The UPside, Conversations that Light UP the World

Marion MacKenzie
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

Inspirational weekly talk show where faith meets real life. Featuring conversations exploring hope, healing, truth, and transformation that change the way you see the world. Every week, award-winning host Marion MacKenzie sits down with thought leaders, faith heroes, filmmakers, healers, and cultural trailblazers for conversations that go beneath the surface. Also available on YouTube and Rumble. To learn more, visit: https://www.highlanderstudios.org/the-upside

  1. 5d ago

    From Mafia Madman to Minister-Robert Borelli

    He had the money. The status. The respect. Then cocaine, prison and desperation took it all away.Robert Borelli was drawn into organized crime and eventually associated with the Gambino crime family. But the life that promised power and belonging nearly destroyed him.Cocaine addiction led to homelessness, prison and Rikers Island. At his lowest point, a heartbreaking call with his young daughter brought him to his knees.And there, Robert cried out to God.What followed was a radical transformation—from crime and addiction to faith, freedom and a new life in Jesus Christ.In this powerful episode of The UPside with Marion MacKenzie, Robert shares the story of how God met him at his absolute lowest—and gave him a way forward.If you’re struggling with addiction, shame, regret or a past you can’t escape, don’t wait. Your story isn’t over. There is still time for a new beginning.He had the money. The status. The respect. Then cocaine, prison and desperation took it all away.Robert Borelli was drawn into organized crime and eventually associated with the Gambino crime family. But the life that promised power and belonging nearly destroyed him.Cocaine addiction led to homelessness, prison and Rikers Island. At his lowest point, a heartbreaking call with his young daughter brought him to his knees.And there, Robert cried out to God.What followed was a radical transformation—from crime and addiction to faith, freedom and a new life in Jesus Christ.In this powerful episode of The UPside with Marion MacKenzie, Robert shares the story of how God met him at his absolute lowest—and gave him a way forward.If you’re struggling with addiction, shame, regret or a past you can’t escape, don’t wait.Your story isn’t over. There is still time for a new beginning.LEARN MORE:🌐 @RobertBorelliStories 📙 THE BOOK: The Witness: A Tale of the Life an Death of a Mafia Madman ✅ SUBSCRIBE to The UPside Conversations for new episodes every weekIf you enjoy inspiring conversations about faith, leadership, science, culture, healing, and hope👍 Like this video to help others discover it.💬 Comment below—we'd love to hear your thoughts.📤 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement.❤️ DONATE: Tax Deductible at: TheUPside.tv to help us continue producing conversations that light up the world.🎥 The UPside Conversations That Light Up the World is produced by Highlander Studios: https://www.highlanderstudios.org/#TheUPside #RobertBorelli #MafiaToChrist #ChristianTestimony #Testimony #JesusChrist #Redemption #GodsGrace #SecondChances #Faith #ChristianPodcast #ChristianYouTube #AddictionRecovery #PrisonTestimony #Transformation #GambinoCrimeFamily #OrganizedCrime #FindingJesus #HopeInChrist #Grace #ChristianInspiration #MarionMacKenzie Robert Borelli, Robert Borelli testimony, Robert Borelli Mafia, Robert Borelli Christian, Robert Borelli interview, Robert Borelli The Witness, Mafia to Christ, Mafia conversion story, former Mafia Christian, Gambino crime family testimony, Gambino crime family, former mobster finds Jesus, mobster Christian testimony, Mafia redemption story, Christian testimony, powerful Christian testimony, prison testimony, prison conversion story, addiction recovery testimony, cocaine addiction recovery, crack addiction testimony, Jesus changed my life, finding Jesus in prison, God second chances, Christian redemption stories, God's grace, power of testimony, Christian transformation, faith after addiction, redemption through Jesus, The UPside Conversations with Marion MacKenzie, Marion MacKenzie

