The UPside Conversations Named Best Television Talk Show/Podcast; Highlander Studios’ Literary Trailer for Herod’s Eyes Also Recognized
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Highlander Studios
Sept. 28, 2026
Marion MacKenzie and Russell Pyle, Founders Highlander Studios
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 28, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Highlander Studios, a Nashville-based media production company founded by veteran producers Marion MacKenzie and Russell Pyle, received two honors at the 2026 CONTENT Christian Media Conference, recognizing the studio’s work in television, podcasting and cinematic literary storytelling.
The UPside Conversations with Marion MacKenzie was named Best Television Talk Show/Podcast of the Year, just eight months after the weekly program launched in January 2026.
Highlander Studios was also recognized for its literary trailer for the novel Herod’s Eyes, highlighting the company’s expanding work creating cinematic promotional content for authors and publishers.
The awards were presented during the conference’s closing gala at Capernaum Studios in Texas, where Christian storytellers from across the United States and internationally gathered to celebrate excellence in feature films, documentaries, television, short films, screenplays, book trailers and other forms of faith-based media.
“Receiving these honors means far more to us than simply winning awards,” said Marion MacKenzie, President and co-founder of Highlander Studios. “When Russell and I moved from Los Angeles to Nashville, we were essentially beginning a new chapter—rebuilding, reinventing and asking God what He wanted us to do next. The UPside Conversations wasn’t even on our radar at the time. To see it recognized only eight months after launching, alongside our creative work for Herod’s Eyes, feels like an extraordinary encouragement to keep going.”
Produced by Highlander Studios, The UPside Conversations features faith-filled conversations with filmmakers, authors, ministry leaders, medical and scientific professionals, cultural voices and individuals with remarkable personal stories. Hosted by MacKenzie and co-produced and edited by Russell Pyle, the program seeks to elevate voices offering hope, perspective, purpose and practical encouragement in an increasingly complex world.
The UPside Conversations is distributed internationally across YouTube, Rumble, the GoodVue Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Godcaster, with its television and digital distribution reaching audiences in 175 countries.
For MacKenzie and Pyle, the CONTENT recognition also marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Highlander Studios. The husband-and-wife creative team brings more than three decades of experience in television, film, digital media, production and cause-driven storytelling to its growing Nashville operation.
“Starting over requires you to develop new muscles,” MacKenzie said. “Sometimes the strengths that served you in one season don’t translate neatly into the next. You adapt, find new people, discover new opportunities and sometimes uncover an entirely new offering you didn’t know you had to give. These awards feel like a God hug—a reminder that He can bring something new out of seasons that initially feel uncertain.”
Highlander Studios continues to produce The UPside Conversations while developing television, video, promotional and storytelling projects for authors, filmmakers, organizations and other mission-driven clients.
About Highlander Studios
Highlander Studios is a Nashville-area media production company founded by veteran television and media professionals Marion MacKenzie and Russell Pyle. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, the company creates television, film, digital and promotional content with an emphasis on compelling, purpose-driven storytelling.
Highlander Studios produces the award-winning The UPside Conversations with Marion MacKenzie, a weekly television talk show and podcast featuring conversations designed to bring hope, faith, perspective and light to audiences around the world.
Media Contact
Highlander Studios, Nashville, Tennessee, Info@highlanderstudios.org
Office: 213-703-9957
The UPside Conversations: TheUPside.tv
YouTube, Facebook & Instagram: @TheUPsideConversations
SOURCE Highlander Studios