The Pastor’s Studio with Paul Basden

S2E11: Strengths, Struggles & The Challenger’s Heart with Enneagram 8 Pastor Jim Johnson

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.

S2E10: Chasing Fun with the Enneagram Type 7: Navigating Life, Family, and Faith with Natalie Wells

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

S2E09: Enneagram Type 6 Explained: Loyalty, Anxiety, and Learning to Trust God with Warren Jacobs and Josh Manuel

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.

S2E08: Understanding Enneagram 5 : Knowledge, Boundaries, and the Journey Toward Connection with Sonya Jacobs

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