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What happens when you get married without a shared faith or a clear picture of what makes a healthy marriage? Jason and Tiffany Porter spent the first years of their marriage trying to build a life together without following Jesus. Jason carried fears shaped by his parents’ divorce, while Tiffany struggled with perfectionism, anxiety, and the pressure to get everything right. In this conversation, Jason and Tiffany share how God gradually drew each of them to faith—and how their relationship changed when Jesus became the center of their marriage. Jason talks about the birth of their first son, his decision to start seeking God, and the community and service that helped him grow. Tiffany shares the moment a sermon on Romans changed how she understood perfection, grace, and her identity. Together, they describe how shared faith reshaped their communication, family values, parenting, and sense of purpose. This episode is especially for couples who want a stronger marriage but don't know where to begin, including couples where one spouse follows Jesus and the other doesn't. Jason and Tiffany offer an honest story of two people who started in very different places and gradually learned to walk in the same direction. Their story offers encouragement for anyone wondering whether God can meet a marriage in the middle of its mess and lead it somewhere new. Topics include: Building a Christ-centered marriage Marriage when spouses have different levels of faith How perfectionism can affect marriage and relationships Finding identity, purpose, and joy in Jesus How shared faith can reshape family values and parenting Taking the first steps toward faith and spiritual growth as a couple

What happens to your faith when life doesn't turn out the way you prayed it would? Britt Herrington began asking that question at age 12, when his mother died from a brain tumor just weeks after his birthday. His childhood faith gave him a framework for belief, but it didn't give him easy answers to grief, suffering, and the goodness of God. In this conversation, Britt shares how those questions shaped his journey through Baptist and non-denominational churches, seminary, music, and eventually Anglican worship. He talks about the connection between theology and music, why the repeated rhythms of liturgy have become spiritually rich for him, and how the church calendar helps him orient his life around the life of Christ. He also reflects on Psalm 90, learning to "number our days," and the place of lament in an honest life of faith. This episode will especially resonate with people wrestling with grief, Christians who have questions that don't fit easy answers, and anyone curious about liturgical worship or the relationship between music and theology. Britt's story offers a thoughtful perspective on how faith can grow deeper through suffering, daily rhythms, beauty, and the lifelong pursuit of wisdom.   Topics include: Grief, loss, and wrestling with God after the death of a parent How suffering can challenge easy answers about faith The connection between music, theology, beauty, and Christian faith Britt Harrington's journey from Baptist and non-denominational churches to Anglican worship Why liturgy and repetition can shape daily spiritual life Psalm 90, numbering our days, wisdom, and the role of lament Additional resources and recommended reads: Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis Psalm 90

What happens when the faith you’ve always accepted starts raising questions you can’t ignore? Tim Stephens grew up in an independent, fundamentalist Baptist church, spent nine years traveling with a conservative revival ministry, and eventually became an executive pastor at a growing church. For decades, his beliefs felt settled—until painful experiences and difficult questions about God, suffering, Scripture, and faith began to pull at the certainty he had always known. Tim talks openly about what he calls his journey from certainty, through questioning and deconstruction, toward a faith grounded in what he could genuinely own. He shares how exposure to different churches challenged his assumptions, how his brother-in-law’s ALS diagnosis raised questions about the sovereignty of God, and why he believes there needs to be room for people to ask hard questions without being afraid of where those questions might lead. He also reflects on leadership, church culture, mentoring, and discovering that administrative and organizational leadership could itself be ministry. This conversation will especially resonate with pastors, church leaders, and Christians who have inherited a faith framework but are beginning to ask deeper questions about what they actually believe. Tim’s story offers a thoughtful perspective on questioning faith without assuming that questions have to lead away from Jesus—and on how a person can arrive at a faith marked by humility rather than certainty about everything. In This Episode Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian church Legalism and the pressure to have the “right” answer Questioning and deconstructing inherited beliefs Faith, doubt, suffering, and questions about God’s sovereignty Church leadership and the role of an executive pastor Building a healthy church culture and leading with curiosity

How do you keep trusting God when the pain doesn’t go away? Kristen Basden has undergone 45 surgeries and lives with a rare genetic condition that has changed what her body can do, but she refuses to let those limitations define her life. In this deeply personal episode of This Is My Story, Pastor Paul Basden sits down with his daughter Kristen to talk about growing up as a pastor’s kid, navigating chronic pain and unanswered questions, and learning to focus on what she can do rather than everything she can’t. Through surgeries, setbacks and seasons that looked nothing like she expected, Kristen has held onto the words of Psalm 139 and the truth that she is fully known by God. “He knows me and has known me and will continue to know me more than I’ll ever know myself.” Kristen’s story is a reminder that even when circumstances don’t change, God can still use our hardest seasons to encourage someone else. In This Episode Growing up as a pastor’s daughter Kristen’s diagnosis and 45 surgeries Wrestling with God through chronic pain Finding purpose within physical limitations Friendship and community through difficult seasons “Recycling your pain” to encourage others Why Psalm 139 became Kristen’s life verse Her encouragement to anyone who feels like giving up

