The Pastor’s Studio with Paul Basden

Paul Basden
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The Pastor’s Studio is a space for honest conversations, meaningful questions, and stories that reveal how faith meets real life. Hosted by pastor and author Paul Basden, this podcast brings together authentic dialogue, spiritual reflection, and real-life experiences to help listeners navigate what it means to follow Jesus in a complex world. Across every season, the aim is the same: to help listeners see God more clearly, understand themselves more deeply, and live out their faith with wisdom, humility, and grace. Thoughtful, grounded, and full of heart, Pastor Paul invites you to slow down, listen well, and pay attention to the story God is writing in and around you. Season 1: Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians Season 2: Why Do I Do What I Do - Exploring the Enneagram Season 3: This is My Story Paul Basden is an author and serves as co-senior pastor of Preston Trail Community Church in Texas. A native of Dallas, Texas, Paul earned his BA from Baylor University and his Master of Divinity and PhD from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Paul also served as university minister and a professor of theology at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Denise, have two grown daughters and four grandsons.

  1. 2D AGO

    S3E6: Addiction, Identity & Abundance: Jason Kanapkey’s Story of Surrender

    What if the faith you thought you had wasn’t the same as surrender? Jason Kanapkey grew up in church. Baptized at eight. Knew the language. Believed in Jesus. But by 12, he was experimenting with drugs. By 16, chasing highs. By 17, couch-surfing and barely holding life together. He believed in God. He just wasn’t following Him. Years later, sitting on his couch as a young adult, reading Scripture with fresh eyes, everything shifted. And when he finally let go of the identity he was clinging to, he discovered something unexpected: obedience felt like abundance. In this episode, Jason shares: Growing up around religion but discovering relationship Addiction, identity, and the quiet drift from God The surrender moment that transformed everything Serving before fully understanding Finding deep discipleship and brotherhood Navigating open-heart surgery and learning to receive grace Living out faith in the marketplace, not just the church This isn’t a story about having it all figured out. It’s about daily transformation. Resources & References Connect with Virtuous Cycle Coffee Follow Virtuous Cycle Coffee on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube Read: Romans 12:1–2, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 3:20

    34 min

  2. FEB 5

    S3E5: Suzanne Hancock on Leaving Mormonism and Finding True Peace

    What do you do when the faith you inherited never brings the peace you’re promised? Suzanne Hancock was born and raised in the Mormon (LDS) church. She followed the rules, did what was expected, and built her identity around a faith tradition handed down for generations—yet peace always felt just out of reach. In this episode, Suzanne courageously shares her long, honest journey of seeking truth: Growing up Mormon and quietly questioning what didn’t sit right Feeling trapped between loyalty, identity, and unanswered questions Wrestling with shame, anxiety, and depression while searching for peace Stepping into a Christian church for the first time—alone and uncertain Discovering Jesus not as a system, but as a relationship Walking away from a lifelong identity and choosing Christ for herself Experiencing baptism as freedom, joy, and new life Learning to trust God daily with anxiety, parenting, and purpose This is not a story about switching religions. It’s a story about seeking truth, finding peace, and choosing Jesus—no matter the cost. If you’ve ever: Felt spiritually restless even inside a faith tradition Feared disappointing people by asking hard questions Struggled with anxiety, shame, or identity loss Wondered whether Jesus could really bring peace Suzanne’s story is a powerful reminder that Jesus keeps His promise: “Seek, and you will find.” 🎧 Listen now to hear how surrender, courage, and grace reshaped one woman’s faith—and future. RESOURCES & REFERENCES 📖 Bible Verses Matthew 3:17 Matthew 7:7–8 Jeremiah 29:11 Psalm 103 🔗 Helpful Resources & Next Steps Rooted Alpha Shalom Message Series

    32 min

  3. JAN 29

    S3E4: Jackson Ford - From Rock Bottom to a Life of Calling

    What happens when the life you’re chasing leaves you empty.. and God meets you at rock bottom? Jackson Ford didn’t grow up deeply rooted in faith. For years, God felt distant - something reserved for holidays and church buildings, not everyday life. College only amplified that distance as partying, addiction, and isolation quietly took hold. Then everything changed. In this episode, Jackson shares his raw and hopeful story of transformation: Growing up around church but never really knowing God How COVID isolation exposed deeper emptiness and addiction Hitting rock bottom during college and encountering grace for the first time Saying yes to Jesus and watching identity, relationships, and purpose change Learning to love selflessly instead of living for himself Discernment, surrender, and an unexpected call into ministry This isn’t a story about having it all figured out. It’s about curiosity turning into conviction. If you’ve ever: Felt far from God even when you knew about Him Tried to numb emptiness with success, relationships, or habits Wondered if God could really use your past Wrestled with obedience when it didn’t make logical sense Jackson’s story is a reminder that God doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up - He meets us in the mess and leads us forward. Resources & References Watch: Defining Moments: Jackson's Story  Read: Romans 8, Acts 11:1-3, and Matthew 6:25-34 The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis

