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 extraordinary journey.

He has tackled grueling races like the Backyard Ultra, pushing his body and mind beyond limits most can’t imagine. With four daughters and a 25-year marriage, he’s learned to channel the perseverance from running into every corner of his life.

We cover:

• The mental trick to push through “unspeakable pain” in a 100km race…

• How running strengthens faith and prayer?

• Why Backyard Ultras are taking the world by storm?

• The surprising way ultra running builds stronger marriages.

• How to turn suffering into perseverance for life’s toughest moments. and so much more!

  
  

  KEY CHAPTERS

  00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

  03:29 The Journey into Ultra Running

  06:31 The Psychological Aspects of Endurance

  09:40 Perseverance in Life and Marriage

  12:32 Balancing Family Life and Training

  15:36 The Backyard Ultra Experience

  18:39 Motivation and Support from Family

  21:36 Highlights of Ultra Running Career

  24:24 Adventure Racing and Unique Experiences

  31:17 Pushing Limits: The Journey of Ultra Running

  33:12 The Rise of Backyard Ultras: A New Trend

  36:42 Community and Camaraderie in Running

  40:59 The Global Backyard Ultra Championships

  44:16 Inspiration Behind the Book: A Journey of Writing

  50:54 Faith and Running: A Personal Connection

  56:57 Connecting with the Community: Park Run Experience

  
  

  Grab a copy of Stephen's book "There Is No Finish: The Ultra Backyard Story" here: https://www.amazon.com.au/There-No-Finish-Backyard-Ultra-ebook/dp/B0DD42GD27

  
  

  Follow Stephen here:

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

  Website: https://runningforever.au/

  
  

  
  

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/