Can you build a new marriage with the same person? Warren and Sonya Jacobs fell in love as teenagers, married at 20, and were determined to build a life together. But beneath the surface, years of conflict avoidance, codependency and unresolved hurt were slowly pulling them apart. In this episode of This Is My Story, Pastor Paul Basden sits down with Warren and Sonya for an honest conversation about the moment they realized, “We are not okay,” and the counseling, community and faith that helped them begin again. More than 20 years later, they share what they’ve learned about grace, forgiveness, intimacy, identity in Christ and doing the hard work of repairing a relationship. “Our marriage as it was was really over... We wanted a new marriage. We had to have a new marriage.” For anyone wondering if deeply rooted patterns can really change, Warren and Sonya’s story offers a powerful reminder: “Your relationship can change. We’re a testimony right now.” In This Episode Falling in love as teenagers and marrying at 20 How conflict avoidance and codependency affected their marriage Knowing when it was time to ask for help Counseling, community and rebuilding trust Creating a “new marriage with the same person” Finding identity in Christ instead of your spouse Grace, forgiveness and repairing after conflict Hope for couples who feel stuck References Enjoy Your Marriage Preston Trail Marriage Ministry  The 5 Love Languages Psalm 139:14  Isaiah 30:21 Matthew 19:26 John 15 Galatians 5:22–23 Psalm 139

Can you think your way into faith? What happens when your questions about God seem bigger than the answers? For Alex Logan, those questions lasted nearly 50 years. In this episode of This Is My Story, Pastor Paul Basden sits down with Alex, a retired attorney, former constitutional law professor and Mensa member whose journey with faith has been anything but straightforward. After losing his father at 59 and struggling to reconcile that loss with the idea of a good God, Alex walked away from faith and spent the next four decades as an agnostic. Then one Sunday at Preston Trail, Alex looked over at his young grandson during worship and saw tears streaming down his face. Alex remembers thinking, “I want that in my life.” That moment led him to an EQUIP class, where he showed up with plenty of skepticism and even more questions. Slowly, those questions became the path that led him back to Jesus. This is a conversation for the skeptic, the question asker, and anyone who wonders if they’ve been away from God for too long. Alex’s story is proof that questions don’t have to keep you from faith, and it is never too late to find your way home. In This Episode: • How the death of Alex’s father caused him to walk away from faith • Spending nearly 50 years as an agnostic • The moment with his grandson that made him want something more • Bringing his hardest questions about God into an EQUIP class • Finding faith and being baptized at 73 • Why Easter suddenly meant something completely different • Trusting God while living with long haul COVID • The role friendship and community played in growing his faith • Alex’s encouragement for anyone still wrestling with questions about God References: • Preston Trail EQUIP • Rooted • The Chosen

What does it look like to follow Jesus in the places where faith isn’t always talked about out loud? In this episode of This Is My Story, Pastor Paul Basden sits down with Becca Baker to talk about faith, family, work, and what she has learned through years of developing and coaching leaders in some of the country’s largest companies. Becca shares how a faith that began when she was seven has continued to shape the way she leads today. From coaching C suite executives to navigating career changes, raising two boys, serving as an elder at Preston Trail, and learning when to say yes and when to say no, her story is a reminder that following Jesus shows up in the everyday choices we make. She and Paul also talk candidly about living out your faith in the workplace. For Becca, it isn’t about forcing a conversation. It’s about relationships, authenticity, humility, and trying to reflect Jesus in the way you treat and lead people. And for anyone who has ever wondered whether they really deserve a seat at the table, Becca offers this: “You belong. You deserve to be where you are.” This is a conversation about finding your voice, leading with humility, building relationships that matter, and trusting that a faithful life doesn’t have to be dramatic to be a story worth telling. References: • Matthew 5:13–16 • Matthew 7:12 • Dare to Lead by Brené Brown • The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown • WorkLife with Adam Grant • Harvard Business Review

