<![CDATA[Upside Down]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:34:01 GMTTue, 29 Sep 2026 01:21:09 GMT60Alyssa BurksWelcome to The Upside Down Podcast — a feel-good show about creativity, kindness, and seeing the world a little differently. Inspired by Alyssa’s debut children’s book, Ethan &amp; the Upside Down Sandwich, each episode dives into stories that celebrate individuality, imagination, and the courage to be yourself. Join Alyssa — photographer, author, mom, and community theater heart — as she chats with artists, teachers, and everyday dreamers about how they turn their “upside-down” moments into something beautiful. Through laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt conversation, this podcast reminds us that the best ingredient in life (and sandwiches) is kindness. 💛 Whether you’re a parent, creative, educator, or just someone who believes in the power of being uniquely you — pull up a chair and stay awhile. You’re in for something special.episodicAlyssa Burksalyssalburks@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Inside-Out Education: What Happens When We Stop Making Kids Fit the Mold?]]>In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Briana, mom of Delta Learning Microschool’s very first student, Finleigh, for an honest conversation about wanting another option, the fears that come with leaving traditional school, safety, socialization, and taking a chance on something completely different.

They also talk about how one child needing another way ultimately helped spark an entire microschool—and how Alyssa began realizing that the message behind her children’s book, Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwich, was showing up in her classroom too: different doesn’t mean wrong.

This isn’t about one type of school being right or wrong. It’s about educational choice, knowing our kids, and asking a different question: Instead of constantly asking kids to fit the mold, what if we built environments where they could thrive?

Welcome to Inside-Out Education. ❤️

]]>b851384f-6db6-4441-be07-c5e10c715a57Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:48:37 GMT<p>In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Briana, mom of Delta Learning Microschool’s very first student, Finleigh, for an honest conversation about wanting another option, the fears that come with leaving traditional school, safety, socialization, and taking a chance on something completely different.</p><p>They also talk about how one child needing another way ultimately helped spark an entire microschool—and how Alyssa began realizing that the message behind her children’s book, Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwich, was showing up in her classroom too: different doesn’t mean wrong.</p><p>This isn’t about one type of school being right or wrong. It’s about educational choice, knowing our kids, and asking a different question: Instead of constantly asking kids to fit the mold, what if we built environments where they could thrive?</p><p>Welcome to Inside-Out Education. ❤️</p>no00:34:46Inside-Out Education: What Happens When We Stop Making Kids Fit the Mold?full<![CDATA[I Accidentally Opened a Microschool]]> It started with one little girl who needed something different. 

]]>3dd8f22d-aeb9-4701-82a8-16a67110a189Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:21:26 GMT<p> <i><em>It started with one little girl who needed something different.</em></i> </p>no00:21:24I Accidentally Opened a Microschoolfull<![CDATA[Finding Beauty in Imperfection / Episode 0]]>In this episode of the Upside Down Podcast, host Alyssa Burks shares her journey of storytelling, motherhood, and the beauty found in chaos. She emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and embracing the messiness of life. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Alyssa encourages listeners to find magic in their everyday experiences and to celebrate the unique moments that shape who we are.


]]>https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7bcac417a8e2280-0809-4f52-b2a9-2b2965b7177bMon, 06 Oct 2025 06:14:59 GMT<p>In this episode of the Upside Down Podcast, host Alyssa Burks shares her journey of storytelling, motherhood, and the beauty found in chaos. She emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and embracing the messiness of life. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Alyssa encourages listeners to find magic in their everyday experiences and to celebrate the unique moments that shape who we are.</p><p><br /></p>no00:14:441Finding Beauty in Imperfection / Episode 0trailer<![CDATA[The Story Behind Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwhich / Finding Beauty in Our Differences / Episode 04]]>In this heartfelt episode of The Upside Down Podcast, author Alyssa Burks shares the real-life inspiration behind her debut children’s book Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwich — how a messy peanut-butter moment at her kitchen table and a deeply emotional visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City changed the way she sees creativity, courage, and connection.


This one is funny, reflective, faith-filled, and deeply human — a reminder that being “different” is often the very thing that makes us beautiful.

]]>https://share.transistor.fm/s/2f5fa5773c5f796e-296d-4c17-9ffb-986e3d6b40dbTue, 21 Oct 2025 17:53:01 GMT<p>In this heartfelt episode of The Upside Down Podcast, author Alyssa Burks shares the real-life inspiration behind her debut children’s book Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwich — how a messy peanut-butter moment at her kitchen table and a deeply emotional visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City changed the way she sees creativity, courage, and connection.</p><p><br /></p><p>This one is funny, reflective, faith-filled, and deeply human — a reminder that being “different” is often the very thing that makes us beautiful.</p>no00:15:444The Story Behind Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwhich / Finding Beauty in Our Differences / Episode 04full<![CDATA[The Power of Books at Home: How Reading Shapes Kids’ Minds | Alyssa Burks & Alicia Rounsavall / Episode 03]]>In this heartwarming and practical episode of The Upside Down Podcast, Alyssa sits down with guest Alicia Rounsavall, a passionate educator and fellow book lover, to talk about the magic that happens when children grow up surrounded by stories.


