PODCAST · arts
Upside Down LA
by Upside Down LA
Upside Down is a coffee, art, and community space located in Westwood Village right across the street from UCLA.
Episodes
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A Language of Her Own: Aviva Maoz Artist Interview
Zemeira and Jeanne from the Upside Down Art Team talk with artist Aviva Maoz about her latest art exhibition at Upside Down. Aviva talks through how she developed her own art language while asking questions about resilience, loss, and hope.
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What Is Prayer?
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.
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New Beginnings
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.
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The Importance of Jewish Conversation
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.
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Observations of Beauty: Ronen Pollak Artist Interview
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...
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Meet the Team: John
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.
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Meet the Team: Abigail
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.
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Barista Class of 2025
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.
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Gallery Talks: A Conversation with Artist Jacob Faulkner
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.
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Talking 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…
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Interview with Artist Jake Rosen: Yom HaShoah
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.
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Spring Seasonal Drinks
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!
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Exploring Tu Bishvat with Sam and Heather Walker
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.
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Meet the Team: Rachel
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!
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What's Chrismukkah?
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.
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Barista + Intern Double Feature! Zemeira Walker
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!
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Meet the Team: Grant
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...
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An Artistic Sukkot with Jake and Jeanne Rosen
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.
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Upside Down celebrates Rosh Hashanah
The Upside Down team talks about all things Rosh Hashanah! Shana Tova!
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UCLA Tips and Tricks: Upside Down's Guide to Being a Bruin
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.
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Telling the Persian Jewish Story through Film - Interview with Director Julia Elihu and Writer Ava Lalezarzadeh
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...
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Meet the Team: Daine
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.
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Meet the Team: Alexa
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!
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A Way to Grieve with Hope: a Reflection on Tisha B’Av
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...
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Hope in the Darkness in a post-October 7th world
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...
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2 Jewish Mothers Give free advice
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…
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Jewish Summer Camp! Interview with Ilana and Leia
On this episode, Isaac reminisces about Jewish summer camp with Leia and Ilana, the directors of Camp Gilgal -- the Summer camp affiliated with Upside Down.If you attended summer camp, you'll probably get most of the inside jokes. It's nostalgia central! Check out https://campgilgal.com for more...
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Spilling the Tea: An Interview with Artist Aldo Schwartz
Isaac and Jeanne interview artist Aldo Schwartz about his upcoming exhibition at Upside Down, Inner Sea: Crossing Borders Through Tea. The discussion touches on the way that the ancient Japanese tea ceremony served as an inspiration and a catalyst for Aldo's life and art. Aldo is a...
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"I'm Jewish, so what?" Interview with Rachel Friedlander, editor of Inherit Magazine
In this interview, we chat with Rachel Friedlander, editor of Inherit Magazine. Inherit Magazine is produced by Jews for Jesus. It is a safe space for diverse voices to explore the ways our Jewish heritage intersects with modern life. Subscribe to Inherit here! Articles mentioned: A Hatred Immune...
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Antisemitism on Campus - Interview with Abby Tang
Abby Tang joins us to chat about her experience with antisemitism on her campus at Brandeis University, and how that led to her writing an article during her internship at Upside Down. Link to article: https://inheritmag.com/articles/antisemitism-on-campus-affected-my-identity
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Origins Art Exhibition: Eilon Presman Artist Interview
Eilon Presman is an undergrad UCLA student, and one of the artists for the "Origins" Art Exhibition at Upside Down. He shares about his family story that inspired the short film currently on display at Upside Down. He also opens up about his experience of recent events on campus as an Israeli...
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Upside Down "Origins" Art Workshop
In this episode, Isaac sits down with Jeanne Rosen to talk about the upcoming art workshop featuring an artist from the "Origins" exhibition, Zoë Solís, and how we can use art as a way to engage with our origin stories and transformation.
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Celebrating 5 Years of Upside Down!
Isaac chats with the Upside Down staff, Alisa and Amanda, about their favorite memories of Upside Down as well as how Upside Down is celebrating 5 years of coffee, art, community, and fun!
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Remembering the Holocaust with Jake Rosen
This episode features Jake Rosen, Upside Down's artist in residence and descendant of a Holocaust survivor, as he shares his family story and previews our upcoming community hour in which we remember the Holocaust.
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Origin Stories: Community Hour and Art Reception
Isaac and Sam talk about how we think through our origin stories, the good and the bad, and how the upcoming events at Upside Down explore topics regarding our ancestral and cultural heritage.