What do a Halloween “hell house,” the Texas Rangers and a lesson in trusting God have in common? Corey Jones. In this episode of This Is My Story, Pastor Paul Basden sits down with Corey to talk about a life that has taken some pretty unexpected turns. Corey shares how a decision to follow Jesus as a teenager grew into a faith that would later carry him and his wife, Jenny, through one of the most uncertain seasons of their lives. He also shares how that same willingness to trust God and say yes has shaped his career. Corey started as a customer service representative at 19 and, 27 years later, serves as a senior vice president at Globe Life. Somewhere along the way, an idea he was told was a little crazy helped lead to the Globe Life name appearing on not one, but two Texas Rangers ballparks. But through all of it, Corey keeps coming back to one thing: “The circumstances don’t dictate the faith.” This is a conversation about trusting God when you don’t know what comes next, saying yes when an opportunity feels bigger than you, and learning to look back and see God’s fingerprints all along the way. References: • Hebrews 11 • Philippians 4:12 • Romans 5:8 • Proverbs 22:29 • Freakonomics • The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

What does it look like to choose life when you've walked through so much death? In this episode of This Is My Story, Paul sits down with Kelly Carter to explore a life marked by profound loss, unwavering faith, and the sustaining presence of God. From losing loved ones at a young age to walking beside her husband through an aggressive cancer diagnosis, Kelly has experienced more grief than most. Yet through every season, she has discovered that while loss changes us, it doesn't have to define us. Along the way, Kelly shares how foster care and adoption expanded her family's story, how the Church became the hands and feet of Jesus during unimaginable hardship. She offers a moving perspective on grief, reminding us that sorrow and joy often exist together, and that our deepest hope is found not in avoiding suffering, but in knowing Christ. Whether you're walking through grief, caring for someone you love, or simply wondering how faith holds up in life's hardest moments, Kelly's story is a powerful reminder that your life is bigger than your loss. In This Episode: Growing up with an early awareness of loss and death How foster care and adoption transformed Kelly's family Walking alongside her husband through a terminal cancer diagnosis What it means to have an "even if" faith when healing doesn't come The role of community in carrying one another through grief Why grief and joy can coexist How choosing life became Kelly's greatest testimony References Philippians 3:7–10  Zephaniah 3:17 Daniel 3:16–18 John 16:33 GriefShare: https://prestontrail.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3633850

What happens when the faith you inherited leaves you searching for something more? In this episode of This Is My Story, Paul sits down with Mandy Hinerman to explore her journey from a Jewish upbringing to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Raised in a family that faithfully observed Jewish traditions and holidays, Mandy spent much of her life believing in God, but never truly knowing Him. When tragedy, loss, and unanswered questions began to shape her story, she found herself searching for a faith that offered more than ritual and obligation. As Mandy began reading Scripture for herself, she discovered something that changed everything: the promises and prophecies she had grown up hearing pointed directly to Jesus. What followed was a journey marked by healing, peace, unexpected friendships, and a growing confidence that Jesus truly is the Messiah promised throughout the Jewish Scriptures. Mandy’s story is a powerful reminder that God often meets us in our questions, our grief, and our searching and that His invitation is always rooted in grace rather than fear. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What it was like growing up in a Jewish family in America The fear and uncertainty that followed the sudden loss of her father Why religious tradition alone left her searching for more How reading Scripture for herself changed her understanding of Jesus The Old Testament prophecies that pointed her toward faith in Christ How God brought people into her life at exactly the right moments A moving story of grace, salvation, and peace at the end of her sister’s life Why following Jesus brought freedom from fear and anxiety Key Takeaway: Faith is more than tradition or performance. When we encounter Jesus personally, we discover the peace, grace, and assurance we’ve been searching for all along. Resources & References: Romans 1:16 Isaiah 53 Jeremiah 29:11 Preston Trail Community Church Embrace Grace

At just 14 years old, CeCe has already faced a struggle that many students—and adults—know all too well: anxiety. In this honest and encouraging conversation, CeCe shares how anxiety began affecting her life, faith, friendships, and school experience, and how God met her in what felt like a dark season. Alongside her mom, Ryan, she reflects on the role of community, counseling, prayer, and honest conversations in helping her find hope and healing. Whether you're a student navigating anxiety, a parent walking alongside a child who is struggling, or someone wondering where God is in the middle of difficult seasons, this episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and that God never leaves us, even when He feels far away. Topics include: • Anxiety and mental health in students • Parenting through difficult seasons • The importance of community and counseling • Faith during the "dark night of the soul" • Finding hope, purpose, and peace in God's presence WATCH: CeCe's story at High Def 2026 READ: 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Download The Feelings Wheel