    From Mafia Madman to Minister-Robert Borelli

  2. Aug 6

    From Fairy Tales to Faith- Why I Left Judaism

    For the first 35 years of his life, Pastor Ed Grifenhagen never imagined he would become a Christian pastor.Raised in a deeply devout Jewish home, he was immersed in the traditions, customs, and heritage of Judaism from childhood. Although he respected the Bible as a source of moral teaching, he dismissed its supernatural claims as little more than fairy tales. Then an honest search for truth led him down a path he never expected. Embracing Jesus as the promised Messiah came at a cost. It meant reexamining everything he believed, risking rejection from those closest to him, and following the evidence wherever it led. What began as a spiritual search became a life-changing encounter with Christ that transformed not only his faith but the entire direction of his life. Today, Pastor Ed serves as the lead pastor of a thriving church, has faithfully shared the Gospel with his own family despite the challenges that journey sometimes brought, and continues to impact lives through multiple ministries. He is also the author of the inspiring devotional, 365 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know, helping readers discover how the Hebrew language and Jewish culture bring fresh meaning and depth to the Scriptures. In this inspiring first conversation on The UPside Conversations, Pastor Ed shares his extraordinary story of faith, courage, truth, and transformation.I 📖 Learn more about Pastor Ed's devotional, 365 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know: https://www.edgrifenhagen.com/ ✅ Subscribe for more inspiring conversations that light up the world. 👍 Like this episode if it encouraged you. 💬 Leave a comment—we'd love to hear your thoughts. 📤 Share this interview with someone who needs hope today. ❤️ If you value this show support it at: theupside.tvThe 🎥 The UPside Conversations is produced by HighlanderStudios.org, in Nashville, TN Pastor Ed GrifenhagenDevout Jew to ChristianJewish conversion testimonyJewish believer in JesusJewish Christian testimony #PastorEdGrifenhagen#JewishToChristian#FoundJesus#ChristianTestimony#FaithJourney#SpiritualTransformation#JesusIsMessiah#TheUPsideConversations#MarionMacKenzie#ChristianFaith

    From Fairy Tales to Faith- Why I Left Judaism

  3. Jul 31

    Why He Gave Away $5 Billion

    In Part Two of this unforgettable conversation, award-winning host Marion MacKenzie sits down with internationally acclaimed eye surgeon, scientist, inventor, and humanitarian Dr. Ming Wang, MD, PhD, whose extraordinary life inspired the Angel Studios feature film Sight.After escaping Communist China at age 17 with just $50 and an English dictionary, Dr. Wang earned degrees from Harvard Medical School and MIT, pioneered revolutionary vision-restoring technology, and made the remarkable decision to share his breakthrough freely with physicians around the world—technology estimated to be worth $5 billion.But Dr. Wang says his greatest mission isn't restoring eyesight.It's helping people see beyond their differences. In this inspiring conversation, you'll discover: ✔ Why Dr. Wang gave away life-changing medical technology ✔ The breakthrough that has restored sight to millions worldwide ✔ His humanitarian work serving blind children around the globe ✔ How faith and science can work together to change lives ✔ Why compassion may be the greatest vision of all Whether you're inspired by remarkable life stories, medical innovation, faith, perseverance, or the power of generosity, this episode will challenge and encourage you. LEARN MORE:🌐 Wang Vision Institute: https://www.drmingwang.com ✅ SUBSCRIBE to The UPside ConversationsIf you enjoy inspiring conversations about faith, leadership, science, culture, healing, and hope: ✅ SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every week. 👍 Like this video to help others discover it. 💬 Comment below—we'd love to hear your thoughts. 📤 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement. ❤️ DONATE: Tax Deductible at: TheUPside.tv to help us continue producing conversations that light up the world. #DrMingWang #SightMovie #AngelStudios #MedicalBreakthrough #EyeSurgeon #faithandscience

