Upside Down People

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’...

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...

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 extraordina...

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 cha...

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...

Makoto Fujimura is a renowned contemporary artist, known for contemplative abstract works that integrate traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary expressions of faith and beauty. Makoto’s journey as an artist has been deeply shaped by his understanding of God's love and the transformative power of creativity. He believes that art should be a reflection of love, not just a product to be co...

How can the church better support those dealing with trauma? Dr. Steve Midgley shares his insights on how faith and empathy can lead to healing. Steve is a psychiatrist turned pastor, Executive Director of Biblical Counselling UK, and co-author of Mental Health and Your Church . In this episode, Caleb Gray and Dr. Steve Midgley dive into the importance of understanding trauma and the church's role...

Faith, vulnerability, and transformation are not things we either have or don’t—they’re things we cultivate. Strahan Coleman, a unique voice in spirituality, shares his powerful journey through chronic illness, faith, and the transformative power of prayer. Learn how to invite God into deeper parts of your heart through vulnerability and prayer. Moments: These episodes are where Caleb revisits and...

Are young adults increasingly more skeptical of stepping into a church to find spiritual transformation? Peter Botross, pastor, leader, and cofounder of Gen J, dives deep into the challenges young adults are facing in their faith journeys. In this conversation, Caleb and Peter go beyond just talking theory and bring a solution to the table for a faith that’s rooted in relationship. Peter shares hi...

Are you truly connected to your creative purpose? Dana Miller, the voice behind Hillside Recording, opens up about the heart of his music and faith journey. In this conversation, Dana Miller shares his journey as a musician and worship leader, reflecting on his humble beginnings, the importance of faith in his music, and the collaborative nature of songwriting. He discusses the impact of grief and...

Steve McAlpine is an author and blogger with a background in journalism and three decades of experience in pastoring and church planting. In this conversation Caleb Gray and Stephen McAlpine explore the complexities of leadership within the church, the cultural shifts impacting faith communities, and the search for transcendence in a secular age. The conversation covers: - Leaders are called to bu...

How can innovation reshape poverty alleviation? What if the solution to poverty isn’t just aid, but innovation? Efosa Ojomo is a Nigerian author, researcher and speaker. He leads the Global Prosperity research group at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a think tank based in Boston and Silicon Valley and is a senior research fellow at the Harvard Business School. He also...

Bryan Crum is an author and holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, an MBA from ITT Tech and certifications in bioethics and world health from Harvard. In this episode we discuss the importance of confronting death, overcoming self-doubt, and the cultural obsession with self-image. We also jump into some topics found in Bryan's book 'Neighbor, Love Yourself.' (Bob Goff author of New York Ti...

Don Golden is an impact investment strategist and fundraising consultant who specialises in the intersection of faith-motivated impact investing and market-based solutions. In this episode, Caleb Gray and Don explore the intersection of faith and finance, discussing how our relationship with Jesus influences our understanding of wealth and purpose. They dive into the dichotomy between those with m...

Richard Beaumont is an experienced humanitarian, philanthropist and former founder & CEO of the Entrust Foundation. Entrust partners with local organisations, empowering grassroots projects to see the lives of the poor and oppressed transformed through effective community development. In this episode Richard emphasizes the importance of contentment and being in the place where God wants you. H...

Dr Michael Frost  is an internationally recognised Australian missiologist and theologian who is one of the leading voices in the missional church movement. Caleb Gray & Mike Frost explore the themes of community, gentrification, and the mission of the church in a changing cultural landscape. They discuss the importance of being rooted in a neighborhood, the challenges posed by gentrification,...

Charly (Beathard) Perry is a rising musician whose passion and authenticity is evident through her songs. In this conversation she opens up about how fear, insecurity & loss have shaped her journey in becoming the music artist she is. Her hope is that her songs can meet people where they are and stir their hearts to know Jesus. Find out more about Charly Perry @ https://www.charlybeathard.com/...

Dr. Gary Millar is an author & principal of  Queensland Theological College , where he teaches Old Testament, Biblical Theology, and Preaching He holds a D.Phil from Oxford on Deuteronomy. He previously worked as a pastor for 17 years in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and was involved in both church revitalisation and church planting. His latest book is  Both/And Ministry: L...

Rory Shiner is the senior pastor of Providence City Church , the network director of Providence Church Network and is the Chair of the The Gospel Coalition Australia Council. Rory is a friend of the show & joins in this episode to unpack some common misconceptions surrounding various scriptures & how Christians can better apply them to our daily lives.

Christmas is around the corner & AJ Sherrill, pastor & author, joins the podcast to have a conversation & help us better navigate, prepare & be present during this time of year. The episode covers some misconceptions surrounding Christmas & is an encouragement to reflect on our own practices and how they can prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ during Advent. AJ Sherrill...

Strahan Coleman, author & award winning musician of Commoners Communion , joins me for a conversation around the transformative power of prayer and what it means to thirst for God. The conversation highlights the importance of inviting God into our negative emotions, and how to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through contemplative practices. Follow this to find out more about Strahan...

Rich Villodas, pastor & author, joins the podcast to have a conversation on emotional presence, distinction without disconnection, and cultivating curiosity towards others. We talk about Rich's recent book " The Narrow Path " and how the subversive way of Jesus satisfies our souls. Find out more about Rich or his books here

For many Christians the church has become something of a cultural enigma. People either appreciate it, are skeptical about it, or critical toward it. Is the Church a crutch or a catalyst in the search for meaning? Are churches responsible for creating a place to find purpose? How do we live meaningful lives outside of the church? In this live conversation we talk about identify formation, church g...

Natalie Williams, author & CEO of Jubilee + , joins the podcast to have a conversation around the importance for churches to cultivate a culture of mercy & justice through focusing on local poverty & community needs. The episode highlights practical applications of mercy in daily life and the importance of holding justice and mercy together in a polarised world. Follow this link to fin...

Karen Potter, author & host of the Covenant Eyes Podcast, joins this episode to have a conversation that encourages church leadership, educators & Christians alike as they navigate a sexualised culture. We talk about finding our identity in God & how to approach sexuality from a gospel perspective. To find out more about Covenant Eyes head over to ⁠⁠⁠www.covenanteyes.com⁠⁠⁠ Try it for...