Is it ever worth “cheating the system” to gain followers or influence as a Christ follower, even if it works? Even if it leads to growth, opportunity, or money? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Evan Werthman, the creator behind Snaxsonville, to unpack the tension believers face in the online space. As Evan has experienced real success on social media, he’s seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of “influencing.” He has had to wrestle with if certain things are just a part of playing the “game” or if he even wants to be a part of the game at all. Together, they discuss what sets Christ followers apart, the subtle compromises that can creep in if you’re not careful, and why doing things God’s way is always better.   Follow along with Evan:Instagram: @SnaxsonvilleTikTok: @SnaxsonvilleYouTube:@Snaxsonville   To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebook   To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Christmas is meant to feel joyful. Yet for so many people, the holidays tend to magnify what they’re already carrying … (grief, loneliness, comparison, disappointment, even pressure to perform online.) In the middle of social media’s highlight reels, it can feel like you're the only one struggling.In today’s episode, Jessica invites licensed family + marriage therapist Rebecca Maxwell from the Jesus and Your Mental Health podcast and Pastor Jonathan Vinke from The Church of Eleven22 into a raw and hope-filled conversation about navigating Christmas when it doesn’t feel so merry. In this episode we cover: • Why the holidays tend to amplify whatever we’re already feeling... - joy, grief, loneliness, stress, or unmet expectations • How social media intensifies comparison • Navigating Christmas when you’re grieving - whether the loss is a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or the way life used to be • The pressure to post like everything is fine • Setting healthy emotional + digital boundaries • Biblical encouragement -  how followers of Jesus can hold grief and hope in the same hands If you’ve ever thought…“Everyone else’s life looks better than mine.” “I should feel joyful, but I don’t.” “Posting feels weird when I’m hurting.” This conversation will meet you right where you are. Connect with Rebecca! IG: @rebeccamaxinjax TikTok: @rebeccamaxinjaxYoutube:  ⁨@RebeccaMaxinJax⁩  Buy a copy of her book here  Her book makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for someone walking through a hard time, especially during the holidays! You can also hear more from her on the Jesus and Your Mental Health podcast. Connect with Pastor Jonathan by tuning into the The Jesus and Your Mental Health Podcast and Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin. To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

If you’re a Christian creative, you know how easily "calling" can get tangled up with platform. In this episode, Jessica talks with Christian folk artist and songwriter Brice Davis about the tension between calling and platform and what it really means to choose faithfulness over fame in a social media society.Brice shares his journey in Christian music, how he navigates social media as an artist, and the journey to keep Jesus at the center when metrics and visibility start to define success. Jessica and Brice dive into branding, motives, humility, and how to discern when God is asking you to promote something… and when He’s asking you to stay hidden.If you’re a Christian musician, creator, or anyone wrestling with influence and identity, this conversation will encourage you to build from obedience and ultimately, root your work in the One who called you.   Connect with BriceInstagram: @bricedavismusicTikTok: @BriceDavisMusicSpotify: Brice Davis To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

In this episode, Jessica chats with Kelly Saxton about what it really looks like to navigate dating apps, long-term singleness, and faith in modern culture. What does it look like to stay faithful in your singleness in a world of swipes, situationships, and seasonal dating pressure?Kelly shares her honest experiences with online dating, how she sets boundaries that honor God, and what it means to keep hope alive when waiting feels long. Together, they unpack the tension between putting yourself out there and trusting God’s timing, how to handle “cuffing season” without compromising your values, and how to walk through comparison when everyone around you seems to be getting engaged.This episode is for the person who needs the reminder of 1. Your life isn’t over just because you’re single. And 2. Living set apart includes your online dating life. Connect with KellyInstagram: @KellysaxsellsjaxHer podcast Instagram: @the.morning.pour To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:   Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Audrey may wear camo, but she is learning what it means to live anything but blended in. In this episode, Jessica sits down with Audrey Wikan - hunter, content creator, and spokeswoman for Drake Waterfowl. Together, they talk about navigating social media in the outdoor industry, Audrey’s walk with Christ, finding purpose beyond performance, and living with integrity in a world driven by image. So whether you’ve ever stepped foot in a duck blind or not, you’ll walk away challenged to stand out for Christ wherever God has placed you.   Connect with Audrey:Instagram: @audrey_wikanTikTok: @audrey.wikanYoutube: @audreywikan To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