    Why He Gave Away $5 Billion

  4. Jul 24

    He Pursued the Impossible & Changed The Way The World Sees

    What does it take to overcome unimaginable hardship and change millions of lives?In this powerful Part One of a special two-part conversation, Marion MacKenzie sits down with internationally acclaimed eye surgeon, scientist, inventor, and humanitarian Dr. Ming Wang, MD, PhD. Before pioneering breakthrough technology that restored sight to millions around the world—and inspiring the Angel Studios feature film Sight—Dr. Wang survived one of history's darkest chapters and most brutal dictatorships during China's Cultural Revolution. At just 17 years old, he arrived in America with only $50 and an English dictionary. Through extraordinary perseverance, faith, and determination, he would earn degrees from Harvard Medical School and MIT, becoming one of the world's foremost ophthalmologists and laser physicists. In Part One, you'll discover: • What life was really like during China's Cultural Revolution • How Dr. Wang survived religious persecution and political oppression • Why America represented hope, freedom, and opportunity • The incredible journey that led him to earn degrees at Harvard and MIT, and graduate Magna Cum Laude • The faith that sustained him through impossible circumstances as he pioneered research that would change the worldThis inspiring conversation is about far more than medicine. It's a story of courage, freedom, gratitude, perseverance, and discovering purpose through adversity. Be sure to watch Part Two next week, where Dr. Wang shares his awakening to faith, the groundbreaking medical innovations that have restored sight to millions, and why his life's mission extends far beyond healing eyes—it's about helping people see one another with compassion, dignity, and hope. A SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR UPSIDE CONVERSATION AUDIENCES: 🎬 WATCH the FREE movie Sight: https://sight.drmingwang.com 👁️ Learn more about Dr. Ming Wang and the Wang Vision Institute https://www.drmingwang.com 👍 Enjoyed this conversation?Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE to help us bring hope-filled conversations to more people around the world. 🎥 About The UPside Conversations Hosted by award-winning television journalist Marion MacKenzie, The UPside Conversations features inspiring discussions with today's leading voices in faith, science, medicine, leadership, entertainment, and culture—sharing stories that encourage, challenge, and illuminate. Produced by Highlander Studios in Brentwood, Tennessee. 🌐 https://www.highlanderstudios.org SEO Keywords Dr. Ming Wang, Ming Wang, Dr Ming Wang interview, Sight movie, Angel Studios Sight, Angel Studios, Cultural Revolution, Communist China, Harvard Medical School, MIT, ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, laser physicist, Wang Vision Institute, Christian testimony, faith and science, inspirational stories, overcoming adversity, religious persecution, Chinese Cultural Revolution, restoring sight, vision restoration, humanitarian, Marion MacKenzie, The UPside Conversations, Highlander Studios, Christian podcast, Christian talk show, inspirational interview, freedom, perseverance, hope, Christian leadership Hashtags #DrMingWang #SightMovie #AngelStudios #TheUPsideConversations #MarionMacKenzie #HighlanderStudios #FaithAndScience #ChristianPodcast #ChristianTalkShow #CulturalRevolution #CommunistChina #Harvard #MIT #EyeSurgeon #WangVisionInstitute #Inspiration #Perseverance #Freedom #Hope #Purpose

    He Pursued the Impossible & Changed The Way The World Sees

  5. Jul 16

    The Ideas That Shape Civilizations- Where Did We Come From?

    Have we accepted one explanation for our origins without ever examining the evidence for ourselves? For more than a century, Darwinian evolution has shaped the way generations have understood humanity, nature, and our place in the universe. But what if the conversation isn't over? In this thought-provoking episode of The UPside Conversations, Marion MacKenzie sits down with science educator, author, and museum founder David Rives to explore one of life's biggest questions:Are we the product of random chance...or intentional design?Together they discuss: • Why ideas shape civilizations • The difference between scientific observation and scientific interpretation • Evidence many believe points toward intelligent design• Why this conversation matters far beyond science classrooms • How our understanding of origins influences purpose, identity, and hope. Whether you've always believed in a Creator, have questions about evolution, or simply enjoy exploring life's biggest ideas, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply and look at the evidence with fresh eyes. 👉 Wonders Center & Science Museum – Brought to you by David Rives Ministrieshttps://www.wonderscenter.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, SHARE, and COMMENT. Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful, hope-filled conversations that light up the world. 🎥 The UPside Conversations is produced by Highlander Studios. Learn more at:https://www.highlanderstudios.org David Rives, evolution vs creation, intelligent design, science and faith, evidence for God, creation science, Darwin, Charles Darwin, origins debate, biblical creation, intelligent design evidence, Wonders Center, science museum, God and science, Christian worldview, creation vs evolution, evidence of design, purpose, faith and science, universe, creator #DavidRives #Creation #Evolution #IntelligentDesign #ScienceAndFaith #ChristianWorldview #EvidenceForGod #Origins #FaithAndScience #CreationScience #Bible #Truth #Wonder #TheUPsideConversations #MarionMacKenzie #HighlanderStudios

    The Ideas That Shape Civilizations- Where Did We Come From?

