The Pastor’s Studio with Paul Basden

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...

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 ma...

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 T...

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. T...

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 ins...

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,...

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 s...

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....

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 anxie...

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, fea...

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....

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...

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...

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 freedo...

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...

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...

Re-Release : 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 (Matthew 6:33) Why nati...

Social media connects us more than ever before—so why do so many of us still feel so alone? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with Ashlynn McKay Lurkens, social media influencer, and podcast producer, for a candid look at the beautiful and broken realities of life online. From influencer culture and identity formation to adolescent anxiety a...

Social media touches nearly every part of our daily lives—but is it helping us love better, or hurting our ability to connect meaningfully? In this thought-provoking solo episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the power, pitfalls, and potential of social platforms through a biblical lens. From endless scrolling to the search for validation, Paul challenge...

What if your deepest sense of identity doesn’t fit within the traditional framework of the church—but your love for Jesus still burns bright? In this honest and moving episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with author and speaker Greg Coles for a vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and what it means to live as a single, gay Christian committe...

Same-sex attraction is one of the most emotionally charged and spiritually complex conversations in the modern church. What does it mean to hold fast to biblical convictions while extending the radical love of Jesus? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden invites listeners into a grace-and-truth-filled conversation about LGBTQ+ identity,...

Is divorce the unforgivable sin—or can God bring beauty out of brokenness? In this vulnerable and redemptive episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden tackles the topic of divorce with wisdom, truth, and compassion. Drawing from Scripture and real-life reflections, Paul explores the pain of divorce, the purpose of marriage, and the surprising grace of a God who never...

How should Christians respond when someone's gender identity doesn’t match their biological sex? Is it loving to affirm? Is it faithful to confront? Is there a better, more Jesus-like way? In this important episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Pastor Paul Basden dives into one of today’s most sensitive and controversial topics: the “T” in LGBTQ. From the cultural spotlight on Ca...

Is poverty a result of personal failure—or a symptom of a broken system? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the deeply human and deeply biblical dimensions of poverty, challenging us to think beyond politics and toward compassion. Join us as we explore: Global and national poverty statistics that demand attention Why God’s Word speaks so direc...

Is science the enemy of faith—or a reflection of God’s creativity? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the often-tension-filled relationship between science and Christianity, offering a refreshing take that honors both Scripture and scientific discovery. Join us as we explore: What science really is—and why Christians should care How Psalm 111:...