What happens when a pastor becomes a food influencer? Jessica talks with Trey Curry (@treylovesfood) about why Christians should make the best content on the internet. As Christ followers, it’s easy to see social media as dangerous or “worldly”, but Trey reminds us, it’s a tool! The question is, who’s using it? Will we let the enemy dominate these spaces, or will we step in and create with excellence for God’s glory? Together, Jessica and Trey unpack what it means to make great content without looking like the world and how to point people to Jesus even if you’re not explicitly preaching. Can you be the best chef on the internet for God’s glory? Trey thinks, yes! They also talk about guarding your heart not judging others’ motives in the process, and the surprising ways God has used something as simple as food videos to open doors for deeper conversations. Whether you’re a creator or someone just trying to honor God online, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to bring excellence, creativity and authenticity into every space you post.   Connect with Trey: Youtube: @Treylovesfood TikTok: @Treylovesfood To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:Youtube: @upsidedowninfluencerInstagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer FacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Post Charlie Kirk assassination, a lot of Christians are asking themselves how they can live differently. In this first solo episode, I’m sharing what God has been teaching me about living set apart in a world that constantly tells us to conform. From embracing the season you’re in, to pursuing  friendships, showing hospitality, and staying obedient in your walk with God, I’m unpacking the ways He is shaping the way I show up online and in life.I talk about the challenges and joys of motherhood, the importance of obedience over instant gratification, navigating convictions without judgment, and finding your unique voice in a sea of comparison. I also share practical ways to cultivate influence in your own life first, before trying to impact others online.   Let me know what you thought of my first solo episode!Book I mentioned: The Gospel Comes with a House KeyProgram I mentioned: VidAngel Connect with my personal pagesInstagram: @mrsjessica_johsonTikTok: @mrsjessicajohnson   To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:   Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

What does it look like to chase excellence in your sport while keeping your identity rooted in Christ? In this episode of Upside Down Influencer, I’m joined by 18-year-old Emma Heck, a rising star in the weightlifting world who uses her platform to point people to Jesus. Emma shares her journey into weightlifting, the highs and lows of competition, and what it’s like to have influence in her sport at such a young age. We dive into the pressures of social media, the temptation to compare, and how she guards her heart and keeps her worth anchored in Christ rather than performance or likes. Emma also opens up about how she displays her faith online, the kind of role models she looks up to, and the practices that help her stay grounded outside of training. Her perspective is full of wisdom for other young athletes and anyone wanting to use their social media to glorify God. It’s so encouraging to see someone so young and passionate about her faith. And if you've ever wondered if God is in the younger generations, He IS! Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmaheckoly TikTok: @emmaheckoly To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

What happens when you reach the dream everyone else is chasing…only to realize it still leaves you empty? In this episode of Upside Down Influencer, Jessica sits down with former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion, Josh Wells to talk about his journey from small-town football to the big stage of the National Football League. Josh shares the highs of making it to the top, but also the surprising emptiness that came with money, “success”, and influence. Together, we unpack: The illusion social media creates about success, wealth, and influence The moment Josh realized that even the NFL couldn’t satisfy the deepest longings of his soul His personal struggles with social media How faith in Jesus redefined his identity and purpose both on and off the field The challenges of leaving professional football and finding purpose beyond a career How he now uses his platform to encourage others to pursue Christ over cultural “success” If you’ve ever believed the lie that life will finally feel complete once you “make it,” Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s nothing at the top, apart from Jesus.   Connect with Josh:Instagram: @j_wells72Instagram: @ undraftedcoaching To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