They dive into how simply having books in the home—on the coffee table, in baskets, or piled on the floor—can shape a child’s imagination, empathy, and confidence. From favorite picture books to creative reading routines, Alyssa and Alicia share real-life examples and teacher-mom insights about how reading together builds connection and a lifelong love of learning.


Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or bookworm at heart, this episode will remind you that it’s not about perfect parenting or fancy reading corners—it’s about creating a home where stories live and breathe right alongside you.

]]>https://share.transistor.fm/s/78edead0ff939813-974c-416a-bebf-1f9c917e0019Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:09:32 GMT<p>In this heartwarming and practical episode of The Upside Down Podcast, Alyssa sits down with guest Alicia Rounsavall, a passionate educator and fellow book lover, to talk about the magic that happens when children grow up surrounded by stories.</p><p><br /></p><p>They dive into how simply having books in the home—on the coffee table, in baskets, or piled on the floor—can shape a child’s imagination, empathy, and confidence. From favorite picture books to creative reading routines, Alyssa and Alicia share real-life examples and teacher-mom insights about how reading together builds connection and a lifelong love of learning.</p><p><br /></p><p>Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or bookworm at heart, this episode will remind you that it’s not about perfect parenting or fancy reading corners—it’s about creating a home where stories live and breathe right alongside you.</p>no00:32:043The Power of Books at Home: How Reading Shapes Kids’ Minds | Alyssa Burks & Alicia Rounsavall / Episode 03full<![CDATA[Why Kids Get Kindness Right (and What Adults Need to Unlearn) | Episode 05]]>Kids don’t naturally struggle with differences — we teach them to.

In today’s episode of the Upside-Down Podcast, I share the beautiful, real-life moments I’ve witnessed as a mom, teacher, and children’s author: kids welcoming the child who sits alone, embracing friends of different abilities, building friendships across language barriers, and showing love across different faiths.


This is a Christ-centered conversation on inclusion, compassion, and the kind of childlike faith Jesus calls us to.

It’s a reminder that the world may divide us, but kindness can always bring us back together.


Tune in for:

• Why kids are naturally inclusive

• How adults accidentally pass down bias

• What Scripture says about loving our neighbors

• Simple ways to model acceptance at home, in church, and in school

• How this message inspired Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwich


💛 Let’s raise a generation that leads with kindness, not comparison.

]]>https://share.transistor.fm/s/1520a49177897e4d-e5ef-4607-a811-2c3a954da9a9Sat, 15 Nov 2025 03:22:48 GMT<p>Kids don’t naturally struggle with differences — we teach them to.</p><p>In today’s episode of the Upside-Down Podcast, I share the beautiful, real-life moments I’ve witnessed as a mom, teacher, and children’s author: kids welcoming the child who sits alone, embracing friends of different abilities, building friendships across language barriers, and showing love across different faiths.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is a Christ-centered conversation on inclusion, compassion, and the kind of childlike faith Jesus calls us to.</p><p>It’s a reminder that the world may divide us, but kindness can always bring us back together.</p><p><br /></p><p>Tune in for:</p><p>• Why kids are naturally inclusive</p><p>• How adults accidentally pass down bias</p><p>• What Scripture says about loving our neighbors</p><p>• Simple ways to model acceptance at home, in church, and in school</p><p>• How this message inspired Ethan and the Inside-Out Sandwich</p><p><br /></p><p>💛 Let’s raise a generation that leads with kindness, not comparison.</p>no00:13:195Why Kids Get Kindness Right (and What Adults Need to Unlearn) | Episode 05full<![CDATA[The Comparison Trap: When Enough Really Is Enough / Episode 01]]>In this heartfelt episode, Alyssa gets real about something every mom wrestles with — comparison. Whether it’s scrolling through highlight reels, watching other families seem effortlessly put together, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this conversation will remind you that your story isn’t supposed to look like theirs.


With humor, honesty, and a lot of grace, Alyssa shares how motherhood taught her that “different” doesn’t mean “less,” and that the only standard that matters is the one God set for you — not the one the world expects.


Pull up a chair (and a glass of tea) for a cozy, truth-filled chat about contentment, calling, and finding beauty right where you are.

]]>https://share.transistor.fm/s/08100fd1baf215e7-07e9-4d47-90e8-682bd27cedf8Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:07:40 GMT<p>In this heartfelt episode, Alyssa gets real about something every mom wrestles with — comparison. Whether it’s scrolling through highlight reels, watching other families seem effortlessly put together, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this conversation will remind you that your story isn’t supposed to look like theirs.</p><p><br /></p><p>With humor, honesty, and a lot of grace, Alyssa shares how motherhood taught her that “different” doesn’t mean “less,” and that the only standard that matters is the one God set for you — not the one the world expects.</p><p><br /></p><p>Pull up a chair (and a glass of tea) for a cozy, truth-filled chat about contentment, calling, and finding beauty right where you are.</p>no00:18:482The Comparison Trap: When Enough Really Is Enough / Episode 01full