NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a media landscape crowded with opinions, noise, and headlines competing for attention, one new Christian talk show is taking a different approach—offering thoughtful, hope-filled conversations with some of today's most respected voices in faith, media, science, entertainment, leadership, health, and culture.
Just five months after its launch, The UPside Conversations, produced by Nashville-based Highlander Studios, is already gaining national recognition from two of the most respected organizations in Christian media while attracting an impressive roster of guests whose work is influencing audiences around the world.
The program recently welcomed Troy A. Miller,President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), for an in-depth conversation that was later featured in NRB's nationally distributed MediaRoundup, introducing The UPside Conversations to one of the largest networks of Christian communicators in the world. NRB represents organizations that collectively reach millions of people through television, radio, film, publishing, streaming, and digital media.
Further affirming its rapid growth, The UPside Conversations has earned two nominations from the 2026 CONTENT Christian Media Conference in the categories of Best Television & Web Show and Best Podcast. The honors recognize excellence in Christian media and place the program alongside other outstanding productions from across the industry. Highlander Studios will also be recognized during the conference for its cinematic AI book trailer, Herod's Eyes – Caught BetweenEmpires, which has been selected as one of four best trailer productions and will be screened at the conference.
Held September21–25 at Capernaum Studios in Poolville, Texas—the filming location for Season One of The Chosen—the CONTENT Conference is a five-day, five-star-rated event designed to equip, encourage, network, and inspire Christian filmmakers, broadcasters, podcasters, authors, journalists, and digital media leaders to thrive in today's rapidly changing communications landscape.
Founded by award-winning media professionals MarionMacKenzie Pyle and Russell Pyle, Highlander Studioscreates television programs, documentaries, podcasts, promotional films, anddigital media that inspire faith, purpose, healing, and positive culturalimpact.
Its flagship program, The UPside: Conversationsthat Light UP the World, explores topics including:
- Faith, Arts & Entertainment
- Health, Healing & Transformation
- Marriage, Family & Parenting
- Leadership, Purpose & Impact
- Israel & Current Events
- Science, Faith & Biblical Worldview
Recent guests include Troy A. Miller, President and CEO of NRB; Mark Joseph, producer of Reagan; legendary drummer, author, and motivational speaker Zoro; ChrisMitchell, CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief; internationally respected astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross; more than 50-time award-winning documentarian Dr. Lisa Burkhardt Worley; beloved children's entertainer Jean Thomason ("Miss PattyCake®"); trauma expert Dr. Paula Mosher Wallace; Pastor Brad Brandon, founder of Across Nigeria, sharing firsthand reports from the persecuted Church in Nigeria; and author and speaker Ryan Dobson, discussing faith, marriage, and parenting.
"Our goal has never simply been to produce another talk show," said Marion MacKenzie Pyle, co-founder ofHighlander Studios and host of The UPside Conversations. "We want every conversation to leave viewers with greater hope, deeper understanding, and practical encouragement for living a life of purpose and faith. We are honored that respected organizations within Christian media have recognized our work so early in our journey."
Although still in its inaugural season, The UPside Conversations continues to expand its reach through YouTube,Rumble, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and additional Christian television and streaming platforms, connecting audiences with conversations that inform minds, strengthen faith, and inspire lives.
