enneagram moved beyond personality descriptions to reveal the deeper motivations, fears, and longings that shape our choices—and how this self-knowledge can lead to spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. Across three months of episodes, Paul will unpack the Enneagram as a whole, dive into conversations with people from all nine types, and offer reflections on what it means to live authentically before God. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or have studied it for years, this podcast will help you slow down, reflect deeply, and discover the freedom that comes when you know yourself and surrender fully to the One who knows you best and loves you most.
Episodes
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 emot...
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, lif...
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 marria...
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, h...
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 re...
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 ...
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 ...
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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 Enneag...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)...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 peop...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...
#40 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, Ephesian...
#39 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 ownership How personal experience shapes beliefs about gun laws The tension betw...
#38 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 a...
#37 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 no...
#36 Is justice just a political buzzword hijacked by the culture wars—or is it central to the heart of God? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden dives deep into the biblical roots of justice and challenges us to move beyond partisan stereotypes to embrace God’s call to care for the vulnerable.
Join us as we explore: What the Hebrew prophets (like Isaiah) really said abou...
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Is love for your country a virtue—or can it become a form of idolatry? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the fine line between patriotism and nationalism, and what Scripture teaches about our highest allegiance.
Join us as we explore: The biblical call to seek God’s Kingdom above all else...
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