Upside Down LA

On this episode, Ben and Rachel are joined by Val, a fellow member of the Upside Down team, to talk about the nature of prayer. Val shares her insight in how to start praying and gives a framework for what prayer actually is.

In celebration of Rosh Hashanah, Rachel and Ben sit down with Upside Down's Artist in Residence, Jake Rosen, and have a conversation centered around new beginnings. Jake weaves lessons learned throughout his life with practical advice for the Jewish New Year.

On this episode, Ben welcomes back Isaac Brickner, former host of the Upside Down Podcast, to talk about his new project: the Inherit Podcast. Isaac shares about the value of active listening and unique perspectives in our "sound bite" world.

In the very first episode filmed in the cafe space, Ben and Jeanne sit down with artist Ronen Pollak to talk about his solo art exhibition: "Observations of Beauty." Ronen, who was previously a part of Upside Down's "Formless and Void" art exhibition, shares more about his creative process and art's role in his upbringing.

On this entry of the "Meet the Barista" series, Ben has a lively conversation with the one and only John. The former roommates talk about John's walk with God, his love for running, and so much more. Stay tuned until the end to hear a sneak peek of John's beatboxing skills.

It's time for another "Meet the Team" episode and it's a special one. Ben sits down with Upside Down barista, sous chef, and ultimate schmoozer: Abigail. Hear her talk about her love for swimming and running, finding God while moving across the country, and so much more.

On this bittersweet episode, Ben sits down with two Upside Down baristas, Justin and Isabel, who are soon to be UCLA alumni. They discuss their experience working while being full time students, give advice to college freshman, and share funny stories from their time on bar.

Zemeira Walker, Upside Down's art intern, sits down with artist Jacob Faulkner during our cafe hours to talk about his pieces in our latest art exhibit, Tikkun Olam. 

On this episode of the Upside Down podcast, Rachel sits down with Jeanne and Zemeira to talk about the upcoming UCLA student art show: “Tikkun Olam.” Tune in as they explore the deeper meaning of Tikkun Olam — the Jewish call to repair a broken world — and how student artists are responding to this moment through creativity, vulnerability, and hope.

On this episode, Rachel sits down with artist Jake Rosen to explore the powerful stories behind his paintings. Each piece reflects his mother’s experience surviving the Holocaust and Auschwitz, highlighting his deeply moving art exhibit.

In this episode, Ben sits down with three of the barista staff to chat about the exciting new seasonal drinks for spring. Plus, find out how each drink is uniquely named after them!

On this episode of the podcast, Isaac and Ben sit down to talk with Sam and Heather Walker to hear about their experience recovering from a wildfire, Heather’s passion for botanical illustrations, and their intimate connection with Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees.

On this episode, Ben and Isaac sit down with our newest intern, Rachel, to talk about her hometown, love for theater, and experience as both Jewish and Christian in college. Look out for more of Rachel on the podcast in future episodes!

On this special holiday episode, Isaac and Ben sit down with our Two Jewish Mothers, Annette and Jeanne, to talk all things Hanukkah and Christmas.

Ben and Isaac chat with our newest barista/art intern, Zemeira about coffee nerdery, her hometown of Paradise, CA , and the beauty of art that deals with the unknown. Be sure to say hi to Zemeira in the cafe, or next time you see her at the Community table leading an art project!

A new “Meet the Baristas” episode! Ben and Isaac interview Grant — another proud Texan in our “Baristas who happen to be from Texas and work at Upside Down” miniseries. Grant is a true gentleman, a hardcore Swifty who happens to also love Hardcore music and play in a punk band called “Adult Blonde”. He also works for “Young Life”, a campus organization at UCLA. Their mission is to introduce people...

Sukkot is the Jewish festival of shelters, and it’s this week! We’re celebrating at Upside Down with our new art show: Formless and Void. Jake and Jeanne from our Upside Down team sit down to talk about their favorite Sukkot memories, and their roles in the art gallery.  

The Upside Down team talks about all things Rosh Hashanah! Shana Tova! 

It's the beginning of the UCLA school year again! Isaac, Ben and Amanda talk about their favorite UCLA spots: from nap spots, hidden gems, and hot takes about college life. Listen to hear about the best on-campus food places, who to make friends with, and tips on how to survive college. 

Ben and Isaac sit down with Julia and Ava, two Persian Jewish filmmakers who are part of the Upside Down community. Their recent short film "In the Garden of Tulips" is qualified for an Oscar, and was recently screened at Upside Down! They talk the art of filmmaking, and the importance of storytelling for developing cultural awareness and empathy.   Learn more about their film at https://www.inthe...

Let's get to know Daine! (That's not his first name... but it's fine). Possibly our most opinionated barista, full of hot takes. A true Texas boy, a filmmaker, and a gentle soul. We talk dancing, what's the best Kendrick album, and what it means to be an artist.

In this episode, we bring back the Meet the Team series to interview our newest barista, Alexa Babin. Listen to her talk about open water swimming, her favorite drink to order at Upside Down, and college football!  

Tisha B’Av is an observance on the Jewish calendar that refers to the date when many disasters have happened to the Jewish people over many centuries, including the destruction of both temples in Jerusalem. The name is the Hebrew date on the calendar, the ninth of the month of Av.   As we remember this date and grieve, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what brings us hope in the midst of our...

Isaac sits down with Jeanne and Amanda to talk about Upside Down's upcoming art commission, "Formless and Void," inspired by the first page of the Torah. They discuss the concepts of light, darkness, and what role art plays in processing the present chaos and increasing division in our world.    For more information, go to upsidedown.com/formless-and-void. 

Isaac interviews fellow Upside Down team members Annette and Jeanne, who happen to be two Jewish mothers with adult children. Who doesn't need advice from a good Jewish mother? This summer, they've been going out with our team to do pop ups and giveaways, offering free advice to our community with some great results. Enjoy their amazing sense of humor, and benefit from their sage wisdom. Who knows...