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Leadership

Faith & Global Missions

One Man, One Ticket, One Mission: The Untold Story of Faith Under Fire in Northern Nigeria

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 operate 23 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 under Sharia 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.

Highlander Studios
February 14, 2026
Faith and Culture

Make America Good Again: Biblical Principles to Transform How We Speak and Restore Unity

In this thoughtful — and at times deeply moving — conversation, Joe draws from a lifetime in media and decades of walking with the Lord… to share biblical first principles that can transform how we speak, how we listen, and the very spirit we bring into every interaction.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Faith & Inspiration

Blooming in the Dark: Dr. Paula Mosher Wallace’s Journey from Captivity to Hope

After surviving over 30 years of abuse in a cult, Dr. Paula Mosher Wallace emerged as a global voice of hope. In this powerful UPside conversation, she shares how faith, healing, and purpose can bloom even in the darkest places.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Music & Purpose

Legendary Drummer Zoro’s Story of Faith, Music, and Perseverance

World-renowned drummer Zoro shares the powerful story behind Maria’s Scarf—a journey of poverty, faith, a mother’s love, and the perseverance that carried him from survival to the global stage.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Events

Unity, Elegance and Purpose: Marion MacKenzie Pyle at She Leads Tennessee 2025

Honored to be part of the She Leads TN Gala—celebrating accomplished Christian women leaders of purpose and vision who impact all seven spheres of culture.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Film & Television

Stories With Soul -Inside Highlander Studios' Creative Process

At Highlander Studios, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a calling. As we launch a talk show, short film, and feature project, we reflect on the creative process that fuels our work: one rooted in heart, risk, reflection, and purpose. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at why stories with soul will always stand out.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Media

Gen Z Leading Bold, National Revival

Once called "the most abused" generation, Gen Z is now rising and leading the nation in a bold, national revival according to Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Film & Television

Mastering Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Filmmaking: Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Keys to Success

In today’s world of filmmaking, international collaborations are more common than ever. Whether you’re working on a documentary in Africa, co-producing a television series with a European studio, or assembling a multinational crew for an independent feature, the ability to navigate cultural differences can make or break a project. Filmmakers who master cross-cultural communication will not only avoid costly misunderstandings but also unlock richer storytelling and more profound creative synergy.

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024
Media

Speaking with Words that Build Connection

How do we build bridges in a media-driven world that’s divided us along the lines of ideology, values and aspirations?

Marion MacKenzie Pyle
November 23, 2024