How do you make a living on social media and still follow Christ faithfully? In this episode of Upside-Down Influencer, I sit down with Chelsea Shull, a content creator who works in both the influencer and UGC (user-generated content) world. Chelsea shares her journey into influencer marketing, what success looks like to her, and what real influence is vs just a viral video. She also opens up about how she navigates brand partnerships, stays anchored in her faith and discerns which opportunities align or don’t align with her values as a Christ Follower. We also dive into what it looks like to stay rooted in your identity in Christ instead of followers or likes, set healthy boundaries online, and use your platform to point people back to Jesus. Whether you’re curious about building income through influencer or UGC work, or you just want practical wisdom on living faithfully in the digital world, this episode will encourage you to pursue influence that lasts!   Connect with Chelsea: IG: @chelseacepedashull  TikTok: @chelscepedashullTo get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

In this episode, we’re diving into the questions most Christ followers on social media aren’t asking out loud, but are probably thinking about! Should we be posting pictures of our Bible and coffee on Instagram? Is it okay to ask God for followers? Can we record our quiet time with the Lord and still call it authentic?Should we expect worldly success when we share about Jesus online? These are the kinds of questions that come up when Christianity meets social media, and while I don’t claim to have all the answers, I believe it’s worth wrestling with them honestly. So I brought back my friend, Pastor John Barringer, for a raw Q&A around these tricky (and often unspoken) tensions. I invited John on because I trust his opinion, admire his walk with the Lord, and deeply respect how thoughtfully he engages with hard questions.Whether you're a content creator, a casual scroller, or just someone trying to navigate faith online with integrity, this one’s for you.   Connect with Pastor John:@thereadthinkpraypodcast on IG.     To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebook   To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Are we being vain? How do we know? In today’s culture, many things get so “normalized” that we almost get desensitized to how self obsession can actually look. Listen, I am not trying to be over the top and say you can never post a photo of yourself or that we can’t celebrate wins. However, I DO think there needs to be more conversations around this topic because as Christ followers, our social media SHOULD look different from the world’s. Pastor John Barringer joins me on this episode to unpack some of the questions I had about self obsession and vanity and to my surprise, HE had some questions to ask me too. Connect with Pastor John:@thereadthinkpraypodcast on IG.  To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook   To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com  

Constant notifications, endless scrolling and nonstop multimedia... distraction isn’t just a nuisance… it’s a battle for our attention and affection. How can we guard our hearts and minds against the things that pull us away from Christ?In this episode, I’m joined by Caitlin Armstrong from The Church of Eleven22 to unpack this important topic. We talk about the difference between what is sinful and what’s simply not beneficial, how to recognize distraction in our lives, and what it looks like to practically pursue focus, God's presence, and spiritual discipline in a world trying to steal it.   Caitlin’s Talk on How to Read Your Bible: HereTo get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook   To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

In a culture obsessed with visibility and validation, Tyler Workman’s story offers a needed, counter-cultural reminder: you don’t need a platform to be faithful. As the founder of Okoa Refuge, Tyler shares how God called him into full-time missions work. Not with fanfare, but through years of quiet obedience. In this episode, we talk about the unseen years, when no one was clapping, no one was posting and how God used that season to shape his character, deepen his conviction, and redefine what influence really is.We dig into what it means to pour your life out for others, the wrestle with burnout and how Tyler keeps his eyes on eternity when the world demands immediacy. He opens up about the cost of obedience, the beauty of sacrifice, and what it looks like to live with integrity when no one is watching.If you’ve ever felt like your faithfulness is going unnoticed, like your obedience isn’t “influential enough” to matter, this conversation will remind you that some of the most impactful Kingdom work happens far from the spotlight.Check out Okoa Refuge. Follow them on instagram @okoarefuge. To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into a tricky topic: Self-promotion. In the age of social media, the lines can get blurry. To help navigate this conversation, I invited someone who has spent years wrestling with this tension. Josh Sinke has served with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) for over 16 years, leading global mission trips and mentoring young leaders. He’s also been a worship leader for more than two decades and even spent time in a band! Along the way, he’s walked through hard seasons that reshaped how he thinks about calling, visibility and humility.In this episode, we talk about what it means to keep your heart pure before the Lord, how God’s definition of success often looks very different from our own, and why we don’t need to broadcast every win to prove our worth. We also unpack the temptation to build our own legacy and why anything built apart from Him won’t last.This episode challenged me deeply. You’ll need a pen and paper for this one.    To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

