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Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram

Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram

By: Paul Basden
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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.

Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • 04: Living as an Enneagram One: Parenting, Leadership, and Overcoming Perfectionism

    04: Living as an Enneagram One: Parenting, Leadership, and Overcoming Perfectionism
    Oct 9 2025

    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.
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    36 mins
  • 03: Going Deeper with the Enneagram: Exploring Triads, Centers, and Spiritual Growth

    03: Going Deeper with the Enneagram: Exploring Triads, Centers, and Spiritual Growth
    Oct 2 2025

    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
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    17 mins
  • 02: Discovering the 9 Enneagram Types: Strengths, Struggles, and Faith

    02: Discovering the 9 Enneagram Types: Strengths, Struggles, and Faith
    Sep 25 2025

    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
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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