  6. Jul 10

    The Conversation Every Wife Needs to Have

    Most women will face a season — through loss, or through a marriage that ends — when the finances suddenly become theirs to carry alone. On this episode of The UPside, Conversations that Light UP the World, host Marion MacKenzie sits down with bestselling author Deborah Smith Pegues, author of The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women, for a warm, honest, and deeply practical conversation about facing financial independence — whether it comes by choice or by surprise.Deborah breaks down why so many capable women freeze at the thought of "handling the money," how to release the fear that you're just "not a numbers person," and simple first steps toward real financial confidence. Whether you manage your finances hand-in-hand with a spouse or are navigating it entirely on your own, this conversation will leave you feeling equipped instead of overwhelmed.Deborah also shares her free Financial Manifesto — a one-page declaration you can print and speak over your own life.👉 SUBSCRIBE to The UPside Conversations with Marion MacKenzie for inspiring conversations featuring filmmakers, authors, musicians, ministry leaders, health experts, entrepreneurs, and culture influencers who are making a positive difference in our world.👉 Please LIKE • COMMENT • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE👉 SUPPORT OUR SHOW: Go to: TheUpside.tv ✨ With God, there is always an UPside.#TheUPsideConversations #DeborahPegues #FinancialFreedom #WomenAndMoney #ChristianFinance #MoneyMentor #FinancialManifesto #OneMinuteMoneyMentor #FaithAndFinances #FinancialConfidence #WidowhoodSupport #DivorceRecovery #BiblicalFinance #FinancialIndependence #GodsWisdom #MarionMacKenzie #HighlanderStudios

    The Conversation Every Wife Needs to Have

  7. Jul 3

    The Romantic Recession: Can Love and Marriage Still Go The Distance?

    Marriage rates in America have hit historic lows, dating apps have never been bigger, and screens are quietly replacing real human connection. On this episode of The UPside, Conversations that Light UP the World, host Marion MacKenzie sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and media leader Ryan Dobson — son of Dr. James Dobson — for an honest, funny, and deeply moving conversation about what he calls the "romantic recession."Ryan pulls no punches on toxic feminism myths, the digital habits and content quietly isolating men and women from each other, and why he believes real masculinity still has a place in a healthy marriage. The conversation turns deeply personal as Ryan opens up about walking his wife, Laura, through a cancer diagnosis — and what that fight taught him about commitment, faith, and what it really means to go the distance with someone.Whether you're married, dating, or just trying to make sense of relationships today, this conversation will make you laugh, make you think, and leave you with real hope for what's possible with God at the center.🎧 More from Ryan Dobson: Catch his REBEL Parenting Podcast, co-hosted with his wife Laura, for more on marriage, family, and raising kids with purpose.📚 Ryan's books: Ryan is the bestselling author of six books, including Be Intolerant and Wanting to Believe. Find his full library on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Dobson/e/...👉 SUBSCRIBE to The UPside Conversations with Marion MacKenzie for inspiring conversations featuring filmmakers, authors, musicians, ministry leaders, health experts, entrepreneurs, and culture influencers who are making a positive difference in our world.👉 Please LIKE • COMMENT • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE👉 SUPPORT OUR SHOW: Go to: TheUpside.tv ✨ With God, there is always an UPside. Keywords:Ryan Dobson, Christian marriage, romantic recession, marriage in America, toxicmasculinity, dating apps, Christian relationships, faith and family, JamesDobson, marriage advice, biblical marriage, The UPside Conversations, MarionMacKenzie Hashtags:#TheUPsideConversations #RyanDobson #ChristianMarriage #MarriageMatters#FaithAndFamily #RomanticRecession #ChristianPodcast #MarriageUnderAttack#BiblicalMarriage #FaithConversations

    The Romantic Recession: Can Love and Marriage Still Go The Distance?

