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.

• • Practical advice for anyone dreaming of starting a social enterprise.

  
  

  00:00 Introduction to the Loyal Workshop

  05:35 Journey to Kolkata and Founding the Workshop

  10:29 Understanding the Impact of the Sex Trade

  15:32 The First Two Years of Challenges and Triumphs

  20:38 The Path to Freedom for Trafficked Women

  30:36 Capacity Challenges and Growth Goals

  34:47 Market Expansion and Sales Strategy

  37:16 Faith Integration in Business

  40:46 Cultural Dynamics and Spirituality

  44:57 The Importance of Lament

  54:21 Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs

  
  

  
  

  Follow Sarah & her work:

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloyalworkshop/ (@theloyalworkshop)

  Email: sarah@theloyalworkshop.com

  
  

  You can purchase The Loyal Workshop Goods here: https://theloyalworkshop.com/

  
  

  Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/upsidedownpeople/

  
  

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/

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 consumed.

In this conversation, Makoto and Caleb Gray explore how art can serve as a medium for healing and redemption, the pressures of the art world, and the vital role communities (especially churches) play in supporting artists.

We cover:

- Why art should never be transactional.

- The power of embracing limitations in the creative process.

- How kintsugi symbolizes the beauty found in brokenness.

- The role of art as a gift economy and the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for artists.

Makoto challenges us to rethink what art is, why we create, and how we can make space for the love and authenticity that should define all artistic endeavours.

KEY CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Art and Faith

03:06 The Role of Love in Creation

05:51 Art as a Gift Economy

09:03 The Nature of God's Love

11:55 Creating Beyond Transactional Value

15:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Art

18:04 Finding Your Unique Expression

21:10 The Journey of an Artist

24:05 Embracing Limitations and Brokenness

29:29 The Tension Between Passion and Economic Value

30:38 The Role of Art in Humanity

32:30 Creating a Supportive Ecosystem for Artists

34:52 The Church's Role in Cultural Care

36:01 Valuing Community and Individual Stories

39:25 Discipling Success and Dreams

40:13 Brokenness and New Creation

45:41 The Beauty of Kintsugi and Redemption

51:35 Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavours

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 in helping individuals find comfort and healing.

The conversation dives into topics such as:
• The difference between ‘big T’ and ‘little t’ trauma.
• How churches can create spaces that encourage healing through empathy.
• The role of lament in processing grief and trauma.
• Why professional mental health support and community care must go hand in hand.

Listen now for a deeper understanding of how the church can offer genuine support to those in pain.

Find out more about Steve: https://bcuk.org/

You can order Steve’s book “Mental Health and Your Church” here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mental-Health-Your-Church-Depression/dp/1784987786

Or find it at The Good Book Company

Follow me on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upsidedownpeoplepod/

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 highlights impactful segments from previous interviews. These curated moments focus on specific themes, offering listeners concise insights and reflections.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/7J8mbKwOa6bczRQh0LS9DS?si=Jv-4pX44SCSK65ydqM79eA

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/upside-down-people/id1683513769?i=1000679813279

Watch the episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhBzOmr59Hw

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 his unique perspective on discipleship, drawing from his experience growing up in Egypt and the life-changing lessons he’s learned along the way. They investigate the real reasons young people are walking away from the church, and why churches need to rethink their approach to discipleship to make it truly relational and transformative.

Follow Peter Botross & his work with Gen J:

Instagram - ⁠@genjofficial

Follow Me:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/upsidedownpeoplepod/

Watch the episode on Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@UpsideDownPeople/videos

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 fatherhood has shaped his creative perspective. Dana emphasises the significance of community in the Christian music scene and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his music with others, all while navigating the challenges of the music industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Humble Beginnings

08:51 The Journey of Music and Faith

20:05 Collaboration and Community in Music

32:58 Navigating Grief and Healing Through Music

48:54 Fatherhood and Its Lessons

01:00:00 Future Aspirations and Reflections

Follow Dana Miller/ Hillside Recording:

https://beacons.ai/hillsiderecording

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Pr6QC1iOpXLx1shPTBBhN?si=UcqudLRDTBqMY3-6DeSyLg

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@HillsideRecording

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hillside.recording/

Follow Me:

https://www.instagram.com/upsidedownpeoplepod/

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpsideDownPeople/videos

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 build trust, embrace cultural differences, and foster genuine connections within the church.

- Church discipline can be tricky, especially with people moving between congregations and embracing more independence.

- Spiritual practices should help us grow closer to Jesus, while the church is encouraged to engage more openly with the spiritual side of life.

- Deconstruction can lead to rediscovering deeper truths, and through it all, we remember that suffering is an important part of our Christian walk.

To find out more about Stephen McAlpine & his work - https://stephenmcalpine.com/