Jon Owen — Wayside Chapel

In this powerful conversation, Dimitri and Damien sit down with Reverend Jon Owen, CEO and Pastor at Wayside Chapel, to explore the depth of what it means to live a life of purpose, service, and grace. From his early days working with asylum seekers and Aboriginal communities in Western Sydney, to his current role walking alongside people on the streets of Kings Cross, Jon has dedicated his life to what he calls “the work behind the work” — the inner journey that sustains outward service. Jon shares stories of courage, hope, and humility — from sheltering East Timorese families in the 1990s to reimagining leadership at the edges of society. He speaks with rare clarity about burnout culture, the power of slowing down, and why true spirituality isn’t about centring ourselves, but decentring — finding purpose in connection and community. Listen for: The difference between doing the work and being the work How to sustain hope in the face of despair Why leadership begins with humility and service The spiritual discipline of getting out of your own way What it means to “die well” — and finish with grace Get full access to March First at marchfirst.substack.com/subscribe