  8. Jun 26

    WHO WILL SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION? Helping Little Hearts Find Big Faith

    Can you build a child's faith before they can even read? Research shows that 85% of people who followChrist make that decision by age eight—making the early years one of the most important opportunities for spiritual formation. In this joyful and practical conversation, Marion MacKenzie sits down with author, speaker, worship leader, and beloved children's entertainer Jean Thomason, knownaround the world as Miss PattyCake®. Together they explore how parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers can intentionally plant seeds of biblical truth that grow into a lifelong "sticky faith." Jean shares her remarkable journey from classically trained singer and worship leader to becoming Miss PattyCake—aministry that has reached hundreds of thousands of children through music, movement, stories, and biblical teaching. She explains why spiritual formation begins much earlier than many parents realize and offers practical ways to make faith a natural part of everyday family life. In this episode you'll discover: • Why spiritual formation should begin in infancy • How to create "sticky faith" that lasts a lifetime • The powerful connection between music, memory, and biblical truth • Why parents are a child's most influential spiritual leaders • Practical ways to disciple children at home • How praise becomes a pathway into God's presence • Biblical encouragement for raising the next generation with confidence One statement from this conversation will stay with you: "Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them." Whether you're raising children, serving in children's ministry, teaching, or simply investing in the next generation, this episode will inspire and equip you to share God's BIGlove with little hearts. 📖 Jean Thomason's Book Sharing God's Big Love with Little Liveshttps://www.jeanthomason.com/sharing-gods-big-love 🌐 Jean Thomason Websitehttps://www.jeanthomason.com 🎈 Miss PattyCake Websitehttps://www.misspattycake.com 🎵 Miss PattyCake MusicAvailable on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and wherever you stream music.  👉 SUBSCRIBE to The UPside Conversations for inspiring interviews featuring filmmakers, authors, musicians, ministry leaders, health experts, entrepreneurs, and culture influencers who are making a positive difference inour world. 👉 Please LIKE • COMMENT • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE 👉 SUPPORT OUR SHOW: Go to: TheUpside.tv ✨ With God, there is always an UPside. ________Christian parenting, Christian parents,spiritual formation, sticky faith, children's ministry, preschool ministry,toddler Bible lessons, biblical parenting, faith at home, family discipleship, Jean Thomason, Miss PattyCake, Marion MacKenzie, The UPside Conversations, Christian podcast, Christian talk show, raising godly children, Christianfamily, worship for children, praise and worship, early childhood development #TheUPside #MarionMacKenzie #JeanThomason #MissPattyCake #ChristianParenting #StickyFaith #SpiritualFormation #FaithAtHome #FamilyDiscipleship #ChildrensMinistry #RaiseGodlyKids #ChristianFamilies #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFamily #Worship #KingdomKids #Parenting  👉 SUBSCRIBE to The UPside with Marion MacKenzie for inspiring conversations featuringfilmmakers, authors, musicians, ministry leaders, health experts,entrepreneurs, and culture influencers who are making a positive difference inour world. 👉 Please LIKE • COMMENT • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE 👉 SUPPORT OUR SHOW: Go to: TheUpside.tv ✨ With God, there is always an UPside.  👉 SUBSCRIBE to The UPside with Marion MacKenzie for inspiring conversations featuringfilmmakers, authors, musicians, ministry leaders, health experts,entrepreneurs, and culture influencers who are making a positive difference inour world. 👉 Please LIKE • COMMENT • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE 👉 SUPPORT OUR SHOW: Go to: TheUpside.tv ✨ With God, there is always an UPside.

    WHO WILL SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION? Helping Little Hearts Find Big Faith
See All (32)

About

Inspirational weekly talk show where faith meets real life. Featuring conversations exploring hope, healing, truth, and transformation that change the way you see the world. Every week, award-winning host Marion MacKenzie sits down with thought leaders, faith heroes, filmmakers, healers, and cultural trailblazers for conversations that go beneath the surface. Also available on YouTube and Rumble. To learn more, visit: https://www.highlanderstudios.org/the-upside

Information