A smart and refreshing weekly talk show
that weaves together faith-filled inspiration, authentic conversations, and purpose-driven storytelling. In each uplifting 28-minute episode, award-winning host Marion MacKenzie interviews thought leaders, faith-heroes and game changers to explore powerful themes that enrich the soul, spark transformation, and light up the world.
In a season when the world feels loud, fractured, and often discouraging, The UPside was created as a place for thoughtful, hope-filled conversations -- stories that go beneath the surface success and explore faith, healing, purpose, resilience, and the moments that shape a life.
I believe the most powerful stories are the ones that lift our gaze from what's broken to what's possible. Each week, I sit down with leaders, creatives, and cultural influencers to talk honestly about the journeys behind their influence — the struggles, turning points, and values that carried them through.
This project reflects the heart of why Russell and I started Highlander Studios in the first place — to create redemptive, culturally impactful stories that uplift, challenge, and encourage. If The UPside resonates with you, I’d be honored if you’d watch, listen, comment, and share. Every response builds momentum and ensures stories like these can reach hungry hearts wherever they are.
Weekly video episodes are available on YouTube and Rumble, as well as here on our website. Audio episodes will be available on Spotify and Apple.
THEMES WE TACKLE






Steve Hemphill breaks down Scripture's surprising details about eternal life — from tangible resurrection bodies to divine assignments, heavenly rewards, and why getting excited about heaven changes how you live today.
The Covenant is coming — a multi-season prestige television epic bringing the full sweep of the Old Testament to life on screen. it carries with it the weight of something that doesn't happen often: the right story, the right team, the right moment in history. In a world starving for truth and beauty, this is a project built to feed both.
This is a story marked by pain, perseverance, and profound healing. It reminds us that no wound is wasted and no life is beyond redemption. God does His deepest work in our hardest places. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pain has purpose, this conversation is for you.
You’ve been praying… but what if something is blocking the answer?
This conversation reveals why prayer alone may not always be enough—and what Scripture says to do about it.
He changed everything about his life… and it still didn’t bring him peace.
What followed was a journey through confusion, regret—and ultimately, profound restoration.
What happens when God interrupts your life with a calling you never expected?
From supernatural encounters to uncovering hidden truths about Israel and antisemitism, this conversation will challenge what you see—and awaken what you may have missed.
He was crushed beneath a semi-truck… and should not have survived.
But what he says he saw in those moments may change how you think about Heaven, angels, and the unseen realm.
Jeanne Roberson's story begins with a dysfunctional home she escaped as a young teenager. Then, at 17, lured by false promises of stardom and stability, she was trafficked into the adult entertainment industry —exotic dancing and club culture — by someone she trusted. What followed was more than two decades of exploitation, addiction, shattered dreams, and failed attempts to break free.
What does it cost to follow Jesus in Northern Nigeria? For millions of believers, the answer is everything. In this powerful conversation, Upside Conversations host Marion MacKenzie sits down with Brad Brandon — founder of Across Nigeria — a man who left a comfortable life as a senior pastor in Connecticut, bought a one-way ticket to one of the most volatile regions in the world, and never looked back. Over 10 years later, Brad and his 100+ person team operate23 ministries across Northern Nigeria: rescuing displaced families, running underground congregations, educating thousands of Fulani Muslim children, and bringing the gospel to communities where faith in Christ is a crime underSharia law. Brad shares what he sees every single day on the ground — the widows, the orphans, the refugees who have lost homes, property, and children because of their faith. He also shares the extraordinary fruit: over 7,000 Muslims who have come to faith in Christ, former persecutors who are now pastors, and a growing coalition of believers refusing to be silenced. This is the story the world isn't telling. And it's one the church cannot afford to ignore.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults faces mental health challenges—and young women 18–25 at the highest rates. Lynn Eldridge lived three decades battling bipolar disorder, addiction, and depression…until a powerful encounter changed everything.
GAP26 isn't just an event; it's a chance to spark a revival that touches hearts, strengthens communities, and reshapes our world for God's glory. If you care about the spiritual future of our nation, watch this episode.
What happens when a filmmaker decides not to wait for Hollywood's permission? This filmmaker went from creating independent horror films to making films that combine entertainment, faith, and real-life issues young people face.
You're about to gain a perspective you won't hear anywhere else from a veteran journalist who has spent 25 years living and reporting from the frontlines of Jerusalem.
What would you do… if while you were being treated for a medical condition, you discovered the solution being offered to you wasn’t as safe as you had been told? What if the risks included breast cancer, pregnancy complications, depression, and serious mental health issues?
Two decades. One dream. The untold story behind the hit biographical film Reagan—and what it took to make it.
A moving true story of Tim Calhoun’s family’s journey from the heartbreak of an autism diagnosis and the heroic, relentless fight of faith, perseverance, natural therapies, miracles...and healing!
From captivity to clarity... trauma, faith, and the long walk to freedom. Author and trauma coach Paula Mosher Wallace shares a courageous story of escape, recovery, and redemption—and the practical steps that helped her heal.
Why do songs, stories, and images open us to truth? Global thought leader Dr. Byron Spradlin unpacks the arts as God’s language—how worship, beauty, and imagination shape disciples and cultures.
What does it take to carry a “no way” dream into the spotlight? World-renowned drummer Zoro shares how faith, perseverance, and a mother’s sacrificial love shaped his path from poverty and prejudice to incredible success.
What if retirement isn’t a finish line—but a fresh calling? Let's reframe your next season around purpose, service, and legacy with author Michael Garst. We talk hearing God’s voice, using your gifts, and advancing the Kingdom in “retirement.”









Host of The UPside
Marion is a dynamic creative force with a celebrated international background as a writer, producer, actress, and television host. Her award-winning work spans television series, video news magazines, documentaries film, theatre, and literature. Marion's uplifting storytelling reaches audiences in more than 200 countries.
Highlander Studios has always been rooted in our shared belief that stories can do more than entertain... they can heal, inspire, and point people toward what's possible. The UPside is a natural extension of that mission.
Producer of The UPside
Highlander Studios’ CEO, Russell Pyle, is an award-winning media producer, editor, set and lighting designer. His expertise extends not just to video and television, but also AI visual storytelling, theatre, special events, theme parks, public art, opera, dance, museums, and fashion shows. He has designed lights and/or sets for over 350 productions across California, New York, Florida, as well as Singapore, Turkey and Japan.
"I believe the most powerful stories are the ones that lift our gaze from what's broken to what's possible." - Marion MacKenzie Pyle