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She'elot Art Exhibition: Ruth Shuali and Ari Jacob Artist Interview
This episode features two musicians, Ruth Shuali and Ari Jacob, in our art exhibition “She’elot: Israeli Artists Confront God in the Midst of Grief.” They talk about their creative processes and more about the songs that they wrote in regards to the book of Job.
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She'elot Art Exhibition: Dan Dan Bashi Artist Interview
On this episode, Isaac interviews artist Dan Dan Bashi about his paintings displayed in our latest art exhibition "She'elot: Israeli Artists Confront God in the Midst of Grief." See more of Dan Dan's work on instagram at @dandanartist or on his website: www.dandanbashi.com.
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Peace, Be Still: Artist Panel
We live in an age of anxiety – both chronic and clinical; both systemic and psychological. In 2023, it is assumed that all people must simply learn to live with low-grade anxiety. Accessing our inner worlds to address this reality can feel elusive and daunting. And yet, art holds the capacity to...
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Meet the Team: Ben
Meet our resident tall barista, Ben Bergen! Hear him and Kyle geek out about Star Wars as well as learn about his favorite Trader Joe's items. He shares about his love for stories, the meaning of his tattoo, and more... Come say hi to him behind the bar, share your life with him, and order his...
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Meet the Team: Leia
Introducing one of our coolest baristas, Leia! Hear about how her passion for baking started as well as her favorite music artists. She shares about how making playlists is one of her love languages, and find out which starch Leia would choose between flour or potatoes to eat for the rest of her...
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Peace, Mental Health, & the College Experience Part 2
Peace, Mental Health, & the College Experience Part 2 Upside Down hosted a panel of mental health professionals to talk about how to live peace-filled, meaningful lives during one of the most challenging seasons of life. Part 2 of this two part podcast includes a Q&A about strategies for daily...
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Peace, Mental Health, & the College Experience Part 1
Peace, Mental Health, & the College Experience Part 1 Upside Down hosted a panel of mental health professionals to talk about how to live peace-filled, meaningful lives during one of the most challenging seasons of life. Part 1 of this two part podcast includes an introduction to our panelists,...
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Meet the Team: Alisa
Next up on our podcast is our barista trainer extraordinaire guru, Alisa Jeffus! Hear about her secret to reading more than 50 books a year, her many sourdough recipes, and her love for Harry Potter. Come by to talk about her favorite coffee, what she's currently reading, or ask her for some...
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Meet the Team: Justin
Next on our Meet the Team series is one of our coolest baristas, Justin! Learn more about Justin's cycling stories, his coffee journey, and all the musical instruments that he can play.
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Artist Interview - Lizzy Cohen
On this episode, Isaac and Kyle interview Lizzy Cohen about her paintings displayed in our latest art show called "Home".
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Meet the Team: Grace
Meet one of our most enthusiastic baristas, Grace! Hear about her favorite drink (it's one of our fall seasonals!) as well as her love for dogs and her favorite hiking spot. She'd love to hear about what's going on in your life too, so say hi to her when you see her in the cafe~
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Meet the Team: Jaci
Next on our “Meet the Team” series is one of our baristas, Jaci! Learn about her favorite drink at Upside Down, her journey in becoming a doctor, and her love for literature, history, and Target. It's her birthday week, so come by to say hi, and chat about any of those things when you see her...
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Meet the Team: Natalie
Meet Natalie, one of our most fashionable barista's on our team and hear her talk on this episode about her love for coffee, movies, and more. Natalie is moving out of state after this week so make sure to show her some love behind the bar this week!
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Meet the Team: Kyle
Ever wonder who our podcast host is? Well, now is your chance to get to learn a bit more about Kyle! Hear him talk about his love for Lord of the Rings, various gadgets, and the Dodgers. And hopefully, you can relate and chat with him about any of these things when you see him in the cafe!
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Art Exhibition - Amy Martin
Upside Down Director Isaac Brickner interviews Amy Martin, at her exhibition: FLOW.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Upside Down is a coffee, art, and community space located in Westwood Village right across the street from UCLA.
HOSTED BY
Upside Down LA
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Upside Down LA have?
Upside Down LA currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Upside Down LA about?
Upside Down is a coffee, art, and community space located in Westwood Village right across the street from UCLA.
How often does Upside Down LA release new episodes?
Upside Down LA has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Upside Down LA?
You can listen to Upside Down LA on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Upside Down LA?
Upside Down LA is created and hosted by Upside Down LA.
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