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.

• 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 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.