    27 min

  4. JAN 22

    S3E3: Surprised by Grace - Brad Brenneman on Work, Generosity, and Joy

    Raised in a deeply Mennonite home, Brad Brenneman grew up surrounded by faith, service, and spiritual discipline. But it wasn’t until adulthood—after success, ambition, and an unexpected sense of emptiness—that grace became personal. In this episode, Brad shares a story best described as “surprised by grace”: Growing up with a strong spiritual heritage—and learning faith for himself Leading businesses with humility, stewardship, and love for people Saying yes to international adoption - and watching grace multiply Learning generosity as a pathway to joy, not obligation If you’ve ever: Wondered whether your career could truly be a calling Struggled to reconcile ambition with faith Felt God nudging you toward generosity, leadership, or adoption Believed in grace, but wanted to experience it more deeply Brad’s journey offers a compelling reminder: God often does His deepest work quietly... through faithfulness, surrender, and everyday obedience. 🎧 Listen now to hear how a life rooted in grace can shape work, family, generosity, and legacy. KEY VERSES & QUOTES (NIV) Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (NIV) “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Mark 10:45 (NIV) “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Quote “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” Books What's So Amazing About Grace, Phillip Yancey

    41 min

  5. JAN 15

    S3E02: Naming My Parkinson’s... and Learning to Laugh with Tim Johnson

    Tim Johnson was serving as a senior pastor when he received a life-altering Parkinson’s diagnosis. Overnight, certainty disappeared, plans unraveled, and the future became fragile. In this second episode of This Is My Story, Tim shares the story after the diagnosis: Hearing the word Parkinson’s and choosing not to waste it Letting go of leadership, identity, and control Learning to trust God without demanding answers Finding peace, and even joy, while living with uncertainty Discovering a new calling rooted in care, presence, and hope This isn’t a conversation about healing formulas. It’s about faith when the miracle doesn’t come the way you expect. If you’ve ever: Faced a diagnosis you didn’t see coming Wondered why God didn’t intervene Struggled to trust when your future feels unsteady Tim’s journey offers a steady, honest reminder: God may not remove the suffering, but He never removes His presence. 🎧 Listen now to hear how faith, surrender, and purpose can grow even in the shadow of Parkinson’s.

    40 min

  6. JAN 8

    S3E01: Carly Patterson: Olympic Gold Didn’t Define Me... God Did

    Carly Patterson was just 16 when she won Olympic gold - then suddenly had to figure out who she was without gymnastics. In our first episode of Season 3: This Is My Story, Carly shares the rarely told story after the medals: The identity crisis that followed peak success The pressure to live up to “gold” for the rest of her life Her unexpected faith journey when control slipped away A painful season of infertility—and learning to release outcomes How purpose looks different when the spotlight fades This isn’t a story about gymnastics. It’s a story about what we do when our biggest win doesn’t bring peace. If you’ve ever: Reached a milestone and still felt unfulfilled Struggled with identity after a major life transition Tried to control an outcome that wouldn’t budge Carly’s journey will meet you right where you are—and remind you that your worth was never tied to your achievement. 🎧 Listen now to hear how faith, surrender, and resilience reshaped life after Olympic gold.

    39 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    S2E14: Season 2 Finale - From Inner Critic to Inner Peace: Paul's Type 1’s Journey Toward Spiritual Freedom

    In this powerful season finale of Why Do I Do What I Do? Exploring the Enneagram, host Paul Basden sits in the guest chair—interviewed by creative pastor and longtime friend Allison Harrell. Together, they explore Paul’s personal journey as an Enneagram Type 1 (The Reformer) and how understanding his type has shaped his spiritual life, leadership, and relationships. With honesty, humor, and deep self-reflection, Paul shares how childhood experiences formed his worldview, why he mistyped himself as a Two for years, how spiritual direction and counseling transformed him, and how he’s learning to distinguish his inner critic from the voice of the Holy Spirit. This episode also addresses big questions Christians often ask about the Enneagram: Is the Enneagram biblical? Is it compatible with Christian faith? Does it truly help us follow Jesus? Paul offers thoughtful, pastorally grounded responses while weaving in Scripture—especially Romans 8—to show how the Enneagram can be a tool for spiritual formation when held in the right way.

    36 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    S2E13: Cody Gillespey & Ryan McCully: Enneagram 9 Leaders on Harmony, Stubbornness & Spiritual Growth

    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.

    40 min
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The Pastor’s Studio is a space for honest conversations, meaningful questions, and stories that reveal how faith meets real life. Hosted by pastor and author Paul Basden, this podcast brings together authentic dialogue, spiritual reflection, and real-life experiences to help listeners navigate what it means to follow Jesus in a complex world. Across every season, the aim is the same: to help listeners see God more clearly, understand themselves more deeply, and live out their faith with wisdom, humility, and grace. Thoughtful, grounded, and full of heart, Pastor Paul invites you to slow down, listen well, and pay attention to the story God is writing in and around you. Season 1: Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians Season 2: Why Do I Do What I Do - Exploring the Enneagram Season 3: This is My Story Paul Basden is an author and serves as co-senior pastor of Preston Trail Community Church in Texas. A native of Dallas, Texas, Paul earned his BA from Baylor University and his Master of Divinity and PhD from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Paul also served as university minister and a professor of theology at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Denise, have two grown daughters and four grandsons.

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