What would it look like to leverage your social media for the gospel? In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Joby Martin, lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 to process through what that means. We talk about everything from the temptation of engaging in online gossip to the challenge of promoting your work without promoting yourself. We also discuss “longevity content” and how to know when we’ve crossed the line from stewardship into idolatry. This conversation is for the Christ follower who is ready to look different in the digital space and reflect Jesus in the way they post, scroll and engage. Key topics: How to approach self-promotion as a Christian Practicing humility online Guarding your heart from gossipy content and judgment Stewarding your body vs. self-preserving Living in rhythm, not just balance Practical ways to set yourself apart on social media   To connect with Pastor Joby or The Church of Eleven22 Instagram: @jobypmartin @coe22coe22.comjobymartin.com   ___   To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookupsidedowninfluencer.com   To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Social media can quietly drain us emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. But, is it ALL bad? Or can it be used in a healthy way? I think so! In this episode, I sit down with licensed therapist and host of Jesus and Your Mental Health, Rebecca Maxwell, to unpack the real impact social media has on our mental well-being. We talk comparison, anxiety, emotional burnout, and the spiritual battle happening beneath it all. Through the lens of Scripture and mental health wisdom, we explore how Christ followers can engage online with more intention. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just want to use your phone more mindfully, this conversation offers hope, healing, and practical steps forward.   To connect with Rebecca:Instagram: @Rebeccamaxinjaxjesusandyourmentalhealth.com ___   To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencerTikTok: @upsidedowninfluencerFacebookYoutube To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Have you ever met someone who has ACTUALLY walked through being "canceled?" In this episode, I’m joined by Ty Kelly, content creator, husband, dad, and follower of Jesus, for an honest conversation about cancel culture. You might recognize Ty from his viral Chick-fil-a and Husband Bootcamp videos. But one day, everything changed when his family “Disney Shoe Hack” video sparked a media firestorm.   Today, Ty shares from his heart the realities of what his family walked through, what he’s learned about his faith, his influence and his plans for the future. This episode really taught me about how quick we can be to judge and cancel others in a social media world. I am so grateful to Ty for coming on to share his story. To connect with Ty: TikTok: @ty.kelly.officialInstagram: @ty.kelly.official Youtube: youtube.com/@ty.kelly.officialTo get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on: Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebookupsidedowninfluencer.comTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

What does it look like to be countercultural both offline AND online? In this episode, I talk with Ron Armstrong, Christian leader, founder of Grounds of Grace & Sponsored by Grace and candidate for mayor of Jacksonville, FL! We talk about how to stand firm in your faith as a business owner, how to navigate political conversations online without adding to the noise, and what it means to be an upside down influencer in today’s world. In this episode you will hear about: His testimony and starting his businesses Posting politically and wisely on social media Handling criticism as a Believer Why your voice matters Follow Ron + his campaign: IG: theronarmstrong2027 Grounds of Grace: IG: groundsofgracejax Sponsored by Grace: IG: sponsoredbygracejax ___   To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook   To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com

Have you ever wondered how to share your faith on social media? In this episode, I’m joined by Cassidy Brown, a faith-driven content creator who has built a powerful online presence by unapologetically sharing about her relationship with Christ.  We dive into Cassidy’s journey of stepping out in faith on social media, the challenges of staying true to biblical truth in a culture that often opposes it, and how she navigates criticism and the pressure to conform. She shares practical wisdom for anyone who feels called to use their online platform to glorify God - whether you have 10 followers or 10,000. If you’ve ever struggled with fear of judgment, wondered how to respond to negativity or questioned whether social media can truly be used for Kingdom impact, this conversation is for you!Topics include: Cassidy’s testimony and what led her to share about Jesus onlineThe balance between boldness and compassion in faith conversations Overcoming fear, criticism and the pressure to conformHow to build an authentic community of believers on social media   To connect with Cassidy: TikTok: @therealcassbInstagram: @thecassbInstagram: notfornothingpod ___To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer FacebookTo reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com