Upside Down People

Noddy Sharma is a thought leader, founder of Able Movement, and passionate advocate for engaging the next generation in faith, community, and purpose. In a world driven by digital connection and individualism, how do we foster authentic relationships and guide young people toward meaningful spiritual formation?

Expect to learn why emotional intelligence is critical for building relationships, how to create safe spaces for vulnerability and growth, the impact of social media on Gen Z’s mental health and identity, practical ways to parent with love and boundaries, and the role of community in shaping purpose-driven lives—plus much more!

Find out more about Noddy & Abel Movement - https://www.abelmovement.org/

Luke Smith is an entrepreneur, small business owner, podcaster, and friend.

Humans face challenges that can shake their sense of purpose, yet some find a way to turn pain into meaning. Luke Smith, host of the Australian Lawn and Garden Podcast, shares his journey of battling a chronic autoimmune condition, navigating family upheaval, and finding purpose through faith and resilience. How can we find meaning in the midst of suffering, and what keeps us grounded when life feels overwhelming?

Expect to learn why challenges can fuel personal growth, how faith shapes resilience, the power of forgiveness in relationships, why meaning matters more than physical health, how to stay optimistic in tough seasons, the role of community in overcoming isolation, and much more...

Scott Morrison is a former Australian Prime Minister and author of Plans for Your Good.

As a leader navigating faith, politics, and a polarised media landscape, Morrison faced unprecedented challenges like bushfires, COVID-19, and geopolitical tensions. How does personal faith shape leadership in a secular world, and how can one remain authentic amid public scrutiny and cultural shifts?

Expect to learn how Morrison’s faith guided his decisions as Australia's 30th Prime Minister, the tension between personal beliefs and public expectations, the impact of media narratives on public perception, why forgiveness is crucial in high-stakes roles, the challenges of leading in a secularizing society, and much more...

Why do you do what you do?

Tyler Zach is an Enneagram expert and coach and explores how the Enneagram uncovers the hidden motivations behind our actions. As a former pastor and host of the Ennea Summit, Tyler shares how this powerful tool can be used to transform your life, career, relationships and faith, and approach to life’s challenges, from infertility to redefining success.

We cover:

-How the Enneagram reveals the why behind your behaviors.

-Why shedding your “mask” leads to authentic connections.

-The surprising way your personality shapes your faith journey.

-How to empathise with others by seeing through their lens.

-The key to turning failures into spiritual growth.

And so much more!

KEY CHAPTERS:

03:52 Understanding the Enneagram

06:42 The Enneagram as a Tool for Self-Discovery

09:48 Personal Experiences with the Enneagram

12:46 The Enneagram and Relationships

15:56 The History and Origins of the Enneagram

18:47 The Enneagram in a Christian Context

21:53 Healthy vs. Unhealthy States in the Enneagram

25:00 The Enneagram's Practical Applications

28:01 Navigating Misconceptions about the Enneagram

30:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

39:54 Future Orientation and the Enneagram

43:19 The Role of Different Enneagram Types

47:33 Navigating Identity and Enneagram Insights

50:41 The Sensitivity of Type Fours

53:40 Empathy and Understanding in Relationships

01:01:52 Finding Meaning in Life

01:07:47 The Importance of Acknowledging Mistakes

Find out more about Tyler:

Instagram: @gospelforenneagram

Podcast: @enneasummit

Website: https://www.tylerzach.com/

In this episode, Caleb Gray is joined by Professor John Swinton, Scottish theologian and disability theology pioneer, to explore how lament, mental health, and disability can reshape our faith.

John shares profound insights on embracing the Psalms’ raw honesty, redefining discipleship for all, and building inclusive Christian communities that reflect Jesus’ upside-down love.

KEY CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Professor John Swinton

04:44 The Role of a Chaplain to the Royal Family

06:33 Exploring Mental Health and Disability in Theology

10:27 Assumptions and Misunderstandings in Mental Health

14:47 Engaging with People Facing Mental Health Challenges

18:47 Lamenting in the Context of Mental Health

26:19 Practicing Lament in Spiritual Formation

29:57 Engaging with Personal Identity and Mental Health

34:53 The Body of Christ: Embracing Diversity

39:58 The Challenge of Belonging in a Digital Age

45:10 Staying True to Jesus in the Workplace

52:44 Meaning and Purpose in Life

To find out more about Prof John:

Instagram: @revprof57

University of Aberdeen:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/j.swinton

Follow us:

Instagram: @upsidedownpeoplepod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upsidedownpeople

How does a creative spark transform faith and build thriving communities?

Shannon Hinkle is a visionary artist, faith leader, and the driving force behind The Origin Collective, fostering spaces where creatives and believers thrive.

Shannon joins Caleb Gray on The Upside Down People Podcast to share her passion, journey, and the transformative power of art in faith.