What happens when Scripture comes alive—not just on the page, but beneath your feet? In this special episode of This Is My Story, Paul is joined by his wife, Denise, to reflect on their recent journey through Greece tracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Together, they share stories, insights, and meaningful moments from walking through places like Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Patmos, and Crete—places where biblical history moved from imagination to reality. From worshiping near Lydia’s baptism site and standing on Mars Hill where Paul preached in Athens, to experiencing communion among the ruins of Corinth and reflecting in the cave believed to be where John received the Revelation on Patmos, this episode offers both practical travel reflections and spiritual insight. Along the way, Paul and Denise also share what surprised them most, how ancient places deepened their faith, and why sometimes the most meaningful spiritual experiences happen when history becomes personal. Whether you’ve been to Greece, dream of going, or simply want to experience Scripture in a deeper way, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at faith, history, marriage, and the beauty of seeing the biblical world firsthand. Resources & References: The Apostle Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16–18) Philippians, Thessalonians, Corinthians & Titus Patmos and the Book of Revelation Footsteps Ministries (David & Elizabeth Sparks)

What happens when the version of Jesus you learned growing up doesn’t match the Jesus you encounter in Scripture? In this episode of This Is My Story, Paul sits down with Aubreigh Cox to explore a journey from fear-based faith to a deep understanding of God’s grace, love, and peace. Raised in a highly rule-focused and performance-driven religious environment, Aubreigh spent much of her life believing that God was distant, angry, and waiting for her to fail. But everything began to change when she encountered the real Jesus. Through seasons of anxiety, depression, questions, and spiritual rebuilding, Aubreigh shares how worship, community, baptism, and Scripture reshaped her understanding of who God truly is. Her story is one of healing, surrender, and discovering that grace—not fear—is at the center of the Gospel. This conversation is for anyone who has wrestled with legalism, church hurt, anxiety surrounding faith, or the fear of never being “good enough” for God.   In this episode you'll hear:  Growing up in a fear-based religious environment The impact of legalism and performance-driven faith Wrestling with anxiety, shame, and questions about God How worship and church community became part of healing Why baptism became a powerful act of surrender and freedom Learning to raise children rooted in love instead of fear Key Takeaway:  The real Jesus is not waiting to reject you—He is inviting you into grace, peace, and belonging.

What happens when the house gets quiet, and you’re left rediscovering who you are without the rhythms of raising children? In this episode of This Is My Story, Paul sits down with Rick and Clancy Denton to talk about marriage, parenting, faith, and learning to embrace the empty nest season with intentionality and hope. After spending decades raising two children in a Christ-centered home, Rick and Clancy found themselves facing a new reality: life as just the two of them again. Rather than viewing the empty nest as something to fear, they chose to lean in. Through honest conversation, they share how church community, transparency at home, intentional connection in marriage, and a strong foundation of faith helped prepare both their children—and themselves—for this next chapter. They also discuss the grief, identity shifts, and unexpected joys that come with parenting adult children and learning to let go with grace. Whether you’re years away from an empty nest or already living in one, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for navigating one of life’s biggest transitions. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: How intentional parenting shapes children long after they leave home Why honesty and transparency mattered in their family culture The importance of prioritizing marriage while raising kids What the “Year of Yes” taught them about the empty nest season The grief and freedom that coexist when children leave home How faith, prayer, and community sustain parents through transition Key Takeaway: The empty nest is not the end of purpose—it’s an invitation into a new season of connection, growth, and joy. Resources & Links: The Loud Quiet Podcast The Loud Quiet Book

What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you planned—and the questions feel bigger than the answers? In this episode, Paul sits down with Jamie Bryson to explore a story marked by faith, doubt, resilience, and an unshakable trust in God. From a late introduction to faith in high school to pursuing a PhD in Hebrew Bible, Jamie’s journey was rooted in a deep desire to understand God and help others do the same. But along the way, things shifted. A season of intellectual questioning led to years of wrestling with belief, identity, and calling. And just as clarity began to return, life took an unexpected turn. In 2021, Jamie was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s and kidney cancer—within the same year. What follows is not a story of easy answers, but of steady faith. In this conversation, Jamie shares what it looks like to keep showing up, to let go of needing certainty, and to trust that God is present—even in suffering. His story is a powerful reminder that faith is not about having everything figured out, but about knowing where to turn when you don’t. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What it looks like to wrestle honestly with doubt How perspective on suffering reshapes faith The role of community, love, and consistency in hard seasons Why faith can grow stronger, not weaker, in uncertainty You don’t have to have all the answers to have real faith. Sometimes the most powerful faith is simply choosing to stay.