From Fremantle, Australia, she’s building intentional communities through art installations, music, and the upcoming Origin Collective Gathering. With a heart for Jesus and a 30-year ministry alongside her husband, she’s inspiring artists to embrace their divine creative calling.

GET TICKETS TO THE ORGIN COLLECTIVE GATHERING: https://events.humanitix.com/origin-collective-gathering

To find out more about the Origin Collective:

Instagram: @_origin.collective_

Follow us:

Instagram: @theupsidedownpeoplepod

YouTube: 

KEY CHAPTERS

00:00 Creating Community Through Art

02:13 The Role of Art in Faith

07:27 Navigating Scarcity and Abundance

12:10 Supporting Local Artists

17:08 Upcoming Gatherings and Community Engagement

22:39 The Value of Community and Connection

27:36 Creating Lasting Community Through Feasting

31:44 Challenges for Creatives in Faith Spaces

41:37 Art as a Medium for Community Lament and Healing

47:44 Celebrating Creativity in All Walks of Life

In this episode, Caleb Gray is joined with Ainsley Freeman, author of Impress, speaker and children's ministry pastor, to explore how we can pass on faith to our kids with intention.

Ainsley shares practical wisdom on resisting the urge to be “impressive” and instead embracing storytelling, spiritual rhythms, and a countercultural approach to parenting.

KEY CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Ainsley Freeman and Her Work

12:33 Understanding 'Impress' and Its Significance

24:21 The Role of Parents in Passing on Faith

36:28 Cultural Challenges in Parenting Today

39:51 The Importance of Spiritual Practices for Families

46:43 Navigating Church with Young Children

48:29 The Trellis Concept: Structuring Family Faith

56:55 Rites of Passage: Marking Life's Transitions

01:00:23 Balancing Parenting and Faith in a Modern World

To find out more about Ainsley:

Instagram: @impress.daily

Website: https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/impress/

Follow us:

Instagram: @theupsidedownpeoplepod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upsidedownpeople

What drives someone to run 100 miles and keep going?

Stephen Parker is an ultra marathon runner, author of There Is No Finish: The Ultra Backyard Story (foreword by Backyard Ultra founder Lazarus Lake) , and the Associate Academic Dean for the Australian College of Ministries.

Stephen joins Caleb Gray on the Upside Down People podcast to share the grit, faith, and community behind his extraordinary journey.

He has tackled grueling races like the Backyard Ultra, pushing his body and mind beyond limits most can’t imagine. With four daughters and a 25-year marriage, he’s learned to channel the perseverance from running into every corner of his life.

We cover:

• The mental trick to push through “unspeakable pain” in a 100km race…

• How running strengthens faith and prayer?

• Why Backyard Ultras are taking the world by storm?

• The surprising way ultra running builds stronger marriages.

Sarah Beisly is the co-founder of The Loyal Workshop, a Kolkata-based social enterprise empowering women trafficked into the sex trade through dignified employment. Originally from New Zealand, she’s driven by faith and a passion for justice.

In this episode, we cover:

• The gritty realities of the sex trade and how deception traps women.
• Why building trust is the foundation of freedom.
• The wild challenges of the workshop’s first two years—and how they overcame them.
• How faith shapes a business that empowers.
• The power of lament in creating a workplace that heals.

How is faith tied into a lawn mowing side hustle that turned into a million dollar legacy empire? Are you chasing instant gratification instead of lasting purpose?

Jim Penman's an entrepreneur, a faith-driven visionary, and today he’s on The Upside Down People Podcast for his most inspiring conversation yet. From atheist academic to Christian trailblazer, he’s unpacking the journey that redefined his life and business.

Millions know Jim Penman as the man behind Jim’s Mowing, Australia’s iconic franchising empire, but his story goes way deeper than lawns. I sat down with the man who turned his side hustle into the largest franchise chain in the Southern Hemisphere—and trust me, you’re not ready for this one as Jim shares his heart authentically and emotionally!

In this conversation we cover:
• How faith turned a lawn-mowing side hustle into a million-dollar legacy.• Why servant leadership beats profit-chasing every time!• The dopamine trap: How instant gratification kills real happiness!• Why resilience and community are the keys to a meaningful life!

KEY CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Jim Penman

01:50 From Academic Aspirations to Lawn Mowing Empire

06:00 The Role of Faith in Business

12:38 Servant Leadership and Franchise Culture

21:03 Integrity in Business Practices

25:53 Journey from Atheism to Christianity

29:50 Transformation Through Faith

31:14 Experiencing Life and Joy

34:39 Divine Intervention in Crisis

37:40 Faith's Impact on Business

40:46 Legacy and Purpose in Life

42:32 The Dangers of Instant Gratification

44:58 Strengthening Dopamine Receptors

51:06 The Importance of Community and Resilience

55:32 Life's Challenges and Meaning

59:31 Integrating Faith and Science

Follow Jim

@thejimpenman

https://jimpenman.com.au/